Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. While a widespread severe weather event is not anticipated, the strongest storms could bring gusty winds, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall. The forecast also includes patchy fog before 10 am, giving way to mostly cloudy skies with a high near 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph is expected. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts estimated between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though higher amounts are possible in areas affected by thunderstorms. Looking ahead to the weekend, the National Weather Service forecasts isolated thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday across portions of both north and central Georgia. Forecasters emphasize that widespread severe storms are not expected at this time.  Rain chances decrease on Monday and sunny skies and warm temperatures are expected to start the new work week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 25, 2025:

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Student enrollment at Georgia’s public colleges and universities has reached a historic high for the spring semester, totaling 345,823 students. This record number was announced by Angela Bell, Vice Chancellor of Research and Policy Analysis for the University System of Georgia (USG), during a Board of Regents meeting held at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. The impressive spring enrollment figures mark the second consecutive year of growth for the USG’s 26 institutions. This positive trend follows enrollment declines in 2022 and 2023, as the system navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bell attributed the resurgence to a combination of factors, including renewed student interest in higher education and the USG’s ongoing efforts to make college more accessible and affordable. The record-breaking enrollment underscores the continued importance of Georgia’s public colleges and universities in providing educational opportunities to students across the state.

The Trion High School Class of 1975 is gearing up to celebrate its 50th reunion on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Station House restaurant in LaFayette. The reunion will kick off with fellowship time beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and various activities planned for the evening. Organizers are extending a warm invitation to all former classmates who entered Trion School in 1963 or joined the class at any point thereafter. Significant others are also welcome to attend this event. Interested alumni can obtain further details and RSVP by contacting Alisa McCurdy Bigham at sambigham@aol.com or by phone at 706-639-726, David Snow at dasnow@windstream.net, or Randy Searels at randysearels@hotmail.com. The cost to attend is $40 per person, which includes dinner, gratuity, and all associated restaurant fees.

Berry College faculty, staff, and students have been actively conducting prescribed burns across various locations in recent weeks to support the ongoing Longleaf Pine project. These controlled burns aim to restore key species and habitats while mitigating the risk of devastating wildfires.

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Residents of Chattooga County, and surrounding counties in Northwest Georgia,  are reminded that the annual summer burn ban starts May 1st and runs until September 30th. The ban, implemented by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), prohibits open burning of yard and land clearing debris in an effort to reduce air pollution and prevent wildfires during the hotter months. According to WNEG Radio, the primary purpose of the burn ban is to limit emissions that can contribute to ozone formation, a significant air quality concern during the summer. The restrictions apply to a total of 54 counties across Georgia. Specifically, the burn ban prohibits the burning of yard waste, land clearing debris, and other materials that could potentially exacerbate air pollution or pose a wildfire risk. While prescribed burning and certain other types of burning activities may be permitted under specific conditions outside of the affected 54 counties, Chattooga County residents are urged to adhere strictly to the regulations. The EPD is responsible for enforcing the burn ban, and those found in violation may be subject to fines. To manage yard waste during the ban, residents are encouraged to explore alternative solutions such as composting, mulching, or engaging a professional yard waste removal service.

The unemployment rate in Northwest Georgia remained unchanged at 3.5% in March, according to the latest figures released on Thursday.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced on Wednesday that the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Board of Directors has appointed Angelique McClendon as the new Commissioner of DDS, effective May 1.

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