The Georgia House of Representatives resumed on February 3rd for the fourth week of the 2025 legislative session, marking Legislative Day 10. The focus is on passing a balanced budget, which was approved with bipartisan support. This budget totals $40. 5 billion and includes $2. 7 billion in surplus funds for education, healthcare, and public safety. Key allocations include funding for Hurricane Helene recovery, $145 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund, and support for rural hospitals. There are also investments in housing and school security. The budget will go to the Senate for review. Additionally, House Bill 268 addresses school safety by creating a safety database and establishing mental health coordinator positions. You can read State Rep. Eddie Lumsden’s complete legislative report below:

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Commercial Gambling Unit has identified widespread violations of state law involving illegal cash payouts from Coin-Operated Amusement Machines (COAM) at 32 businesses in Rome and Floyd County. The violations, uncovered during an undercover operation that began last March, resulted in citations issued to the businesses and the immediate disabling of the implicated machines. The GBI, supported by the Rome Police Department, targeted businesses across the city and county.

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Mount Vernon Mills and the Trion Fire Department are joining forces to host a community blood drive today, Wednesday, February 12th, aiming to boost local blood supplies. The Blood Assurance Bloodmobile will be stationed at Mount Vernon Mills from 7 AM to 5 PM, providing a convenient location for residents to donate. Organizers are urging all eligible community members to participate in this vital event. Blood donations are crucial for saving lives in emergency situations and supporting patients undergoing medical treatments. Donating blood is a safe and simple process. Participants are encouraged to bring a photo ID and drink plenty of fluids beforehand.

Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney has confirmed that the pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle Monday evening has died from his injuries. The name is being withheld pending further investigation and proper notification of the family.  The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.  WZQZ News spoke with Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader on Tuesday afternoon, who said the Georgia State Patrol will release more information on the investigation into the pedestrian accident.  WZQZ will have more information as it becomes available.

Those in need of assistance can find support this Thursday, February 13th, thanks to There’s Hope for the Hungry and the Central Avenue Baptist Church Clothes Closet. There’s Hope for the Hungry will be distributing free groceries at the Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion. The giveaway will take place between 10 AM and 1 PM. No identification is required to receive the free groceries, but recipients must be present to collect their food. In addition to the grocery giveaway, The Clothes Closet will be open from 10 AM until 12:30 PM. Central Avenue is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, next to Michael’s Body Shop. The Clothes Closet offers a selection of clothing for those in need.

On Tuesday, the Trion Bulldogs were on the road to take on Ridgeland in their first soccer game of the season. The Trion Varsity Boys Soccer team won their Ridgeland High School match against Ridgeland High School by a score of 2-0.

Chattooga had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn’t the result they were hoping for. They fell just short of the Rockmart Yellowjackets by a score of 5-4 on Tuesday. The Indians haven’t had much luck with the Yellowjackets recently, as the team’s come up short the last three times they’ve met.

Looking ahead, Chattooga will look to take advantage of their home pitch for the first time this season as they take on Dalton Academy at 7 PM on Monday. The Bulldogs will be hosting Ringgold at home on Tuesday of next week.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should prepare for unsettled weather, including heavy rain, flooding, and thunderstorms. A Flood Watch is in place until Thursday morning at 7 AM. The National Weather Service reports a low-pressure system is moving east along a warm front from the Gulf Coast. A second low-pressure system with a cold front is expected to move through late tonight into early Thursday, leaving the area by Thursday afternoon. High pressure will bring dry weather after the cold front, but meteorologists are watching a “wedge front” that could affect today’s weather.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 12, 2025:

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Summerville Police are investigating a report of property damage following an incident on Hawkins Drive Sunday night. On February 10, 2025, officers responded to a call at 151 Hawkins Drive after a report from E’nivea London. Ms. London stated that while at 118 Houston London, at approximately 11:40 PM, she heard a loud noise. Upon investigation, she discovered that the windshield of her vehicle had been broken. According to Ms. London, she did not witness the incident and was unable to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the damage. Ms. London requested that a police report be filed regarding the vandalism.

As immigration policies continue to dominate national headlines, the spotlight shines on Northwest Georgia, where three sheriffs’ offices maintain agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Floyd, Whitfield, and Polk Counties currently participate in the 287(g) program, an agreement that compensates local law enforcement agencies for housing immigration detainees.

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