City Of Menlo Boil Water Notice

The City of Menlo has issued a boil water advisory until further notice.  WZQZ will give updates as they become available.

Update 12:15 PM: City Water officials say that a trace of E.coli has been found in the Alpine Well.

Arrest Report - Friday - May 17, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 17, 2024:

Six Candidates Running For City Council Seat

Today is the final day of advanced voting in the special election for Summerville City Council Seat One.  Six candidates are running for the seat that came open when former Summerville City Councilman David Ford passed away earlier this year.  Those running are: Simone Adams, Pam Albert, Craig Holt, Michael Mack, Gary Morgan and Bobby Patterson.

Residents of Summerville will need to go to Summerville City Hall today between 9 AM and 5 PM to cast their ballots.  If you don’t vote early, you will need to vote at Summerville City Hall on Election Day next Tuesday.  Summerville City Hall is located on Georgia Avenue across from Summerville First Baptist Church.

At the end of early voting on Thursday, the City of Summerville had 121 ballots cast during Advance Voting and has issued 5 Absentee by Mail ballots. Two Absentee by Mail ballots have been accepted.

Georgia's First Lady Talks Suicide Prevention At The Carter Center

Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp attended a symposium at the Rosalyn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum held at the Carter Center in Atlanta this week. 

The First Lady is drawing attention to the 988 suicide prevention hotline in Georgia.  According to state officials, only about 16% of people have knowledge of the hotline and that’s something First Lady Kemp wants to change. “We’ve got to make sure that we get the word out,” Marty Kemp said. “Especially with everything the state and individuals have been through. It’s very tough with a pandemic that we never even knew we were going to have. People are struggling, and we recognize that, and we want to help them.” The 988 number was launched nearly two years ago and offers a help line for those struggling with mental health issues.

The mental health forum at the Carter Center was started by former First Lady of Georgia, and of the United States, Rosalyn Carter who dedicated much of her life to raising awareness about mental health issues.

Health Inspection Scores - First Half Of May 2024

Here are the latest health inspection scores from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the first half of May, 2024:

4L Rodeo Returns This Weekend

Charlie and Wanda Lowry and the 4L Rodeo Company will present another fast-paced, fun-filled rodeo in the covered arena located off Farmersville Road in the Gore Community this evening and tomorrow evening. Cowboys and Cowgirls from the Southeastern PRCA Circuit will be competing on both nights.

The 4L Rodeo Company is one of the most outstanding rodeo stock contracting companies in the southeastern United States.  Founded in 1985 by champion calf roper and steer wrestler Charlie Lowry, the company has grown from five small productions its first year to producing 25 events a year. 4L Rodeo host PRCA, IPRA, NIRA and high school rodeos and rough stock schools.

Advance tickets are available at United Community Bank in Summerville, Dirt Town Deli in Gore and Southern Living Farm & Garden in Trion.  Cash only at the gate and gates open at 6 PM each evening.

The 2024 Lowry’s 4L Rodeo is brought to you by Harvey’s South End Auto.

GHC Expands "GHC@Night" Degrees

This fall, working adults will have greater flexibility and more options for earning an associate degree from Georgia Highlands College (GHC) thanks to the growing GHC@Night program. 

The program, geared toward busy and working adults who would like to advance in their careers or start a new career, allows students a unique opportunity to earn an associate degree in two years requiring only one night a week on campus, along with one or two online classes per 8-week term.

With GHC@Night, students can earn an associate degree in in business administration, communication, psychology, education, sport management, English, criminal justice, film studies, political science, sociology, history, journalism, FinTech, general studies, recreation administration and Spanish.

The in-person class for each program will meet on Tuesday nights from 6PM to 8:45PM and has the same low-cost tuition rate as all other GHC programs.

“GHC@Night is an expression of our commitment to providing access to quality education,” Executive Director of Strategic Communication Meredith Bruno said. “The program represents a key avenue through which we provide a path to a college degree that fits into the lives of busy working adults. Students joining our next cohort will have all the support they need to fulfill their dream of earning a college degree.”

After earning an associate degree through GHC@Night, graduates are then ready to complete a bachelor’s degree at in as little as two years,

While the class will meet in the evening, nearly all student support services are available to students after hours in-person or through the GHC Student Services Virtual Hub. For example, students can get tutoring in the evening by appointment, and the Writing Center can provide assistance via email or by appointment.

Following the success of the launch of GHC@Night’s Associate of Science in Business Administration this past fall, the program has been expanded to help meet the workforce needs of the region, with highly qualified and engaged faculty providing an educational experience that focuses on unique skills to help graduates grow professionally.

The new GHC@Night program option was made possible through submitting and obtaining an Adult Learner Small Grant, Propelling Data-Informed Marketing, Communication, and Credit for Prior Learning. Funding was provided by the University System of Georgia.

