WZQZ Pet Of The Week: Meet Ember
This week’s WZQZ Pet of the Week is Ember, a sweet and playful dog waiting for her forever home at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
Ember is a female dog who is good with other dogs, loves toys, and has a friendly personality that would make her a great addition to many homes. Shelter staff describe her as sweet and playful, making her a wonderful option for anyone looking for a fun-loving companion.
Ember’s adoption fee is $25.
The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays by appointment.
For more information about adopting Ember, call 706-857-0679.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - April 22, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 22, 2026:
Dry, Warm Weather Raises Fire Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Chattooga County and the rest of northwest Georgia are facing several more days of warm, dry weather, with fire danger concerns expected to continue through the end of the workweek.
Forecasters say dry conditions and very low humidity will combine with already dry vegetation to create an elevated risk for fires each afternoon and early evening. While winds are expected to remain fairly light, officials warn that outdoor burning could still become dangerous quickly.
Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s through Friday and into early next week, running well above normal for late April. Morning lows will generally fall into the 50s before another round of unseasonably warm afternoons.
Rain and thunderstorm chances are expected to return to far northwest Georgia late Friday night and spread across the region on Saturday as a cold front approaches. A few storms could become strong, with gusty winds and frequent lightning possible, though widespread severe weather is not expected at this time.
A wetter and more unsettled pattern is expected to continue from Sunday into early next week, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible. Forecasters say another stronger system could bring more widespread rain and storms by late Monday into Tuesday, and that system will need to be watched for possible severe weather potential.
Rainfall totals through early next week could be highest in far northwest Georgia, where some areas may pick up around 2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible in stronger storms.
Advance Voting Set To Begin For May 19 Election In Chattooga County
Advance voting for the May 19, 2026 General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election is set to begin soon in Chattooga County, with important dates and details now finalized for local voters.
Early voting will run from April 27 through May 15 at the Chattooga County Registrars Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville. Poll hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Officials remind voters that a government-issued photo ID is required to cast a ballot. The voter registration deadline for this election is April 20, 2026.
When checking in to vote, residents will be asked to choose between a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot. Election officials encourage voters to review sample ballots ahead of time to better understand their choices. Sample ballots are available at the Registrars Office and online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
Additionally, officials note that following the April 7 Special Runoff, incumbency status was added to two candidates’ names in official records. However, that designation will not appear on printed ballots due to timing after ballots were finalized.
Voters are encouraged to plan ahead and take advantage of early voting opportunities.
Cancer Navigators’ Daisy Drop Set For April 26 In Rome
Cancer Navigators will hold its annual Daisy Drop on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m., giving the community a chance to honor loved ones affected by cancer during a special afternoon in downtown Rome.
Participants will gather at the Courtyard by Marriott before walking to the Chief John Ross Pedestrian Bridge, led by cancer fighter Brad Robinson. Along the way, Cancer Navigators staff will hand out complimentary daisies for attendees to drop into the river in tribute to those touched by cancer.
Organizers say the Daisy Drop and reception are free and open to the community, and the event will take place rain or shine.
“The Daisy Drop started over a decade ago and has become a Cancer Navigators tradition and an important way for us to honor our patients and all who have been impacted by cancer,” said Jonna Duke, Cancer Navigators Office and Outreach Coordinator. “We are grateful for our sponsors who enable us to continue to host this special event.”
This year’s Daisy Drop sponsors include Atrium Health Floyd + Harbin Clinic, Addis Family Farm, Hardy Realty, MSP Attorneys, First National Community Bank, Jim’s Tire & Service Center, Mel & Mimi, Metra Profile, Mount Vernon Mills, Purple Tiger Energy, Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center, The UPS Store, Try-Con Tufters, Van Dyke Wholesale Florist, and Vitality Labs.
Established in 2006, Cancer Navigators serves people in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama who are affected by cancer. The organization helps individuals and families better understand diagnoses and care while connecting them with free support services, including counseling, nutrition assistance, transportation help, medical supplies, wigs, hats, scarves, stress management, and caregiver support.
For more information about the Daisy Drop or Cancer Navigators, call (706) 509-5040 or email jduke@cancernavigatorsga.org.
Free Tree Giveaway Announced By North Georgia EMC
North Georgia EMC is once again helping members go green with its annual tree giveaway.
The utility will give away up to 200 free trees on Thursday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as part of its Energy Saving Tree Program.
Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one tree per member. Participants must bring a copy of their NGEMC power bill to claim a tree.
