Small Crowd Gathers at Dowdy Park to Protest Beaver Removal From Town Creek
A small group of protesters gathered Sunday afternoon at Dowdy Park to voice opposition to the planned removal of beavers and beaver dams from Town Creek, a move city officials say is necessary to help control flooding in downtown Summerville.
The protest, held at 2 p.m. Sunday, drew a limited crowd but strong opinions from those in attendance, who expressed concern about the treatment of the animals and the long-term environmental impact of removing them from the waterway.
The demonstration was organized by Kristy Colbert, a former Chattooga High School teacher, who has argued that beavers have been part of the local ecosystem for years and should not be blamed as the primary cause of flooding. Colbert has said debris and lack of routine creek maintenance may be contributing more to water issues than wildlife activity.
The protest followed comments made by Mayor Rickey Hughes earlier in the weekend, when he discussed recent flooding conditions after several inches of rain. In a social media post, the mayor noted that improvements and maintenance helped prevent major flooding downtown, and referenced beaver removal as a potential next step. That post was later updated, though Colbert says a screenshot she shared shows the mayor confirming that beavers would be trapped.
Colbert and other protesters raised concerns about what could happen to the animals if removed, particularly during winter months, and questioned whether relocation or trapping could result in harm or death.
WZQZ reached out to Summerville Mayor Rickey Hughes for comment about Sunday’s protest and the city’s plans regarding beaver removal. Mayor Hughes responded, “no comment,” at this time.
Some protesters say they plan to attend Monday evening’s Summerville City Council meeting to speak during public comments and urge city leaders to reconsider how the beaver issue is handled.
City officials maintain that beaver dams are contributing to water backup and flooding concerns along Town Creek and downtown areas.
State agencies typically address beaver-related flooding issues on a case-by-case basis. The Georgia Department of Transportation, for example, does not routinely remove beaver dams unless they threaten infrastructure such as roads or culverts. In many cases, agencies use water-level control devices, sometimes called “beaver deceivers,” which allow dams to remain while reducing flooding risk. Management practices must comply with regulations from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which classify beavers as a nuisance species while also recognizing their environmental role.
For now, the issue remains unresolved locally, with the debate expected to surface from public comments during Monday’s council meeting as city leaders balance flood control concerns with environmental and animal welfare considerations.
Arrest Report - Monday - January 12, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 12, 2026:
Chilly Start, Dry Air Raises Fire Concerns as Northwest Georgia Eyes Possible Mountain Snow Midweek
A noticeably cooler and drier pattern is settling over Georgia to start the week, bringing brisk mornings to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia while also fueling heightened fire-danger concerns elsewhere in the state today and Tuesday.
Forecasters say building high pressure will keep conditions mostly dry through Tuesday, with morning lows dipping into the upper 20s across North Georgia and afternoon highs recovering into the upper 40s to low 50s today. Skies may feature some high clouds, but the bigger story is the drying trend. In parts of east-central Georgia, relative humidity is expected to drop below critical thresholds this afternoon and again Tuesday, prompting a Fire Danger Statement there due to low humidity and dry fuels. While winds are expected to stay light—helping limit rapid fire spread—officials urge everyone across the region, including Northwest Georgia, to be cautious with any outdoor burning as winter dryness builds.
Looking ahead, a “brief warm-up” arrives Tuesday and continues into Wednesday with highs rising into the 50s areawide, but that won’t last. By midweek, longwave troughing over the eastern U.S. will usher in colder air behind a storm system expected Wednesday into Thursday. Most precipitation should fall before the coldest air arrives, but there’s still a late-week wildcard: light mountain snow showers remain possible late Wednesday night into early Thursday, driven by upslope flow and limited instability. Moisture looks modest, so any accumulation would likely be limited if snow develops.
After that, cooler and more seasonable temperatures return, with readings potentially falling 5 to 15 degrees below average on Thursday and staying below average into the weekend. Another system may arrive over the weekend, but precipitation chances appear lower and remain uncertain.
