Cold temperatures will persist for the area through Saturday. Today, a dry shortwave will pass through Georgia, bringing mid-level clouds, but no precipitation due to very low moisture levels. Expect lows in the low 20s and highs in the 40s, with potentially gusty winds in the afternoon that should decrease by evening. Conditions will remain dry into early weekend.

From Saturday night through Thursday, cool rain is possible Sunday into Monday, with a chance of snow in higher elevations of north Georgia, though no significant accumulation is expected. Monday temperatures will stay in the 40s, with rain totals under half an inch.

Next week will bring warmer temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 50s and 60s, especially in north and central Georgia. A setup with a trough over the eastern U. S. and a cutoff low over California will influence weather, with a complex interaction that may affect precipitation chances later in the week.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 24, 2025:

After two years off, the Wings Over North Georgia Airshow will return to Rome’s Richard B. Russell Regional Airport this fall from October 17-19. John Cowman, President of JCL AirShow Management, hopes that the airport’s runway extension will be completed before the event. He mentioned that the extension will allow the airshow to include more military aircraft like the F-15 and F-16, as well as larger refueling planes. The runway will be extended to 7,000 feet, enhancing the show’s capabilities. The headliners will be the U. S. Navy Blue Angels flying “Super Hornets. ” Cowman expressed excitement about their return and mentioned other military and civilian acts that will perform. Tickets and a list of performers are available at wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.

The American Red Cross has stepped in to aid victims of two house fires in Northwest Georgia over the past fortnight, demonstrating its commitment to community support in times of crisis. Red Cross volunteers from the Disaster Action Team were on-site to provide essential assistance following a fire on Pinecrest Drive in Rome on Sunday evening, as well as the previous week’s incident on Moore Street in Summerville.  Another house fire displaced a family on Orchard Hill Road in Summerville on Wednesday of this week. Red Cross volunteers coordinated emergency aid offering both families critical support in the wake of their loss. The organization supplied comfort kits, direct client assistance, and recovery planning services tailored to meet the family’s disaster-related needs.

With a mission to respond to disasters swiftly, the American Red Cross attends to a disaster every eight minutes, with the majority being home fires. To combat this alarming trend, the organization launched the nationwide Home Fire Campaign in 2014, aiming to reduce home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent. Since the campaign’s inception, the Red Cross, in collaboration with community partners, has saved at least 2,212 lives, including 253 in Georgia alone.

The campaign focuses on educating families about fire safety, advocating the creation of escape plans, and providing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. For more information on how to get involved with the Home Fire Campaign, visit redcross.org/homefires. The Red Cross urges the community to contribute to its ongoing efforts to assist those affected by disasters. Donations enable the organization to prepare for, respond to, and help individuals recover from crises—big and small.

Interested supporters can donate by visiting redcross.org/donate, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

Critics of the move to stop poultry houses from being built in the Gore Community say that Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen does not have a case for revoking a permit for four poultry houses planned for a plot of land, less than 40 acres.

Some local poultry farmers say the public should definitely check into this immediately for the amount a potential lawsuit will cost taxpayers.  They say that the permit was legally obtained by Dustin Smith of Rocking S. Farm LLC and that the former commissioner is not at fault. They maintain that the current commissioner should not revoke the license that was granted by former Commissioner Blake Elsberry.

Commissioner Allen maintains that the county’s ordinance is being violated by these poultry houses. Allen told WZQZ News that he is a farmer himself and is sympathetic to the farmer involved, but that the integrity of the ordinance, originally put in place by former Commissioner Jason Winters in 2016, should be upheld for the benefit of the entire community.

Chattooga County’s poultry ordinance requires poultry houses to be setback 1,000 feet from residential houses, churches, schools and other buildings, 100 feet from any property lines and at least 250 feet from any stream or body of water and must be at least 75 feet from any state or county right of way. (see a copy of the ordinance below).

At the public meeting next week, Commissioner Allen plans to lay out his reasons for revoking the permit to build the commercial poultry houses in Gore.  The meeting will be held on Monday, January 27th at 6 PM and is open to the public.

In an exciting event for local students and athletes, University of Georgia Head Football Coach Kirby Smart made a special visit to Chattooga High School on Thursday, arriving in style by helicopter. The visit was a unique opportunity for young athletes to gain insights from one of college football’s most successful coaches.