As a multi-campus, state college member of the University System of Georgia (USG), Georgia Highlands College offers over 40 areas of study, including 9 career-focused bachelor’s degrees designed to meet the workforce needs of Northwest Georgia.

To learn more about GHC@Night and start classes this fall, visit night.highlands.edu and complete the interest form here.

Last Day To Vote Early For Primary Election

Today is the final day of advanced voting for the Primary Election that will be held next Tuesday, May 21st.  Voters can go to the Chattooga County Registrars Office today between 8:30 AM and 5 PM and cast their ballots.  If you don’t vote today, you will need to vote in your local precinct on Tuesday of next week.

At the end of the day on Thursday, the Chattooga County Registrars Office had issued 116 Absentee by Mail ballots. They have received and accepted 91 Absentee by Mail ballots, cancelled 2 ballots, and spoiled 2 ballots. No Absentee by Mail ballots have been rejected. They have had a total of 1415 Advance Voters. They have not had any provisional ballots or rejected ballots.

Chattooga County voters have two, local contested races on the ballot.  Voters will be deciding on the county commissioner’s race and the coroners race.  Additionally, voters in Chattooga County will be voting along with voters in Walker, Dade, Catoosa and a portion of Floyd Counties on the state senate race for the 53rd District.  Voters in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties, will also be voting on a superior court judge race.  Be sure to bring a picture ID when you come to vote.

Friday Night Live In Summerville

Summerville Main Street’s monthly Friday Night Live is coming up this evening in downtown Summerville.  It’s bike night and there will be vendors on site on East Washington Street with the concert getting underway at 7 PM.  In case of rain, the live music will be moved to the historic Summerville Depot on East Washington Street.  The event is free.

Georgia's Unemployment Rate Unchanged

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia’s April unemployment rate was 3.1, unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. The unemployment rate was eight-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

“Jobs for Georgians is something we take seriously in the Peach State,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With nearly 70,000 jobs added to the economy over the last year, including a whopping 15,000 this past month alone, there are now more opportunities than ever to launch Georgians into high-demand careers that meet industry needs head-on. While the future remains unclear, all signs are pointing toward Georgia as a perennial leader in growing jobs and creating economic opportunity for all.”

Jobs were up by 15,500 (0.3%) over the month and up by 69,900 (1.4%) over the year to 4,967,400, an all-time high.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 4,300; Durable Goods Manufacturing, 3,500; Health Care and Social Assistance, 3,100; Wholesale Trade, 2,900; and Finance and Insurance, 2,400.

Jobs were down in Local Government, -1,800; Retail Trade, -1,200; and Transportation and Warehousing, -500.

Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 679,200; Leisure and Hospitality, 526,900; and Financial Activities, 287,200.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 25,100; Local Government, 13,500; Accommodation and Food Services, 11,400; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 11,100; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, 8,500.

Jobs were down in Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -13,700; Administrative and Support Services, -11,500; and Transportation and Warehousing, -11,300.

The labor force was up by 13,655 to 5,357,124, an all-time high, and was up by 66,599 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate was up from 61.4 percent to 61.5 percent.

The number of employed was up by 11,620 to 5,191,605, an all-time high, and was up by 69,062 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio was up from 59.5 percent to 59.6 percent.

The number of unemployed was up by 2,035 to 165,519, and was down by 2,463 over the past 12 months.

Initial claims were up by 3,705 (21%) over the month to 21,552 in April.  Initial claims were down by 3,855 (-15%) over the year.

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL’s Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.

Trion Dominates Dalton In First Half of Spring Scrimmage 28-0

The Trion Bulldogs ended their spring practices with a scrimmage Thursday night on the road against the Dalton Catamounts.  It was all Dawgs in the first half as Trion built a 28-0 lead during the varsity portion of the scrimmage.  Click the audio below for a recap of the game from WZQZ’s Ben Groce and Jeremy Burke.

Arrest Report - Thursday - May 16, 2024

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 16, 2024:

Chattooga River Group Seeks Vendors For Chattooga River Fest

The Chattooga River Group is gearing up for the Third Annual Chattooga River Fest.  The festival moves each year to Chattooga County municipalities located along the Chattooga River.  In its inaugural year, the festival took place in Lyerly; last year it was in Trion and this year it will be held in the City of Summerville.

Organizers say that River Fest is in fact, three events in one.  There are events that are held on the Chattooga River and the festival will be held at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville.  Additionally, there will be a block party with live music.

The Chattooga River Group is currently seeking outdoor commercial, service, nonprofit, arts and crafts and unique item vendors for the event.  There are no food vendor slots left.  For more information, call Cindy at 706-857-4033.