Steam Into Summerville’s Star Locomotive, Southern 4501, Sparks Johnny Cash Memories During TVRM Visit This Past Weekend
A visual timeline connects Johnny Cash’s 1974 television special Ridin’ the Rails with the present-day legacy of Southern Railway 4501. Top left, Cash performs beside the massive steam locomotive during filming of the ABC special. Top right, John Carter Cash visits the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with family and TVRM staff, sitting aboard the same historic equipment nearly 50 years later. Bottom left, archival footage shows Cash riding in the cab of Southern 4501. Bottom right, the fully restored 1911 Baldwin-built locomotive draws crowds during a modern-day Steam into Summerville excursion, a signature event that most recently brought the engine to Summerville, Georgia, on November 11, 2025.
The same steam locomotive that regularly thunders into Summerville for TVRM’s popular Steam into Summerville railroad days — Southern Railway 4501 — is drawing attention again after a weekend visit this past Saturday in Chattanooga from John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash. The historic engine, which most recently visited Summerville on November 11, 2025, remains one of the most recognizable operating steam locomotives in the country and continues to bring rail history to life for local riders and visiting railfans alike.
The moment carried extra meaning because Southern 4501 also connects to a major piece of music-and-railroad nostalgia: Johnny Cash’s 1974 ABC television special, Ridin’ the Rails: The Great American Train Story. The program blended narration, reenactments, and performances to explore America’s railroad story from the age of steam into the diesel era, using music and historic imagery to bring railroading’s past to the screen.
Nearly 50 years later, that history felt personal again when John Carter Cash visited the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) in Chattanooga with his family — and found himself revisiting a memory from childhood.
Reflecting on the surprise connection, Cash shared:
“Wow. What a day. We stopped at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum with Ana Cristina and our two younger children here in Chattanooga, and I was surprised to find myself sitting in the same train I rode with my father back in 1974 during the Ridin’ the Rails television show. Thank you to everyone there for such a meaningful day.”
A steam engine with a long and storied journey
Southern Railway 4501 is no ordinary locomotive. Built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works and designed as a 2-8-2 “Mikado,” the engine helped popularize a steam locomotive configuration that would be replicated across American railroads. After years of service through parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana, it was sold in 1948 to the Kentucky & Tennessee Railway, where it worked in the mountains of eastern Kentucky for years before preservation efforts changed its destiny.
The locomotive’s modern legacy took shape in the early 1960s when future TVRM founders Robert Soule and Paul Merriman discovered it while documenting remaining steam operations in the East. Acquired and preserved, 4501 evolved from an overlooked working engine into one of the most traveled, photographed, and celebrated steam locomotives in the world — and later became a mainstay of the Southern Railway (and Norfolk Southern) steam excursion era. Today, it is recognized for its cultural and historical importance, including listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The heart of Steam into Summerville
For many in Northwest Georgia, Southern 4501 isn’t just a museum piece — it’s a living, breathing hometown event. The locomotive is the featured power for TVRM’s Steam into Summerville excursions, a full-day trip departing from Chattanooga and traveling through scenic North Georgia before arriving in Summerville, Georgia, for a layover at the historic depot.
The experience is built for both families and serious railfans: classic passenger cars, onboard narration, and the unforgettable sound and motion of an operating steam engine. And for locals, the arrival of 4501 has become a signature moment — a rolling reminder of the era when steam still ruled the rails.
Southern 4501’s most recent trip into Summerville came on November 11, 2025, continuing a tradition that ties the region’s present-day tourism and community pride to a century-old machine that still does what it was built to do: move people, tell stories, and command attention.
Still running, still inspiring
Although the locomotive retired in 1999 due to rising maintenance costs, it returned to service after a major restoration that brought it back for modern-era operations. Its continued use today is sustained through ticket sales, volunteer work, and supporter donations — efforts that keep 4501 operating not as a static exhibit, but as an active piece of history.
From a 1974 television moment with Johnny Cash to the modern-day excitement of Steam into Summerville, Southern Railway 4501 continues to connect generations — and each time it rolls into Summerville, it proves that the steam era isn’t just something to read about. In North Georgia, it’s something you can still hear coming down the tracks.
Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce to Hold Annual General Meeting in Summerville
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual General Meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., bringing together local business leaders, members, and community stakeholders for an evening focused on reflection, planning, and networking.
The meeting will take place at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville and will serve as a combined annual meeting in lieu of the Chamber’s regular monthly luncheon.
According to the Chamber, current members will receive a complimentary meal, while non-members may attend for a small fee. Reservations are required to ensure proper catering arrangements.
The evening’s agenda includes an opportunity to meet the Chattooga County Chamber Board of Directors, including newly elected board members, as well as a presentation of the Annual Report and the Chamber’s 2026 Strategic Plan. Attendees will also be able to participate in a question-and-answer session, enjoy door prizes, and take part in informal networking with fellow business and community leaders.
The Annual General Meeting is designed to provide transparency, highlight accomplishments from the past year, and outline priorities for the year ahead, while also strengthening connections within the local business community.
Quilts of Valor Ceremony Honors Lyerly Veteran Butch Gardner for Service on Korea’s DMZ
A Quilts of Valor ceremony was held Sunday at Lyerly Community Church to honor Butch Gardner, a U.S. Army veteran and retired employee of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, recognizing both his military service and the lasting impact it has had on his life and community.
The tribute included a video introduction from Colonel Mike Caldwell, who highlighted Sergeant Gardner’s service in Korea with the U.S. Army’s Imjin Scouts—an elite unit known for operating along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) near the North Korean border. The Imjin Scouts conducted high-risk patrols and reconnaissance missions during a tense Cold War-era period, operating in small teams focused on vigilance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
The handmade quilt was presented by members of the local Quilts of Valor chapter, including Mrs. Brenda Park, Mrs. Gloria Mosely, and Mrs. Mary Baggett, who were on hand to wrap Gardner in the quilt during the ceremony—an emotional tradition meant to symbolize warmth, gratitude, and support.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) is a national organization that provides handmade quilts to service members and veterans touched by war. The effort traces back to a 2003 dream by founder Catherine Roberts, centered on the idea of healing and honoring veterans through the comfort of a quilt. Organizers emphasize that these quilts are awarded, not gifted, and must meet specific size and quality standards. Each quilt is intended to serve as a tangible “thank you” for sacrifice, with thousands of volunteers across the country creating and donating them.
For Gardner, the ceremony served as both recognition and remembrance—honoring a chapter of service that took place far from home, but one that still resonates strongly in Chattooga County today.
Summerville City Council Meets Tonight; Swearing-In, Budget Adoption and Key Appointments on Agenda
The Summerville City Council meets this evening, Monday, January 12th, at 5 o’clock at City Hall, and the agenda includes several big items for the city.
The meeting starts with the oath of office for Mayor Rickey Hughes and newly elected council members Simone Adams and Dana Mosley, followed by recognition of Summerville’s 12-and-under girls volleyball team.
Council will also consider routine approvals on the consent agenda, hear a financial update and comments from City Manager Jason Winters, and then move into a key vote on adopting the city’s year-end budget ordinance.
In new business, council is expected to elect a Mayor Pro Tem and take up changes to the city’s legal team, including accepting the city attorney’s resignation and considering appointments for a new city attorney and a municipal court solicitor. The agenda also includes a mutual aid agreement update and a sign request on Rome Boulevard.
Public comments are scheduled before adjournment.
Complete Agenda:
Northwest Georgia Beekeepers to Host Meeting This Evening on Protecting Hives From Pesticides
The Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association is inviting area residents to a special club meeting focused on protecting honeybee hives from pesticide exposure, with guest speakers scheduled to answer questions and share practical information for local beekeepers.
The meeting is set for this evening, Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., at the Walker County Agricultural Center, located at 10052 U.S. Highway 27 North in Rock Spring.
