Rain is covering the area and will continue into the afternoon, with total rainfall expected between a quarter to three-quarters of an inch in some places. Thunderstorms are not expected. Rain will stop from north to south later today as a front moves through north and central Georgia. The air behind this front isn’t very cold, so temperatures will not drop significantly. Clear skies and warmer weather are expected tomorrow. Rain will continue through the morning until the afternoon, after which it will clear up. Cloud cover will also dissipate tonight, leading to cooler temperatures but not extremely cold. Overnight lows will be in the upper 20s and 30s, while daytime highs will reach the 50s and 60s. A warming trend is likely for the next few days. Temperatures will gradually become more normal for January. Some light rain and drizzle are expected later in the week, but any wintry precipitation chances remain low.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 27, 2025:

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Last Thursday, a federal judge gave preliminary approval to a $1 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against Pulcra Chemicals LLC for releasing “forever chemicals” from a Chattooga County textile plant. A hearing is scheduled for April for class members to express their views. The lawsuit, filed by former Summerville City Councilman Earl Parris, claims that Mount Vernon Mills and other companies polluted local water, leading to health risks and increased costs for residents. Final approval of the settlement could resolve part of the case while other defendants remain under scrutiny.

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen will hold a meeting tonight at the Chattooga County Ag Building to discuss revoking a poultry house permit that was issued by former Commissioner Blake Elsberry. The meeting will focus on the concerns regarding the permit’s validity and its effects on local landowners.

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State Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome)

Several government entities in Georgia are choosing to opt out of House Bill 581, a legislation designed to freeze property assessments at the rate of inflation. The Trion City School Board, Chattooga County School Board, and Floyd County School Board are among those contemplating this decision. Meanwhile, the Walker County Board of Education has declared that it will not be opting out of the bill, which was approved by 63% of Georgia voters in November.

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The Menlo City Council has approved an agreement with Chattooga County and neighboring municipalities to renew a one-cent sales tax. This decision, made during last week’s council meeting, is set to pave the way for a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) vote among county residents in mid-March. This renewed SPLOST program is projected to substantially increase the city’s annual revenue from approximately $118,886.40 to an estimated $770,938.66 over the next six years. The agreement details how the SPLOST funds will be allocated, emphasizing infrastructure improvements and community projects. In addition to the SPLOST agreement, the city council opted not to withdraw from House Bill 581, a new state homestead tax program that holds the potential to reduce the city’s millage rate for local residents. This decision is expected to offer financial relief to homeowners in Menlo.

In an update to guidelines and to improve safety in Georgia public schools, the State Board of Education has changed Rule 160-5-4-. 15. This new rule requires local school systems to work with public safety experts when designing new school buildings. State School Superintendent Richard Woods emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The safety of our students is our highest priority. “

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For several generations, children in Chattooga County have embraced the spirit of community and faith at Camp Hamby, a beloved day camp operated by local United Methodist Churches.

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