AdventHealth Redmond has been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation awarded to programs that meet nationally established quality measures for patient outcomes, safety standards, and overall program structure. Sarah Hunt, program coordinator of metabolic and bariatric surgery, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to whole-person care and gives patients added confidence in the quality and safety of their surgical support. Hospital officials said the bariatric program met comprehensive criteria, including national accreditation, participation in the MBSAQIP quality program, evidence-based practices, and multidisciplinary long-term care. AdventHealth Redmond noted bariatric surgery can help patients living with obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, with individualized care plans and ongoing support available locally. More information is available at BariatricSurgeryGA.com.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:
Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here
A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for a large portion of North and Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga and Walker County areas, from late Friday night through Monday morning. The National Weather Service says heavy mixed precipitation is possible during that time, with total snow and sleet accumulations up to four inches and ice accumulations greater than one quarter of an inch also possible.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 21, 2026:
Henry’s BBQ Fire Likely Started Near Front Heater; Employee Heard Popping Before Smoke Filled Dining Area
Fire officials now say the Tuesday night fire at Henry’s BBQ in Summerville may have started in or around a heater near the front of the restaurant. Summerville Police Chief and Public Safety Director Brian Ozment said an employee was in the back of the building preparing for business the next day when she heard popping sounds coming from the front. When she went to check, Ozment said the front area was already filled with heavy smoke.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports 55-year-old Angela Donice Jennings was arrested following a traffic stop in Trion. In the incident narrative, a deputy says Jennings was observed failing to maintain her lane and nearly striking another vehicle before both vehicles pulled into a nearby parking area, identified in the report as the United Community Bank location.
