Organizers say the program will cover topics including the pesticide incident complaint process through the Georgia Department of Agriculture, a DriftWatch registration demonstration to help beekeepers understand pesticide application activity in their area, and a Q&A session with pesticide and safety educators.
The association says the event is open to everyone—no membership is required—and is aimed at supporting both experienced beekeepers and those who are new to the hobby.
Qualifying Opens Today for Georgia’s 14th: Crowded “Jungle Primary” Field Takes Shape Across Northwest Georgia
Qualifying opens today for the special election to fill Georgia’s vacant 14th Congressional District seat, and the field is already shaping up as one of the most crowded contests Northwest Georgia has seen in years, with multiple Republicans and Democrats publicly signaling they plan to run.
The race will be decided in an all-candidate “jungle primary” format, meaning candidates from every party appear on the same ballot. If no one wins a majority, the top finishers advance to a runoff.
Among the best-known names to jump in is 53rd District State Sen. Colton Moore, a Northwest Georgia lawmaker who has publicly announced plans to run for the congressional seat.
Other Republicans who have been publicly mentioned as entering the race include Clayton Fuller, a district attorney, and Brian Stover, a businessman, along with Reagan Box, who has shifted from a separate campaign effort to run in the special election.
On the Democratic side, Shawn Harris—who previously ran in the district—has said he’s running again, joined by Clarence Blalock. An independent candidate, Rob Ruszkowski, has also been reported as entering the race.
Even with those announcements, more names could be added quickly as qualifying gets underway. Early reporting has indicated a large number of potential Republican contenders have been weighing campaigns, suggesting the final ballot may include a long list of candidates once the window closes.
For voters in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia, the jungle-primary format raises the stakes of a crowded field: with many candidates splitting support, the contest could turn into a fast-paced battle for name recognition, local ties, and turnout—while setting up the possibility of a runoff if no one reaches a majority.
Summerville Recreation Department Opens Spring Volleyball Sign-Ups for Youth Ages 9–14
The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its Spring 2026 youth volleyball program, offering local kids a chance to learn fundamentals, build teamwork, and have fun in a positive, structured environment.
Recreation officials say the program is designed to provide a safe setting for participants while emphasizing sportsmanship, skill development, and personal character. The league will include eight regular-season games, followed by playoffs after the regular season concludes.
The season is expected to run from March through mid-May, with practices beginning in mid-February and games starting in late March.
The program is open to the following age groups:
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9–10
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11–12
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13–14
Registration is currently open. Regular registration runs from January 1 through February 1, with late registration available from February 1 through February 13. The registration cost is $15 during the regular period and $25 during late registration.
Organizers encourage families to sign up early to help with planning, team organization, and scheduling.
For Registration >>> Click Here
Summerville Water Customers May Experience Low Water Pressure During Maintenance
The City of Summerville is advising water customers that temporary low water pressure may be experienced due to maintenance work at the city’s water treatment plant.
The maintenance is scheduled to take place Monday, January 12, 2026, and is expected to be completed the same day. During this time, customers across the city may notice reduced water pressure as crews perform necessary work to maintain system operations.
City officials say the maintenance is part of routine efforts to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the water system and thank residents and businesses for their patience while the work is underway.
Normal water pressure is expected to return once maintenance is completed.
Arrest Report - Sunday - January 11, 2026
According to the latest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, there were no arrests to report for Sunday, January 11, 2026. (Report released at 5:34 AM).
Gusty Winds, Dry Air Raise Fire Concern in Chattooga County as Cooler Week Takes Shape
Northwest Georgia will see a blustery finish to the weekend as a secondary push of colder, drier air moves through Sunday, bringing gusty winds and a stretch of mostly dry weather that could elevate fire danger early this week across Chattooga County and surrounding communities.
Forecasters say winds will increase after daybreak Sunday as the pressure gradient tightens behind the front, with gusts commonly reaching 30–35 mph through the afternoon. While the strongest winds are expected in higher elevations farther north and east, residents in Summerville, Trion, Menlo, and Lyerly can still expect occasional strong gusts—especially in open areas and along ridgelines—making for difficult travel for high-profile vehicles and a higher risk of blowing around loose outdoor items.
