Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen says crews are starting to see minor accumulation on some roads, but nothing serious at this time. He says county work crews are out treating a few locations in the northern end of the county and in higher elevations, and another update is expected later this afternoon.
Chattooga County’s unemployment rate fell to 4% in December, continuing a positive trend and reflecting improving labor conditions heading into the new year. According to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor, the county’s rate dropped from 4.7% in November and improved from over 5% in December 2024, signaling steady recovery and job growth locally.
A Chattooga County man previously convicted of child molestation has returned to court following his release from prison, according to court records. Terry Lee Coleman was originally charged after incidents involving a child under the age of 16, with the offenses occurring over a period of time prior to his arrest.
Coleman pleaded guilty to child molestation and was sentenced to prison, later being released after serving his sentence. Court documents indicate the recent hearing involved compliance issues tied to the terms of his release, including supervision and restrictions required under Georgia law for registered sex offenders.
The case remains under the oversight of the court, with officials stressing that convicted sex offenders are subject to strict monitoring requirements designed to protect the public. Any violations of release conditions can result in additional legal action.
Young Farmers Director Lauren Jarrett has released a February update for the Chattooga County Young Farmers Association, highlighting upcoming educational programs, certification opportunities, and recognition of local agricultural leaders.
The Rome News-Tribune reports the new Rural King store at Mount Berry Mall is expected to hold its grand opening in mid-March, according to sources. The 85,000-square-foot store is moving into the former Sears space, and officials say the location is fully staffed with workers currently stocking tens of thousands of items throughout the building. Plans also include about 35,000 square feet of outdoor space for displaying tractors and other heavy equipment.
Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic are making an additional investment in their local workforce, announcing an increase in the minimum starting wage for eligible teammates in Northwest Georgia to $18.85 per hour, beginning with Jan. 30 paychecks. Leaders say the change is meant to strengthen long-term workforce stability and support the employees who provide care across the region.
Chattooga County Schools have canceled all extracurricular activities scheduled for tonight, Friday, January 30, 2026, as well as events planned for this weekend, due to the forecast for snow beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday. School officials said information on rescheduled dates and times will be shared once details are confirmed.
The announcement was issued by Jeremy Heathcock with Chattooga County Schools, who encouraged families to stay warm and safe as winter weather moves into the area.
A winter storm moving across parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas will be the main weather story over the next 24 to 48 hours, with widespread snowfall expected across portions of the region. Forecasters say confidence is high in the overall setup: an unusually strong upper-level low dropping out of Canada will drive a surge of Arctic air into the Southeast, while a surface low strengthens rapidly off the Georgia and South Carolina coast. As that coastal system intensifies, moisture will wrap back into Georgia, combining with lift from the upper-level low to produce snow—though where the western edge of the snow sets up remains one of the biggest uncertainties.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 30, 2026:
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY 7 PM Friday – 7 PM Saturday
EXTREME COLD WATCH 7 PM Saturday – 1 PM Sunday
An approaching winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow to portions of the South and northeast Georgia over the next 48 hours. Much like last weekend, Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties will be on the western edge of the expected winter precipitation. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area, with snow expected Saturday, generally ranging from a dusting to around one inch.
