Chattooga County residents will have the opportunity to receive free health screenings on June 17th at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building, located off Highway 100. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is urging residents to take advantage of this valuable resource sponsored by the Free Clinic of Rome. The clinic, which runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will provide essential health services to qualifying individuals, with a focus on critical health assessments including COPD, high blood pressure, and blood sugar testing. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to receive essential health screenings at no cost,” said Commissioner Allen. “I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this valuable service.” Interested individuals must pre-qualify for the event. Renee Blackman is available at 706-346-7248 to provide details about eligibility requirements and guide community members through the screening process. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact Renee Blackman to determine their eligibility and to learn more about the specific screenings offered at the clinic. This initiative aims to provide accessible healthcare to those in need within the Chattooga County community.

Two men from Chattooga County, Georgia, found themselves on the wrong side of the law in Cherokee County, Alabama, according to arrest reports released Friday by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Dylan Atkins, 25, of Trion, Georgia, was taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Office and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Benjamin Weeks, 49, of Summerville, Georgia, faces more serious charges. Weeks was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal littering. Both men were booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

The Town of Trion has announced its proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, totaling $15,199,377.88 in both revenues and expenses across all departments. The balanced budget aims to address the needs of the community and ensure the continued provision of essential services.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia are facing patchy, dense fog this morning, which may cut visibility to less than one mile. The National Weather Service advises drivers to be careful, recommending they slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance from other vehicles. The fog should clear by 9 AM. However, this fog signals a busier weather day ahead, with thunderstorms expected to move across the state from northwest to southeast between 11 AM and 5 PM. These storms may bring damaging wind gusts and hail up to 1 inch. The National Weather Service warns that brief tornadoes could also occur. Residents should stay updated on weather reports and be ready to seek shelter if needed. Today, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 2 PM, with a 80% chance of rain and a high around 77 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low near 55 degrees. Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 81 degrees. Sunday has a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with drier weather returning for Monday of next week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 30, 2025:

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Officials at AdventHealth are excited to announce they are breaking ground on a new cancer pavilion focused on women’s health and cancer services. Construction will begin in June in front of AdventHealth Stadium on Braves Boulevard near the intersection of Veteran’s Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway. 

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A Summerville man was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat and was threatened on McKenzie Avenue earlier this week. According to a Summerville Police report, officers were dispatched to the scene on May 22, 2025, at approximately 5:32 PM after receiving a call about a male subject with a head injury. The victim, identified as Danny Green, stated he was walking home from work when a male, later identified as Zack Hill, allegedly emerged from a residence and struck him on the head with a baseball bat, causing a laceration. Green stated he defended himself, at which point Hill allegedly brandished what appeared to be a Glock handgun and threatened to kill him. Green fled the scene while a neighbor called 911. Responding officers observed and photographed Green’s injuries. After Green positively identified Hill from a photo lineup, officers and investigators proceeded to Hill’s residence. According to the report, Hill initially denied any altercation but later admitted to a verbal argument. He claimed to own a BB pellet rifle, a .22 caliber rifle, and a BB CO2 cartridge pistol. Officers noted that Hill appeared visibly nervous during the interview. Investigators discovered a trail of blood near Hill’s residence. Hill was subsequently arrested and transported to Chattooga County Jail. Hill’s wife, consented to handing over a BB CO2 cartridge pistol to authorities. The pistol, described as resembling a Glock with a silver barrel and brown handle, was photographed and its serial number recorded. The incident remains under investigation.

In a late-breaking development that could impact the upcoming election for the Public Service Commission (PSC), Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has disqualified Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman. The decision comes as early voting is already underway. According to officials, the disqualification stems from a recent ruling by a state judge finding Blackman ineligible to run for the District 3 seat. The judge determined that Blackman did not meet the residency requirement, failing to live within the district for at least 12 months prior to the November 4th deadline. The PSC holds significant power in Georgia, overseeing utilities like gas and electric companies, and playing a crucial role in regulating Georgia Power’s plans and rates. With early voting in progress, notices will be posted at polling locations informing voters that votes cast for Blackman will not be counted. The disqualification leaves three Democrats – Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Sean Waites – vying for the nomination in the June 17th primary. The winner will then face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the November general election. This unexpected turn of events is likely to reshape the dynamics of the race and could influence the outcome of the crucial election for the Public Service Commission.

As part of changes in the organization, Amos Willingham was promoted to the High-A Emperors from the Atlanta Braves’ Florida Complex League team on Tuesday before their game against Asheville. He made his debut that night, pitching one inning and allowing two earned runs in a 13-6 victory. Willingham, a 26-year-old, graduated from Chattooga High School in 2016 and played college baseball at Georgia Tech. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2019 and pitched 25 1/3 major league innings in 2023 and 2024 before being designated for assignment in January. After being claimed by the Braves, he had a brief season with Triple-A Gwinnett.