Fire officials say last week’s destructive fire at Henry’s BBQ in Summerville may have started in or around a heater near the front of the restaurant, and investigators say the building’s roofing and structural construction likely contributed to how quickly the blaze intensified.
A longtime favorite in Summerville has served its last slice. The Crushed Tomato closed its doors last week after 14 years in business.
While most of Chattooga County avoided widespread icy conditions on Sunday—aside from some winter precipitation reported on Lookout Mountain—parts of Walker County were hit harder by the winter weather. Officials reported around 200 households without power on Sunday as the system moved through the area.
In response, several warming options were made available. Warming stations opened in Rossville and LaFayette, and Georgia State Parks opened a warming shelter at Cloudland Canyon State Park on Lookout Mountain to help residents needing a warm place during the cold snap.
Because of the continued threat of hazardous travel and dangerously cold temperatures, Walker County Government offices will be closed Monday, January 26. The closure includes county offices as well as the landfill and transit services.
In addition, the Walker County Health Department will also be closed Monday, January 26.
Indians Middle School soccer tryouts for grades 5–8 have been impacted by the cold snap moving into Northwest Georgia. Coaches say tryouts that were planned for Monday are cancelled due to cold temperatures and poor field conditions.
Much of Georgia is starting this Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, with freezing rain and sleet, but for folks here in Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, the main issue early today has been heavy rain. Temperatures around daybreak were near to slightly above freezing, helping keep most roads wet instead of icy to start the morning. Even so, the steady rainfall can still create hazardous travel, especially with reduced visibility, standing water in low spots, and slick conditions where oil and debris collect on the roadway.
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.
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.
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.
Newly reported 2025 health risk data for Chattooga County shows two ongoing challenges that can affect long-term health and access to care: adult obesity and a high share of residents without health insurance. Local health leaders say both factors can contribute to higher rates of chronic disease and make it harder for people to get preventive services before problems become emergencies.
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.
