A longtime manufacturing facility in Rome is set to close, as Tyson Foods announces it will cease operations at its plant on Darlington Drive later this spring.
Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as part of an expanded effort to address contamination from “forever chemicals” in the region.
Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as the PFAS Georgia team announces a major expansion of water, soil, and dust testing in Rome and several surrounding counties. Organizers say the renewed push comes after more than 20 months of work in the region uncovered some of the highest levels of “forever chemicals” found anywhere in the country.
The Floyd County Commission is expected to consider emergency funding to relocate several government offices following a fire that destroyed the Historic Floyd County Courthouse on Monday.
County officials say the building housed the Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor, and Tag Office. All employees were safely evacuated after smoke was reported around 2:12 p.m., and supervisors conducted a roll call to ensure everyone made it out safely.
Rome-Floyd Fire Department crews worked for hours to battle the blaze, while multiple law enforcement agencies secured the area as smoke spread across downtown Rome. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In the meantime, residents can still access services online, including property tax payments and tag renewals. County leaders say plans are already underway to establish temporary locations and restore in-person services as quickly as possible.
Photo Credit: WRGA Radio
As investigators continue working to determine what caused Monday’s fire at the Historic Floyd County Courthouse, officials are releasing new details about the emergency response and the damage left behind.
A Summerville man is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop on Martha Berry Highway over the weekend.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 60-year-old Stevie Wayne Lingerfelt was accused of allowing another person to drive without a valid license. Authorities also reported finding loose tramadol pills and open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle.
Lingerfelt is charged with possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, open container, and permitting an unlicensed person to drive.
Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump again this week, as rising crude oil prices continue to push fuel costs higher across the state.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia climbed to $3.69, up 18 cents from last week, $1.00 higher than last month, and 76 cents above this time last year. At that price, filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $55.35.
The Floyd County Historic Courthouse was evacuated Monday afternoon after a fire was discovered inside the building around 2:20 p.m.
According to Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord, all employees inside the courthouse were safely evacuated. Crews with the Rome-Floyd Fire Department responded to the scene and were working to contain the fire.
As of mid-afternoon, roads in the downtown area were blocked and police were evacuating portions of Broad Street.
Officials said the courthouse was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown and is under investigation.
A juvenile was injured Thursday evening after multiple shots were fired into a home on Superba Avenue in North Rome, according to the Rome Police Department.
Officers with the Rome-Floyd Task Force were in the area serving a search warrant when they reported hearing approximately 30 gunshots. A responding officer was directed into the residence, where they found a juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder in the kitchen area.
The officer immediately began providing medical aid, reassuring the child while awaiting emergency transport. The victim was later taken to a hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries has not been released, but the child was conscious at the scene.
Investigators say multiple shell casings of various calibers were recovered in the roadway near the intersection of Clervue Circle, indicating a large volume of gunfire. Officers also observed several bullet holes along the front and left side of the home, with at least one round entering through a window near the front door.
At the time of the shooting, four juveniles—ranging in age from 8 to 14—were inside the residence. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from nearby convenience stores, which showed an SUV leaving the North Avenue area around the time of the shooting. A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle matching that description, but investigators determined the driver was not involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.