Northwest Georgia residents  should prepare for a wet and humid weekend as a shift in weather patterns brings increased chances of showers and thunderstorms starting today. The change is attributed to a slow-moving upper-level low pressure system over the southern Plains, combined with a large surface high-pressure system over the western Atlantic. These weather systems are creating southerly winds that are drawing moisture into the area, setting the stage for numerous showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. While the risk of severe weather is low due to weak wind shear, residents should still be aware that some storms could be strong, bringing gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. Today we will see showers and thunderstorms likely, especially after 3 PM. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 85 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southerly around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with expected rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch. Tonight, a chance of showers and thunderstorms exists before 2 AM, followed by a slight chance of showers between 2 AM and 5 AM. Patchy fog is expected after midnight. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 69 degrees. Winds will be calm. The chance of precipitation is 40%. For Friday, the wet weather will continue with a chance of showers before 11 AM, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 AM and 2 PM, and then showers and possibly thunderstorms after 2 PM. The high will be near 86 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming southerly around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%, with expected rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist throughout Father’s Day weekend.

There’s Hope for the Hungry will be distributing free groceries today, Thursday, June 12th, at the Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion. The giveaway will take place between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Residents in need are encouraged to attend and receive free groceries. No identification is required to receive the food, but attendees must be present to collect their share. In addition to the grocery distribution, the Central Avenue Baptist Clothes Closet will be open from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm, offering free clothing to those in need. The Central Avenue Baptist Church is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs. Organizers extend a warm invitation to all those who can benefit from these resources.

Votes cast for Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman in the upcoming June 17th primary election for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) will not be counted, following a judge’s ruling on Tuesday. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville determined that Blackman failed to prove he had resided in Fulton County for the required year prior to the general election in November. This decision overturns a previous temporary order issued by Judge Glanville that allowed Blackman to remain on the ballot, after Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger initially disqualified him. Following a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Glanville sided with Raffensperger, stating his office’s decision was correct. Blackman has the option to appeal the ruling. The Georgia Public Service Commission elections are held statewide, with voters choosing each of the five commissioners. However, each commissioner must reside within a specific district. A request for comment from Blackman’s lawyer has not yet been returned. Secretary of State spokesperson Robert Sinners stated that signs alerting voters to Blackman’s disqualification will be displayed at polling locations.

Abbie Carson, a recent graduate of Armuchee High School, has been awarded the North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation’s (NGEMC) 2025 Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding students within the NGEMC service area. Carson, a resident of Chattooga County, plans to further her education at the University of Georgia. The $2,500 scholarship is available to high school seniors who reside in households served by NGEMC. It is named in honor of former NGEMC board members Howard Baker and Gerald Lowery, recognizing their dedication and service to the cooperative and its members. NGEMC is a member-owned electric cooperative providing power to residents in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties. The scholarship program underscores NGEMC’s commitment to supporting the education and future success of young people in the communities it serves.

Charles Shannon Keen, 46, of Summerville, was arrested last week on charges of DUI after failing field sobriety tests at a license and safety checkpoint.  Chattooga County Deputies and Trion Police were conducting a safety checkpoint at the intersection of Ridgeway Drive and Tatum Road last Saturday. According to the incident report filed by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office,  Keen’s vehicle, a white Land Rover Discovery Sport, entered the checkpoint. A deputy noticing the odor of alcohol, directed Keen to pull aside. The deputy also detected the odor of alcohol and initiated a conversation with Keen, who initially denied consuming alcohol before admitting to having “three or four” drinks.  A portable breath test registered a 0.094 blood alcohol content. Keen subsequently refused a blood test after being read implied consent. Keen then asked if he could tell his wife to call a ride because she was also intoxicated, the report stated. After being read his Miranda rights, Keen admitted to having “3 or 4 beers” approximately 30 minutes prior to driving. While being transported to the Chattooga County Jail, Keen told deputies, “I’m sorry for driving I knew I shouldn’t have been.” Keen was booked into the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Residents in Chattooga County, Georgia, and neighboring Cherokee and DeKalb Counties in Alabama, are experiencing an increased number of black bear sightings in recent weeks. In response, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents to practice “BearWise” principles to ensure both human and bear safety.

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A welfare check on several horses has led to the arrest of Raul Rodriguez, 47, and Belinda Rodriguez, 56, both of Walker County. The arrests follow a two-day investigation at their property located at 44 Manor Lane, outside of Rossville. Raul Rodriguez is facing 12 counts of animal cruelty, while Belinda Rodriguez is charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty. The investigation began when Walker County Animal Control officers responded to a complaint concerning multiple horses appearing malnourished. Upon arrival, officers found several animals on the property in emaciated condition, lacking sufficient feed to maintain a healthy body weight. Observations included deteriorating muscle mass, missing fur, open leg wounds, and inflamed skin on several animals. A veterinarian who assessed the animals determined that some were in pain and suffering from conditions stemming from neglect. While the veterinarian did not believe the owners acted maliciously, their failure to provide adequate care for the livestock was evident. The Rodriguez’s surrendered their animals to the county. Authorities removed a total of four horses, three donkeys, two mini-horses, two pigs, one rabbit, and multiple chickens and goats from the property. The animals in the most critical condition were transported to TMMA Farms & Sanctuary in Trion for immediate treatment. The remaining animals were placed with a livestock rescue organization. The case remains under investigation.

Residents of Northwest Georgia awoke to unseasonably pleasant temperatures this morning, with readings in the low 60s and even dipping into the upper 50s in higher elevations. The refreshing start comes ahead of rising temperatures expected later today and a weekend forecast dominated by rain. A frontal boundary is currently moving slowly across the region, bringing with it a mix of conditions. Areas along and north of the boundary are experiencing mostly clear skies and some morning fog, while central Georgia is seeing scattered showers and thunderstorms. The forecast for today calls for mostly sunny skies with highs reaching the upper 80s. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 64 degrees and calm winds. Thursday brings a 40% chance of showers, with the likelihood increasing to showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 87. The chance of precipitation remains elevated heading into the weekend. Thursday night has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 AM, followed by a slight chance of showers. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a 70% chance of showers, becoming likely showers and thunderstorms after 11 AM. The high is expected to be near 87. Unfortunately for outdoor plans, the unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue through the weekend, with a high probability of rain on both Saturday and Father’s Day Sunday.