Northwest Georgia Braces for Record Heat Before Potential Freeze

Residents of Northwest Georgia are in for a wild weather ride, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City. The region is set to experience record or near-record high temperatures through the weekend, followed by a dramatic shift towards potential frost and freeze warnings early next week.

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Arrest Report – Thursday – April 3, 2025

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 3, 2025:

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Chattooga County Housing Market Shifts to Buyer’s Advantage

The Chattooga County housing market has undergone a significant shift, moving from a seller’s market last year to a buyer’s market in February 2025, according to the latest housing market report. This transition indicates that home prices are trending lower, and properties are staying on the market for longer periods, giving buyers more negotiating power. The report reveals that the median sold price for homes in Chattooga County in February 2025 was $203,666, with a median price per square foot of $142. While this represents a 7.2% increase compared to February 2024, when the market was a seller’s market, the overall conditions now favor buyers. The shift to a buyer’s market in Chattooga County offers a great opportunity for those looking to purchase a home according to market analysts. With prices stabilizing and more inventory available, buyers have more leverage and can potentially find better deals. The $203,666 median sold price reflects data from all homes sold in the past 12 months. This shift signals a potentially opportune time for individuals and families looking to invest in the Chattooga County housing market.

Trion To Host Prodigy Disc Golf Tournament May 3rd

Get ready to tee off! Prodigy Events and Trion will be hosting the “Trion to Ace IV” PDGA-sanctioned C-Tier disc golf tournament on May 3, 2025, hosted by the Trion Recreation Department. This two-round, shotgun-start event will challenge players on a 12-hole course with a par of 3, totaling 250 feet. The tournament promises a day of friendly competition and beautiful scenery. Entry fee is $45 per player, which includes a player’s pack featuring two custom-stamped Prodigy discs. Awards will be presented following the completion of the second round. The event offers on-site parking and bathroom facilities. Lunch will be available for purchase from the Trion Recreation Department. Disc golf enthusiasts are encouraged to register now through Disc Golf Scene at dgscene.com/TrionIV. Don’t miss this opportunity to compete in a sanctioned event and showcase your disc golf skills. For any questions regarding the “Trion to Ace IV” tournament, please contact Matt Zollitsch at matt.zollitsch@prodigydisc.com.

Georgia Lawmakers Pass Sweeping School Safety Bill Inspired By Apalachee Shooting

After months of emotional debate and negotiation, Georgia lawmakers have given final approval to House Bill 268, a comprehensive school safety bill prompted by the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School on September 4th. The bill now heads to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature or veto. The legislation aims to improve communication and mental health support within school districts, while also implementing stricter safety protocols. It mandates police reporting to schools when a child threatens violence, facilitates quicker student record transfers, establishes a statewide anonymous reporting system, requires staff to wear panic buttons, and mandates the annual submission of electronic campus maps to relevant agencies. A contentious student-tracking database was scaled back, but the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) will create a statewide alert system for students who have threatened or committed violence at school after an investigation. The bill also toughens legal consequences for students aged 13 to 16 charged with violent crimes at school. While lawmakers express relief and necessity for the bill, concerns remain about potential misuse and the lack of guaranteed funding for the alert system’s implementation. Discussions about funding, with the House proposing $25 million and the Senate yet to agree, will continue in the coming days.

Easter Bunny Hopping Back To Sloppy Floyd State Park

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd are thrilled to announce the return of a beloved springtime tradition! On April 19th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, ready to pose for photos with park visitors. Bring your camera and head to the park office to capture a memorable moment with everyone’s favorite long-eared friend. This is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories for the whole family amidst the beautiful scenery of Sloppy Floyd State Park. Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent event! A $5 park pass is required for parking. Come out and celebrate the Easter season at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville.

Chattooga County 4-H Urges Residents to “Give $4 for 4-H” on April 4th

Chattooga County 4-H and the Georgia 4-H Foundation are calling on residents to show their support for local youth leadership development by participating in the annual “$4 for 4-H” campaign on April 4th. The initiative encourages community members to donate $4, $44, $444, or any amount they choose, to directly benefit Chattooga County programming and contribute towards a statewide goal of $114,444. Georgia 4-H, the largest youth leadership organization in the state, operates as a unit of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Extension Service and serves every county in Georgia. Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship, 4-H empowers young people with essential life skills like confidence, resilience, and curiosity. Participants choose from diverse projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, and citizenship, fostering valuable “learn-by-doing” opportunities. The Chattooga County 4-H program plays a vital role in the community, actively engaging with every school in the county and providing education and valuable life skills to hundreds of students annually. Your contribution to the “$4 for 4-H” campaign will directly support these vital programs and ensure that Chattooga County youth continue to thrive. Show your support on April 4th and help Chattooga County 4-H reach its goals

Georgia Power Considers Extending Coal Plant Operations Amid Growing Energy Demand

Georgia Power is re-evaluating its plans to retire its coal-fired power plants, proposing to extend the operation of some facilities into the 2030s, reversing an earlier commitment to shift towards natural gas and renewable energy. The proposed extension is part of the company’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and includes continued operations at Plant Bowen in Bartow County.

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GNTC Human Resources Receives Model Agency Award

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Human Resources has received a Model Agency Award for fiscal year 2025. This recognition comes after the Georgia Department of Administrative Services Human Resources Administration (HRA) assessed various agencies, with thirteen achieving a Tier 1 compliance ranking in the FY2025 Human Resources Assessment.

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Chattooga Chamber Celebrates Excellence At Annual Awards Banquet

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet and silent auction on March 29, 2025, at Sarah Jane Farms. The event celebrated local businesses and individuals who have contributed significantly to the community and raised funds for the Leadership Chattooga Student Edition program, which helps high school juniors and seniors develop leadership skills and knowledge about their local area. Cindy McGraw, the Executive Director of the Chamber, expressed gratitude to all community members for their contributions.

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