The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia is currently seeking compassionate and community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, May 21, 2026:
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are heading into a hot, humid, and stormy stretch of weather that will continue through Memorial Day weekend and into early next week.
Both Chattooga High School and Trion High School have announced graduation ceremonies will be moved indoors because of the forecast for rain and thunderstorms Friday evening.
Chattooga High School officials say graduation has been moved to the school gymnasium to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees. Due to limited seating capacity, each graduate will receive seven tickets for admission. Tickets will be distributed Thursday morning following graduation practice. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
Meanwhile, Trion High School has also moved its Friday night graduation ceremony from the stadium to the THS Gymnasium. School officials say no tickets will be required for entry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 8:00 p.m. ceremony.
Both school systems say the decisions were made after closely monitoring weather forecasts throughout the week.
Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.
Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.
Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.
Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.
In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”
A traffic stop near Gore earlier this month resulted in a drug arrest, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 41-year-old Gary Lee Parker was arrested on May 14th and charged with possession of Schedule I drugs following a stop on Highway 27 near the Gore Fire Hall Road area.
According to the incident report, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling erratically and initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle crossed the center line multiple times. During the stop, authorities reported that Parker appeared extremely nervous and showed signs of possible impairment.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered suspected THC wax, suspected marijuana, THC vape cartridges, and drug paraphernalia.
Parker was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
A Summerville man was arrested earlier this month following a reported shoplifting incident at a local convenience store, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 36-year-old Cody Lee Vickers was charged with theft by shoplifting after allegedly taking several items from a store on Highway 27 without paying.
According to the incident report, a deputy responded after receiving a complaint about a male suspect matching Vickers’ description leaving the store with merchandise. Authorities say the suspect was later located walking nearby and was taken into custody without further incident.
The report states the stolen items included cigarettes, Mountain Dew, and several other products allegedly concealed inside a jacket pocket.
Vickers was transported to the Chattooga County Jail following the arrest.
During National EMS Week, AdventHealth Georgia is welcoming a new source of comfort and encouragement for its Emergency Medical Services team.
The Friends of Sloppy Floyd are inviting the community out for a sweet treat this Sunday during their Homemade Ice Cream Sale at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The event will take place Sunday, May 24th, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. next to the park visitor center. Organizers say several traditional homemade ice cream flavors will return this year, along with a few surprise flavors for visitors to enjoy.
Ice cream will be available for three dollars per cup, and both cash and cards will be accepted.
The Friends group encourages families and friends to come out, enjoy the park, and cool off with homemade ice cream during the Memorial Day weekend.
A ten-dollar park pass or annual pass is required for parking.