Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, October 4, 2024:

The Trion Bulldogs will be hosting Mount Zion tonight at Sam R. McCain Stadium while the Chattooga Indians will be on the road to take on Fannin County.  WZQZ will have both games on our Facebook Page with kickoff at 7:30 PM.  Tune in to WZQZ tonight for high school football and good luck to the Trion Bulldogs and Chattooga Indians.

The annual Sum Nelly Festival will be held tomorrow, Saturday, October 5th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Dowdy Park in Summerville. Over one hundred vendors will be selling arts and crafts, jewelry, woodworking items, jams, fried pies, and various food items. Food options include BBQ, cheese steaks, hot dogs, caramel apples, cotton candy, and baked goods. Vendors can set up today after lunch and tomorrow from 6 AM to 8 AM.  See a list of vendors below:

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader praised the community for their generous donations to help Hurricane Helene victims in South Georgia. The donations were delivered to Glascock and Hancock counties in Georgia, where they were greatly appreciated. Special thanks were given to the community, transport teams from the community, John Sterner and the Chattooga County CERT team, as well as all staff from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers who assisted in receiving and delivering the donations. Warden Jones, Chief Starkey, and Hays State Prison also helped with unloading and packaging supplies. The sheriff also acknowledged those who offered trailers, trucks, and drivers for future runs. Efforts are underway to obtain an updated list of needs from the North Carolina and Tennessee areas to ensure that assistance can be provided when and where it is most needed. Stay tuned for more updates on how the community can continue to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.

The deadline to register to vote in the November 5th  general election in Georgia is October 7th.  Requirements to vote include being a U. S. citizen, a Georgia resident, at least 18 years old on Election Day, not serving a felony sentence, and not ruled mentally incompetent. You need a valid driver’s license or Georgia ID to register online.

Find your Election Day polling location on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. Early voting is available from October 15th  to November 1st.  Bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.  All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Chattooga County Registrars Office on Commerce Street just south of the courthouse.

You can request an absentee ballot for Georgia elections as long as the application is received 11 days before the election. Stay engaged in the democratic process by ensuring your voter registration, familiarizing yourself with the candidates, and voting in the November 5th election.

To check your voter registration status, go to the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter page.

The Chattooga County FFA is rallying the community to provide essential aid and supplies to those impacted by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Through their coordinated supply drive, the FFA organizations at all Chattooga Schools are coming together to collect a wide range of crucial items to deliver directly to the affected areas.

The drive is focused on gathering high-priority “2 point” items like bottled water, juice boxes, and non-perishable food and snacks, as well as more valuable “5 point” donations such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and new blankets and towels.

The homeroom class at each school that collects the most points worth of donations will be rewarded with a celebratory pizza party, incentivizing students and families to contribute as much as they can. This thoughtful initiative will not only provide immediate relief to hurricane victims, but also foster a strong sense of community as Chattooga County unites behind this important cause.

Donations will be accepted from October 8-11, 2024, with the collected items to be delivered on October 12th. For those wishing to learn more or offer additional support, the FFA has provided contact information for the organizers, making it easy for concerned citizens to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the natural disaster.

Chattooga County Young Farmers are gathering supplies for those affected by Hurricane Helene in South Georgia. Despite Northwest Georgia escaping the hurricane’s wrath, the farming community to the south and east in Georgia is facing challenges. Chattooga Young Farmers will be taking needed supplies to farmers in affected areas of the state. Items requested by Spencer Highsmith, Coffee County Young Farmer Teacher, include pre-mix gas, bar and chain oil, saw sharpeners, wipes, snack foods, non-perishable food items, diapers, tarps, bread, and water. Donations can be dropped off at the Young Farmer storage building. Additionally, UGA Mississippi State tickets have been donated for a raffle. Young Farmers are coming together to support those in need during this difficult time.

In response to disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, the IRS is waiving penalties for selling or using dyed diesel fuel with a sulfur content of up to 15 parts-per-million on highways in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and certain counties in Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. This relief is retroactive to Sept. 26, 2024, and will be in effect until Oct. 15, 2024. The penalty relief applies to anyone selling or using dyed diesel fuel for highway use, but the 24. 4 cents per gallon tax must be paid. The IRS will also not penalize failure to make semimonthly tax deposits during the relief period. Dyed diesel fuel is typically tax-exempt, but IRS Publication 510 outlines the proper reporting and payment methods. The IRS will continue to monitor the situation and offer further relief as necessary.

