Category Archives: Local News

Rome’s jobless rate was down last month

Rome’s jobless rate was down last month

Sunday, September 29, 2024–5:35 p.m. -Georgia Department of Labor- According to Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, Rome recorded an unemployment rate of 4 percent in August, which is down two-tenths of a percent over-the-month. A year ago, the rate was 3.5 percent. “Innovation drives opportunity, and that is exactly why Georgia has secured the top spot…Continue Reading

Georgia Power releases key estimated damage statistics from Hurricane Helene as restoration progress continues

Sunday, September 29, 2024–5:20 p.m. -News Release- Georgia Power’s restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene continued Sunday, with the company having restored service to approximately 690,000 customers since the start of the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were…Continue Reading

Two fatal crashes in Chattooga County on Thursday

Two fatal crashes in Chattooga County on Thursday

Saturday, September 28, 2024–11:30 a.m. -WZQZ Radio- The Georgia State Patrol Post 38 in Rome released information on the two fatal wrecks in Chattooga County on Thursday afternoon. According to state troopers, at 3:30 PM, they received reports of a head-on collision involving two vehicles on Highway 27 near Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. The investigation…Continue Reading

Hurricane Helene restoration progresses with 250,000+ customers restored

Hurricane Helene restoration progresses with 250,000+ customers restored

Georgia Power restores power to 440,000 customers following Hurricane Helene Saturday, September 28, 2024–7:13 p.m. -News Release- Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene continues Saturday as the company marked the start of the first full day of restoration efforts. Since the beginning of the storm, Georgia Power has restored power to 440,000+ customers through the…Continue Reading

[VIDEO] Hurricane Helene brings flooding, road closures, and power outages to Floyd County

[VIDEO] Hurricane Helene brings flooding, road closures, and power outages to Floyd County

Septmeber 27th, 2024 – 11:30 AM Ethan Garrett – WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter – Rome and Floyd County were hit with significant rainfall after the tropical storm from Hurricane Helene passed through the area on Friday morning. The Floyd County Emergency Operations Center reported 9 inches of rain associated with the storm.…Continue Reading

Blood donors needed now

Blood donors needed now

Friday, September 27, 2024–10:46 a.m. -News Release- Blood Assurance is in immediate need of blood and platelet donors after the devastating landfall of Hurricane Helene and its impact on the greater Atlanta area. The storm has caused widespread cancellations of appointments and blood drives across our service area. In addition, Blood Assurance is on standby…Continue Reading

Flash Flood Warnings in effect

Flash Flood Warnings in effect

Friday, September 27, 2024–9:53 a.m. -National Weather Service- A Flash Flood Warning is still in effect for Floyd County, Bartow County, and Paulding County until 11:30 a.m. More than six inches of rain was recorded at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome since Wednesday. 3.22 inches of that fell in three hours between…Continue Reading

Road conditions in Rome and Floyd County

Road conditions in Rome and Floyd County

Friday, September 27, 2024–11:35 a.m. -Staff reports- The rain has moved out of the area, but motorists are still faced with flooded roads and downed trees. If you see flooding on the roadway, do not try to drive through it. Remember, turn around, don’t drown. We have numerous reports of high water and trees down…Continue Reading

12:30 AM Hurricane Update

12:30 AM Hurricane Update

Friday, September 27, 2024–2:30 a.m. -National Weather Service- Helene made landfall as a Category 4 near the Big Bend region of Florida around 11 PM EDT. As the storm moves quickly inland overnight, conditions will begin to deteriorate over central and north Georgia. Helene is expected to be a tropical storm once is reaches Northwest…Continue Reading