Just weeks after completing a month-long flood recovery mission in Kentucky, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief (GBDR) is mobilizing once again to provide aid to the Bluegrass State, this time in response to a devastating tornado outbreak. The storms, which ripped through southeastern Kentucky, claimed at least 27 lives and left widespread destruction in their wake.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp lauded Georgia Power’s recent commitment to freeze base rates for the next three years, stating the move will benefit both residential customers and significantly strengthen the state’s appeal for new businesses and investment. “This is good news for Georgia,” Kemp declared at a press conference held at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 21st. “Georgia’s going to be in a great place.” The governor’s endorsement came alongside the appearance of two Public Service Commissioners, just two days after Georgia Power and the PSC’s Public Interest Advocacy Staff revealed an agreement to maintain current base rates through 2028. This proposed agreement, which is pending approval from the Public Service Commission, would also negate the need for the rate case that Georgia Power had been scheduled to file by July 1st. While the agreement is being praised, it follows a period of rising electricity costs for Georgia residents. Georgia Power has implemented three rate increases over the last three years, driven in part by the surge in electricity demand associated with the rapid expansion of data centers across the state. The rate freeze aims to provide stability and predictability for both consumers and businesses amidst this growing demand.

A high-speed chase originating near Hays State Prison Saturday morning resulted in a serious injury accident at the intersection of Highway 27 and Central Avenue. According to Sheriff Mark A. Schrader, Chattooga County deputies were alerted to a possible contraband drop near the prison at approximately 7:00 AM. Corporal Jared Wilks responded and initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be involved. “As Cpl. Wilks approached the out-of-county vehicle, the driver and passenger exhibited extreme nervousness,” stated Sheriff Schrader. “Upon requesting the driver to step out of the vehicle, the driver sped away, initiating a pursuit.” Cpl. Wilks pursued the vehicle north on Highway 27 through Trion. The suspect vehicle then made an abrupt U-turn near Dixie Fibers and headed south on Highway 27. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fleeing vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 27 and Central Avenue, colliding with another vehicle attempting to enter the highway from Central Avenue. All three individuals involved in the accident were injured. The driver of the vehicle struck by the suspect was transported to the emergency room. The driver and passenger of the fleeing vehicle were also transported for medical treatment. Sheriff Schrader urges the community to keep the driver of the struck vehicle and their family in their thoughts and prayers. A host of charges are pending against the fleeing suspects, who authorities believe are both on probation in the metro Atlanta area. These charges are expected to include serious injury by motor vehicle.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 24, 2025:

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Budding anglers under the age of 16 are invited to cast their lines at the annual Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The free event, held at the scenic Paris Lake on the Floyd Campus in Rome, promises a morning of fishing fun and exciting prizes.

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On Wednesday of this week, Summerville Police were called to the Ingles Supermarket parking lot after several witnesses noticed a man and woman causing a disturbance.  According to police, witnesses said that they were concerned about the safety of those involved after they observed 33-year-old Devan Buford Smith of Cartersville and 33-year-old Stephanie Smith of Canton arguing and acting aggressively towards each other.  Police said that witnesses confirmed that while the two were arguing, the female subject “got in the face” of the male subject and knocked his glasses off of his face.  Both Devan Smith and Stephanie Smith were arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.

With the heat of summer on the way, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City, Georgia  is issuing a critical warning about the dangers of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH), reminding the public that leaving a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car is never safe – regardless of the season. “It can happen to anyone,” warns the NWS. “Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Sitter… anyone can be affected by this tragedy.” The NWS emphasizes that 100% of hot car child deaths are preventable.

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The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced its April 2025 unemployment data on Thursday of this week, showing mixed results for Northwest Georgia. The overall unemployment rate is low at 2. 9%, but Chattooga County is struggling with the highest rate in the area. Chattooga County has seen a concerning rise in initial unemployment claims, with 119 claims last month, a jump of 79 from the month before.

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The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will be hosting a homemade ice cream sale today at the park in Summerville.  Come out and enjoy a variety of flavors of delicious homemade ice cream for just $3 a cup.  Credit cards are accepted, and a $5 park pass is required to park.  The ice cream sale is happening today from Noon until 3 PM.  You’ll find the ice cream sale next to the visitor’s center at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park today.