Hometown Headlines in Rome reports that Andy Welborn celebrated his family’s five decades of auto sales in Northwest Georgia by purchasing the Nissan dealership on the bypass across from Unity Christian School from Shottenkirk and re-branding it as “Riverside. ” The temporary signage is up, with plans for a remodel over the next two years. The Riverside group, led by T. J. Forsyth and Corey Dowdy, with John Arrington serving as executive manager, will operate the Nissan campus. This acquisition adds to Riverside Auto Group’s existing dealerships in Rome and Cartersville. Welborn, a third-generation auto salesperson, emphasized the company’s commitment to the region and its values. He highlighted the growth in Cartersville and residential construction in Rome as key factors in the purchase. Welborn reassured the Nissan staff that the Riverside team is there to stay.

The American Red Cross continues to work to restock critically needed blood products uncollected due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Southeast. Donors outside of affected areas are encouraged to make an appointment to give now and help keep the blood supply stable in the weeks to come.

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Driving is an important and exciting rite of passage for teens. It is also one of the riskiest activities in which they can engage. That is why AAA-The Auto Club Group is teaming up with community partners this fall to support National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20-26, 2024. It is important to discuss safe driving habits with teens every day. National Teen Driver Safety Week allows parents and guardians to have a conversation with their teens about safe driving habits. Teen drivers must know the Rules of the Road before parents hand over the keys.

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Home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States, Summerville is truly a step back in time for train and history buffs alike. The City of Summerville is currently in celebration of its annual “Steam into Summerville Railroad Days”. The 5-week celebration will usher in fall and visitors of all ages, while bringing a wide array of festivities to Summerville’s Dowdy Park and the Summerville Depot.

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GRAMMY® Award country band Shenandoah is coming to the aid of hurricane victims in Cocke County, Tennessee. On Monday, October 14, the legendary group will perform at Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tennessee, with proceeds going to those in the area affected by Hurricane Helene.

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On Monday of this week, the Georgia Supreme Court reinstated the state’s six-week abortion ban while reviewing the state’s appeal of a lower court ruling that struck down the law. The decision makes most abortions illegal in the state after six weeks of pregnancy. The court’s ruling blocked a provision of the law allowing state prosecutors access to abortion patients’ medical records without due process. The near-total abortion ban, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019, went into effect in July 2022 after facing legal challenges. The law prohibits abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected, as early as six weeks, with exceptions for situations endangering the woman’s life, health, or fetal anomalies. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the state’s near-total abortion ban, known as the LIFE Act, in 2019, but it didn’t take effect until July 2022, after it faced a legal challenge and the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade.

Kristofer Matthew Meeler, a 33-year-old Summerville man, was arrested on September 26, 2024, for repeatedly calling 911 in anger about his missing property. The incident took place at Summerville Police Department, where Meeler expressed frustration over law enforcement’s handling of the situation. Despite being informed that officers were occupied with serious accidents, Meeler insisted on immediate help, leading to arguments with dispatchers. He was eventually arrested for misusing 911. Meeler made threats against the officers’ jobs but was taken to Chattooga County Jail without issue.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting an Open House at all six campuses to provide an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered at GNTC, tour the facilities and meet faculty and staff.

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Voices for Georgia’s Children and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) are proud to announce that the 14th annual Georgia Pre-K Week takes place from October 7 to 11, 2024. This event celebrates quality early learning and highlights the importance of early childhood education across the state.

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In an exciting astronomical event, Earth’s moon is set to have a temporary companion — a “mini moon” dubbed 2024 PT5. This intriguing space rock, measuring approximately 33 feet (10 meters) in size — roughly the length of a school bus — made it’s appearance this past weekend, becoming temporarily trapped by our planet’s gravity and entering into orbit. However, this cosmic visitor won’t be sticking around for long; it is expected to orbit Earth for only about two months.

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