Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) and AdventHealth Redmond are hosting a free Community Conversations film event on Thursday, February 20, at 7 pm at The Historic DeSoto Theater in Downtown Rome. The event includes healthy snacks and a screening of the documentary Bike Vessel, followed by a discussion with local healthcare leaders and community members sharing their healthcare experiences. Bike Vessel is a documentary about family, food, and fitness focusing on Black men’s health. It follows Donnie Seals and his son on a bike trip from St. Louis to Chicago, discussing health challenges faced by Black men, including Donnie’s heart surgeries. Juleun Johnson will moderate a panel with Dr. Kipp Slicker, Dr. Rachel Harris, and Marcellous Cooke. The event also highlights the Health Initiative, providing free health screenings. Tickets are free, and reservations can be made at riffga.com or via their Facebook page.  Find more information HERE

A trio of Georgia State Representatives, Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), have introduced House Bill 25, known as the “Dignity is Essential Act,” aimed at tackling hygiene inequity within the state.

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Brooke Rollins, a lawyer from Texas, has been confirmed as the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture after a unanimous Senate vote. She will manage around $213 billion in funding for the agency. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper praised Rollins for her understanding of farm values and her commitment to American agriculture.

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A Summerville man was arrested on January 30th after a traffic stop revealed illegal substances in his vehicle. According to a report released last week by the Summerville Police Department, 38-year-old Monte Turner was pulled over after officers observed him failing to stop at a stop sign while driving a gray Toyota Scion. During the traffic stop, officers detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Turner and his passenger admitted to having smoked marijuana earlier. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered both marijuana and methamphetamine. A black magnetic box containing the drugs was found hidden under the driver’s seat. Turner admitted ownership of the marijuana but denied any knowledge of the methamphetamine. He also acknowledged that his driver’s license was currently suspended due to unpaid child support obligations. Turner was subsequently arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. His vehicle was retrieved by family members. All evidence seized during the traffic stop was processed and secured in the Summerville Police Department’s evidence locker. He faces charges related to drug possession and driving with a suspended license, in addition to the traffic violation.

Four Trion High School wrestlers are moving on to Day 2 of the GHSA State Championships after dominating performances yesterday at the Macon Centreplex. Silas Mills (120 lbs), Coleman Lee (144 lbs), Clayton Loughridge (157 lbs), and Lane Harris (190 lbs) secured their spots with decisive victories, showcasing the strength and dedication of the Trion wrestling program. The wins were a highlight of the first day, however, the Trion wrestling community is also rallying in support after a serious injury to a fellow wrestler. The Trion Wrestling community is now asking for prayers for Dominic Haines, a wrestler from Jefferson High School, who suffered a severe injury during his semi-final match last night. Haines reportedly broke his neck, leaving the entire Georgia High School wrestling community deeply concerned. “We ask our Trion Wrestling Community to please keep Dominic Haines from Jefferson High School in your prayers,” a statement from the Trion Wrestling program read. “Our thoughts are with him, his family, and the entire Jefferson High School wrestling team.” The focus remains on the health and recovery of Dominic Haines as the Trion wrestlers continue their quest for state titles today. The Trion Bulldogs send their prayers and hopes for a swift and complete recovery.

The Chattooga High School Varsity Boys Basketball team is riding high after a decisive 69-54 victory over the Gordon Central Warriors Friday night. This win not only marks their second consecutive triumph against the Warriors but also solidifies their spot to host a state playoff game next week. The Indians demonstrated their dominance, bouncing back from previous challenges with a commanding 15-point win. Leading the charge was Dan Meyer, who dominated the scoreboard with an impressive 29 points. Quarry Gibson followed closely, contributing a significant 20 points to the team’s success. Chattooga is currently enjoying a phenomenal run, having secured victory in 15 of their last 17 games. This impressive streak has boosted their season record to a remarkable 22-5. For Gordon Central, the loss marks their second consecutive defeat, concluding their season with a final record of 18 wins and 10 losses. Good luck to the Indians as they prepare to host their state playoff game at Chattooga High School next week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, February 15, 2025:

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Northwest Georgia residents should get ready for a weekend of unstable weather as a storm system arrives, bringing possible scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain.

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North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (NGEMC) has alerted its members about a tree trimming scam in the area. A member reported a deceptive encounter with a tree trimming crew that falsely claimed to be working for NGEMC.

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Berry College President Steve Briggs was honored with the Daniel T. Dutcher Meritorious Service Award at the 2025 NCAA National Convention.

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