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January 23, 2026

Chattooga County Democrats Invite Public to Town Hall with Congressional Candidate Shawn Harris on Feb. 5

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The Chattooga County Democratic Party is inviting the public to a town hall meeting with Shawn Harris, a candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 14th District, set for Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Chattooga County Civic Center, located at 44 GA-48 in Summerville. Doors are scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m., and organizers say “all questions answered” will be the focus of the evening.

Harris is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and combat veteran who also previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps, spending roughly four decades in uniform before returning home to Northwest Georgia. In addition to his military career, Harris is a cattle farmer and has emphasized rural priorities in his campaign, including issues affecting small towns, veterans, and working families across the district. He was also the Democratic nominee in the 14th District race in 2024 and is again seeking to represent the region in Congress.

Event organizers say RSVPs are not required, but are appreciated for ADA assistance, and an email contact has been provided for anyone needing accommodations. The gathering is also being used as a food drive drop-off, with attendees encouraged to bring what they can, if they can.

January 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association Offering Beekeeping Short Course Jan. 31 in Walker County

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Anyone interested in starting beekeeping can “start your beekeeping journey” at a Beekeeping Short Course hosted by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The class will be held at the Walker County Ag Center, and organizers say seats are limited with registration available online.

The cost is $65, and the course is designed to cover the basics needed to get started with beekeeping. Organizers say the fee includes the book First Lessons in Beekeeping, a binder with handouts, lunch, a one-year membership to NWGBA for new members, and a chance to win door prizes.

The event is sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association, Walker County Extension, Forester Farms & Apiary, and the Georgia Honey Bee License Plate Grant. For more information, visit the association’s event list online or email info@nwgabeekeepers.com

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Winter Storm Watch Expanded Across North Georgia as Ice, Power Outages, and Dangerous Cold Threaten Weekend

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Forecasters say a high-impact winter storm is increasingly likely across Georgia this weekend, with freezing rain and ice expected to be the primary hazards and the potential for widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions. The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include most of North Georgia and a small portion of Central Georgia, with the watch starting 1:00 AM Saturday for the far northern tier and beginning 1:00 PM Saturday for areas generally near and south of I-20. Both time periods extend through 10:00 AM Monday.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Thursday – January 22, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 22, 2026:

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

CRC Chattooga Seeking Volunteers as Warming Shelter Plans Ramp Up Ahead of Possible Extreme Cold

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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.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Armuchee Man Charged with Meth Trafficking After Search Warrant Served at Herring Road Home

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An Armuchee man is facing drug trafficking charges after authorities reportedly found approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine during the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Herring Road. According to an arrest warrant and Floyd County Jail records, 61-year-old Kenneth Gerome Espy was taken into custody following the search. Investigators also reported that Espy had a firearm in his possession. In addition to trafficking, Espy is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Adult Mystery Night Coming to Chattooga Library January 29

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Adults in Chattooga County can put their detective skills to the test later this month during “Adult Mystery Night” at the Chattooga Library in Summerville. The event is set for Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6 PM until 8 PM at 360 Farrar Drive.

The program is hosted by the Sara Hightower Regional Library System and is open to anyone on or off Facebook, but it is designed for adults ages 18 and up. Organizers say participants will work together to solve a mystery, encouraging friends to come as a group and team up to crack the case.

Library officials say refreshments will be served during the two-hour event. Anyone who enjoys mystery stories, puzzles, or interactive games is invited to attend and take part in the evening’s activities.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rome Emperors to Hold Seasonal Job Fairs Feb. 10 and 12 at AdventHealth Stadium

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The Rome Emperors are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season and are inviting job seekers to a Seasonal Job Fair on two dates in February. The team will host the hiring events on February 10 and February 12 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in The Terrace at AdventHealth Stadium.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

AdventHealth Redmond Earns Blue Distinction® Center Designation for Bariatric Surgery

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AdventHealth Redmond has been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation awarded to programs that meet nationally established quality measures for patient outcomes, safety standards, and overall program structure. Sarah Hunt, program coordinator of metabolic and bariatric surgery, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to whole-person care and gives patients added confidence in the quality and safety of their surgical support. Hospital officials said the bariatric program met comprehensive criteria, including national accreditation, participation in the MBSAQIP quality program, evidence-based practices, and multidisciplinary long-term care. AdventHealth Redmond noted bariatric surgery can help patients living with obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, with individualized care plans and ongoing support available locally. More information is available at BariatricSurgeryGA.com.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Eddie Lumsden Recaps Week One Under the Gold Dome as 2026 Session Begins

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below: