Oakview Health & Rehabilitation Prepares for Storm, Plans for Possible Power and Phone Outages

Oakview Health & Rehabilitation says it is preparing for the upcoming storm expected to impact the area, and officials want families to know plans are in place to protect residents and maintain operations.

The facility says it has taken proactive measures in anticipation of potential power and phone outages, including stocking emergency supplies and establishing protocols to handle any urgent situations that may arise.

Oakview also emphasized that resident safety and well-being remain the top priority, and staff will continue to monitor conditions closely. The facility says it will prioritize communication with families and will notify loved ones of any urgent developments during the storm.

Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper Urges Georgians to Prepare for Extreme Cold, Winter Storm Impacts

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.

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Summerville Prepares for Potential Freezing Weather; Brine Treatment Planned and Warming Shelter Space Available

The City of Summerville is preparing ahead of possible freezing conditions this weekend by pre-treating streets with a brine solution to help reduce ice impacts. City officials say all Public Works staff will be available, and snow and ice removal equipment is ready if conditions worsen.

In addition, the North Summerville Gym will be available to the Chattooga Resource Center to operate a warming shelter as needed.

City officials also announced that City Hall will delay opening on Monday until 10:00 a.m. The update was issued by City Manager Jason Winters.

Chattooga County EMA 911 Reports Cell Provider Issue Affecting Non-Emergency Lines

Chattooga County EMA 911 says some customers with certain cell phone providers may currently have trouble reaching the agency on its non-emergency phone lines. Officials say the issue has been reported, but until service is restored, residents who need to contact EMA 911 should use one of the following numbers: 706-578-2244, 706-591-3012, or 706-728-4409.

For emergencies, residents should continue to dial 911.

Trion Rec Games Cancelled for Saturday

The Trion Recreation Department has announced that all games will be cancelled for Saturday.  The recreation center will also be closed due to the weather.

 

Henry’s BBQ Destroyed by Fire; Community Rallying to Support Henry/Foster Family and Employees

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

Winter Storm Watch Expanded for Northwest Georgia: Lookout Mountain Faces Higher Ice and Snow Risk While Valleys Prepare for Dangerous Travel Into Monday

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.

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Argument Over Filming Led to Fight at Trion Walmart; Warrants Issued, Suspects Picked Up in Summerville

Details released this week in an incident report indicate a dispute that started with bickering inside Walmart and escalated into an argument over recording on a cellphone led to a physical fight at the Trion Walmart earlier this month.

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Avian Influenza Confirmed at Commercial Poultry Operation in Walker County

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, marking Georgia’s first confirmed HPAI case of 2026 and the fourth case in a commercial poultry operation in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.

State officials say the producer noticed increased mortality on Sunday, January 11, and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Samples were collected and tested Monday, with the positive result confirmed by the state lab Monday evening and later confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team deployed to the site to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and response operations are expected to continue through the week.

A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) quarantine zone has been established around the operation. Officials say all commercial poultry operations within that radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks, and the affected premises has been secured so that only authorized personnel may enter.

Summerville Hit-and-Run: Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk on Commerce Street

A Summerville hit-and-run investigation has led to the arrest of Charm Hedgecoth, 31, in connection with a crash that injured Ray Blount at the intersection of Commerce Street and East First Avenue.

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