Storm Chances Continue Across Northwest Georgia Through Monday

Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for several more rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Monday as an unsettled weather pattern lingers across the region. Forecast confidence remains low regarding exact timing and storm intensity, but forecasters say periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected through the weekend and into the start of the new week.

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Walker County Sheriff Responds Following ICE Detention of Trion Student

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is responding publicly following growing attention surrounding the ICE detention of 19-year-old Elder Aguilar-Macario, a Trion-area student arrested during a traffic stop in Walker County.

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Cooler Weekend Ahead for Northwest Georgia With More Rain and Storm Chances

Northwest Georgia will enjoy cooler temperatures Friday before a warming trend settles in over the weekend, but rain and thunderstorms are expected to return beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Forecasters say another half-inch to two inches of rain could fall across portions of the region through the weekend.

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Northwest Georgia Unemployment Rate Drops To 3.3 Percent

Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate unchanged at 5.6 percent, Rome Down

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point over the month to 3.3 percent.

That compares to 3.2 percent one year ago.

The region’s labor force increased by 2,155 over the month and by 4,086 over the year, reaching 459,952, an all-time high. The number of employed residents also rose, increasing by 2,996 over the month and 3,515 over the year to 444,625, also an all-time high.

Initial unemployment claims were up by 718 over the month and by 852 over the year, reaching 2,557.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the numbers are a strong sign during Economic Development Week, noting that more Georgians are securing jobs that support families and strengthen communities.

Stabilization Work Continues On Historic Floyd County Courthouse

Photo credit: WRGA Radio

Stabilization work is continuing on the Historic Floyd County Courthouse following the March 23 fire, as crews move closer to securing the damaged structure.

Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord said contractors have already removed loose brick and coping from the building. Unstable gable ends have also been taken down where the roof structure no longer exists, and two damaged walls in the main courtroom behind the bell tower have been removed.

Crews are still monitoring cracks on the Tribune Street side of the courthouse.

The next major step is a stabilization process known as banding. McCord said a support band will be placed around the building about 45 feet up. Scaffolding is expected to go up this week, and the banding work could begin as early as Friday.

McCord said securing the building is the primary goal, especially so streets around the courthouse can safely reopen. The current target date for reopening the roads is May 22, though officials hope that could happen sooner if work goes smoothly.

McCord acknowledged the closures have been a major disruption, especially with a river crossing shut down in Rome and Floyd County.

All stabilization work is being covered by insurance.

Pollen Extremely High Across Northwest Georgia

Allergy sufferers across Northwest Georgia are dealing with very high grass pollen levels today, creating a significant allergy risk throughout the area. Forecasters say the elevated pollen counts are expected to remain high through Friday.

Tree pollen levels are currently listed as moderate, but the high concentration of grass pollen is likely to trigger symptoms for many residents, including sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and headaches.

Recent warm temperatures combined with spring growth have helped fuel the increase in pollen across the region. Dry conditions and breezy weather can also allow pollen to spread more easily through the air.

Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, keeping windows closed, showering after spending time outside, and taking allergy medications as directed.

Conditions could begin to improve later this weekend as increased rain chances move back into Northwest Georgia.

Rain Moves Out As Cooler, Drier Air Settles Into Northwest Georgia

Rain will continue pushing out of Northwest Georgia this morning as a cold front moves away from the region. Behind it, high pressure will build in across Tennessee and North Georgia, bringing drier and cooler conditions through Friday.

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Georgia Highlands College To Hold Graduation Ceremonies In Rome

Georgia Highlands College will celebrate hundreds of graduates during commencement events set for May 14th and May 15th in Rome.

The college will hold three events this year at the Floyd Campus gym, located at 3175 Cedartown Highway.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Nursing Pinning and Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 15th, at 10:30 a.m.

Due to limited seating, attendance will be restricted to graduates and four guests per graduate. GHC identification and guest passes will be required to enter the venue area.

For those unable to attend in person, livestreams of the ceremonies will be available through the college website at highlands.edu, as well as on Georgia Highlands College’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Featured speakers this year include Shelley Wynter, Kevin Corke, Charlie Culberson, CJ Stewart, and Pascale Charlot.

Georgia Gas Prices Climb As Drivers Face More Pressure At The Pump

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Georgia drivers are continuing to feel the impact of higher fuel prices, as the statewide average for regular gasoline holds at $3.85 per gallon.

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Strong Storms Possible Midweek Across Northwest Georgia

Northwest Georgia will see a stretch of warm, quiet weather to start the week, but conditions are expected to change by midweek as a storm system moves into the region.

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