Cybercrime is increasing in Georgia and the U. S. Georgia moved from 13th to 11th place in internet-related complaints last year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2024. Potential losses reached $420 million, a 40% rise from 2023.
As the scorching summer months approach, residents of Northwest Georgia are undoubtedly turning their attention to cooling their homes. But for renters in the state, a critical question arises: Is your landlord legally obligated to provide air conditioning? With rent prices already straining budgets, the prospect of additional cooling costs adds to the financial pressure. The answer, unfortunately, is no.
Residents of Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, are reminded that the annual summer burn ban will begin on May 1st and end on September 30th. According to environmental regulators, this measure is essential for protecting air quality and lowering the risk of wildfires during the driest months. The burn ban prohibits burning yard and land-clearing debris, which is important to reduce smoke’s harmful effects on ozone levels, especially in urban areas. Ozone can worsen breathing problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues. The ban also addresses the increased risk of wildfires due to dry weather and wind, where even small fires can become uncontrollable. Human outdoor burning adds to this risk, making the ban necessary. Residents are encouraged to follow the ban and consider alternative ways to manage yard waste, like composting or mulching. Also, it should be pointed out that burning household garbage is illegal at anytime in all 159 counties in Georgia.
Big Lots is continuing its resurgence after recently emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with plans to open a second round of stores across the U.S. in May. This includes six Georgia locations, most notably in Fort Oglethorpe in Northwest Georgia. The expansion follows the company’s acquisition by Variety Wholesalers and represents a significant step in their planned revitalization. The grand re-openings are part of a broader strategy to relaunch a total of 55 stores nationwide by early June. The comeback trail officially began on April 10th, with nine stores in six states (Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) welcoming back customers. Variety Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies expressed excitement about the relaunch. “We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” she said in a recent news release. The reopening of these Big Lots stores promises to bring value and variety back to communities across the country. Further details regarding specific opening dates and special promotions are expected to be announced soon.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff hosted the annual Georgia Military Service Academy Day this past Saturday at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, drawing a record-breaking crowd since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 1,000 prospective students and their parents flocked to the Marietta base to explore opportunities at the five U.S. Service Academies. The event, touted as the largest of its kind in the U.S., provided attendees with invaluable information and a glimpse into military life, according to a Dobbins spokesperson. Senator Ossoff, in collaboration with Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, organizes the event annually to inform Georgia high school students and their families about the application and Congressional nomination process for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with Senator Ossoff himself, members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, Georgia military leaders, admissions counselors, recruiters, and current cadets from all five service academies. Representatives from Air Force, Navy, and Army ROTC programs were also on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. The event included tours of various aircraft, offering a tangible connection to the potential future careers in service.
The City of Summerville will hold a called meeting coming up this evening at 5:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year budget for the city. This evening’s meeting will take place at the historic Summerville Depot, located on East Washington Street in Summerville, instead of the normal city council chambers at Summerville City Hall. The public is welcome to attend this evening’s meeting. You can see a copy of the agenda for the meeting below:
Northwest Georgia residents can expect warm and mostly dry weather to continue through much of the week as a ridge of high pressure settles over the region. Today will be partly sunny with a high near 79 degree. A light northeast wind will be blowing at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, skies will remain partly cloudy, with a low temperature hovering around 58 degrees. The northeast wind will ease to around 5 mph, shifting eastward after midnight. Monday will offer more sunshine, with a high near 80 degrees. The wind will shift to the southeast, blowing at 5 to 10 mph. However, the pleasant weather won’t last indefinitely. A late-week cold front is expected to bring increasing rain chances beginning Thursday and lasting into Friday. In addition to the rain, isolated thunderstorms are possible across Northwest Georgia on Tuesday and Wednesday. The threat of scattered thunderstorms will expand across portions of the area Thursday and Friday. Highs will be in the upper 70’s to low 80’s and lows overnight in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s through next weekend.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, April 27, 2025:
Jamie Allison Smith, 38, of Alabama, was found guilty of homicide this past week by Floyd County, Georgia Superior Court Judge William F. Sparks in connection with a fatal car crash last June that claimed the lives of two individuals on Alabama Highway. Judge Sparks sentenced Smith to 15 years in prison, in addition to ordering her to pay a $2,500 fine and contribute $8,700 to the victim’s compensation fund.
The Summerville City Council will hold a called meeting on Monday to discuss the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget. The meeting will be held at the Summerville Depot and will get underway at 5:30 PM. The public is invited to attend.