Near record high temperatures are expected today and Saturday. There is a chance of isolated afternoon showers. Sunday we will see rain and storms, followed by a cool down with low temperatures near the freezing part by the first of next week.
Aspiring gardeners and plant enthusiasts are invited to a Hanging Basket Class hosted by the Chattooga Young Farmers on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5 PM. The event will take place at the Chattooga High School Greenhouse, offering participants the opportunity to create their own unique mixed hanging baskets using plants sourced directly from the CHS Greenhouse. All necessary materials will be provided, allowing attendees to design and assemble beautiful hanging arrangements. Participants are also welcome to bring their own container if they prefer. The price for the class will vary depending on the plants selected from the available inventory, ensuring flexibility and allowing attendees to create baskets that fit their individual budgets. Due to limited space, interested individuals are encouraged to sign up promptly. To reserve a spot, please contact Lauren Jarrett at LJarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new gardening skills and create stunning hanging baskets to brighten up any home or garden.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the 2024-2025 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program “Conserve Georgia” grants for various conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Selected applicants will advance to the final stage of the application process, with $24. 6 million in funding allocated for local parks and trails and state lands. Grantees have pledged an additional $36. 5 million to match these grants.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting an Open House on Thursday, April 17th, from 10 AM – 6 PM at all six of its campuses.
The Northwest Georgia Cancer Coalition has announced free transportation will be available to residents attending the 1st Annual Chattooga County Health Fair, scheduled for April 12, 2025, from 8 AM to Noon at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
A 63-year-old Summerville man was arrested on multiple drug charges last week after a traffic stop revealed a cache of narcotics and paraphernalia.
The Vidalia onion season is set to start on April 15, 2025, as announced by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee. This date was recommended after a review by the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel. Vidalia onions are known for their sweet taste and thrive in a special growing area in South Georgia. The pack date ensures only the best onions are sold, based on weather and soil conditions. This season, farmers have planted 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions. Despite bad weather, including storms and snow, the crop endured with minor damage. Farmers use traditional methods to grow and harvest these onions, which are typically available from April to early September. The Georgia Farm Bureau confirms that last year, in 2024, Vidalia onions were still being shipped well into October. The Vidalia Onion Committee oversees the production and marketing of these onions, protecting the trademark established in 1986.
This summer, the city of Rome will serve as the starting point for the highly anticipated Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, affectionately known as Big BRAG. On May 31st, cyclists from across the state and beyond will converge at the Forum River Center for an overnight stay, kicking off a week-long journey averaging 55 miles per day. Local officials are preparing for a significant influx of riders and supporters. Chris Fincher of Floyd County Emergency Management highlighted the excitement surrounding the event after attending a recent planning meeting. “There is going to be a big sendoff,” Fincher said. “They’ve got a large archway that they are going to take off from, and that night before they are going to have a lot of things in town to kind of welcome the riders to Rome. BRAG brings with it a large contingent of really knowledgeable planners. They’ve done this before, and they know what to prepare for with shower trailers and things like that. BRAG has turned into a really big thing.” The cyclists will embark on their statewide adventure from Rome, heading towards Cartersville, Jasper, Dawsonville, Clarkesville, and Toccoa. The epic journey concludes on June 7th in Hartwell, Georgia. For more information about Big BRAG, including registration details and the full route, visit brag.org.
Smith Iron Works, a leading steel fabrication and erection company, has made a significant investment in advanced robotic equipment, signaling a bold move to stay ahead in a competitive market. The investment reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and delivering superior quality steel structures. Recently, Blake Weaver, Chief Operating Officer of Smith Iron Works, welcomed Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen and Spencer Hogg of the Northwest Georgia Development Authority for a behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s expanded facility and its cutting-edge robotic systems. “We are proud to showcase our latest investment in robotic technology,” stated Weaver. “This expansion not only enhances our production capabilities but also reinforces our dedication to delivering unparalleled quality and precision to our valued clients.” Commissioner Allen lauded the company’s forward-thinking approach. “This investment in cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for Smith Iron Works and for Chattooga County. It’s truly inspiring to witness a local business leading the way in innovation while simultaneously creating opportunities for growth and development within our community.” Founded over 30 years ago by Eddie Smith, Smith Iron Works continues to build upon its strong foundation, upholding the family core values instilled since its inception. By integrating advanced robotics with their extensive expertise in steel fabrication and building erection, Smith Iron Works is setting a new standard for innovation and quality within the steel industry, securing its position as a trusted partner for projects throughout the Southeast.
A fire on Chamberlain Road in southern Walker County destroyed the home of Kristy Colbert, a teacher at Summerville Middle School who runs a wildlife sanctuary called Possumbilities.