The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) warns residents about a new text message scam that falsely claims individuals owe traffic ticket payments. The scam texts appear to come from a fake “State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)” and include links to a fake DDS website. DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon advises that these messages are fraudulent attempts to steal money and personal information and that DDS employees do not request payments or confidential info. Those receiving such texts should delete them without responding. To check license status, visit the secure DDS website. Residents are encouraged to create an Online Services Account and to be cautious of any unsolicited communications requesting personal information.

State Senator Colton Moore, a vocal conservative representing Chattooga and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, has announced he is seriously considering a bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. Moore, known for his unwavering conservative stance and frequent disagreements with fellow Republicans in the Georgia Senate, cited a desire to combat a “broken system” as the driving force behind his potential run.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 29, 2025:

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Get ready to “Color Our World” this summer! The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is hosting a kickoff event for their 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at the Trion Library this Friday, May 30th. Located at 15 Bulldog Blvd in Trion, the event promises two hours of fun, games, and exciting prizes. Families are invited to join the library in launching their summer reading program with a vibrant celebration. Attendees can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, engage in entertaining games, and earn rewards for their participation. What’s more, the library will be offering refreshing snow cones and delightful goodie bags to all attendees, making it a perfect start to a summer filled with reading and discovery. Don’t miss this chance to ignite your child’s love of reading and embark on a colorful adventure with the Sara Hightower Regional Library System! The event is free and open to the public.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for scattered thunderstorms today, with the possibility of isolated severe storms developing this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service is warning of potentially damaging winds, small hail, periods of heavy rain, and frequent lightning across the region. The forecast for today is mostly cloudy with a high near 75 degrees. A calm wind will become south around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is estimated at 70%. The threat of thunderstorm activity will continue across the region through Friday. Officials warn that damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, frequent lightning, and hail will remain the primary hazards. While less likely, a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Tonight, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 pm, followed by a slight chance of showers after 2 am. The skies will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 62 degrees. A break in the weather is expected on Friday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers before 8 pm, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 56 degrees. Saturday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 80 degrees. However, occasional isolated thunderstorms could return to North Georgia on Sunday afternoon.

A Rome resident tragically perished in a house fire Wednesday afternoon in the Garden Lakes neighborhood. Rome/Floyd 911 dispatch received the call reporting the structure fire, prompting a rapid response from the Rome-Floyd Fire Division. According to Fire Division Chief Jamie Stone, initial reports suggested a person may be trapped inside the single-story residence. The first unit arrived on the scene at 4:30 PM, encountering heavy smoke and flames emanating from the home. Firefighters immediately launched an interior attack while simultaneously conducting a search for any occupants. Crews located one adult inside the structure and quickly extracted the individual. Tragically, the victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the fire. As of Wednesday night, authorities were withholding the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin.  Chief Stone confirmed that a representative from the State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains ongoing. Further details will be released as they become available.

The American Legion LaFayette Post 339 will host the Honeybee Festival Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 31st, from 9 AM to 3 PM in Downtown LaFayette. This event will showcase beautifully restored classic cars and is part of the vibrant Honeybee Festival. Car enthusiasts can register their vehicles for $25, with gates opening at 8 AM. Spectators can attend the show FREE of charge. Exciting prizes will be awarded, including a $250 cash prize for First Place and the Mayor’s Choice Trophy, selected by LaFayette Mayor Andy Arnold. The event is sponsored by Jenkins Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep and Paul Thigpin Chevrolet along with Sallie McGinnis State Farm Insurance.

A man will serve nearly six years in federal prison after buying over 150 guns in Georgia and smuggling some to Mexico. Edson Areguillin received instructions from agents in Mexico and purchased weapons for them. He allegedly crossed the border with the guns. Attorney Chris Timmons stated that Areguillin acted as a straw buyer. He would receive a wire transfer from Mexico, use it to buy firearms, keep part of the money, and then smuggle the guns to Mexico, where they were later used in crimes. One gun purchased in Cherokee County was recovered in Mexico after being used in a shootout that killed eight and injured four. The U. S. attorney noted that Areguillin mainly bought 9 mm pistols and AR-style weapons, earning thousands on each trip. “Illegal firearms trafficking wreaks havoc in communities within and outside our district,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are proud to stand alongside our federal law enforcement partners in helping to stem the unlawful flow of firearms to criminals.”

WSB / GNN / US Department of Justice

Gas prices continue to fall with local averages below $3.00 a gallon.  Statewide, Georgia drivers are seeing an average price at the pump of $2.87, according to GasBuddy. “While the national average didn’t fall quite as far as anticipated for Memorial Day, it was still one of the most affordable since 2021— and, when adjusted for inflation, among the cheapest in nearly a decade,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said. De Haan said he expected prices to stay stable through the summer and that he did not foresee prices dropping far below a $3 average for now.  Locally, gas is averaging $2.76 per gallon in Chattooga County.  That compares to $2.82 in Floyd County and $2.81 in Walker County.  Gordon County’s average was $2.86 per gallon as of Wednesday.  Across the state line in Alabama, gas was even lower at $2.73 per gallon in DeKalb County and Cherokee Counties.

The Floyd County Commission has approved a rezoning request for a new data center near Coosa High School, following a public hearing with mixed reactions from residents. Concerns were raised about the potential strain on resources and the heavy industrial zoning associated with the project. Residents questioned the data center’s water and power needs, with local residents highlighting existing water restrictions and worrying about increased water usage; others also urged the commission to consider the risks to the community, schools, and overall quality of life. The land was sold to the developer by the Floyd County Board of Education, and Superintendent Glenn White defended the project, assuring that it would not endanger student safety. County planning staff noted that data centers usually impact traffic minimally but require large amounts of utilities. Commissioner Scotty Hancock mentioned that the developers chose Floyd County due to its water resources and that there would be a limit on future data center projects. The approval includes conditions to reduce negative effects on the community, like restricting property use, limiting lighting, and maintaining buffers around the site.

WRGA contributed to this story