Smart, who played defensive back for the Bulldogs during his college years, has built an impressive coaching resume since graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1998. After his time at Bainbridge High School and a stint as a player for the Indianapolis Colts, Smart began his coaching career as an administrative assistant at Georgia in 1999. His coaching path has taken him through various notable programs, including Valdosta State, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, and the University of Alabama, where he served as the defensive coordinator. Under Smart’s leadership, the Bulldogs have achieved remarkable success, clinching back-to-back National Championships in 2022 and 2023 and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2017. His team has also reached seven New Year’s Six bowl games, solidifying Georgia’s position as a powerhouse in college football.

During his visit, Smart took the time to meet with Chattooga High School Head Football Coach Roone Gable and two standout players, Kadin Fife and Koi Dodd. Coach Gable remarked on the positive impact of Smart’s visit, saying, “Coach Smart met with Kadin and Koi for about 20 minutes and spoke on a variety of things, including academics, weight room work, and football. He was very personable and easy to talk to.” Fife, who will graduate in 2027, has been offered a scholarship to UGA. The visit not only inspired the young athletes but also highlighted the importance of academics and physical training in achieving success both on and off the field.

Coach Smart’s commitment to education and athletic excellence serves as a model for aspiring football players at Chattooga High School and beyond.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a hunter-harvested white-tailed deer has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The infected deer, identified as a 2.5-year-old buck, was harvested on private land in Lanier County in November 2024. The sample was obtained as part of the DNR’s routine surveillance efforts to monitor wildlife health.

In response to this finding, the DNR will designate a 5-mile radius CWD Management Area (CMA) centered around the positive location in Lanier County. This management area may extend into adjacent counties if any portion falls within the designated radius. The proactive measures aim to contain the disease and gather more information about its geographic spread and prevalence in the region. Since 2002, the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division has been diligently conducting statewide surveillance for CWD, with hopes that early detection will mitigate the impact of the disease. The DNR will continue to collect samples from the immediate vicinity where the infected deer was harvested to better understand the situation.

Despite the confirmation of CWD in the area, DNR officials want to reassure the public and hunters that this does not signal the end of deer hunting in Georgia. The Georgia DNR urges all residents and hunters to stay informed and participate in efforts to curb the spread of CWD.

Residents of Northwest Georgia are waking up to another chilly morning as the National Weather Service (NWS) reports temperatures plunging into the teens and mid-20s, significantly below the average for late January. However, a gradual warming trend is expected this afternoon as high pressure settles in over the region.

According to NWS meteorologists, the current weather pattern is characterized by a reinforcing shot of dry air moving through at mid-levels, which means negligible precipitation is anticipated for the next 36 hours. While overnight lows are forecasted to range from the teens to the mid-20s, Friday promises more abundant sunshine and high temperatures rising into the mid-40s. As the weekend approaches, a longwave trough will transition across the area, followed by a zonal upper-level flow establishing itself over the Southeast. This shift will allow surface high pressure to gradually move eastward, leading to dry and benign weather conditions throughout much of the weekend. Residents can expect a slight moderation in temperatures, particularly noticeable in the high temperatures.

Looking ahead, moisture is set to return from the west late Sunday into Monday, coinciding with the eastward movement of the surface high. A shortwave system will also enter the region, bringing the potential for liquid precipitation. However, early Monday morning may see some light freezing rain in the higher elevations of far northeast Georgia, although this will likely be short-lived as temperatures warm throughout the day. Highs on Monday are expected to reach the upper 40s to mid-50s. Finally, Tuesday is forecasted to bring weather conditions closer to normal for this time of year, with lows primarily in the 30s and highs ranging from the 50s to low 60s.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 23, 2025:

Area fire departments responded to a house fire near Orchard Hill Road in Summerville on Wednesday morning. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already heavily damaged. Smoke was visible for several miles. The Summerville Fire Department was joined by Trion and Hays Correctional fire departments. Firefighters faced freezing temperatures that caused water to freeze quickly. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire was not immediately released.

After years of resistance from Republican lawmakers, Georgia is taking a significant step toward expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income families. Governor Brian Kemp announced on Tuesday that the state will seek federal approval for a new initiative called Georgia Pathways, aimed at providing Medicaid assistance to low-income parents and legal guardians of children up to age six.

This expansion is designed for families with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Since its launch in 2023, Georgia Pathways has made strides to improve accessibility for families, with Kemp highlighting the program’s success in providing coverage to 8,385 individuals as of July 2023. The new proposal seeks to broaden Medicaid coverage by extending support beyond the postpartum period and including eligible new fathers from the time of birth. Kemp emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our administration is committed to ensuring that every Georgian has access to the healthcare they need, especially our youngest and most vulnerable.”

