Cloudmont Ski Resort on Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama says it’s watching conditions closely and, if the weather cooperates, is optimistically aiming for an opening day this Saturday, January 17. The resort plans to open at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.
A Chattooga County man was arrested after a reported domestic dispute that authorities say involved calls to two nearby residences on January 9, 2026.
The arrest report lists the suspect as Ross Ladon Palmer, age 39, who was taken into custody on Jan. 9, 2026, and charged with simple assault.
According to the incident narrative, responders were dispatched to a residence on Kay Drive regarding a domestic situation, while another location on Fields Walk was also involved in the investigation. The report describes interviews with individuals connected to the call and outlines allegations that a confrontation took place, with accounts varying between those involved.
The narrative indicates the suspect was later contacted at another location, and the report notes that further investigation was expected, including reviewing any available video evidence, before a final decision was made on next steps in the case.
If one of your 2026 goals is to add more culture and creativity to your life, a close-to-home option is calling: Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located in the Pennville Community in Chattooga County near Summerville.
The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is encouraging job seekers in Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to explore multiple employment opportunities currently available in the park’s maintenance and resource management divisions. Applicants can view details and apply through USAJobs by visiting the park’s “Work With Us” page and selecting a specific position.
Details released this week in an incident report indicate a dispute that started with bickering inside Walmart and escalated into an argument over recording on a cellphone led to a physical fight at the Trion Walmart earlier this month.
The Chattooga County Community Red Cross Club is inviting residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to help save lives at an upcoming community blood drive on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The drive will be held at the Chattooga County Chamber & Civic Center.
Organizers say every donation can make a difference for patients in need of emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illness support. Winter months can also bring increased strain on blood supplies due to illness and weather-related disruptions, making local donor turnout especially important.
As an added incentive, all presenting donors will receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank-you for taking the time to donate.
Appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule a time, get more information, and complete RapidPass paperwork online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code RedCrossClub. The American Red Cross also notes donors can use the Blood Donor App for scheduling and updates.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, marking Georgia’s first confirmed HPAI case of 2026 and the fourth case in a commercial poultry operation in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.
State officials say the producer noticed increased mortality on Sunday, January 11, and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Samples were collected and tested Monday, with the positive result confirmed by the state lab Monday evening and later confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team deployed to the site to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and response operations are expected to continue through the week.
A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) quarantine zone has been established around the operation. Officials say all commercial poultry operations within that radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks, and the affected premises has been secured so that only authorized personnel may enter.
With profound sorrow and unwavering love, we announce the passing of Lacie Michelle King, born June 30, 1991, who departed this life on January 4, 2026 at the age of 34.
Lacie was the most loving and caring person anyone could ask for. She was a devoted and loving wife, a gentle yet strong mother, and a woman whose heart was rooted in compassion.
Her love ran deep, and she had a way of caring for others even while carrying pain of her own. She gave without hesitation, loved without limits, and showed up with quiet strength when it mattered most. Lacie’s heart extended beyond people — she deeply loved animals and treated them as family. Her compassion, gentleness, and nurturing spirit were evident in the way she cared for every animal she encountered, offering them comfort, protection, and unconditional love. Above all else, Lacie loved her children fiercely. She was a devoted mother whose love was protective, nurturing, and unconditional. Her children were her pride, her joy, and her purpose. That love extended fully to her stepchildren, whom she embraced as her own, creating a home filled with warmth, compassion, and belonging. Lacie was a woman of faith who loved God. Her strength was real, steady, and powerful. Even through life’s challenges, she carried grace, resilience, and unwavering love. Her life reflected a heart anchored in faith and selflessness.
Lacie is survived by her loving spouse, Bunky King; her children Serenity Pettit and Bryson King; her stepchildren Felicity King, Jayden King, and Dustin King; her mother Lorie Jones;
her sister Leslie Jones; her aunt and uncle Julie and Matt Sawtelle; and her uncle Kevin Bentley.
She is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Gladys Bentley, and her father, Brian Pettit, whose memories and love remain forever a part of her legacy. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Lacie’s love remains. Her legacy lives on through her children, her family, and the countless lives she touched — both human and animal alike. She will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion, her faith, and the way she loved with her whole heart.
Rest in peace, Lacie. You are deeply loved, eternally cherished, and forever remembered.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. King will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday January 17, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 12:00 noon until the service hour.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home-Summerville, GA.
The Congregation at West Berryton Faith Temple Holiness Church would like to invite everyone to the Celebration of Life for our beloved Pastor John Mann on Sunday, January 18th. This special service will begin at 10:50 AM with special guest singers Michael Knight and the Redeemed. Brother Hunter Cox will be ministering the word. We will continue on in the evening at 6:00 PM with our special singers and Sister Angie Knight ministering the word. Please join us as we remember the life and ministry of Pastor John Mann! If Brother John touched your life in any way, then please join us in his remembrance.
