The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new program aimed at helping veterans who are struggling financially avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.
Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina along with Mark Wills have been named headliners for the City of Fort Oglethorpe’s 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration.
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Independence Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at Ridge Ferry Park, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
The event, sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, begins at 3 PM and will feature family activities, games, water inflatables, food trucks and concessions. Inflatable wristbands will be available for $5.
Live music will be featured on the Coca-Cola stage, including a performance by Makenzie Phipps, a contestant from Season 28 of The Voice.
The evening will conclude with one of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Georgia at approximately 9:30 PM above Jackson Hill. The fireworks display, produced by Pyrotecnico, will include more than 1,500 fireworks in a red, white and blue celebration.
Parking for the event is $5 and card only. Parking will be available in the main park and Shoals parking lots, and attendees are asked to follow staff directions.
Guests are reminded that large coolers, pets, drones, fires and sparklers are not permitted in Ridge Ferry Park.
For more information, visit rfpra.com.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 18, 2026:
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet and stormy Thursday as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through the area.
Chattooga County government offices will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
According to County Clerk Johnna Allen, the Chattooga County Transfer Station and all county dumpsites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.
County offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.
Students and recent graduates interested in public service and state government now have an opportunity to gain firsthand experience inside Georgia’s Executive Office.
A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.
According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.
The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.
The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.
Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.
Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.
No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.
Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.
The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.
The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.
Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.
Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Brownie, our WZQZ Pet of the Week, is still waiting for his forever home, and time is running short.