Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Floyd County officials say the next stage for the Historic Floyd County Courthouse will be debris removal, following completion of the initial stabilization work on the 134-year-old structure.
Before debris removal begins, insurance representatives, engineers, contractors, and county officials are expected to conduct an on-site inspection. Floyd County Attorney Chris Jackson said the meeting is scheduled for June 26 and will help determine what can be preserved and what future work may be possible.
Jackson said officials want all parties involved to inspect the site together for safety and continuity.
The historic courthouse was heavily damaged by fire on March 23. Officials say insurance funds are currently being used for storage and related costs as the county works to move the recovery process forward.
Georgia gas prices are beginning to level off after recent declines slowed over the past week. According to AAA, the state average is now just one cent lower than last week, but still 25 cents higher than last month and 97 cents higher than this time last year.
Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.
Summer camp season is officially underway for Scouting America’s Northwest Georgia Council, with hundreds of Scouts preparing for weeks of outdoor adventure, learning, and leadership development at Camp Sidney Dew.
Residents across Chattooga County and the surrounding counties of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama can look forward to another stretch of pleasant early June weather through the weekend.
Georgia drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall across the state.
According to AAA, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is now $3.85 per gallon. That is 14 cents lower than last week, but still 10 cents higher than last month and 96 cents higher than this time last year.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said lower crude oil prices, tied in part to reported Iran peace talks, are helping bring prices down. However, she cautioned that global uncertainty could cause prices to shift quickly.
For drivers filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the current state average means a cost of about $57.75.
Nationally, the average price for gasoline has dropped to $4.33 per gallon, down 18 cents from a week ago.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Macon at $3.94, Atlanta at $3.90, and Athens at $3.87. The least expensive metro markets are Dalton at $3.71, Albany at $3.63, and Brunswick at $3.60.
Locally, Chattooga County is averaging $3.78 per gallon. Nearby averages include Walker, Floyd, and Gordon counties at $3.72. Across the state line in Alabama, DeKalb County is averaging $3.93, while Cherokee County is at $3.88.
Drivers are encouraged to compare prices, plan trips, combine errands, and use fuel-saving habits as summer travel increases.
A Summerville man was arrested following an alleged shoplifting incident at the Dollar General on Calhoun Road in Floyd County.
According to Floyd County Police reports, 33-year-old Dalton Taylor Worthington was observed taking a backpack from a store shelf before going into the restroom and returning a short time later.
Investigators say the backpack was then used to conceal two Shamrock drinks along with other merchandise while store employees watched the incident unfold.
Police said Worthington walked past all points of sale without paying for the items, which had a reported total value of $19.25.
Worthington was later charged with Theft by Shoplifting.
A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.
House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.
State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.
However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.
Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.
House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.
Majors Hank and Eunice Harwell, current Corps Officers for The Salvation Army of Rome, are preparing to say goodbye to the community.
The Harwells will leave Rome in mid to late June to take on new leadership roles with The Salvation Army in Dothan, Alabama.
Major Hank Harwell says they will miss Rome and the people of Northwest Georgia, but he is also excited about the future of the local organization under incoming leaders Lieutenants Cory and Cristina Tilley.
The Salvation Army of Rome serves both Floyd and Chattooga counties, providing assistance and support to families in need throughout the area.
Major Harwell is encouraging continued community support in the years ahead. For more information, visit salvationarmyrome.org or call 706-291-4745.