A protest is planned TODAY (Sunday, January 11) at 2 p.m. at Dowdy Park in Summerville, organized in response to Mayor Rickey Hughes’ recent comments about removing beavers from local waterways.
The Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging will hold a Dementia Friends presentation at the Rome-Floyd County Library on Monday, Jan. 12, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about dementia and the resources available for those living with the disease and the caregivers supporting them.
The agency serves 15 counties in Northwest Georgia, including Floyd and Chattooga, as well as nearby counties such as Walker, Gordon, Polk, Whitfield, Catoosa, Dade, and Murray, connecting older adults and families to services and support.
Leah Gentry, the agency’s dementia care specialist, said the program helps link people to senior resources such as in-home care options, home-delivered meals, and community organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association.
The session runs 4 to 5 p.m. and will cover what dementia is, what it can look like day to day, how to better communicate with someone who has it, and the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Gentry said her goal is to expand awareness while reminding families that help is available.
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.
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show will return to the skies over Rome this spring, taking place Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4, at Russell Regional Airport, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds set to headline the two-day event.
Air show organizers say the Thunderbirds are expected to be in town throughout air show week, and JLC Airshow Management President John Cowman noted he’s especially excited that the team will be able to land at Rome’s airport this time, crediting a recent runway extension for making that possible.
The show will feature aerial performances both days, along with a twilight show and fireworks on Friday night. Organizers also emphasized there will be no show on Sunday, which falls on Easter.
Tickets are on sale now through the event website and must be purchased in advance. Organizers say tickets will not be sold at the air show. For updates leading up to the event, attendees are encouraged to follow Wings Over North Georgia Airshow on Facebook.
The City of Summerville marked a historic moment Thursday evening as the tenure of Mayor Harry Harvey, the city’s first African American mayor, officially came to a close. A reception honoring Mayor Harvey was held at Summerville City Hall, celebrating his 15 years of service to the community.
The Lyerly Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its upcoming baseball and softball season, giving local youth the chance to hit the field this spring.
Sign-ups are being held Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. at Lyerly Town Hall. Registration costs 20 dollars per player for children ages 5 through 12, while T-ball is free for children ages 3 and 4.
Officials say the age control date is June 30, 2026, and families are encouraged to register early. The deadline to sign up is February 6.
Parents needing additional details can contact Lyerly Recreation at 706-895-2611.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 8, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, January 7, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, January 6, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, January 5, 2026: