Chattooga Family Connection is seeking volunteer hairstylists and barbers to provide free haircuts for students at their upcoming Back-to-School Bash on July 17, 2025. The event, aimed at helping students start the new school year with confidence, will be held at Chattooga High School from 4-6 PM. Currently, three stylists have already committed their time and talent, but Chattooga Family Connection is looking for at least three more passionate individuals to join the cause. Volunteers will provide haircuts to students in need, helping them look and feel their best as they return to the classroom. “We are so grateful for the stylists who have already volunteered, and we’re hoping to find a few more individuals who are passionate about giving back to our community,” said Maisha Ludy from Chattooga Family Connection. “This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of local students.” Those interested in volunteering their hairstyling or barbering services are encouraged to contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or via email at maishaludy@gmail.com. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something impactful and help Chattooga County students head back to school with confidence!

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg announced this past Friday, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an escalation in efforts to combat fraud schemes targeting older Americans. These schemes, which cost victims billions of dollars annually, are a national crisis demanding immediate and decisive action.

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The Town of Trion will hold a combined Workshop and Regular Council Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the Town Hall Conference Room. Mayor Lanny E. Thomas announced the meeting, which will begin with a workshop at 6:00 PM, followed by the regular council meeting shortly thereafter. The public is encouraged to attend. Residents with questions or comments regarding the meeting or any town business are invited to contact Mayor Thomas or the Town Hall Office at 706-734-2332 for more information.

A widely used children’s cough syrup has been recalled across the United States after federal health officials discovered bacterial contamination that could pose potential health risks.

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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.

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

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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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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.

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.