Hundreds of residents in Northwest Georgia are waking up without power this Memorial Day morning following severe storms that swept through the region on Sunday evening. While many prepare to celebrate the holiday, Georgia Power and North Georgia EMC are working to restore electricity to affected areas. As of 5 AM, Georgia Power is reporting ongoing outages in Lyerly and scattered outages in Trion. North Georgia EMC is dealing with more significant issues on the east side of Taylor’s Ridge, impacting communities in Haywood Valley, Little Sand Mountain, and the Farmersville Road area near Gore.

Adding to the challenges, the National Weather Service is forecasting a high probability of showers and thunderstorms throughout Memorial Day and into the coming week. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and weather-aware. The forecast for today, Memorial Day, includes a 60% chance of precipitation with potential for showers and thunderstorms, particularly before 3 PM. While patchy fog is expected to dissipate by mid-morning, the skies will remain mostly cloudy with a high near 80 degrees. Rainfall amounts are projected to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but could be higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms. The wet weather pattern is expected to persist into Monday night, with a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3 AM. Patchy fog is also anticipated to develop after 10 PM, and rainfall could accumulate to between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch. Tuesday promises little relief, with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 75 degrees. Similar conditions are expected Tuesday night. Wednesday will also see a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 81 degrees. Looking ahead, Thursday offers a slight respite, with a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Mostly sunny skies are expected with a high near 80 degrees, and the chance of precipitation drops to 30%.

Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates, take necessary precautions, and allow utility crews ample time to safely restore power to affected areas.

Today, the nation observes Memorial Day, a solemn holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the unwavering dedication of those who defend it. Across the country, ceremonies and tributes are being held to remember those who lost their lives in the defense of liberty. In observance of the holiday, all federal offices, including post offices and banks, are closed today. Locally, all city, county, and state governmental offices are also closed, including those in Summerville, Menlo, Trion, Lyerly, and Chattooga County government offices. These offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday. Residents are reminded that in case of any emergency, they should contact Chattooga 911.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announced the temporary closure of Fullerton Road last week for crucial bridge repairs. The road, located near the Alabama-Georgia state line off Highway 114, will be closed for about a week as crews work to strengthen the bridge. This closure follows issues with the bridge being moved by floodwaters, a problem highlighted on social media earlier this year. Commissioner Allen noted, “The old bridge keeps floating off those pillars,” stating it had floated off again last week. The repair plan includes reinforcing the bridge with I-beams and welding the top plate back down, raising it by about eight to ten inches to better secure it against floods. Allen mentioned that heavy winter rainfall frequently challenges the bridge’s stability. He is also considering a seasonal road closure for local traffic to prevent further damage. Residents should find alternative routes during the repairs, which depend on weather and are expected to take one week. There are concerns about damage from ATV traffic on Fullerton Road as well.

As Memorial Day weekend kicks off Georgia’s boating season, state officials are issuing a strong call for water safety, urging boaters to wear life jackets, avoid alcohol behind the wheel, and adhere to all safety regulations. The plea comes as the state prepares for a surge in visitors to its lakes and rivers.

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A drug-drop attempt at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County led to a high-speed chase, resulting in a serious injury to a local resident on Saturday. Local media requested information about the accident soon after it happened.  Saturday afternoon, Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader issued a press release.

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An analysis of Chattooga County’s major tax types – property, sales, and income – suggests that residents may experience a lighter tax burden compared to the Georgia state average. The key factor driving this difference appears to be significantly lower property values within the county.

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More than two weeks into the summer burn ban, officials report ongoing violations in Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County. The ban, effective from May 1st to September 30th, forbids burning yard and land-clearing debris to protect air quality and reduce wildfire risks. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the statewide ban impacting 54 counties, aimed at decreasing smoke during the high ozone summer months. An EPD spokesperson noted that open burning adds to pollutants that harm air quality and affect individuals with respiratory issues, like asthma. Residents are encouraged to use alternative methods for yard waste, such as composting, chipping, or commercial services. While the ban is strict, specific activities like agricultural burning and campfires may be permitted under strict regulations. The EPD monitors compliance and urges residents to report any violations, as ignoring the ban jeopardizes air quality and increases wildfire risks.

Billy Paul Niccum, 64, from Summerville, was arrested last week, on May 18th, after a hit-and-run investigation led to drug charges. The incident began around 8:00 p. m. when officers contacted each other about a driver who had fled the scene. Niccum was found in his backyard. As officers approached, he allegedly threw a white object, prompting a K-9 unit to investigate. They discovered a metal pipe with a bandana holding a bag of a white crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Niccum consented to a search, where officers found glass smoking devices, digital scales with meth residue, and marijuana in his bedroom. A large gun safe contained more marijuana in bags. Niccum was aware of the concealed items and was arrested. He faces multiple charges, including Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, among others.