Early voting begins today, Tuesday, May 27th, for the party primaries that will select candidates for two important positions on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).
Beginning May 27th, Georgia Power executives will face a second round of hearings before the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to defend their 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The plan, which outlines the company’s strategy to meet future energy demands, has drawn criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels and perceived insufficient investment in renewable energy sources.
The City of Summerville will hold a Special Called Meeting this evening at 5:30 PM. The meeting will address appointments to the Appeal Board Panel and will focus on the appointment of a member and an alternate to the Appeal Board Panel to hear an employee grievance complaint. Following discussion, the council will take action on the appointment. They will also discuss and appoint additional members to the Appeal Board Panel. The council is also scheduled to enter an Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel matters. Finally, the meeting will be opened to public comments before adjournment.
Get ready to grab your fishing rod and hit the water! The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) from June 1st to 8th, offering two free fishing days and encouraging Georgians to reconnect with nature. Scott Robinson, Chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section, emphasized the joy of spending time on the water, whether on a large reservoir or at a local pond. He noted the benefits of fishing and boating, including bonding with family and friends, relieving stress, and supporting conservation efforts through purchases of fishing gear and boating fuel. Celebrate NFBW in Georgia with free fishing days on Saturday, May 31st and Saturday, June 7th, 2025, when residents can fish without a license. Join family fishing events across the state and check out the Angler Academy for kids online for crafts and games. Explore fishing opportunities throughout Georgia’s public areas and state parks. For more information, visit [GeorgiaWildlife.com/nfbw](GeorgiaWildlife.com/nfbw).
Due to an issue with our website host, we are unable to post the arrest report for Monday, May 26, 2025 on our website. Here is a link to view today’s arrest report on the WZQZ Facebook Page:
Hundreds of residents in Northwest Georgia are waking up without power this Memorial Day morning following severe storms that swept through the region on Sunday evening. While many prepare to celebrate the holiday, Georgia Power and North Georgia EMC are working to restore electricity to affected areas. As of 5 AM, Georgia Power is reporting ongoing outages in Lyerly and scattered outages in Trion. North Georgia EMC is dealing with more significant issues on the east side of Taylor’s Ridge, impacting communities in Haywood Valley, Little Sand Mountain, and the Farmersville Road area near Gore.
Adding to the challenges, the National Weather Service is forecasting a high probability of showers and thunderstorms throughout Memorial Day and into the coming week. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and weather-aware. The forecast for today, Memorial Day, includes a 60% chance of precipitation with potential for showers and thunderstorms, particularly before 3 PM. While patchy fog is expected to dissipate by mid-morning, the skies will remain mostly cloudy with a high near 80 degrees. Rainfall amounts are projected to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but could be higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms. The wet weather pattern is expected to persist into Monday night, with a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3 AM. Patchy fog is also anticipated to develop after 10 PM, and rainfall could accumulate to between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch. Tuesday promises little relief, with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 75 degrees. Similar conditions are expected Tuesday night. Wednesday will also see a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 81 degrees. Looking ahead, Thursday offers a slight respite, with a slight chance of showers in the morning, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Mostly sunny skies are expected with a high near 80 degrees, and the chance of precipitation drops to 30%.
Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates, take necessary precautions, and allow utility crews ample time to safely restore power to affected areas.
Today, the nation observes Memorial Day, a solemn holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the unwavering dedication of those who defend it. Across the country, ceremonies and tributes are being held to remember those who lost their lives in the defense of liberty. In observance of the holiday, all federal offices, including post offices and banks, are closed today. Locally, all city, county, and state governmental offices are also closed, including those in Summerville, Menlo, Trion, Lyerly, and Chattooga County government offices. These offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday. Residents are reminded that in case of any emergency, they should contact Chattooga 911.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announced the temporary closure of Fullerton Road last week for crucial bridge repairs. The road, located near the Alabama-Georgia state line off Highway 114, will be closed for about a week as crews work to strengthen the bridge. This closure follows issues with the bridge being moved by floodwaters, a problem highlighted on social media earlier this year. Commissioner Allen noted, “The old bridge keeps floating off those pillars,” stating it had floated off again last week. The repair plan includes reinforcing the bridge with I-beams and welding the top plate back down, raising it by about eight to ten inches to better secure it against floods. Allen mentioned that heavy winter rainfall frequently challenges the bridge’s stability. He is also considering a seasonal road closure for local traffic to prevent further damage. Residents should find alternative routes during the repairs, which depend on weather and are expected to take one week. There are concerns about damage from ATV traffic on Fullerton Road as well.
As Memorial Day weekend kicks off Georgia’s boating season, state officials are issuing a strong call for water safety, urging boaters to wear life jackets, avoid alcohol behind the wheel, and adhere to all safety regulations. The plea comes as the state prepares for a surge in visitors to its lakes and rivers.
A drug-drop attempt at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County led to a high-speed chase, resulting in a serious injury to a local resident on Saturday. Local media requested information about the accident soon after it happened. Saturday afternoon, Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader issued a press release.