However, the move has sparked criticism from opponents who argue that a full expansion of Medicaid would benefit many more families in need. Critics contend that Georgia’s reluctance to fully embrace Medicaid expansion, a decision driven by Kemp and other GOP leaders, limits access to essential healthcare services and may ultimately prove more costly in the long run. As the state awaits federal approval for the Georgia Pathways initiative, the conversation surrounding Medicaid expansion in Georgia continues to evolve, with advocates pushing for broader reforms to support the health and well-being of all residents.

The City of Summerville has released its 2024 financial audit, showing its commitment to transparency and accountability. This thorough audit helps officials, citizens, and stakeholders understand the city’s financial health and performance. An independent firm conducted the audit, checking the city’s financial records for compliance with rules and standards. The findings showcase the city’s fiscal responsibility and highlight areas for improvement. The audit gives insights into revenue, spending, and overall performance, helping citizens see how their city is doing financially and what is being done for sustainable growth. The 2024 financial audit is available for public access on the city’s official website.  You can find a link to the 2024 audit HERE

The Walker County Sheriff Office is asking for assistance in identifying this person pictured. He made several stops at residences in the Chattanooga Valley area of the county over the past weekend asking for food/water. He is wanted for questioning in relation to several reports of criminal trespass/burglary. If you know the suspect contact Det. Andy Cash at 706-638-1909 Ext. 1298. or at acash@walkerso.com, or contact Crimestoppers at 423-698-3333 or at www.stopchattcrime.com.

The Trion Town Council held their regular monthly meeting for January on Tuesday of this week.  Normally, council meetings are held on Thursdays, but the date was changed due to scheduling. The council and mayor heard from the Trion Street Department about paving projects that is being funded in part by a grant which will cover $36,000 of the $50,000 cost.  Also, the council voted to inter into an intergovernmental agreement for the Trion Police Department and their participation in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.  The council approved a SPLOST referendum measure and agreed on qualifying fees for upcoming municipal elections.  The council also heard from a citizen who had complaints about the Trion Fire Department.  The homeowner and her family said that fire fighters used threats and intimidation and did not behave in a professional manner after an electrical issue at their home.  Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas told WZQZ News that he and Public Safety Director David Gilleland are looking into the matter, but had no further comment at this time.  You can watch the meeting, including citizen remarks, in the video below.

A 30-year-old woman from Summerville was taken into custody on Monday and is facing a felony theft by shoplifting charge. According to jail records, Hannah Louise Hughes allegedly attempted to steal nearly $585 worth of merchandise from the Walmart located on Redmond Circle in West Rome. The Floyd County Police reported that Hughes managed to pass all points of sale without scanning several items at the register.  Hughes was detained by Walmart employees and subsequently arrested and booked into the Floyd County Jail.

The Summerville Police Department is looking into a burglary reported by local resident Jackie Askea. She stated that her Marvin Avenue apartment was broken into on January 8, 2025, between 3:15 PM and 7:00 PM, resulting in the theft of $300 from her pocketbook on the kitchen counter. Mrs. Askea emphasized that her door was locked and showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the thief may have had a key. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper announced on Wednesday that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a second commercial poultry flock located in Elbert County, Georgia. This marks the second case in Georgia and the sixth case nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022.

While poultry activities are currently suspended, retail sales of poultry products, including meat and eggs, as well as poultry production and processing, are not affected. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) was informed about this second positive case by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network on January 17, 2025, allowing them to start response operations immediately without waiting for verification from the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). Confirmation from NVSL was received on January 21, 2025.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized the seriousness of HPAI for Georgia’s economy and poultry health, noting the swift action taken by the GDA to begin depopulation, disposal, and sanitation work. The close location of the affected sites allowed for concurrent operation against both cases, while law enforcement ensured a secure perimeter to prevent disease spread. On January 17, 2025, routine testing at a poultry operation detected HPAI, further confirmed by NVSL four days later. Elbert 02, the second affected site, had around 130,000 broilers and is situated only about 210 yards from Elbert 01, the initial site.

The GDA’s Emergency Management & State Agricultural Response Team quickly addressed both affected premises, completing depopulation within 48 hours after detection. Disposal and cleaning measures are still in progress, and law enforcement continues to safeguard the affected areas. Animal disease protocols require immediate action upon detection of HPAI to stop its spread. Although NVSL confirmation is important for public announcements, it does not delay the necessary response actions from the GDA. All commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer radius are under quarantine and will undergo heightened surveillance for at least two weeks, with permits required for poultry movements in and out of the control area. The suspension of poultry activities, including sales and exhibitions, remains in effect until further notice.