Rep. Lumsden Announces Funding For Tooga Theater

Chattooga County has received $250,000 in grant money for the county-owned Tooga Theater.

State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), chairman of the House Insurance Committee, announced this week that Tooga Theater in Summerville, Georgia has been awarded a one-time grant of $250,000 allocated under House Bill 915, the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. These Special Project funds are awarded through the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development charged with empowering the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity.

“The Tooga Theater, nestled in historic downtown Summerville, has long been a cherished hub for cultural and community activities, serving as a testament to our rich heritage,” said Chairman Lumsden. “This grant not only bolsters the theater’s role as a cultural and historical asset for the citizens of Chattooga County but also promises to attract more tourists, stimulate business growth and provide vital support to our local businesses. It’s a win-win for our community, celebrating our heritage while fostering economic opportunities.”

“We commend the Georgia General Assembly for providing these one-time appropriations to support arts in rural communities,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “Arts events enhance downtowns, support small businesses, and provide jobs while creating excitement and unity.”

AAA Makes Memorial Day Predictions

AAA forecasts there will be a significant number of Georgians planning to travel for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. According to AAA, 1.3 million Georgians will journey 50 miles or more, which is 52,824 more holiday travelers than the previous year.

Nationally, AAA projects the second highest-traveled Memorial Day on record. Nearly 43.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more during the holiday travel period*. That’s 1.7 million more travelers than last year (4% increase), yet slightly behind 2005’s record of 44 million.

“Memorial Day will be the start to a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “American travelers are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels, making this the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades. The main driver of the projection is strong consumer interest in traveling both domestically and abroad.  Interest in traveling internationally is at the highest level in recent years.”

Road trips are expected to set a record in Georgia and nationwide, with nearly 1.5 million more Americans on the road than last year. AAA projects nearly 38.4 million will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2001. The national number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019.

“Traveling by car is appealing for many Georgians because of the convenience and flexibility it provides,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, Memorial Day drivers may have to pay more at the gas pump this year.”

During last year’s holiday weekend, Georgia’s gas price average was $3.25 per gallon. Today, the state average is $3.40.  Visit Georgia gas price average to view daily state and metro average prices. Drivers can use the free AAA mobile app to find the lowest gas prices in their area and get discounted pricing at the pump by participating in the Fuel Rewards Program.

“Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump as the summer driving season gets underway,” Waiters continued. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.”

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million Americans to travel by air this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and a 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005 when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post-9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year.

According to AAA booking data, the average price for a round-trip domestic flight will cost $778. That’s 2% more than last year’s holiday weekend. International flights are 4% more expensive – averaging $1485 for a roundtrip ticket. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.

In reviewing all hotel bookings with AAA, domestic hotels are 5% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The total average cost per stay (which can be multiple nights) is $500. International hotels are about the same as last year. The average cost per stay is $660.

Nearly 2 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic,” Haas said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Leading the charge is the resurgence in both ocean and river cruising, which came back extremely strong and continues to gain popularity. With ships of all sizes being introduced each year, there is constantly something new and exciting to explore for first-time and repeat cruise enthusiasts.”

Domestic car rentals are 17% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $439. International car rentals are 16% cheaper this Memorial Day weekend compared to last. The average total cost for a rental (which is typically for a few days) is $617.

• Cities with the highest rental demand this Memorial Day weekend are Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas.
• The busiest pick-up dates are Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, with rental reservations averaging five days in length.
• The most popular vehicle classes reserved for Memorial Day weekend are mid-size and full-size sedans, small and mid-size SUVs.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.

For example, Atlanta routes = ET.

Source: INRIX

Source: INRIX

Top Destinations

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed.

European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.

Travel Trends 

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:

• Bucket Lists: Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips and working through their wish lists.
• Milestones: Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips.
• Asia: More travelers are interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan.
• Solo Trips: More people, especially women, are interested in traveling by themselves or with other like-minded individuals.
• Luxury Vacations: More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours.
• Trains: Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe.
• Adventure in Nature: Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and the South Pacific.

Travel Agent Survey

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:

• Travel Insurance: 51% of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips.
• Cruises: 77% of agents say travelers are interested in ocean cruises and 67% say river cruises.
• All-Inclusive: 70% of agents say travelers are interested in all-inclusive vacations.

Holiday Forecast Methodology  

Travel Forecast

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor^SM. The PERFORMANCE/Monitor^SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.

Newnan Man Charged With Attempting To Bring Contraband Into State Prison

A Newnan man is accused of conspiring to smuggle contraband into the Floyd County Prison.

According to the arrest warrant:

37-year-old Eldrin Jejuan Hand, while an inmate at the prison, hatched a plan with another inmate and a third person to leave two packages of marijuana, weighing over 30 grams, at a work detail at Rome City Public Works.

