Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) offers an Automation Engineering Technology program that trains students to design and troubleshoot automated systems. Established in 2019 at the Whitfield Murray Campus, it is the only engineering-based program in Georgia. The curriculum focuses on math, science, and core concepts like circuit analysis and PLC programming. Students complete a capstone project or an internship, and the program supports pathways to further degrees. Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, earning $55,000 to $100,000. High demand for skilled graduates leads to job offers before program completion, emphasizing the field’s growth and potential. See more details below in a press release from GNTC:

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A man, already in jail in Northwest Georgia, has been charged with internet sex crimes. John Wesley Fain, 41, of Cedartown, already incarcerated in the Floyd County Jail on unrelated theft charges, has been served with additional warrants alleging obscene internet contact with a child and solicitation of sodomy. According to the warrants issued by Floyd County authorities, Fain allegedly contacted a minor via the social media platform Snapchat between May 1st and May 9th of this year. The warrants state that Fain inquired with the minor about the price she would charge to allow him to perform a specific sex act. Investigators allege that Fain was aware the victim was a minor, having been previously informed of her age by the girl’s mother. Fain has been in custody since May 28th following his arrest for theft by taking. The charges stem from an alleged gun theft. He will now face additional charges related to the internet contact, and will remain in the Floyd County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

Georgia Power is bolstering its infrastructure with smart grid technology to minimize power outages for its 2.7 million customers during severe weather events. The power company announced its ongoing investment in upgrading its energy grid, aiming to improve service reliability and reduce disruptions caused by storms.

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Residents and businesses in southeastern Georgia will soon have a new area code option, as the Georgia Public Service Commission has announced the addition of the 565 area code. This new code will overlay the existing 912 area code, which covers a wide swathe of southeastern Georgia, to address the growing demand for new phone numbers in the region. The 912 area code, established in 1954 as the first split from the original statewide 404 area code, is projected to exhaust its available number combinations by the second quarter of 2028.

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Canada geese can live in many places, especially around people, like neighborhoods and parks. This can be upsetting for homeowners when the geese molt in summer, becoming flightless for a few weeks. During this time, they might gather in the same area, but they will regain flight soon. “Late June through early July is when we can expect to see ‘flightless’ geese. They are unable to fly while they are in the process of molting,” says Kara Nitschke, a Georgia Migratory Gamebird Biologist. “Though they may be ‘hanging around’ the same area for a little while, they’ll be able to fly again within a couple of weeks.”The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says if you have issues with geese, you can use harassment techniques to scare them away, but these won’t work during molting. Homeowners should be patient until the geese can fly again. After molting, you can try various methods like using noise makers, chemical repellents, or physical barriers around your property to deter geese. If these methods fail, you can obtain a special permit for controlled removal, as Canada geese are protected by law. For more information, go to GeorgiaWildlife.com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts and then scroll down and click on “Canada Geese.”

GE Appliances announced the completion of an $180 million expansion at its Roper Corp. cooking products plant in LaFayette, which includes an additional $60 million investment. The expansion focuses on boosting American manufacturing in Georgia and involves advanced automation to create high-quality jobs and launch new products, such as the GE Profile induction range.

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Northwest Georgia residents are urged to prepare for another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds. While an isolated severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, the primary concerns remain localized flooding due to the high rainfall rates. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely to develop after 5 PM, with a 60% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts are expected to range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but significantly higher totals are possible within thunderstorms. The wet weather pattern is expected to continue into tonight, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 8 PM. Patchy fog is also possible between 1 AM and 2 AM. The chance of precipitation remains at 60%, with potential rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches. Looking ahead to Saturday, forecasters are closely monitoring an upper-level low moving into the Tennessee Valley. Even a subtle wave could trigger more severe storms than initially expected. With sufficient instability already present, conditions could be slightly more favorable for severe weather on Saturday compared to Friday. Residents, especially those with outdoor activities planned for the weekend, are advised to stay informed and monitor weather updates as we enter Father’s Day weekend.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 13, 2025:

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Music lovers in Chattooga County are in for a treat tonight with two separate live music events taking place in Trion and Summerville this evening.

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The Supreme Court of Georgia has invalidated four of the seven election rules adopted by the Republican-led State Election Board. The unanimous decision, released Tuesday, affirmed concerns that the board overstepped its authority in implementing the rules.

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