If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching snippets of the local radio lately, you’ve probably noticed things are moving pretty fast around here. Bartow County has had a week. Between a major state-level appointment that put a local leader in the spotlight and some pretty heavy-duty traffic warnings that actually mattered, there’s a lot to dig into.
Honestly, it’s not just the standard "slow news day" fluff. We’re talking about real shifts in how the county is being represented at the state capital and some local tragedies that have the community checking in on their neighbors.
Kimberly McCoy’s Big Move to the Parole Board
The biggest headline for bartow county breaking news today is actually coming out of Atlanta, but it has everything to do with home. Governor Brian Kemp just appointed Kimberly McCoy, a well-known name in local public service, to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
She's not a newcomer to this kind of work. McCoy spent decades—over 25 years, actually—as the director of the Victim-Witness Assistance Unit over in the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office. She also put in time at the Cobb Family Justice Center before retiring last year.
Why this matters for Bartow
It’s basically a big deal because the Parole Board isn't just about paperwork. These are the folks who decide which offenders get a second chance and, more intensely, they have the power to commute death sentences. Having someone with a deep background in victim advocacy from our neck of the woods means there’s a specific kind of perspective sitting at that table now. McCoy is filling an unexpired term for Margaret “Meg” Heap, who moved on to become a U.S. Attorney.
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The Weather and the "Black Ice" Warning
If you looked outside today, January 18, 2026, you might have seen a few flakes or just felt that biting North Georgia chill. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City didn't hold back on the warnings. Bartow County was officially tucked into a hazardous weather outlook.
While the heaviest snow—about 1 to 3 inches—hit further south toward Macon and the I-85 corridor, we aren't exactly in the clear.
The real danger isn't the snow you can see. It's the black ice. Temperatures are expected to dive well below freezing tonight. Basically, if there’s a puddle on the road from today’s slush, it’s going to be a skating rink by 6:00 AM tomorrow. If you've got to commute on I-75 or Highway 41, you've gotta be careful. The GDOT has been prepping, but they can't be everywhere at once.
Tragedies and Safety Alerts
We have to talk about the harder news, too. Just a couple of days ago, there was a fatal three-vehicle crash in Adairsville that really shook people up. It happened on Joe Frank Harris Parkway at Woody Road. A red Toyota Camry was involved, and unfortunately, an Adairsville man lost his life.
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It’s a reminder that even the roads we drive every day can turn dangerous in a second.
- Highway 41 Safety: Troopers have been more visible lately.
- Residential Fires: There was a double fatality fire just across the line in Plainville (Gordon County) this weekend, which has Bartow fire officials reminding everyone to check those smoke detector batteries.
- Warming Centers: With the "extreme cold" taking hold, several municipalities have opened warming centers. If you know someone without heat, don't let them tough it out.
What’s Happening Around Cartersville?
It’s not all heavy news. If you’re looking for a distraction, the Cartersville Glass Show & Sale is wrapping up today at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. It’s one of those local staples where you can find anything from Depression-era glass to high-end collectibles.
Also, the Savoy Automobile Museum just opened a new exhibit called "Cars and Music." If you haven't been, it’s pretty cool—it focuses on that nostalgic connection between the open road and the radio.
Local business shifts
You might have heard the chatter about Terminus Wake Park. There was a huge crowd at the Emerson City Council meeting recently because the park is facing potential closure. It’s a massive part of the local "sports tourism" scene, and seeing the community rally to keep it open has been something else. Honestly, it’s one of those situations where the local government and the citizens are trying to find a middle ground on zoning and land use that actually works for everyone.
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Staying Ahead of the Curve
When people search for bartow county breaking news today, they usually want to know if they can get to work safely or if something happened down the street.
The flu is also hitting Bartow hard right now. The CDC and Georgia DPH are calling it "widespread and severe." If you haven't felt great, it’s probably not just a "cold" this time around.
Actionable Steps for Bartow Residents:
- Watch the roads: If you're heading out Monday morning, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Black ice is no joke on those shaded curves.
- Check on Neighbors: With temperatures dropping, make sure the elderly folks on your block are doing okay.
- Appoint Updates: Keep an eye on the State Board of Pardons and Paroles news if you’re interested in how McCoy’s victim-advocacy background starts to influence state policy.
- Support Local: If you care about places like Terminus Wake Park, keep showing up to those council meetings. Your voice actually matters in a county this size.
Bartow County is growing, and with that growth comes more traffic, more state-level influence, and unfortunately, more complex safety issues. Staying informed isn't just about reading headlines; it's about knowing how these shifts affect your daily drive and your community's safety.