Skies should gradually improve through the morning as lingering low clouds and patchy drizzle exit, leaving a cooler, breezy day behind the front.
Freeze potential and fire weather concerns Monday
By Monday morning, below-freezing temperatures are expected across much of the region. As sunshine returns, afternoon highs should recover into the upper 40s to low 50s, but the bigger concern may be the combination of dry air and lingering breeze, which can rapidly dry grasses and leaf litter.
If relative humidity drops low enough Monday afternoon, elevated fire weather conditions could develop. Officials typically urge residents to avoid outdoor burning during these periods, as fires can spread quickly—even after recent rainfall—when winds increase and humidity falls.
Cooler late-week trend; snow chances remain uncertain
Looking ahead, a pair of weather systems is expected to reinforce cooler air midweek and again toward next weekend. The first system may arrive Wednesday into Thursday, and while moisture is expected to be limited, a small window could exist for light precipitation in Northwest Georgia—possibly even a brief mix or light snow late Wednesday night into early Thursday if conditions align.
Confidence is higher in the cooling trend than in precipitation details. Forecast guidance remains split late in the week and into the weekend, meaning any rain—or wintry weather potential—will likely come into better focus closer to midweek.
For now, the message for Chattooga County is straightforward: windy today, cold tonight, drier early week with fire concerns, and a cooler pattern continuing late week—with precipitation chances still a question mark.
Summerville City Council to Swear In Officials, Address Budget Matters, and Consider Key Appointments Monday
The Summerville City Council will meet Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5 p.m., with the swearing-in of city officials, recognition of a local youth sports team, and several key city business matters on the agenda.
Mayor Rickey Hughes and newly seated council members Simone Adams and Dana W. Mosley are scheduled to take the Oath of Office, and the council will recognize the 12U Girls Volleyball Team during the meeting.
Council members are expected to handle routine business, take action on a year-end budget ordinance, and consider infrastructure- and finance-related matters, including recreation lighting documents.
The meeting will also include the selection of a Mayor Pro Tem and action related to the city’s legal representation, including the resignation and appointment of a City Attorney and Municipal Court Solicitor. Additional items include participation in a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement, a sign request for the AdventHealth location on Rome Boulevard, and public comments.
Protest Planned TODAY at Dowdy Park Over Summerville’s Proposed Beaver Trapping
A protest is planned TODAY (Sunday, January 11) at 2 p.m. at Dowdy Park in Summerville, organized in response to Mayor Rickey Hughes’ recent comments about removing beavers from local waterways.
Organizer Kristy Colbert is urging community members and media to attend, saying she wants to draw attention to what she believes could become an inhumane outcome for the animals. “We will meet at Dowdy Park at 2:00 Sunday afternoon. Please join me to save these animals,” Colbert said in her call to action.
The demonstration follows a Facebook post from Mayor Hughes earlier on Saturday discussing flooding conditions in Summerville. The mayor said that after recent improvements and maintenance, the city did not see major flooding following about three inches of rain. The post originally referenced beaver removal as a next step and was later updated. Colbert says a screenshot she provided shows the mayor confirming beavers will be trapped.
Colbert, a former Chattooga High School teacher, said beavers have been part of the area ecosystem for years and argues debris may be a bigger issue than wildlife. She said she and students previously conducted annual creek cleanups and did not encounter major beaver dams, but noted the waterway has not been maintained in recent years and trash could have built up.
Colbert also raised concerns about what could happen if animals are trapped, saying removal could lead to death or difficult relocation conditions during winter. She says she plans to attend Monday’s Summerville City Council meeting to address the issue directly with city leaders.
The city maintains that the beavers are adding to the flooding concerns of downtown Summerville.
Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging Hosts “Dementia Friends” Program at Rome Library Monday
The Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging will hold a Dementia Friends presentation at the Rome-Floyd County Library on Monday, Jan. 12, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about dementia and the resources available for those living with the disease and the caregivers supporting them.
