Last week, the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bird flu at a poultry facility in Elbert County, raising concerns among local residents about the safety of poultry products. In response to the situation, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has moved to reassure the public that consuming poultry remains safe. “Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia,” Harper emphasized during a press briefing.

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From Chattooga School Supt. Michelle Helie:

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

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As of this morning (4:30 AM), there is still a lot of uncertainty in the weather forecast concerning how far north winter precipitation will be a factor this afternoon. To illustrate, the weather forecast for Armuchee is calling for a possibility of flurries this afternoon between 1 and 2 PM, while the forecast for Summerville is showing cloudy skies and no mention of winter precipitation. The forecast for Rome says there is a possibility for snow this afternoon. While forecasters are fairly certain areas south of Rome will see significant snowfall today, just how far the precipitation moves to the northwest is uncertain. What forecasters are sure of is that the bitterly cold weather will continue for another 36 hours. Another Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for the area for tonight, into Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to make it to around 40 degrees on Thursday.

Chattooga County Schools

Floyd County Schools

Rome City Schools

Walker County Schools

Gordon County Schools

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Trion City Schools are OPEN – Absence will not counted if parents don’t deem safe

The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District office in Rome and health departments in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker counties will be closed today, Tuesday, January 21, due to cold weather.

State Senator Colton Moore’s recent arrest at the Georgia Capitol has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across Northwest Georgia, revealing a stark divide among local constituents and political affiliations. The incident, which unfolded last week when Moore attempted to enter the House Chambers despite being banned, has drawn both support and criticism from various circles within the community.

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A quick response from several local fire departments was essential in fighting a house fire on Moore Street in Summerville recently. Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the house and learned from the homeowner that everyone had evacuated safely. They quickly set up attack lines and fought the flames inside. They faced tough challenges, including no visibility and intense heat, made worse by double ceilings that made it hard to put out the fire in the attic. Still, they were able to control the fire and even rescued some fish from the smoke-filled home. Luckily, there were no injuries reported for the occupants or firefighters. The fire started in the living room near a wood heater used for heat. Firefighters from Summerville, Trion, and the Hays Correctional Fire Department fought the fire, despite the water freezing in the cold temperatures. The Red Cross was contacted to help the affected family. With more cold weather ahead, residents are reminded to use heating sources carefully and check smoke detectors.

The average gas price in Georgia rose to $2. 96 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. This is an increase of 3 cents from last week and 4 cents from a month ago. Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs about $44. 40, which is 6 cents more than a month prior. Montrae Waiters from AAA explained that rising crude oil prices, high demand for heating, and sanctions against Russia are causing the increase. Nationally, the average gas price also rose to $3. 12 per gallon, influenced by oil prices around $80 per barrel. While gasoline demand decreased, domestic gasoline stocks increased, and gasoline production was up to 9. 3 million barrels daily. Lastly, WTI oil prices ended at $80. 04 a barrel, with crude oil inventories down by 2 million barrels.

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.03), Athens ($3.01), and Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.98).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Augusta-Aiken ($2.89), Columbus ($2.87), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.83).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.77), Walker ($2.81), Floyd ($2.94), Gordon ($2.97), DeKalb, AL ($2.76), Cherokee, AL ($2.81).

One of the last two World War II veterans in Chattooga County, Mr. William Henderson, will be laid to rest tomorrow. He was a 99-year-old Navy veteran who passed away on January 17, 2025, at his home in Trion. Mr. Henderson was born on March 20, 1925, in Fort Payne, AL, and worked at Riegel/Mount Vernon Mills before retiring. He was active in his church, Trion First Baptist, and loved gardening and the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his son, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many close friends. The funeral services will be held at 3:00 P. M. tomorrow, January 22, 2025, at Mason Funeral Home, with interment at West Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4-6 PM this evening at the funeral home.

The GBI has arrested Seth Roberts, 20, from Trenton, Dade County, GA, for Sexual Exploitation of Children. In September 2024, the GBI’s CEACC Unit began investigating Roberts due to a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about possible online possession and sharing of child sexual abuse material.

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