Mostly Sunny Today, Thunderstorm Potential Later in the Week

Northwest Georgia residents can expect mostly sunny skies today, with a high temperature near 81 degrees. A gentle southeast wind will blow between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 15 mph. Tonight will bring partly cloudy conditions and a low of around 60 degrees. The southeast wind will calm to around 5 mph. Tuesday will see mostly cloudy skies return, with a high again near 81 degrees. A south wind will be light, around 5 mph. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 60 and calm winds. The National Weather Service is forecasting a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. While a strong storm or two is possible, severe weather is currently considered unlikely during this period. The potential for more widespread thunderstorm activity increases significantly on Friday. Forecasters advise residents to monitor weather updates closely, as a few strong or even severe storms cannot be ruled out at the end of the week.

Missing Teen From Chattooga County

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says that a family is searching for a missing teenager who was last seen in the Teloga area.  The girl’s name is Lindsey Bryson and she goes by “Lou”.  Her family believes she may be in Summerville, Trion or the Rome area.  Anyone with information should contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office at 706-857-3411.

Arrest Report – Monday – April 28, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 28, 2025:

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City of Summerville Seeks Bids For House Demolition And Site Restoration

The City of Summerville is soliciting sealed bids for the demolition of a house and subsequent site restoration at 20 University Circle, Summerville, Georgia 30747. The project, identified as RFB-2025-114-House Demolition, aims to clear the site for future development and improve the aesthetic appeal of the area. Sealed bids must be submitted to the City of Summerville, located at 120 Georgia Ave., Summerville, Georgia 30747, no later than 2:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025. All bids must remain valid for 60 business days following the bid opening. The bid opening will take place promptly at 2:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025, in the Council Room at City Hall. The contents of the bids will be made available to all interested parties, including the respondents. Detailed information and specifications regarding the project and bidding requirements are available within the official bid document. All submitted bids are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in that document. Potential bidders are encouraged to review the complete RFB documentation carefully before submitting their proposals. The City of Summerville looks forward to receiving competitive bids for this important project.

Deadline For Chattooga County Pig Project Is May 23

Chattooga County students interested in agriculture and animal husbandry are encouraged to sign up for the Chattooga County Young Farmers annual Pig Project. The deadline to apply is May 23, 2025. For a participation fee of $100, students will receive two piglets to raise and care for throughout the summer and fall. This hands-on project provides invaluable experience in animal management, responsibility, and the agricultural process. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in August during a special preview show. The pigs will then be judged and auctioned off at a final show and auction held in November. This event provides students with the opportunity to earn proceeds from their efforts and learn about the agricultural marketplace. Space is limited based on the availability of pigs, and preference will be given to students involved in 4-H and FFA programs. Interested students are encouraged to apply quickly. For more information and application details, contact Chattooga Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett at ljarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us.

Cybercrime Increasing In Georgia

Cybercrime is increasing in Georgia and the U. S. Georgia moved from 13th to 11th place in internet-related complaints last year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2024. Potential losses reached $420 million, a 40% rise from 2023.

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Northwest Georgia Residents Will Soon Face Summer Heat: Landlords Not Required to Provide Air Conditioning

As the scorching summer months approach, residents of Northwest Georgia are undoubtedly turning their attention to cooling their homes. But for renters in the state, a critical question arises: Is your landlord legally obligated to provide air conditioning? With rent prices already straining budgets, the prospect of additional cooling costs adds to the financial pressure. The answer, unfortunately, is no.

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Summer Burn Ban Effective May 1 To Protect Air Quality In Georgia

Residents of Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, are reminded that the annual summer burn ban will begin on May 1st and end on September 30th. According to environmental regulators, this measure is essential for protecting air quality and lowering the risk of wildfires during the driest months. The burn ban prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris, which is important to reduce smoke’s harmful effects on ozone levels, especially in urban areas. Ozone can worsen breathing problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues. The ban also addresses the increased risk of wildfires due to dry weather and wind, where even small fires can become uncontrollable. Human outdoor burning adds to this risk, making the ban necessary. Residents are encouraged to follow the ban and consider alternative ways to manage yard waste, like composting or mulching. Also, it should be pointed out that burning household garbage is illegal at anytime in all 159 counties in Georgia.

Big Lots Continues Comeback with Second Wave Of Reopening Stores In Georgia

Big Lots is continuing its resurgence after recently emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with plans to open a second round of stores across the U.S. in May. This includes six Georgia locations, most notably in Fort Oglethorpe in Northwest Georgia. The expansion follows the company’s acquisition by Variety Wholesalers and represents a significant step in their planned revitalization. The grand re-openings are part of a broader strategy to relaunch a total of 55 stores nationwide by early June. The comeback trail officially began on April 10th, with nine stores in six states (Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) welcoming back customers. Variety Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies expressed excitement about the relaunch. “We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” she said in a recent news release. The reopening of these Big Lots stores promises to bring value and variety back to communities across the country. Further details regarding specific opening dates and special promotions are expected to be announced soon.

Senator Ossoff Hosts Georgia Military Service Academy Day

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff hosted the annual Georgia Military Service Academy Day this past Saturday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, drawing a record-breaking crowd since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 1,000 prospective students and their parents flocked to the Marietta base to explore opportunities at the five U.S. Service Academies. The event, touted as the largest of its kind in the U.S., provided attendees with invaluable information and a glimpse into military life, according to a Dobbins spokesperson. Senator Ossoff, in collaboration with Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, organizes the event annually to inform Georgia high school students and their families about the application and Congressional nomination process for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with Senator Ossoff himself, members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, Georgia military leaders, admissions counselors, recruiters, and current cadets from all five service academies. Representatives from Air Force, Navy, and Army ROTC programs were also on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. The event included tours of various aircraft, offering a tangible connection to the potential future careers in service.