As the weather warms and flowers bloom, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are experiencing a surge in visitors eager to enjoy the beauty of spring. Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator, reports a significant increase in Georgians taking advantage of the state’s natural and historical offerings. “Georgians are flocking to our state parks to soak in the sights and sounds of the season,” Hatcher enthused. With Easter and Mother’s Day approaching, Hatcher encourages families looking for fun and engaging activities to consider spending time exploring the great outdoors at a state park or delving into history at a historic site. For those looking for a special Easter experience, the Easter Bunny will be making a guest appearance at Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville, GA, on Saturday, April 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. He will be available for photos at the fire ring in front of the park office. The event is free to attend, and each child will receive a treat bag. A parking pass or annual park pass is required for entry. To discover the full range of state parks and historic sites across Georgia, visit the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website at www.gastateparks.org.

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is set to celebrate the invaluable contributions of administrative professionals with a special luncheon on April 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Chattooga Civic Center. The Chamber aims to recognize the hard work and dedication of secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants, receptionists, client services representatives, and all other administrative support professionals who keep businesses running smoothly. The highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of the prestigious “Administrative Professional of the Year” award, honoring an outstanding individual for their exceptional performance and dedication. The Chamber is inviting businesses to show their appreciation by reserving a seat for their administrative professional to attend this catered lunch. Attendees will be treated to gifts and participate in door prize drawings, making it a truly special occasion. Reservations are required to attend this event. To reserve a seat for your administrative professional and nominate them for the Administrative Professional of the Year award, please visit HERE

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced that the unemployment rate for March remained at 3. 6%, the same as February. This rate is lower than the national rate by six-tenths of a percent. Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes highlighted the job market in Georgia, stating there are nearly 5 million jobs available with three openings for every person in the state. She emphasized her commitment to working with the governor, lawmakers, and job creators to connect people with job opportunities and maintain Georgia’s status as the top state for business.

In March, the state added 6,900 jobs and 23,100 jobs over the year, totaling 4,979,500 jobs. The biggest job gains in March were in health care and social assistance (3,100 jobs), information (2,400 jobs), and other sectors. However, some sectors like transportation and warehousing, and accommodation and food services, saw job losses. Over the past year, health care and social assistance had the highest growth with 22,500 new jobs, while sectors like administrative and support services experienced notable decreases.

The labor force decreased slightly, totaling 5,384,258. The number of employed individuals fell by 6,654, while the unemployed rose slightly by 35. Initial unemployment claims decreased to 19,296 in March, though this number is still higher than last year.

One person is dead and another had been taken into custody in connection with a two-vehicle accident that happened early this morning on Highway 48 (the Menlo Highway).  The Georgia State Patrol told WZQZ News that a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Highway 48 was struck by an oncoming pickup truck that was traveling westbound.  The driver of the westbound truck crossed over the centerline and hit the other truck head-on.  David Joe Gill of Cloudland was the driver of the eastbound truck and was critically injured in the accident.  Gill was transported to a Rome hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The driver of the westbound vehicle was identified as David Michael Arnold, age 47 of Trion.  Arnold was not injured and was taken into custody and charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to maintain a single lane.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 17, 2025:

Read more

Northwest Georgia residents can expect a clear day with plenty of sunshine. Following a cool start with temperatures in the low to mid-40s, today promises to be a beautifully sunny Spring day with a high near 78 degrees. A calm wind will shift to a gentle southeast breeze around 5 mph in the afternoon. The pleasant weather continues into the week. Tonight, expect mostly clear skies with a low around 51 and a southeast wind around 5 mph. Friday will bring even warmer temperatures, soaring to a high near 84 with mostly sunny skies. A south wind of 5 to 10 mph will be present, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. Friday night mirrors the daytime, with mostly clear skies and a low around 56, accompanied by a south wind around 5 mph and gusts up to 15 mph. Saturday will remain warm with partly sunny skies and a high near 86. Winds will continue from the south at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 60. However, the sunny streak may be coming to an end. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 86. Sunday night brings a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, developing into a greater chance of showers after 2 AM, with a low around 62 and a 30% chance of precipitation. The unsettled weather pattern continues into early next week. Monday sees a 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 AM. Partly sunny skies are expected, with a high near 81. Monday night has a similar forecast, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly cloudy skies, and a low around 54. Tuesday offers a slight reprieve, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and partly sunny skies, with a high near 79.

The Town of Trion Business Office, Maintenance, and Gas Departments will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, for Good Friday Easter Holiday. The garbage normally picked up on Friday will be picked up on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The Trion Recreation Center will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, and Saturday, April 19, 2025. For any emergency calls for Gas or Trion Police Department, please get in touch with Emergency 911 and they will contact the proper person.

In a gesture of solidarity and support, Trion High School has moved its upcoming baseball game against LaFayette High School to LaFayette’s home field this Friday at 5:30 pm. The decision comes after a tragic accident earlier this week in Rock Spring claimed the life of LaFayette High School baseball player, Brennon Beavers. Trion High School Athletic Director Jason Lanham released a statement explaining the decision: “Due to the unfortunate circumstances of the tremendous loss for the Lafayette community and Lafayette Baseball, Trion has decided that it’s in the best interest of everyone involved to move the baseball game this Friday night to Lafayette High School at 5:30 pm. This decision was made to allow Lafayette High School to honor their beloved athlete on their home field and pay proper tribute to Brennon Beavers.” The game will provide an opportunity for the LaFayette community to come together and remember Brennon Beavers on his home field. The Trion community extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Brennon Beavers, as well as the entire Rambler Nation during this incredibly difficult time. “May God Bless all of Rambler Nation during this very difficult time,” Lanham concluded.

A  man was arrested early Sunday morning after failing field sobriety tests during a license and safety checkpoint in Chattooga County. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting the checkpoint on Ridgeway Drive at the intersection of Tatum Road at approximately 12:11 AM on April 13, 2025, when a blue Chevy Malibu approached. Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Matthew McGuire. While speaking with McGuire, deputies observed several alcoholic beverage containers on the passenger side of the vehicle. The passenger, Gabrielle Dyer, claimed ownership of the containers, stating they were unopened. Upon further investigation, deputies noticed McGuire exhibited signs of possible intoxication, including bloodshot eyes. After admitting to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening, McGuire agreed to undergo Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. During the testing, deputies observed multiple indicators of impairment. McGuire also provided a positive Portable Breath Test (PBT) result, registering a .116. As a result, McGuire was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). He consented to a blood test and was transported to EMS Station 14 in Trion, where a blood sample was drawn. McGuire was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Downtown LaFayette is excited for the 2025 season of the LaFayette Farmers Market, which has a new, permanent location at the Downtown Commons Pavilion. The market has become popular since it started in 2023, attracting about 1,000 visitors weekly from May to August. People come to buy fresh produce, handmade goods, enjoy music, and socialize.

Read more