A high-impact winter storm is expected to move into northern Georgia this weekend, and forecasters say the biggest concerns for Northwest Georgia are ice, dangerous travel, and possible power outages. A Winter Weather Watch begins at 1:00 a.m. Saturday and continues into Monday morning as multiple storm systems interact with a surge of Arctic air pushing south.
An Armuchee man is facing drug trafficking charges after authorities reportedly found approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine during the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Herring Road. According to an arrest warrant and Floyd County Jail records, 61-year-old Kenneth Gerome Espy was taken into custody following the search. Investigators also reported that Espy had a firearm in his possession. In addition to trafficking, Espy is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
AdventHealth Redmond has been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation awarded to programs that meet nationally established quality measures for patient outcomes, safety standards, and overall program structure. Sarah Hunt, program coordinator of metabolic and bariatric surgery, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to whole-person care and gives patients added confidence in the quality and safety of their surgical support. Hospital officials said the bariatric program met comprehensive criteria, including national accreditation, participation in the MBSAQIP quality program, evidence-based practices, and multidisciplinary long-term care. AdventHealth Redmond noted bariatric surgery can help patients living with obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, with individualized care plans and ongoing support available locally. More information is available at BariatricSurgeryGA.com.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:
A Chattooga County man was arrested late last week in Floyd County on drug charges after reports indicated he was found in possession of methamphetamine while at a rehabilitation home.
Floyd County authorities arrested Isaac Eric DeWayne Hines, 22, of Summerville, in Rome. Reports said the arrest followed an incident at the rehabilitation home where the suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Formal case details and court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently accepting applications for several open jobs across its campuses, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
Openings include two full-time positions at the Floyd County Campus: Accounting Technician/Cashier and Assistant Director of High School Initiatives. GNTC is also hiring a part-time Communication Officer serving the Floyd County and Walker County campuses, along with a part-time Enrollment Specialist at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
College officials say the positions support GNTC’s continued focus on student success, day-to-day operations, and expanding outreach and enrollment efforts across Northwest Georgia.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. Anyone interested in applying or learning more is encouraged to visit the Technical College System of Georgia’s employment website or contact GNTC Human Resources for details. Applicants may also reach out to Linda McEntire with the Technical College System of Georgia for more information.
The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.
As the new year begins, Atrium Health Floyd is reminding Northwest Georgians that respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV tend to surge during the winter months—and prevention is still the best defense.
Candidate qualifying concluded on Wednesday for the Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. There are 17 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent who will be vying for the seat during the March 10 election.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.
