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January 27, 2026

Reading & Writing Class for Ages 6–12 Begins Jan. 28 at Chattooga County Multi-Purpose Center

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Parents looking to strengthen their child’s reading and writing skills have an option starting this week in Summerville. A Reading & Writing Class for home school children ages 6 to 12 is scheduled to begin Wednesday, January 28, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chattooga County Multi-Purpose Center, located at 152 Senior Drive.

The event listing says the in-person class focuses on building confidence through phonics-based reading strategies, guided writing practice, and encouraging daily reading habits. The class is scheduled for Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., meeting once a week for eight weeks, and is hosted by Nudd Academy.

January 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Growing Winter Storm Signal for the East This Weekend, Forecast Details Still Unclear

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The potential is increasing for another significant winter storm to impact parts of the eastern United States this coming weekend. Forecasters emphasize it is still too early to pin down exact details, but confidence is growing that a storm system could develop and move through while very cold air remains in place.

Meteorologists say a disturbance is expected to move out of Canada later this week, helping a stronger low-pressure system form across the East. If that system tracks in the right corridor, it could bring widespread precipitation that may fall as rain, snow, or a mix, depending on where the coldest air sets up. The biggest uncertainties right now include the storm’s timing, track, and strength, which will determine what areas see the greatest impacts.

For Northwest Georgia and the surrounding region, the message for now is preparedness without panic. Residents should keep checking updated forecasts through the week, especially as we get closer to Friday and Saturday when forecast confidence typically improves. Now is also a good time to review weekend travel plans, make sure you have supplies in case of slick roads or power issues, and plan ahead for pets, pipes, and outdoor needs if colder, wetter conditions move in.

January 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Health District, County Health Departments to Close Monday Ahead of Hazardous Weather

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The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District office in Rome and health departments across 11 Northwest Georgia counties will be closed Monday, January 26, due to anticipated hazardous weather.

Counties included in the closure are Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker. Residents needing services are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor official updates for reopening information once conditions improve.

January 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Ice Storm Warning Issued for Chattooga County; Significant Icing Expected Across Northwest Georgia

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A high-impact winter storm is expected to bring significant icing to Chattooga County and parts of Northwest Georgia this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Ice Storm Warning. The warning is in effect from 7:00 AM Saturday until 10:00 AM Monday.

January 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Special Georgia Senate Election Added to March Ballot Alongside 14th District U.S. House Race

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Voters in Chattooga County and neighboring counties in Northwest Georgia are expected to see an additional special election tied to the shakeup in the 14th Congressional District. Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a call to fill Georgia Senate District 53, the seat vacated by Colton Moore after he qualified to run for the open U.S. House seat.

January 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

GNTC Names Three Finalists for 2026 GOAL Student of the Year Competition

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College has selected three students as its finalists for the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to GOAL program coordinator Trish Wiggins. The finalists are Brittney Elrod of Ringgold (Business Management, Catoosa County Campus, nominated by Dr. Dwight Watt), Latasha Fluker of Rome (Marketing Management, Floyd County Campus, nominated by Mark Upton), and Noelia Sargento of Rossville (Business Management, Walker County Campus, nominated by Tracy Gentry).

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Winter Storm Watch Expanded Across North Georgia as Ice, Power Outages, and Dangerous Cold Threaten Weekend

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Forecasters say a high-impact winter storm is increasingly likely across Georgia this weekend, with freezing rain and ice expected to be the primary hazards and the potential for widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions. The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include most of North Georgia and a small portion of Central Georgia, with the watch starting 1:00 AM Saturday for the far northern tier and beginning 1:00 PM Saturday for areas generally near and south of I-20. Both time periods extend through 10:00 AM Monday.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Unemployment at 4.8% in November; Region Mixed as GDOL Releases Latest Numbers

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The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Crowded Field Forms in Northwest Georgia as Candidate Qualifying Ends for Open Congressional Seat

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Candidate qualifying concluded on Wednesday for the Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. There are 17 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent who will be vying for the seat during the March 10 election.

January 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia Opens Today in Ringgold as Fort Oglethorpe Facility Closes

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A major healthcare transition is underway today, January 11, as CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia opens its doors in Ringgold, expanding access to medical services for Catoosa County and surrounding counties in Northwest Georgia.

The opening of the new hospital also marks the closure of CHI Memorial Hospital in Fort Oglethorpe (formerly Hutcheson Hospital). The Fort Oglethorpe facility is closing for all services as operations shift to the new location.

The new hospital, located at 4710 Battlefield Parkway, is now accepting patients for emergency care as well as inpatient and outpatient services. Residents who previously used the Fort Oglethorpe hospital are encouraged to plan for the change and seek care at the Ringgold facility moving forward.