Dr. Sylvia Washington, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Floyd, has been appointed to represent the 14th Congressional District on the board of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Also known as Bright from the Start, DECAL oversees Georgia’s Pre-K program, childcare licensing, Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, nutrition programs, and Quality Rated system. The board meets quarterly in Atlanta. Dr. Washington, a mother and pediatrician, is honored by the appointment and hopes to benefit children across the state with her expertise. She received various awards, completed her medical training at New Jersey Medical School, and serves on the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Washington, along with her husband and three children, is dedicated to improving child health and welfare in Georgia.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is ensuring that election operations in Georgia’s 159 counties remain on schedule and have the necessary resources for a swift recovery. The physical infrastructure for conducting elections will be operational before early in-person voting begins.

Pre-election testing has begun for the 2024 election, with efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of equipment and early voting locations in affected counties. Severe weather conditions in southern, central, and eastern Georgia have caused road closures and power outages, impacting evaluation procedures. Collaboration between state and local agencies, utilities, and volunteers is ongoing to assist those affected by the storm.

Any counties needing to relocate early voting locations due to Hurricane Helene will inform voters through various channels. Raffensperger emphasizes the importance of a safe, secure, and convenient election for all Georgia voters, with three weeks of early voting and options for in-person voting for those whose absentee ballots were not accepted. The focus is on supporting recovery efforts while ensuring a smooth electoral process. Governor Kemp’s response efforts are commended, and plans are in place to address any challenges that arise as recovery continues.

The Democratic County Committees of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga are hosting a joint Rally for Democracy on October 6 at 3 pm at the Colonnade in Ringgold. The event will feature a celebrity keynote speaker discussing “How We Win,” along with all Democratic candidates from these counties who will present their platforms. The rally will kick off with music by Chainsaw Doll, an all-girl band. Everyone is welcome to attend, including candidates like Jack Zibluk, Bart Bryant, Greg Bentley, Alex Brady, and Cathy Kott.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 3, 2024:

The Chattooga County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is spearheading a stuffed animal drive to provide comfort to children affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Through Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, the community is invited to donate brand new stuffed animals at various drop-off locations across the county, including the Chattooga 911 center, the Sheriff’s Office, the Commissioner’s Office, Aaron’s Rental, the Chattooga County Jail, the Chattooga County Library, and EZ Pawn. For churches and organizations that may have difficulty transporting their donations, pickup can be arranged. The initiative aims to lift the spirits of young hurricane survivors, many of whom have endured unimaginable trauma and displacement. The stuffed animals will serve as cherished companions, offering a sense of security and normalcy during a time of upheaval. Through the generosity of Chattooga County residents, these donated plush toys will provide comfort, companionship, and a glimmer of hope for the children impacted by the hurricane’s destruction, reminding them that their community stands with them in their time of need.

An upcoming egg candling class at the Chattooga Ag Center on Wednesday, October 23rd offers an opportunity for those with backyard poultry flocks to be certified in the process of evaluating the quality and development of eggs.  Georgia law requires anyone selling eggs to the public to have an egg candling license.

Held at four convenient session times throughout the day – 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM – this hands-on educational experience is perfect for novice and experienced egg enthusiasts alike. Participants will learn the specialized technique of egg candling, which involves shining a bright light through the shell to inspect the contents and check for any abnormalities or issues. This ancient practice dates back centuries and is a crucial step in ensuring the freshness and integrity of eggs before they reach consumers.

During the class, attendees will have the opportunity to try candling eggs themselves under the guidance of expert instructors, developing an appreciation for the skilled assessment required to identify cracks, blood spots, or other imperfections that could impact an egg’s quality and safety.

To reserve a spot, interested parties simply need to email Tina Maples at tina.maples@agr.georgia.gov, providing their name, mailing address, email address, and preferred class time.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state’s emergency status on Tuesday in response to the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. The state of emergency, which allows state agencies to allocate resources for relief efforts, will now remain in effect until just before midnight on Oct. 9, unless renewed again.

The initial declaration was made on Sept. 24, when Tropical Storm Helene threatened the state. Kemp issued the executive order citing concerns over the potential disruption to supply chains and the wellbeing of Georgia residents.

