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May 1, 2026

Walker County Receives Statewide Award For Animal Welfare Program

Local News, Local News Items #ACCG, #AnimalRescue, #AnimalWelfare, #CommunityProgram, #CompanionAnimals, #CountyGovernment, #DonationFunded, #GeorgiaCounties, #GeorgiaCountyExcellenceAward, #georgianews, #LaFayetteGA, #LocalNews, #Microchipping, #northwestgeorgia, #PetCare, #PetOverpopulation, #PetOwners, #PublicService, #RabiesVaccination, #ShelterPets, #SpayAndNeuter, #WalkerCountyAnimalShelter, #WalkerCountyGA, #wzqznews 0

Walker County has received a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award from ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, for innovation in county government.

The county was recognized for its spay and neuter voucher initiative, a program designed to reduce unwanted litters and improve animal welfare across Walker County.

The program provides up to 40 free vouchers each month for companion animals. Each voucher is valued at $200 and covers spay or neuter services, microchipping, and a rabies vaccination.

During the first eight months, Walker County Animal Shelter staff issued about 190 vouchers, resulting in 61 female cats, 36 male cats, 44 female dogs, and 49 male dogs being altered.

County officials say the program is already making an impact. Compared to 2024, the shelter saw a 64% decrease in owner surrenders during September, October, and November. Surrenders of kitten and puppy litters dropped by nearly 80% during that same period.

The program is funded entirely through donations, and more than 500 people are currently on the waiting list for a voucher.

Walker County was one of six counties recognized statewide for programs that improve their communities.

May 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Threat at Chattooga High Deemed Non-Credible; Lockdown Lifted

Local News, Local News Items #BreakingNews, #chattoogacounty, #chattoogahighschool, #CommunityUpdate, #FBI, #FridayNews, #GEMA, #georgianews, #LawEnforcement, #LocalNews, #LockdownLifted, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SchoolNews, #SchoolSafety, #StudentSafety, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

An investigation into a reported threat on Thursday at Chattooga High School has determined there was no credible danger to students or staff.

April 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High School Placed On Lockdown After Threat Reported

Local News, Local News Items #April30, #BreakingNews, #CampusThreat, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySchools, #chattoogahighschool, #CommunityAlert, #DrMichelleHelie, #georgianews, #LawEnforcement, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SchoolLockdown, #SchoolSafety, #SchoolUpdate, #StudentSafety, #summervillega, #Thursday, #wzqznews 0

UPDATE (4:10 PM)

Update regarding the threat earlier today involving the Chattooga High School campus. Following a thorough investigation conducted in coordination with the Sheriff’s office, the FBI, and GEMA Homeland Security, the reported threat has been deemed non-credible. Authorities have also determined that it is connected to similar false threats reported at schools on a wide scale. At all times, the safety of our students and staff remained our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and patience shown by our school community as safety protocols were followed.

We are grateful for the swift response and continued support of our law enforcement partners. If any additional information becomes necessary to share, we will provide further updates.

Thank you,

Dr. Michelle Helie

Chattooga High School was placed on lockdown today after administrators received a threat involving the high school campus, according to Chattooga County School Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie.

School officials say the threat was taken seriously, and immediate safety protocols were put into place. Law enforcement responded to the campus and remains on site while the matter is investigated.

Dr. Helie said students and staff are safe, and there is no confirmed immediate danger on campus at this time. Instruction is continuing, and regular school operations are proceeding as scheduled.

Out of an abundance of caution, the campus will remain on lockdown for the rest of the school day. Student dismissal is expected to take place at the regular time using normal procedures unless school officials announce otherwise.

Parents and community members are being asked not to come to campus unless necessary for regular operations or unless specifically directed to do so, as extra traffic could interfere with law enforcement and school safety procedures.

Additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Dan Cathy To Speak At Berry College Commencement

Local News, Local News Items #berrycollege, #BerryCollegeCommencement, #BerryCollegeGraduation, #ChickfilA, #ClassOf2026, #Commencement2026, #DanCathy, #EducationNews, #FloydCounty, #GeorgiaColleges, #georgianews, #highereducation, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #RomeGA, #SaturdayMay92026, #STruettCathy, #Trilith, #ValhallaStadium, #wzqznews 0

Chick-fil-A Chairman and Berry College Trustee Emeritus Dan Cathy will serve as the speaker for Berry College’s Class of 2026 Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May 9th, at Valhalla Stadium.

