Mostly Hot And Dry Weather For The Weekend And Into Next Week

Residents of Northwest Georgia can expect a significant warming trend this weekend, accompanied by the possibility of isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. The surge in temperatures is being driven by a strengthening upper-level ridge that will dominate Georgia’s weather pattern. As the ridge builds, reaching approximately 598 decameters at the 500 millibar level by Sunday afternoon, it will usher in hot conditions across the Midwest and bring rising temperatures to the Southeast, including Georgia. High temperatures are forecast to peak in the 90 to 96 degree range across Northwest Georgia this weekend, exceeding seasonal averages by 4 to 9 degrees. While these temperatures are slightly below the expected highs for the upcoming workweek, the combination of these temperatures with surface dew points in the upper 60s and lower 70s will result in peak heat indices reaching the upper 90s. We can expect the warmest weather of the year so far here in Georgia during the upcoming workweek, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia.  Authorities are urging vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions, to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat. This includes staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. While the heat will be the primary concern, residents should also be aware of the potential for isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

Arrest Report – Saturday – June 21, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, June 21, 2025:

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Chattooga County To Pave 9 Miles Of Roadways This Summer

More than nine miles of roadways in Chattooga County are slated for repaving this summer, Commissioner Andy Allen announced. The project, funded in large part by a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to significantly improve transportation infrastructure and enhance public safety throughout the rural community. The total cost of the paving project is estimated at $879,000.

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Georgia Adoptees Granted Access To Original Birth Certificates Under New Law

In a landmark victory for adoptee rights, Georgia will soon allow adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates without a court order, thanks to the passage of SB 100, also known as “Andee’s Law.” The new law, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, promises to streamline the process for Georgia-born adoptees aged 18 and older to access vital information about their origins. Previously, gaining access to an original birth certificate required a lengthy and often emotionally taxing court order process, a requirement many advocates considered discriminatory. “Andee’s Law” removes this barrier, allowing adoptees to request their original birth certificate directly from the Georgia State Office of Vital Records. The Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights (GAAR) played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of SB 100 and will continue to support adoptees as they navigate the new process. GAAR plans to offer guidance and resources to ensure adoptees understand their rights and can successfully apply for their birth certificates. “This is a monumental step forward for adoptee rights in Georgia,” said a spokesperson for GAAR. “For too long, adoptees have been denied access to their own personal history. ‘Andee’s Law’ finally rectifies this injustice and provides adoptees with the opportunity to connect with their past and understand their identity.” The change in legislation aims to provide adoptees with a more equitable and accessible path to uncovering their roots and reclaiming their personal narratives. With the effective date rapidly approaching, anticipation is high among Georgia’s adoptee community.

Rural King May Be Coming To Rome

The Rome News Tribune and Hometown Headlines reported that the Mount Berry Mall might soon welcome a 90,000-square-foot Rural King store, bringing positive changes to the mall and the Rome and Floyd County area. The Rome-Floyd Board of Adjustments approved a variance request on Wednesday from the mall owner, Hull Property Group, to reduce a setback from 15 feet to zero feet to allow for an outdoor display area. The proposed Rural King store will feature roughly 85,000 square feet of indoor retail space and an additional 35,000 square feet for outdoor displays. Rural King, established in 1960 in the Great Lakes region, is a farm, home, and general merchandise store that offers a variety of products, including outdoor equipment and home furnishings. The space was once home to a Sears store that closed in 2016. Hull Property Group previously sought to create a tax allocation district to support redevelopment but chose to proceed with mall improvements without tax breaks. Calls for comments from Rural King and HPG representatives were not returned by Thursday evening.

AAA: School’s Out – Watch For Kids

With the arrival of summer break, AAA is urging drivers to remain vigilant as children spend more time outdoors, playing, biking, and walking in neighborhoods and along city streets.

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Taste Of The South Festival Today At The Summerville Depot

Summerville Main Street is hosting “A Taste of The South Festival” today from  10 AM to 3 PM at the Historic Summerville Depot. This free event allows visitors to celebrate southern food, fun, and traditions. Attendees can enjoy various southern dishes, including BBQ, fried chicken, collard greens, and homemade desserts. There will also be tables set up for dining inside and outside the depot. The festival features special activities like a Flower Arrangement Demonstration, Southern Sayings BINGO, and musical performances. Visitors can receive free Mini Moon Pies while supplies last. A range of art and craft vendors will be present for shopping.  This free public event is planned to help event goers take a step back in time and share a fondness for good old fashioned southern food, fun and traditions. Southern Food will be a highlight for the day.

Community Resource Center Of Chattooga County Receives AtriumHealth Foundation Grant

The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation has awarded a staggering $1.3 million in grants to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center. These funds will directly support 43 community agencies dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. This marks the second consecutive year that the foundation has distributed over $1 million to vital community organizations in the region, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering a healthier and more vibrant community. Among the recipients is the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, which will receive $40,000 to fund training and resources for workshops designed to empower individuals experiencing poverty in Chattooga County. “There are so many organizations doing impactful work that truly improves the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Dan Bevels, President of the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation. “These grants will go a long way in helping them not only continue their efforts, but also expand them, creating even greater positive change in our communities.” The grant awards were announced at a special ceremony held Wednesday at Berry College’s Christopher-Browning Pavilion at Oak Hill. The foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the region.

World’s Folk Art Church At Paradise Garden Reopens Tomorrow

After being closed for over two decades, the iconic World’s Folk Art Church at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will reopen to the public tomorrow, Sunday, June 22nd, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of this unique artistic landmark. The five-story structure, built by the late Rev. Howard Finster beginning in the mid-1980s, served as his art studio and museum for artifacts. Finster, with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, constructed the 56-foot-tall building atop a small country church without formal architectural plans. Completed in 1987, the church quickly became a central feature of Paradise Garden. However, the World’s Folk Art Church faced weather-related damage and safety concerns, leading to its closure in 1999, shortly before Finster’s passing in 2001. In 2011, Paradise Garden, including the church, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A renewed commitment to preservation efforts gained momentum in 2018 when the Paradise Garden Foundation received a grant to develop a comprehensive preservation plan. Architectural assessments confirmed the church’s structural stability, paving the way for a successful fundraising campaign in 2023. Rehabilitation work commenced in June 2024, with local carpenters leading the restoration process. “This reopening represents years of dedicated effort and a deep appreciation for Rev. Finster’s artistic vision,” said [Insert Name and Title of Paradise Garden Foundation Representative Here]. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to experience the unique messages and artistry within the World’s Folk Art Church.” To celebrate the grand reopening on June 22nd, Paradise Garden will host a series of

GBI Arrests Two Northwest Georgia Men On Drug Charges

Two Rome men are facing a slew of charges related to the sale and possession of fentanyl following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The arrests were made as part of an ongoing effort to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics in the Floyd County area.

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