Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.
The Walker County Animal Shelter has reopened after completing a 30-day quarantine that began when a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, or CDV.
Shelter officials announced that the facility resumed normal operations on June 24 after all cleaning and quarantine protocols were completed. Sadly, all eight puppies in the affected litter died from the highly contagious virus. Officials said no other animals at the shelter became ill during the quarantine period.
Canine distemper is an airborne virus that spreads easily among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate exposed animals, officials determined that a complete shutdown of the shelter was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.
During the month-long closure, shelter staff conducted an extensive deep cleaning of the facility, disinfecting equipment as well as all entry and exit points.
The shelter currently has more than 60 dogs and cats available for adoption. Staff members have also been working through a backlog of stray animals and owner surrenders that accumulated during the quarantine.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Georgia households are paying significantly more to keep the lights on than they were just six years ago, as a series of rate increases and higher energy costs continue to push electric bills upward.
Georgia Lottery players enjoyed a lucky month in June, claiming millions of dollars in prizes across the state, including two $1 million scratch-off tickets and nearly $1.9 million in Fantasy 5 jackpots.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 4, 2026:
Those planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another day of dangerous heat, with only a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Today will be sunny and very hot with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values are expected to climb as high as 102 degrees during the afternoon. While an isolated shower or thunderstorm could develop after 2 p.m., mainly along the Alabama state line and in parts of far northwest Georgia, most communities are expected to remain dry through much of the day. A few additional thunderstorms will be possible Saturday evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight.
The National Weather Service says heat remains the biggest concern. “Feels like” temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees by around 10 a.m. and may not fall below that level until nearly 11 p.m., making it uncomfortably hot even after sunset. Anyone attending parades, cookouts, ballgames, fireworks displays, or other outdoor events should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear light-colored clothing, and check on children, older adults, and pets.
Rain chances increase beginning Sunday as the weather pattern becomes more typical for early July. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday through at least Friday, with daily rain chances ranging from 40 to 60 percent. High temperatures will ease slightly into the lower 90s by early next week, but humidity will keep heat index values in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees each afternoon.
Anyone spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend should continue to monitor the forecast, especially if thunderstorms develop later in the weekend.
Independence Day
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind.
Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 101. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday
A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Thursday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Friday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Today, as America celebrates 250 years of freedom, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that have shaped our nation since 1776.
Whether you’re spending the day with family, enjoying a hometown parade, grilling with friends, or watching fireworks light up the night sky, we hope your Independence Day is filled with joy, gratitude, and pride in the freedoms we share.
Please celebrate responsibly, stay hydrated in the summer heat, and have a safe and memorable Fourth of July.
From our family at WZQZ—Your Hometown Radio Station—thank you for allowing us to serve Chattooga County, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. God Bless America!
A 20-year-old Silver Creek woman was arrested after Summerville Police say she drove into a yard, became involved in an altercation with a homeowner, and bit the victim during a domestic disturbance early Saturday morning.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Highland Avenue at approximately 1:40 a.m. on June 28 in reference to a domestic disturbance.
When Officer Brandon Lindsey and Officer Pledger arrived, they found 53-year-old Tara Williams standing near the roadway. Williams told officers that Lashauna Lynn Whatley, 20, of Silver Creek, had driven into a ditch in her yard, jumped from the vehicle, and attacked her. Williams alleged that Whatley bit her hand during the altercation before leaving the area.
As officers searched for the suspect, bystanders alerted them to another disturbance taking place around the corner. Police located Whatley and identified her based on a description provided by Williams. While officers were attempting to take Whatley into custody, police say she spat on Officer Adam Dawson. She was then arrested.
Williams later confirmed to officers that Whatley was the person who had driven into the ditch and bitten her hand.
Whatley was charged with simple battery, battery, and reckless driving. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
The Walker County Stocking Full of Love Car and Motorcycle Show will return on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.
The event will be held at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School, located at 9858 U.S. Highway 27 in Rock Spring. Show hours will be from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with registration from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is $20 through August 30, and day-of-show registration is $25. The event will feature cars, motorcycles, local vendors, a swap meet and food.
All proceeds will help Walker County Stocking Full of Love provide Christmas assistance for local children and families in need.
Chattooga High School marching band students are being reminded that band camp begins Monday, July 6, at 8 a.m.
Band students are urged to begin hydrating now and not wait until camp starts. Students may bring their own water jug or thermos, but should avoid soda, coffee and energy drinks. Water and Gatorade will also be available.
Students should dress for hot outdoor practice, including light-colored clothing appropriate for the practice field. Hoodies and dark clothing are discouraged because of the summer heat.
Lunch options include bringing lunch from home, having lunch delivered at 12:15 p.m., or eating what is provided by the band boosters or volunteers. Students will not be allowed to leave campus to get lunch.
Band leaders say students are expected to attend every day and stay for the full day unless they have already made arrangements for an absence.