Heidi Popham, the president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College, has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 500 Most Influential Leaders for three years in a row. She was acknowledged for her impact on various industries and her commitment to workforce development in Georgia. Popham expressed her gratitude for the honor, attributing it to the hard work of the college team and their partnerships with businesses. Greg Dozier, the Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, praised Popham’s leadership and influence in preparing a skilled workforce. Popham has held different roles at GNTC, including vice president and now president. She is actively involved in local boards and holds degrees from Covenant College and the University of Georgia. Her dedication and vision contribute to the success and growth of the college and the state.

A woman died in a car accident on the East Rome Bypass near Turner Chapel Road. The accident involved a 2011 Nissan Armada driven by Tiffany Nicole Smith that crossed over the median and hit a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by Timothy Dewayne Reynolds. Reynolds, a teacher at Model Middle School, was rescued from the burning truck by bystanders, including an off-duty fireman. Two juvenile passengers in the SUV were also taken to the hospital. The accident caused delays in traffic, with westbound traffic being stopped, and other roads being affected as well. The wreck was cleared by 10:15 a. m. The Rome Police Department thanked the public for their patience and understanding during the traffic disruptions.

The Chattooga County Water District has issued a boil water advisory for some customers after water tests for the county well on Butler Dairy Road coming back as positive for E. coli.  More tests have been performed and the results are expected on Sunday.  Until then, a boil water advisory is in place for any Chattooga County Water District customer who lives in the Gore / Subligna area and the Holland / Chattoogaville area – until further notice.

According to Bankrate, full coverage auto insurance in the US averaged $2,543 annually or $212 monthly in 2024, a 26% rise from 2023. Minimum coverage costs $740 yearly or $62 monthly. Georgia’s average full coverage rate is $2,610, slightly above the national average, while Atlanta residents pay $2,859. From 2017 to 2021, national car insurance expenses only increased by 5. 27%.

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has officially opened the application and renewal system for the GATE (Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption) cards for the 2025-2027 period. All applicants are reminded that fees for the GATE cards must be paid as part of the online application process, with payments accepted via credit card or ACH only.

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The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and E-911 have announced that they have been awarded several significant grants aimed at enhancing community safety and emergency response capabilities.

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Last Friday, Deputy Ben Mollohan was officially welcomed into the Chattooga County Sheriff’s force by Sheriff Mark Schrader after graduating from the police academy.

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Last Week Georgia Power executives presented a plan to the state Public Service Commission to build battery energy storage systems at four locations, including near Robins AFB, Moody AFB, Plant Hammond in Floyd County, and the McGrau Ford Battery Facility in Cherokee County. These projects will add 500 megawatts of generating capacity as part of Georgia Power’s effort to increase their energy-supply portfolio by 6,600 megawatts. Jeff Grubb, the company’s director of resource policy and planning, emphasized the importance of these investments for meeting the state’s growing electricity needs. Quarterly reports on spending and construction progress will be submitted to the Public Interest Advocacy Staff per an agreement with Georgia Power, with a vote on the projects scheduled for December 3 by the PSC.

The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams is aiming to recommend where people should have the right to boat, fish, and hunt on Georgia’s streams and will hold their final hearing of the year on the matter coming up on November 18th. They are reviewing House Bill 1172, which could potentially allow landowners to restrict access to streams on their property deemed “unnavigable. ” This issue arose from a 1863 law that has led to disputes over access to certain streams, like Ichawaynochaway Creek in Baker County and Armuchee Creek in Chattooga and Floyd counties. Paddle Georgia coordinator Joe Cook emphasizes the historical right to float down Georgia’s waterways since the 1700s, which he believes should not be eroded. The committee is considering various proposals, including one that might only ensure public access to a small percentage of the state’s vast network of streams. This debate pits property owner rights against the public’s traditional use of these waterways for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hunting. Economic reports suggest these activities have a substantial impact on Georgia’s economy, underscoring the importance of resolving this issue to maintain public access to these natural resources.