Chattooga County Leaders Reach Agreement On SPLOST Spending Plan

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, along with the mayors of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, and Menlo, have reached a consensus on how to allocate funds generated by the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The agreement, finalized ahead of the March 18, 2025, special election, outlines specific projects each municipality and the county aim to fund if voters approve the measure.

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Trion City Schools Seeks Bilingual Translator To Support Students and Families

Trion City Schools is actively seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to fill the crucial role of Translator (Spanish/English). This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of students and families within the Trion community by bridging communication gaps and fostering stronger relationships.

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President’s Day Closures: Post Offices, Banks Shut Down, But UPS & FedEx Keep Rolling

Americans celebrating President’s Day will find some services unavailable today as the federal holiday triggers closures across the country. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) confirmed that all post offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th, and regular mail delivery will be suspended. Normal USPS operations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, February 18th. In addition to postal services, banks and credit unions will also be closed in observance of President’s Day. However, those needing to ship packages can breathe a sigh of relief. Both UPS and FedEx are maintaining near-normal operations. According to the company’s website, UPS pickup and delivery services will be available, and UPS Store locations will remain open. Customers using UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations should anticipate a one-day delay in transit due to the USPS closure. FedEx will also be operating most of its pickup and delivery services as usual, with FedEx Office locations open to serve customer needs, according to the company’s website. So, while you enjoy the holiday honoring past presidents, remember to plan accordingly for postal and banking closures.

Cloudy Sunday With Colder Temperatures On The Way

Today, residents of Northwest Georgia will see mostly cloudy skies throughout the day. Temperatures will drop to around 41°F by 5 PM, with winds shifting from southwest to northwest, potentially gusting up to 30 mph. Tonight, clouds will remain, with a low of around 25°F and northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. For Washington’s Birthday, a sunny day is expected with highs near 47°F and a gentle north wind. Monday night will have mostly clear skies with a low around 27°F.

On Tuesday, highs are forecasted near 53°F, but rain and snow showers are likely after 1 AM, with a 60% chance of precipitation and lows around 32°F. Wednesday brings a 70% chance of rain, possibly mixed with snow showers before 1 PM, with highs around 44°F. Temperatures will drop to about 21°F Wednesday night. Thursday will have mostly sunny skies and highs near 38°F, followed by a clear evening. Friday will be sunny with highs near 45°F, while Saturday will see more sunshine and highs close to 49°F.

A cooler-than-average weather system will affect Georgia early in the week. Meteorologists are monitoring a storm system for possible snowfall, especially north of Interstate 20, while any significant snowfall is likely limited to the higher elevations. Another colder air push will come as the week progresses, with Thursday expected to be the coldest day.

Arrest Report – Sunday – February 16, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chatooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, February 16, 2025:

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Summerville Residents Reminded Of Brush Pickup Guidelines

With the changing seasons bringing an increase in yard maintenance, the City of Summerville is reminding residents about its brush pickup service and the importance of proper waste management.

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Former Hays Prison Guard Arrested In Gordon County On Drug & Weapons Charges

A former correctional officer at Hays State Prison, previously convicted of smuggling contraband into the facility in Chattooga County, was arrested in Gordon County this past week on multiple drug and weapons charges. Mark Jeffery, 40, of Calhoun, was taken into custody last Tuesday night after Gordon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a suspicious person and vehicle report at a private residence on Cash Road near Sonoraville.

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Trump Tariffs Spark Interest In U.S. Bauxite Deposits – Once Mined Extensively In Northwest Georgia

President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of tariffs on imported metals, including a 25% tariff on steel and an unspecified tariff on aluminum, is sending ripples through the U.S. economy and spurring renewed interest in domestic bauxite deposits – a mineral once actively mined in Chattooga County.

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Rome International Film Festival & AdventHealth Redmond Host Free Community Conversations Event Focusing On Black Men’s Health

Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) and AdventHealth Redmond are hosting a free Community Conversations film event on Thursday, February 20, at 7 pm at The Historic DeSoto Theater in Downtown Rome. The event includes healthy snacks and a screening of the documentary Bike Vessel, followed by a discussion with local healthcare leaders and community members sharing their healthcare experiences. Bike Vessel is a documentary about family, food, and fitness focusing on Black men’s health. It follows Donnie Seals and his son on a bike trip from St. Louis to Chicago, discussing health challenges faced by Black men, including Donnie’s heart surgeries. Juleun Johnson will moderate a panel with Dr. Kipp Slicker, Dr. Rachel Harris, and Marcellous Cooke. The event also highlights the Health Initiative, providing free health screenings. Tickets are free, and reservations can be made at riffga.com or via their Facebook page.  Find more information HERE

Georgia Representatives Introduce “Dignity is Essential Act” To Expand SNAP & WIC Benefits To Hygiene Products

A trio of Georgia State Representatives, Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), have introduced House Bill 25, known as the “Dignity is Essential Act,” aimed at tackling hygiene inequity within the state.

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