Georgia Health Officials Warn Young Mothers About Vaping Risks

Georgia health officials are warning expectant and young mothers that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially during pregnancy or around infants.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says vape products often contain highly addictive nicotine and other substances that are heated and inhaled into the lungs. The CDC says nicotine products are not safe during pregnancy and can harm a baby’s developing brain and lungs.

The warning is especially important in communities across Northwest Georgia, where young families may see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes. Health experts say secondhand exposure can also be dangerous for babies and small children, and homes and vehicles should remain smoke-free and vape-free.

Mothers who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for infants are encouraged to talk with their doctor or local health department about safe ways to quit nicotine use.

Georgia residents looking for help can contact Ready to Quit GA, the state’s tobacco quit resource.

Chattooga County Housing Market Shows Stable Activity Heading Into Summer

The Chattooga County housing market remained relatively stable as the summer selling season continued, with buyers benefiting from a healthy inventory of homes and sellers still receiving offers close to their asking prices.

Read more

LIFE FORCE Air Medical Adds New Rapid Blood And Fluid Resuscitation System

Patients in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia who require emergency air transport may now benefit from faster treatment thanks to a new medical technology added to Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE Air Medical helicopters.

LIFE FORCE has announced that it has equipped its entire helicopter fleet with the LifeFlow® PLUS portable rapid fluid and blood resuscitation system. The hand-operated device allows flight crews to deliver blood, blood products and intravenous fluids more quickly to critically ill and injured patients suffering from conditions such as severe blood loss, shock and sepsis.

According to LIFE FORCE, the new system is designed to provide faster, more controlled fluid delivery than traditional methods, helping stabilize patients while they are being transported to the hospital. Officials say the upgrade is especially valuable in emergency situations where every minute can make a difference.

LIFE FORCE serves a large region that includes North Georgia, East Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Western North Carolina, with helicopter bases in Calhoun and Blue Ridge helping provide emergency air medical coverage for Northwest Georgia.

State Agriculture Officials Continue Tracking Yellow-Legged Hornet In Georgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says its Plant Protection team continued efforts in June to track and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet, an invasive species that poses a threat to honeybees and Georgia’s agriculture industry.

According to the department, crews found 125 hornets and eradicated three nests during the month of June.

Agriculture officials say hornet activity increases as temperatures rise. Beekeepers and residents are encouraged to watch for nests and for “hawking” behavior around beehives, where hornets hover near hives and prey on bees.

Anyone who believes they have found a Yellow-Legged Hornet nest in Georgia should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park To Host “Ribbitting The Trails” Nature Hike

Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure can explore the world of frogs and toads during a special ranger-led hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park next weekend.

The park will host “Ribbitting the Trails” on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Participants will hike the Marble Mine Trail while learning about the life cycle of local frogs and toads, what they eat, how they live, and the habitats where they’re most commonly found. Rangers say hikers may even get the opportunity to see some of the amphibians up close.

The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.

Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 10 a.m.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

 

Arrest Report – Sunday – July 5, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 5, 2026:

Read more

Afternoon Storms and Summer Heat Continue Across Chattooga County This Week

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hot and humid day today, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms expected to develop.

Read more

Independence Day 2026 – 250 Years of Freedom

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!

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Driving Into Yard, Biting Homeowner During Domestic Disturbance

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.

Walker County Stocking Full of Love Car & Motorcycle Show Set for Labor Day

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.