Talented young musicians from across Chattooga County are joining forces to host a benefit concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this Sunday, May 18th, at the Trion First Baptist Church. The event, the first of its kind, kicks off at 6:00 PM. All proceeds from the concert will be directly donated to St. Jude, supporting their critical research and treatment efforts in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The impressive lineup features a diverse range of performers, all dedicated to making a difference. Attendees can look forward to performances from Hannah Price, Maddie Price, Brady Groce, Brianne Gill, Parker Thomas, Will Groce, and Baylee Blair. For those unable to attend in person, WZQZ will be broadcasting the event live on our Facebook page, allowing everyone to participate and support this important cause. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of incredible music while contributing to a worthy charity. Be sure to share this article to help spread the word and ensure a successful event for St. Jude!

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“Teach Them Young” by Brandon Walker

This week, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced the 2025 Ag Week Photo Contest winners, celebrating the beauty of Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture. This year, over 200 photos were submitted, each capturing the diverse landscapes, hardworking producers, and the beauty of Georgia agriculture.

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As summer nears, the American Red Cross is encouraging families to prioritize water safety by becoming “water smart. ” Many families will visit pools, lakes, and parks, so the Red Cross stresses the need for formal swim lessons and water safety education, particularly for children. Studies indicate that swim lessons can lower the drowning risk by 88% for kids aged 1 to 4.

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The Georgia Department of Labor announced on Thursday that the unemployment rate for April 2025 was 3. 6%, the same as in March, and lower than the national rate. Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes noted that for 11 months, Georgia’s rate has remained at 3. 6%, showing strong collaboration between the state, businesses, and communities. Over the month, jobs increased by 3,700 to 4,983,200, with significant gains in accommodation, food services, and transportation. Job losses occurred in sectors like information and construction. Over the past year, health care and local government saw the most job growth, while declines were noted in administrative services and retail. The labor force decreased, with unemployment rising annually, and initial claims for unemployment benefits went up.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 15, 2025:

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Northwest Georgia  Residents can expect continued dry conditions and above-average temperatures through Friday as an upper-level ridge dominates the region’s weather pattern. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies today, with a high near 86 degrees and a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, potentially gusting up to 20 mph. The influence of the upper-level ridge will create a warm layer in the atmosphere, suppressing the development of thunderstorms. As a result, no thunderstorms are expected for Northwest Georgia today or tomorrow. Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 68 degrees. The southwest wind will diminish to around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. Gusts could still reach 15 mph. Friday will bring more of the same, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87 degrees. Southwest winds will persist at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. However, a change is on the horizon. Friday night brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 68 degrees and continued southwest winds around 5 mph, gusting to 15 mph. The chance of showers and thunderstorms continues into the weekend, with a 50 percent chance on Saturday and a 40 percent chance on Sunday. Temperatures will remain relatively mild, with highs in the mid-80s.

A Chattooga County man was arrested for driving under the influence last week after deputies discovered his vehicle in a ditch on Highway 48 near Menlo. According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call on Tuesday, May 6th, regarding a vehicle located at 6465 Highway 48 near Pop’s Country Store. Upon arrival, deputies found the vehicle facing the roadway in a ditch. The driver, identified as Gilbert Eugene Laverne, was questioned by the responding deputy. The report states that there was no visible damage to the vehicle. The deputy initially inquired if Laverne needed assistance with a tow truck. During the conversation, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Laverne. Laverne reportedly admitted to consuming four alcoholic beverages at a bar in Rome approximately 45 minutes before. Following field sobriety tests, Laverne was placed under arrest and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. He faces charges of driving under the influence.

The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in April were nearly $3. 73 billion, a decrease of $230. 4 million, or 5. 8%, from FY 2024, which totaled $3. 96 billion for the month.

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AdventHealth is excited to share that the AngioScreen bus will be available at AdventHealth Redmond on May 29, AdventHealth Gordon on June 11, and AdventHealth Murray on June 17. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill this week that changes how intellectual disability is treated in death penalty cases in Georgia. The new law requires a judge to determine whether a defendant is intellectually disabled during a pretrial hearing. Previously, a jury made this decision while also considering the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

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