In a strategic move to bolster their pitching roster, the Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham off waivers from the Washington Nationals. The decision follows the Braves designating fellow right-handed pitcher Allan Winans for assignment. Willingham, pitched for the Chattooga Indians before making his mark at the collegiate level with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 17, 2025:
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says Northwest Georgia will shift from cool, clear conditions to increased precipitation starting today through Saturday. As the morning begins, residents can expect mostly clear skies, with low temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s across the region. Patchy frost is also likely this morning. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 50s in Northwest Georgia, thanks to a weak upper ridge and surface high pressure that will maintain mild weather throughout the day. However, as the evening approaches, a long-wave trough from the upper Midwest will converge with a shortwave over Oklahoma, bringing a cold front southward toward the Lower Mississippi Valley. This front will travel into Georgia overnight, triggering increased chances for rain.
By sunrise Saturday, widespread showers are anticipated across Northwest Georgia, with low temperatures dropping into the mid-40s for most areas. In the highest elevations of far Northeast Georgia, temperatures could plummet to the mid-30s, where a light mix of rain and snow may occur before transitioning to all rain by mid-morning. Rainfall totals from this system are forecasted to range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches, with little concern for flooding. While thunderstorms are not expected, isolated rumbles of thunder could occur.
Looking ahead to the long-term forecast, a significant temperature drop is expected by Monday as an Arctic high pressure system moves into the area. Highs will plummet to the 20’s, with elevated regions potentially seeing highs in the teens. Lows Monday morning are projected to fall into the low teens, possibly single digits, with breezy conditions creating wind chills that may feel like zero or below for several hours.
As next week progresses, the potential for another round of winter weather will be monitored, with forecasters keeping a close eye on the development of moisture along the coast that could affect precipitation patterns across Georgia.
In an incident at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, State Senator Colton Moore, who represents the 53rd District, including Chattooga County, was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol following a public disturbance that occurred just before the highly anticipated State of the State address. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Senator Moore creating a significant disruption outside the House Chamber, prompting a swift response from troopers stationed at the Capitol.
The Town of Trion is set to hold a regular Workshop and Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Town Hall Conference Room. The Workshop will kick off at 6:00 p.m., with the Regular Meeting following shortly thereafter. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to engage with local government, voice their concerns, and stay informed about community developments. Mayor Lanny Thomas encourages all residents to attend. For those who have questions or comments regarding the upcoming meeting or specific agenda items, please feel free to reach out to Town Hall Office.
For several decades, owners of mobile homes were required to pay mobile home tax and purchase a mobile home tax decal, but those days are over. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen signed a resolution recently to remove the requirement for annual tax decals on mobile homes. This change is intended to simplify tax processes for residents. Previously, mobile homeowners had to display a large decal on their homes each year after paying property taxes. Recent legislation allowed counties to opt out of this requirement, and Chattooga County has decided to do so. This resolution means that mobile homeowners no longer need to worry about displaying a decal, making it easier to manage property taxes. Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton noted that her office will track payment statuses without the decals. The commissioner believes this resolution represents a modern approach to property tax management in Chattooga County, improving the experience for residents.
A section of Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville that has been closed for more than a quarter of a century will re-open to the public this Summer, according to the Paradise Garden Foundation.
In his annual State of the State address on Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp focused on tax cuts and tort lawsuits while also addressing various topics, including Hurricane Helene and healthcare. He proposed a 0. 2% tax cut for 2025, reducing personal and business income tax to 5. 19%, following a previous 0. 1% cut in 2024. This is expected to save Georgians $7. 5 billion over ten years, as Kemp emphasized that this money belongs to the citizens.
As Chattooga County prepares to hold a vote on the Special Local Option Sales Tax later this year, the newly formed Chattooga County Board of Elections will hold their first meeting coming up next week.
Last Sunday, January 12, at 7:04 PM, the Georgia State Patrol responded to a crash on East Armuchee Road at Gore Subligna Road. Upon arrival, troopers launched an investigation into the incident involving a Dodge Charger SXT that had veered off the roadway. According to the preliminary investigation, the Charger was traveling east on East Armuchee Road when the driver, identified as 45-year-old Tomareo Shawn Perry of a South Dick Creek Road address, failed to maintain control of the vehicle. The car traveled off the north shoulder, striking a fence before colliding with a guy wire and breaking a utility pole. Notably, both points of impact occurred outside of the roadway. Perry reported losing control of the vehicle after encountering a patch of ice, which was confirmed by investigators on the scene. The icy conditions contributed to the driver’s inability to maintain lane discipline, leading to the accident. As a result of the investigation, troopers charged Perry with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and failure to maintain a single lane.
