The Menlo Fire Department swiftly responded to a house fire on Saturday evening at 3 Graham Street, located on the north side of Menlo City Hall and behind Lucky’s Supermarket. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find that the blaze had originated in the kitchen area of the home. Thanks to the rapid response and efficient efforts of the Menlo Fire Department, the flames were contained primarily to the kitchen, preventing further damage to the structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. However, the fire has left Gabby Dyer and her 9-year-old son, Isaiah, displaced from their home. The American Red Cross is currently providing assistance to the family, which has been deemed a total loss. Those wishing to help may contact Nicole Rosser or Donna Koonce on Facebook.

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp announced changes in his legal team last week due to Kristyn Long’s departure to become General Counsel for the Georgia Hospital Association, effective February 14. Sam Hatcher will take over as Executive Counsel, while Christine Hayes and Rachel Byers will continue as Deputy Executive Counsel and Associate Executive Counsel, respectively.

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A legal dispute is set to take place this morning at the Chattooga County courthouse, involving a Floyd County farmer, Dustin Smith, who is looking to build chicken houses in the Gore Community, neighboring landowners, and the county government. Rocking S. Farms LLC is seeking a court order against the county’s efforts to stop the construction of four chicken houses on Smith’s property. Smith obtained a permit last year, which former Commissioner Blake Elsberry claims was properly followed, while current Commissioner Andy Allen insists all regulations were not adhered to. Neighboring landowners, unhappy with the permit process, have hired legal counsel. They are concerned about the buildings’ location near a trout stream, homes, and a gas line. Summerville City Manager Jason Winters has expressed worry about potential risks linked to the gas line. The case will be heard at 10 AM in Chattooga County Superior Court, where each party will present its arguments.

The Summerville City Council will convene for its regular monthly meeting this evening at Summerville City Hall, starting at 5 PM. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in a question-and-answer session beginning at 4:30 PM. Among the items for old business, the council will conduct the second reading and seek adoption of the Fiscal Year End (FYE) 2024 Year-End Budget Ordinance, followed by a similar discussion for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Mid-Year Budget Ordinance. In addition to budgetary matters, the council will review and approve the meeting minutes from previous sessions held on January 13 and January 21, 2025. The agenda also includes a proposed payment of $52,852.56 to Consolidated Pipe for miscellaneous parts and fittings related to the well transmission line project. Other notable new business items involve the approval for the IT Administrator to surplus outdated equipment and arrangements for interim pay for the Accounts Payable Clerk due to the Payroll Clerk’s extended leave. Furthermore, the council will address updates to a policy concerning Protective Footwear and a policy related to Severe Weather and Emergency protocols. Lastly, the council will consider a mobile home request from Kaleb Park for a property located at 751 Martin Street.  WZQZ will broadcast the meeting on our Facebook Page.  You can see a copy of the agenda for tonight’s meeting below:

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The Chattooga Indians Varsity Boys basketball team finished their regular season with a strong win against Armuchee, ending with a score of 69-45. This victory brought their overall record to 21-4 and a region play record of 14-2. As they prepare for the upcoming region tournament at Gordon Central next week, players and fans are filled with excitement. The team has shown great talent, teamwork, and resilience all season. Several players have received recognition for their performances, with Dan Meyer named Player of the Year for his leadership and skills. Quarry Gibson was honored as a 1st Team selection, DJ Etchison earned 2nd Team honors, and Koi Dodd received Honorable Mention for his hard work.  The #2 Chattooga Varsity Boys will be in the semifinals in 7 AM Regional Tournament play this Thursday evening.  Meanwhile, the #3 Chattooga Varsity Girls basketball team will be taking on the winner of the Coosa vs. Dade County game that taking place this evening.  The Chattooga Varsity Girls will play tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM.  All Region 7A playoff tournament games are taking place at Gordon Central. Four Lady Indians have been selected for Region Honors with Addie Veatch and Gracelyn Rutledge earning First Team All-Region selections. Daysa Martin and Briana Finley received Honorable Mention.  Good luck to the Chattooga Indians as they move forward in the 7A Region Tournament.

The Menlo Fire Department responded to a call about a house fire on Saturday evening at 3 Graham Street in Menlo.  Graham Street runs on the north side of Menlo City Hall and behind Lucky’s Supermarket.  Firefighters told WZQZ News that the fire started in the kitchen area of the home.  Thanks to the quick response of the Menlo Fire Department, the fire was contained in the kitchen area of the home.  No one was injured.

A line of rain is moving south over northern Georgia ahead of a cold front, which is expected to weaken as it progresses. The front will stall in central Georgia, and a weak low-pressure wave will push the front further south on Monday. Today, Northwest Georgia will see a chance of showers before 10 AM, then a slight chance of showers after 5 PM. Cloudy, to start the morning then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 8 PM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

A wedge of cooler air is expected to form in the far northeast corner by late Monday afternoon. Scattered rain is anticipated due to this boundary, primarily characterized by rain showers with a small chance of thunderstorms if there are breaks in the clouds. Temperatures will remain above normal throughout the day and night, with slightly cooler air in the northwest. As the front moves south on Monday, temperatures will be near normal.

Unsettled weather is expected for Northwest Georgia next week, with heavy rain and thunderstorms possible from Tuesday to Thursday. A cold air damming wedge will persist through at least Tuesday. A frontal system is expected to move into the region midweek, bringing warm, moist air and increasing rain chances. The heaviest rainfall is likely on Wednesday and Thursday, with expected totals of 2 to 5 inches, particularly in far North Georgia. Above normal temperatures will generally continue, except where the wedge causes cooler conditions.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, February 9, 2025:

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On Wednesday of last week, February 5th,  at approximately 9:24 PM, Summerville Police were dispatched to a call regarding a disturbance involving a white male, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Hines, at the Amoco station on Commerce Street. Reports indicated that Hines was consuming alcoholic beverages despite repeated requests from the store clerk to cease. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed Hines exiting the store and entering a gray GMC Jimmy that was heading northbound on Commerce Street. The vehicle was stopped at the Fit Pit gym shortly thereafter. The driver of the GMC, Heather Lawson, informed officers that she was there to pick up Hines. During questioning, Hines admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages while at the Amoco. Due to his apparent intoxication and the circumstances, law enforcement took the decision to place him under arrest for public intoxication. Following his arrest, Hines was transported to Chattooga County jail for processing.

Walker County Commissioners are addressing the issue of stray and feral animals with a new surgical voucher program coordinated by Walker County Animal Control. During a meeting held last week, Walker County Commission Chairwoman Angie Teems thanked the community for their patience as the board discussed solutions. A previously proposed mandatory spay and neuter law was scrapped due to public opposition. Instead, 40 free spay and neuter vouchers will be available each month for newly adopted pets, funded by donations, with an estimated cost of $65,000. In other business, commissioners approved new mobile radios and vehicles, and a new wireless telecommunications facility in Chickamauga to improve 911 services and internet access to underserved areas. The next commission meeting is scheduled for March 6th at 6 PM.