Earlier it was reported that the Chattooga County Animal Shelter was at full capacity and was not taking in animals. WZQZ News has been notified that information is incorrect. The shelter is operating normally at this time. Area residents are still encouraged to consider adopting animals from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
Chattooga County Scouts are inviting the community to take part in a drive-thru food drive as part of Scouting America’s annual “Scouting for Food” campaign. The event will be held Saturday, February 7, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon on Ralph Stanley Drive in Summerville.
Cub Scout Pack 38 and Scouts BSA Troop 7 will be on site to collect nonperishable food donations. Residents are encouraged to simply drive through and drop off items without leaving their vehicles. Most-needed items include canned vegetables and fruit, canned meats such as tuna or chicken, peanut butter, pasta and pasta sauce, rice, cereal, boxed meals, and shelf-stable soups.
All donations will benefit the Chattooga Resource Center, helping provide food assistance to local families in need. Organizers say every donation makes a difference and thank the community for its continued support.
North Georgia EMC sent line crews to help restore power in other areas after Winter Storm Fern, using the mutual-aid network that electric cooperatives rely on when storms cause widespread damage. NGEMC said it has both provided and received assistance through this system in past emergencies.
After it became clear NGEMC’s service area missed the worst impacts of the storm, three NGEMC crews were dispatched Sunday to regions hit much harder. One crew assisted Amicalola EMC on Sunday before continuing on to Habersham EMC in northeast Georgia on Monday, January 26. Two additional crews traveled north to support Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative in Tennessee.
NGEMC asked residents to keep storm victims and the crews working long hours in their thoughts as recovery continued. North Georgia EMC serves 3,614 members in Chattooga County.
As dangerous cold grips Northwest Georgia, Chattooga County Animal Control is urging residents to bring pets inside and take extra precautions to keep animals safe. Officials warn that pets cannot survive prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, especially overnight when wind chills can drop even lower.
Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long says families in need can pick up one free bale of straw to help provide warmer bedding and insulation for outdoor shelters. Straw is available at Pine Ridge Outdoors, 4999 GA-114, Lyerly, GA 30730, or Southern Living Farm and Garden, 15734 US-27, Trion, GA 30753. Long says the straw is one per family and is being provided by Animal Advocates of Chattooga County, adding thanks for their continued support of local animals.
Residents are reminded that garages, sheds, and porches may still be too cold, and that animals left outside can suffer quickly in these conditions. If pets must be outdoors for brief periods, make sure they have a dry, wind-blocked shelter with warm bedding, along with food and unfrozen water.
The Chattooga Community Resource Center (CRC) announced it will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, due to predicted inclement weather, saying the decision is aimed at keeping volunteers and the community safe. CRC is urging residents to avoid travel unless it’s an emergency, especially as winter weather impacts are expected across the area.
CRC also reminded residents that anyone who loses power and needs a warm place to stay should go to the gym at the old North Summerville School, located behind the Community Resource Center. The gym will be open to all residents as a warming location. If someone cannot make it to the gym, CRC says to call 9-1-1, and transportation can be arranged.
The message from CRC is simple: don’t stay home without heat, food, or help—use the resources available. CRC ended its announcement with a reminder of community strength: “We are in this together. We are Chattooga Strong.”
Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is calling on local landowners, developers, and community partners to help meet the growing need for affordable housing by donating buildable land for future Habitat homes. Habitat Coosa Valley serves residents across Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties in Northwest Georgia.
CRC Chattooga is asking for community volunteers as preparations increase for the possibility of opening a warming station this weekend if extreme cold conditions develop. Organizers say the ability to open the shelter depends entirely on having enough volunteers to staff it, noting that without sufficient help, the shelter cannot be operated safely. CRC Chattooga is seeking evening and overnight volunteers, and may also need day-shift volunteers if weather conditions limit travel. The group is also looking for people to help provide meals, which could include simple options like sandwich supplies and bread depending on power conditions, and volunteers willing to offer encouragement and support to guests. Those who can help are asked to use the sign-up link provided by CRC Chattooga to indicate how they can serve.
Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here
There’s Hope For The Hungry is distributing free food today at South Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville, Wednesday, January 21st, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. No ID is required, but food must be picked up in person.
There’s Hope for the Hungry is a North Georgia Christian ministry that works to combat food insecurity through partnerships with local churches. The organization uses mobile food pantry trucks to deliver groceries to distribution sites like this one, providing free food while also offering encouragement and prayer for anyone who would like it.
Families who attend can expect grocery-style boxes that may include canned goods, fresh produce, and other dry items, though supplies can vary depending on what is available.
CRC Chattooga says it will once again operate a Warming Shelter at the CERT building when dangerously cold weather hits, thanking County Commissioner Andy Allen and Chattooga County for allowing the site to be used for a second year.
