Hoss Named WZQZ Pet of the Week at Chattooga County Animal Shelter

The WZQZ Pet of the Week is Hoss, a 2-year-old male dog currently waiting for a home at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter in Summerville. Shelter staff describe Hoss as a “big teddy bear” with a friendly personality who would love to find a family willing to give him a second chance.

Hoss came to the shelter as a stray and is not yet neutered, but he is available for adoption now with a $25 adoption fee. Anyone interested in meeting Hoss can visit the Chattooga County Animal Shelter at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesday visits by appointment, and also opens the first Saturday of each month for adoptions only.

For more information, contact the shelter at 706-857-0679 and ask about Hoss, the WZQZ Pet of the Week.

Severe Storms Possible Tonight as Cold Front moves into Northwest Georgia

A cold front is expected to sweep through Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia late this evening into early Thursday, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms, with some storms possibly becoming strong to severe.

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Lightning Strike Destroys Barn on Commissioner Andy Allen’s Farm

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen said Tuesday that a barn on his farm was destroyed after being struck by lightning during storms overnight.

Allen and his wife, Whitney, said the lightning strike hit a fence charger, which sparked the fire that resulted in the barn being a total loss.

In a statement, the Allens thanked the Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison firefighters for their quick response.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the statement said. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss.”

The Allens said firefighters worked quickly to ensure the fire was fully contained and did not spread to their nearby horse barn.

“We appreciate their efforts and kindness,” the statement concluded.

Chattooga County Releases Unofficial Election Results for March 10 Special Election

Unofficial and incomplete results from Tuesday’s March 10, 2026 special election show 3,772 ballots cast in Chattooga County, representing 24.77% turnout among the county’s 15,226 registered voters.

The results released Tuesday night reflect Chattooga County votes only.

In the race for U.S. House of Representatives, District 14, Clay Fuller (Republican) received the most votes in Chattooga County with 1,705 votes (46.43%). Shawn Harris (Democrat) finished second locally with 912 votes (24.84%), followed by Colton Moore (Republican) with 727 votes (19.80%).

The 14th Congressional District covers multiple counties across Northwest Georgia, meaning the final outcome will be determined by votes from the entire district.

In the race for Georgia State Senate District 53, Lanny Thomas (Republican) led the vote in Chattooga County with 1,796 votes (48.27%), followed by Blake Elsberry (Republican) with 910 votes (24.46%), John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk (Democrat) with 696 votes (18.70%), and Denise Pierce Burns (Republican) with 319 votes (8.57%).

The 53rd State Senate District includes voters in Chattooga, Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Floyd counties, meaning the final election results will depend on totals from all counties in the district.

Election officials reported 1,869 votes cast on Election Day, 1,837 during advance voting, and 66 absentee ballots by mail.

Final certified results will be released after all counties complete their tabulations.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – March 10, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, March 10, 2026:

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Unseasonable Warmth Continues in Chattooga County; Storms Arrive Midweek

Unseasonably warm weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week as a stalled front lingers across the region, bringing scattered morning showers and the chance for an isolated thunderstorm Tuesday.

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Election Day Arrives for District 14 U.S. House, Georgia Senate District 53 Special Elections

Today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, is Election Day for the Special Elections for U.S. House of Representatives District 14 and Georgia Senate District 53.

The Chattooga County Elections and Registration Board reminds voters that ballots must be cast at their assigned polling location.

Polling places open today include:

  • Gore Fire Hall

  • Lyerly Community Center

  • Former Menlo City Hall

  • Chattooga County Civic Center

  • Trion Recreation Department

Election officials report that 1,837 ballots were cast during Advance Voting, which has now concluded.

As of 8:30 a.m. on March 9, a total of 74 absentee-by-mail ballots had been issued. Of those:

  • 59 ballots have been accepted

  • 1 ballot has been spoiled

  • 14 ballots remain outstanding

The deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot has already passed. However, absentee ballots may still be returned until 7 p.m. today. Ballots must be mailed or hand delivered to the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.

Voters with questions about polling locations or ballot status are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office.

Summerville to Hold Public Listening Session Today on Support for Youth With Special Needs

Happening today, the City of Summerville will hold a public listening session to gather community input on ideas and services that can better support youth with special needs and their families.

The meeting is set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at The Depot on East Washington Street.

City officials say the goal is to hear directly from residents about the needs, resources, and programs that could make a difference for local families.

The public is encouraged to attend and share input.

Chattooga High School HOSA Students Earn Honors at Georgia State Leadership Conference

Members of Chattooga High School HOSA are being recognized after a strong showing at the recent Georgia HOSA State Leadership Conference, where students brought home multiple honors and represented the school in a wide range of competitive events.

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Gas Prices Rise Again Across Georgia, but Chattooga County Remains Lower Than Surrounding Areas

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Another week is bringing another jump at the pump for Georgia drivers, with gas prices continuing to trend higher across the state.

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