Outside of some high clouds moving in from the west, Northwest Georgia is experiencing a quiet late January morning. Temperatures are in the low 30’s, making it one of the warmest early mornings we’ve seen for most of the month of January. The upper level weather pattern is stable, keeping active storm systems mainly to the north, while a low-pressure system over the Southwest will bring rain by Friday as it moves northeast. Today, winds may gust, and we are looking for a high in the low 60s with sunny skies.

For the long-term forecast from Thursday night through Tuesday, rain is expected to arrive towards the end of the workweek, although there is some uncertainty about the timing. Models suggest that the low-pressure system will quickly move east and bring moisture ahead of a front on Friday. Current predictions indicate total rainfall of half an inch to an inch, with low chances of thunderstorms. The polar jet stream will stay to the north, leading to warm weather in the days following the rain on Friday, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s.

After Friday, rain chances will remain low until mid-next week and the weather will remain warm, with high temperatures in the 60s every day until at least mid-next week.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported a case of measles involving an unvaccinated person in metro Atlanta. This individual contracted the virus while traveling in the U. S. and was contagious between January 19 and January 24, 2025.

Read more

The contentious debate surrounding House Bill 581 shows no signs of cooling off, with Chattooga County’s state senator, Colton Moore, issuing a stern warning to local governments considering opting out of the measure.

Read more

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) has released his weekly legislative report. Following Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Georgia General Assembly planned to begin “budget week” on January 21, 2025. This week is usually when leaders present budget recommendations, but hearings were postponed due to a State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp for anticipated winter storms. Despite this, Gov. Kemp shared his official budget report, emphasizing that passing a balanced budget is a key obligation. Gov. Kemp’s main focus is relief for Hurricane Helene’s victims, with over $614 million proposed for recovery efforts. He also highlighted Georgia’s business success and suggested a one-time tax rebate and income tax cuts. The budget includes significant funding for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public safety. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:

Read more

The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2025 season with the release of their Spring Training schedule and the exciting addition of right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham to their roster. Fans can look forward to 32 games as the team kicks off their preseason on February 22 with an away game against the Minnesota Twins. Among these games, the Braves will host 15 home contests at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, while also hitting the road for 17 games.

Read more

A 21-year-old man, identified as Kamdyn Jaxx Harris, was arrested this past Saturday, during a traffic safety checkpoint by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol. He was charged with DUI (drugs), possession of marijuana, and a windshield violation after officers noticed signs of impairment. The arrest happened around 10:10 PM on Back Berryton Road. Officers saw Harris driving a blue Honda CRV with a broken windshield and smelled marijuana coming from the car. He had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag of what was believed to be marijuana. Harris admitted to smoking marijuana three hours before the stop. Harris consented to field sobriety tests, which showed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and agreed to a blood draw. Harris faces charges of DUI/drugs, a windshield violation, and possession of marijuana under one ounce.

Voters in Chattooga County will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard as they prepare to head back to the polls in March for a crucial Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal vote. The election is set for March 18, 2025, and residents are encouraged to actively participate in this important decision.

Read more

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announced today the successful conviction of Samantha Shea Leamon, a resident of 122 Ann Drive, Rossville, Catoosa County, Georgia, for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. This landmark conviction comes amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the Lookout Mountain region and nationwide.

Read more

Walker County Chairwoman Angie Teems has announced new key administrative staff members: Aleksandra Jagiella-Litts as compliance officer, Lisa Richardson as county clerk, and Hugh Delacruz as human resources director. Teems believes these roles are crucial for the county’s government and aims to enhance services for citizens and employees. Jagiella-Litts has over 20 years of legal experience, handling code violations, collaborating on policy issues, and supporting grant applications. Richardson brings extensive organizational experience and will manage records for the Board of Commissioners while preparing meeting minutes. Delacruz, a former Sergeant in the Sheriff’s Office, will focus on recruitment and retention programs, enhancing employee well-being and career growth, drawing on lessons from his Army service.