Landowners in North Georgia and North Alabama are invited to participate in the establishment of a Public Burn Association (PBA). This association will consist of landowners who collaborate by sharing equipment and conducting controlled forestry burns on their properties. The PBA will appoint a coordinator and provide educational resources. Implementing controlled burns effectively reduces fuel loads on the ground, serving as a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires, similar to those experienced on the north end of Lookout Mountain over the past several days. Additionally, fire plays a crucial role in creating habitat and vegetation for wildlife, making it an essential tool for restoring upland areas to their native conditions. Landowners are  encouraged to attend the meeting that will be held on December 19th from 2- 4 PM Central Time a the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at 801 Cedar Bluff Road in Centre, Alabama.  The meeting is being supported by the U.S. Forest Service, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Georgia Forestry Commission and others.  For more information, contact Ryan Mitchell at 850-758-8559.

The inquiry into the tragic accident that resulted in the death of a Rome Water and Sewer Division employee is currently underway. Fifty-five-year-old James Rayburn sustained a fatal injury on Thursday evening while engaged in a city water project in West Rome.

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The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a woman causing disturbances in the Dry Creek Road area on November 29th. The woman, 37-year-old Julia Cecelia Westover, was arrested on several charges, including criminal damage to property, obstruction of officers, public drunkenness, simple assault involving family violence, and simple battery against a law enforcement officer. A deputy’s report states that Westover was seen walking on Dry Creek Road and appeared unresponsive to emergency signals. When approached, she showed signs of intoxication, such as bloodshot eyes and a strong smell of alcohol. During her arrest, Westover became aggressive, kicking one deputy in the stomach. She continued to yell insults and make threats as she was placed in the sheriff’s patrol vehicle. Her boyfriend explained that Westover had damaged their home by throwing items and breaking windows, all in front of their three teenage sons.  Westover was placed under arrest and charged with criminal damage to property, obstruction of law enforcement, public drunkenness, simple battery and simple assault and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

A 42-year-old man, identified as Joshua Lee Sword, was arrested early November 30th after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the streets of Summerville. The arrest culminated from a series of traffic violations, including driving with a suspended license, failure to stop at a stop sign, and reckless driving.

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A heartfelt retirement celebration for Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater was held at the Summerville Civic Center on Saturday afternoon, drawing a crowd of public officials and community members eager to express their gratitude for his remarkable 48 years of dedicated service.

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On Friday, December 6, 2024, the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit held a ceremony to honor the retirements of Superior Court Judge Kristina Cook Graham and her secretary Ann Willis. The reception took place at the Summerville Depot, which was beautifully decorated for the winter season, fitting for the festive atmosphere.

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The City of Summerville will hold its Regular Called Meeting coming up this evening at 5 PM at Summerville City Hall, located on Georgia Avenue across from Summerville First Baptist Church.  A Question and Answer Session will start at 4:30 PM for residents to express their concerns with Mayor Harry Harvey and council members. Topics will include approving minutes from November 2024, financial decisions for water pump upgrades and the swearing in of Heather Ballard as a new member on the Summerville Main Street Board of Directors.  You can find a complete agenda for tonight’s meeting below.  WZQZ News will broadcast tonight’s meeting on our Facebook Page.

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Firefighters from Hays Correction Fire Department and Trion Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on Ridgeway Drive on Sunday afternoon.  Firefighters found the vehicle in flames upon arrival.  Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.  The road was closed for a period of time while firefighters extinguished the blaze.  No word on what might have caused the vehicle fire.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, December 8, 2024:

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