Godfrey’s Tree Service is expressing heartfelt thanks to the many community members, volunteers, and businesses who stepped up to help with the demolition and cleanup of the fire-destroyed, longtime local favorite Henry’s BBQ. What unfolded over the cleanup effort was more than a job—it was a powerful example of community spirit in action.
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.
The Summerville City Council will meet in a Special Called Meeting this evening, Monday, February 2, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The agenda includes a discussion of the FY 2025–2026 Mid-Year Budget, including presentations from Natural Gas Connection (NGC), Carter & Sloope, and the FY 2025–2026 Mid-Year Budget presentation. The meeting will also include public comments before adjournment. You can see the complete agenda for tonight’s meeting below:
The Chickamauga City Council issued a prepared statement Saturday night, Jan. 31, following Friday’s public hearing that had been scheduled regarding Mayor Trey Deck.
City officials apologized for what they called a lack of space to accommodate the public at the special-called meeting on Jan. 30, saying the turnout was so large that many people were unable to enter the venue. The council said it unanimously voted to postpone the hearing until a larger, more suitable location can be arranged.
The statement also says the city is following legal guidance on what information can be released publicly to protect the mayor’s right to a fair hearing. The council noted that the mayor’s attorney received notice and evidence of the allegations on Jan. 15, and that one of the allegations involves a human resources matter requiring discretion. The city says details and evidence will be presented during the rescheduled public hearing, where the mayor will have the opportunity to respond.
Chattooga County’s poultry industry is a major piece of local agriculture, with 29 farms reporting poultry in the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture county data, including farms with broilers and layers. With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in neighboring Walker County, agriculture officials say the situation is a reminder for both commercial growers and backyard flock owners across Northwest Georgia to double down on everyday biosecurity to keep the virus from spreading.
Two Subway locations in Chattooga County received perfect scores in the latest round of health inspections released by the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the last half of January 2026.
SUBWAY 13814 at 9880 Commerce Street earned a score of 100 on its January 29, 2026 inspection.
SUBWAY 33504 at 13427 Highway 27 also received a 100 on its January 22, 2026 inspection. Both locations are permitted as food service establishments in Chattooga County.
Should you ever have a complaint about any food service or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County, you may register that complaint by calling the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.
The two Subway locations were the only health inspections reported for the last half of January.
One of the candidates in Northwest Georgia’s crowded U.S. House special election field has withdrawn from the race and is now turning attention to a run for the Georgia General Assembly. Republican Christian Hurd announced Sunday he is stepping away from the March 10 special election for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, saying he believes his “path is closed” in the congressional contest.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through this afternoon for Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia as a deep arctic air mass drives dangerously low wind chills across the region. Most of Chattooga County only saw a light dusting of snow, but higher elevations on Lookout Mountain picked up around 1 to 2 inches, and the bitter cold and gusty winds could keep slick spots lingering in a few areas. Temperatures trend warmer early this week, with rain chances returning midweek before another cool down.
Chattooga County 4-H is inviting youth to take part in its Poultry Judging Team, offering a fun and educational opportunity to learn more about the poultry industry.
Participants will learn about egg candling, meat cuts, carcass evaluation, and egg quality grading, along with other hands-on skills. Organizers say students are sure to have an “egg-cellent time” while gaining valuable agricultural knowledge.
An interest meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Chattooga County Ag Center. Those interested are encouraged to attend to learn more about the program and what participation involves.
The 4-H Poultry Judging Team helps students build confidence, decision-making skills, and a deeper understanding of agriculture.
Qualifying is now underway for the District 53 seat in the Georgia State Senate. The Special Election will be held on March 10 in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and a portion of Floyd Counties to fill the vacancy created by Senator Colton Moore’s qualifying for the special election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District for the U.S. House of Representatives.