The agency serves 15 counties in Northwest Georgia, including Floyd and Chattooga, as well as nearby counties such as Walker, Gordon, Polk, Whitfield, Catoosa, Dade, and Murray, connecting older adults and families to services and support.
Leah Gentry, the agency’s dementia care specialist, said the program helps link people to senior resources such as in-home care options, home-delivered meals, and community organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association.
The session runs 4 to 5 p.m. and will cover what dementia is, what it can look like day to day, how to better communicate with someone who has it, and the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Gentry said her goal is to expand awareness while reminding families that help is available.
CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia Opens Today in Ringgold as Fort Oglethorpe Facility Closes
A major healthcare transition is underway today, January 11, as CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia opens its doors in Ringgold, expanding access to medical services for Catoosa County and surrounding counties in Northwest Georgia.
The opening of the new hospital also marks the closure of CHI Memorial Hospital in Fort Oglethorpe (formerly Hutcheson Hospital). The Fort Oglethorpe facility is closing for all services as operations shift to the new location.
The new hospital, located at 4710 Battlefield Parkway, is now accepting patients for emergency care as well as inpatient and outpatient services. Residents who previously used the Fort Oglethorpe hospital are encouraged to plan for the change and seek care at the Ringgold facility moving forward.
Chattooga High School Releases Athletic and School Events Schedule for the Week
Chattooga High School Athletic Director Mark Turner has released the schedule of athletic events and school activities for the upcoming week at CHS.
The week begins on Tuesday, January 13, with wrestling action at home as Chattooga hosts Ridgeland/Pepperell for Senior Night. The match is set to begin at 4 p.m., with Gordon handling gate operations and Culbert providing coverage.
On Thursday, January 15, Chattooga High School will recognize underclassmen during Rising Freshman Night, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The event will involve all administrators and is geared toward students and families preparing for the transition into high school.
The week concludes on Saturday, January 17, when the Chattooga wrestling team competes in the State Duals, with the location and time to be announced.
School officials encourage students, parents and fans to stay tuned for updates as event details may change.
GDOT Opens Five Major Northwest Georgia Road Projects to Traffic, Including $26.8M Villa Rica Bypass
The Georgia Department of Transportation has completed five major transportation projects across Northwest Georgia and opened them to traffic, marking more than $51 million in construction work aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and long-term infrastructure conditions.
The largest of the newly opened projects is the $26.8 million Villa Rica Bypass in Carroll County, built between State Routes 101 and 61. GDOT says the bypass is designed to give truck traffic a route around downtown Villa Rica, helping reduce congestion and improving travel efficiency through the area.
Several bridge projects across the region were also finished and opened. In Gordon County, GDOT completed a $9 million replacement of two bridges on SR 136 over the Coosawattee River and a nearby tributary. In Floyd County, crews replaced the SR 293 bridge over Dykes Creek in an $8.5 million project, and also completed a $1.8 million replacement of the Rehoboth Road bridge over Spring Creek. In Dade County, GDOT wrapped up $4.9 million in rehabilitation work on multiple bridges along I-59.
Wings Over North Georgia Air Show Returns April 3–4 in Rome With U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as Headliners
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show will return to the skies over Rome this spring, taking place Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4, at Russell Regional Airport, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds set to headline the two-day event.
Air show organizers say the Thunderbirds are expected to be in town throughout air show week, and JLC Airshow Management President John Cowman noted he’s especially excited that the team will be able to land at Rome’s airport this time, crediting a recent runway extension for making that possible.
The show will feature aerial performances both days, along with a twilight show and fireworks on Friday night. Organizers also emphasized there will be no show on Sunday, which falls on Easter.
Tickets are on sale now through the event website and must be purchased in advance. Organizers say tickets will not be sold at the air show. For updates leading up to the event, attendees are encouraged to follow Wings Over North Georgia Airshow on Facebook.