Hand and the other inmate are seen during a video visit at the prison giving directions to the other person on May 7, 2023.

The contraband was found underneath a rock at the public works site 12 days later.

Hand is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of items prohibited for inmates, use of a communications facility to commit a crime, and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

WRGA

We Care Vet Fair Today At The Forum River Center In Rome

United Military Care is thrilled to announce its second annual Northwest Georgia “We Care Vet Fair,” taking place today at the Rome Forum River Center. Building on the success of its inaugural event, United Military Care reaffirms its dedication to assisting veterans and their families by facilitating access to vital resources and services across Georgia.

The “We Care Vet Fair” cultivates a nurturing environment for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. It offers an array of services and information tailored to their specific needs. This year’s fair is poised to be even more extensive, featuring participation from over 100 agencies, organizations, and businesses committed to providing assistance and guidance.

Attendees can access resources encompassing healthcare, mental health support, housing assistance, employment opportunities, education benefits, legal services, financial planning, and much more. The fair addresses various facets of veterans ‘ lives, from aiding in job placement to offering counseling services and VA benefits.

Kim Scofi, President of United Military Care, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “We are thrilled to organize the 2nd Annual ‘We Care Vet Fair’ and continue our mission of serving those who have served our country. This event underscores our steadfast commitment to supporting veterans and their families as they navigate the challenges of post-military life. By uniting a diverse range of agencies and resources, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.”

The “We Care Vet Fair” is scheduled for May 16th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Rome Forum River Center in Northwest Georgia. Admission is free, and the event welcomes all veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

For further details regarding the 2nd Annual “We Care Vet Fair” and United Military Care’s mission, please visit unitedmilitarycare.org or contact Kim Scofi at (770) 973-0014.

AdventHealth AngioScreen Bus In Trion

AdventHealth Medical Group at Trion is hosting the AngioScreen bus on Monday, May 20 from 8 am to 3 pm. The AngioScreen bus will be parked at 160 Central Ave, Trion, Ga. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

This painless 10-minute assessment delivers immediate results at the time of screening. An AngioScreen includes carotid artery screening ultrasound looking for plaque (the leading cause of stroke), 5 lead EKG of the heart rhythm, ankle brachial indices and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should consider scheduling an appointment today:

· Age 55 or above

· High blood pressure

· High cholesterol

· History of smoking

· Family history of stroke

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Family history of heart attack

· A personal medical history of other cardiovascular issues

The screening is $85 per person and is HSA eligible. To register for this screening, visit https://bit.ly/3vTFXsB.

Trion & Chattooga Spring Football Scrimmages Tonight

Football fans will get their first glimpse of the 2024 Trion Bulldogs and Chattooga Indians tonight as both teams will go on the road to Whitfield County for their spring scrimmages.  The Class A Trion Bulldogs will be stepping up a few weight classes tonight as they go on the road to play the AAAA powerhouse Dalton Catamounts.  Dalton finished last year with an 8-4 record and advanced to the 2nd round of the state playoffs.  The two teams have faced off against each other 9 times but the most recent meeting was all the way back in 1963.  Dalton leads the series with a 5-3-1 record.  Trion’s last victory against Dalton came back in 1947.

The Chattooga Indians will be heading to Dalton as well but will take on the Southeast Whitfield Raiders.  The Raiders struggled last year to a 1-9 record and missed out on the state playoffs.

WZQZ will be broadcasting the Trion vs Dalton scrimmage tonight on the radio as well as live video streaming on the WZQZ Facebook page.  Join Ben Groce, Jeremy Burke and cameraman Jim Warnock for the pregame show live from Dalton tonight at 6:30pm.  Kickoff will follow at 7pm.

Due to a confilicting work schedule with our Chattooga announcers, WZQZ will not be able to broadcast tonight’s Chattooga vs Southeast Whitfield scrimmage.  Chattooga’s scrimmage will begin tonight at 7:30 pm.

Two Arrested In Connection With Drive By Shooting In Summerville

Summerville Police have arrested two people in connection with a drive by shooting that took place on Scoggins Street last Saturday.  Police say that no one was struck by the gunfire, despite four adults and three juveniles being outside the residence that was targeted.  Another juvenile was inside the residence.

In a press release, Summerville Police said, “During the investigation it was determined that approximately 6 to 7 shots were fired that struck the residence and a vehicle at the residence. Two suspects were identified and with the assistance of the Lafayette Police Department they were located in Lafayette”.

Investigators from the Summerville Police Department and Lafayette Police Department interviewed both suspects, 22-year-old Aries Vaughn-Curry and 20-year-old Tristan Patterson concerning the incident.

Both were ultimately charged with multiple counts of Aggravated Assault and Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute and was not a random event.