Berry College will celebrate approximately 545 undergraduate graduates beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Class of 2026 represents 47 academic majors and includes students from 31 states.

Gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with early entry beginning at 7:30 a.m. for guests who need special assistance. Due to current lane closures on Highway 27, guests are encouraged to enter campus through the back entrance at 221 Legacy Drive Northwest.

Cathy served on the Berry College Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2016. He is chairman of Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based restaurant chain founded in 1946 by his father, S. Truett Cathy.

Cathy is also the founder and chief visionary at Trilith, a major film and entertainment community in Fayette County that includes one of the largest purpose-built movie studios in North America.

Berry graduate students will receive their degrees during a separate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8th, at the College Chapel. A Baccalaureate Service honoring graduating seniors will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, also at the chapel.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Calhoun Man Jailed In Rome After Explosives, Guns And Drugs Found

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #BlastingCaps, #CalhounGA, #CrimeNews, #DrugTrafficking, #Ecstasy, #ExplosiveDevice, #Fentanyl, #Firearms, #FloydCounty, #FultonRoad, #georgianews, #LawEnforcement, #Marijuana, #Methamphetamine, #northwestgeorgia, #PossessionOfFirearmByConvictedFelon, #PossessionOfFirearmDuringCrime, #PublicSafety, #RomeGA, #SawedOffShotgun, #StolenFirearms, #StolenProperty, #StolenVehicles, #TerranceLeeCulberson, #ThomasBluffRoad, #wzqznews 0

A Calhoun man was jailed in Rome late last week after police said searches at properties on Thomas Bluff Road and Fulton Road uncovered an explosive device, stolen property, drugs, and dozens of firearms.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Deputy Arrested On DUI Charge In Rome

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #DUIArrest, #FailureToMaintainLane, #FloydCounty, #FloydCountySheriffsOffice, #georgianews, #LawEnforcement, #LocalNews, #MatthewZacheryFuller, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #RomeGA, #RomePoliceDepartment, #SaturdayApril252026, #SilverCreekGA, #TurnerMcCallBoulevard, #wzqznews 0

A Floyd County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested early Saturday morning following a traffic stop on Turner McCall Boulevard in Rome.

According to reports, city police stopped 32-year-old Matthew Zachery Fuller of Silver Creek after officers noticed him failing to maintain his lane of travel.

During the traffic stop, officers said they determined Fuller was driving under the influence.

Fuller was taken into custody and charged with DUI and failure to maintain lane.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

Local News, Local News Items #AndyAllen, #BurnBan, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyCommissioner, #DroughtConditions, #FireWeather, #GeorgiaEPD, #GeorgiaForestryCommission, #georgianews, #GeorgiaWildfires, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #OutdoorBurningBan, #PublicSafety, #SummerBurnBan, #summervillega, #trionga, #WildfireDanger, #wzqznews 0

As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

April 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – April 25, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, April 25, 2026:

April 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lottery Players Win Big With Fantasy 5 Jackpot And Scratch-Off Prize

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Two Georgia Lottery players are celebrating major wins after separate tickets produced prizes of more than $1 million.

A Fantasy 5 player won a $1,725,995 jackpot in the April 22 drawing, marking the sixth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at Supermarket on Buford Highway in Duluth and matched all five numbers: 11, 18, 34, 39, and 40.

Another player won the $1 million top prize playing the Millionaire Maker scratch-off game. That ticket was purchased at Chevron Food Mart on Baker Road in Acworth. The winner claimed the prize on April 22 and chose the annuity option.

Georgia Lottery officials say proceeds from Fantasy 5 and scratch-off games continue to benefit education programs across the state.

April 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Auto Insurance Costs Climbing Across Georgia, Impacting Drivers Statewide

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Drivers across Georgia are continuing to feel the pinch as auto insurance costs remain among the highest in the country.