In addition to the state of emergency, the governor issued a suspension of fuel taxes, a step taken to alleviate economic pressure on residents and aid in the movement of goods and services to affected areas.

The governor’s authority to act during this crisis stems from several state laws which grant him the power to assume control of all civil forces and take actions necessary to protect the civilian population.

The “McRig,” McDonald’s mobile restaurant unit, will be making its way to the Asheville, North Carolina location to lend a helping hand to those impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. This state-of-the-art, self-contained kitchen on wheels is a testament to the fast-food giant’s dedication to supporting the communities they serve, even in the face of natural disasters.

Jim Aaron, the owner of the Summerville McDonald’s as well as several other locations across northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee, emphasized that this initiative is a core part of the company’s mission – to be there for the loyal customers and neighborhoods that have supported the Golden Arches over the years. When disaster strikes, McDonald’s believes it has a responsibility to mobilize its resources and personnel to provide food, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to those who have been displaced or left without access to essential services. The “McRig” is essentially a McDonald’s restaurant on wheels, fully equipped with all the necessary appliances, cooking equipment, and staff to whip up the beloved menu items customers crave, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

By deploying this innovative mobile unit to Asheville, the company aims to ensure that those affected by Hurricane Helene will still be able to enjoy a hot, freshly-prepared McDonald’s meal, a small but vital reprieve amidst the chaos and upheaval caused by the storm.

The annual Sum Nelly Festival in Summerville is a highly anticipated event, taking place this Saturday, October 5th. With  over 117 vendors registered, Dowdy Park will be filled with a diverse selection of handcrafted treasures, including jewelry, paintings, and pottery. Foodies will enjoy homemade jams, jellies, roasted corn, barbecue, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and candied apples. The festival promises to be a sensory delight, showcasing the creativity and culinary talent of the community. Whether you are a spectator looking to explore new artisanal goods or a vendor wanting to showcase your creations, the Sum Nelly Festival is an event not to be missed.

A Chattooga County family is seeking answers about a family pet that was euthanized by Chattooga County Animal Control.  The Ragland family talked with WZQZ News about the incident in which their dog was taken by animal control.  The family says that the dog was euthanized less than twenty-four-hours after being picked up.

WZQZ News has asked for a statement or clarification from County Commissioner Blake Elsberry about the incident. A first request was made on Monday morning and a follow-up request was made on Wednesday afternoon; but the commissioner did not respond to request for a statement.

According to the Ragland family, the dog was on their apartment complex property when it was picked up.  After the dog was picked up, it was taken to Summerville Veterinary Clinic and was euthanized the next day.  The family is pointing out that the local veterinarian clinic was not at fault in the situation and was simply acting in their contracted roll with the county.

According to the family, the dog had a ESA dog tag with a QR code and an Apple air tag.  They say at no time did animal control attempt to contact them about the situation or attempt to identify the owner of the pet.

The family is now seeking legal council and say that they are not interested in financial compensation, but they are wanting answers. They also want the ones responsible at Chattooga County Animal Control to be held accountable.

The dog belonged to the family’s adult daughter Payton, who has posted at length about the incident on Facebook.

An accident on Highway 27 near Sloppy Floyd Lake Road snarled afternoon traffic on Wednesday.  The accident, which happened before 5 PM, caused lanes of traffic to be closed while emergency responders worked the accident.  The Georgia State Patrol told WZQZ News on Wednesday night that no one was seriously injured in the accident.  WZQZ will have more details about the accident when a preliminary report is released by the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office.

Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley will celebrate their 60^th home with a dedication on Sunday, October 13th at 3 PM.

The second home for Polk county, Habitat Coosa Valley, alongside 37 volunteers, in order to make this home everything and more for the Washington family.

Through generous donations from sponsors, homeowner Simone Washington, and her children, have achieved their goal of their forever home. Habitat is looking forward to carrying out their mission and beginning their next build in the upcoming months for another deserving family in Floyd County.

Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley’s (HFHCV) vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. HFHCV mission is putting God’s love into action, by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, HFHCV is an autonomous, locally run organization that raises its own funds and builds its own houses. HFHCV is proud to celebrate their efforts in providing affordable housing to residents of Floyd, Polk and Chattooga Counties.