Pickup locations include NGEMC offices in Calhoun, Dalton, and Fort Oglethorpe.
Available tree varieties may include Bur Oak, Red Sunset Maple, White Fringe Tree, Chickasaw Plum, and Highbush Blueberry, while supplies last.
The program is designed to help homeowners plant trees in the right locations to reduce energy costs by providing shade and lowering cooling needs during the summer months.
The giveaway is open to NGEMC members only.
Savvy Senior Event Coming To Rome Focuses On Financial Wellness And Fraud Prevention
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is inviting Northwest Georgia residents to attend an upcoming “Savvy Senior” event designed to help individuals strengthen their financial future and guard against fraud.
The free event, titled “Savvy Senior: Empower Your Financial Wellness Journey,” will be held May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Forum Riverwalk Ballroom in Rome. The program is open to seniors, families, and caregivers across the region.
Hosted in partnership with Interim Healthcare of Northwest Georgia and the Senior Medicare Patrol, the event will feature expert-led panel discussions focused on retirement planning and fraud awareness. Attendees will gain practical tools and insights aimed at improving financial security and building confidence when managing long-term financial decisions.
“Financial security and fraud prevention are essential for protecting the hard-earned savings of Georgia’s seniors,” Raffensperger said. “Through our Savvy Senior program, we are dedicated to providing individuals, families, and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions.”
The event will be moderated by veteran journalist Donna Lowry and will include two panel discussions. The financial wellness panel will feature certified financial planners and wealth management professionals, while the fraud awareness panel will include experts from state agencies and consumer protection divisions.
Organizers say the event is strictly educational, with no products or services being sold. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided for those who register in advance.
Savvy Senior is part of a statewide initiative aimed at improving financial literacy and helping Georgians better understand money management, investment strategies, and fraud prevention.
Registration is free, and all Georgians are encouraged to attend.
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers
Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is now accepting applications for full-time Communications Officers, offering an opportunity to serve on the front lines of public safety.
The position features a split shift schedule, typically from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., with a rotating schedule of two days on and two days off, along with every other weekend consisting of three days on and three days off. Officials note that flexibility is required, as employees may be asked to cover additional shifts.
Starting pay is $16 per hour, with scheduled raises, including increases after the first six weeks, again after another six weeks, and an additional raise around the one-year mark.
Applicants must obtain state certification to maintain employment. Initial training is provided in-house, followed by a required one-week POST Communications Officer course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, which includes an on-campus stay.
Those interested can apply by calling 706-857-3400, selecting option 1 or 2.
Officials say the role is critical in helping guide emergency response efforts, serving as a calm and steady voice for those in need.
Trion High Softball To Host Youth Camp In June
Young athletes in Chattooga County will have the opportunity to sharpen their softball skills this summer as Trion High School hosts its annual youth softball camp.
The camp is scheduled for June 1 and 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the J.W. Greenwood Athletic Complex at the Trion High School softball field. It is open to children ages 5 through 12.
Campers will receive instruction in fundamental skills including hitting, throwing, pitching, fielding, and baserunning. The cost is $30 per participant, which includes a camp T-shirt.
Participants are asked to bring a water bottle, bat, and glove. Organizers also note that the camp will be held rain or shine.
Registration is open now, and those who sign up by May 8 are guaranteed to receive a T-shirt.
New Congressman Clay Fuller Begins First Days Representing Northwest Georgia
Northwest Georgia’s new representative in Washington is settling into his role after officially being sworn into Congress.
Republican Clay Fuller recently took office representing Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, which includes Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia. He steps into the position following a special election victory to fill the seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
On his first day in Congress, Fuller met with his congressional staff, voted on bills in the House, met with other Republican Congress members and spoke with farmers from Georgia — including several from Chattooga County — about issues they were facing.
Fuller says his early days in office have been focused on getting up to speed in Washington while preparing to advocate for the priorities of his district. The freshman congressman has indicated he plans to align closely with Republican leadership and work on issues including election policy and federal legislation impacting Georgia residents.
Despite stepping into a strongly Republican district, Fuller’s election drew attention due to a closer-than-usual margin in the runoff, signaling shifting dynamics that could influence future races in Northwest Georgia.
He will serve out the remainder of the current term while also preparing to run again in the upcoming primary and general election cycle.
Fuller says he is ready to get to work on behalf of the region, emphasizing a commitment to representing Northwest Georgia’s interests at the national level.
Friday Night Concert Returns To Downtown Summerville April 24
The City of Summerville is inviting the community out for an evening of live music as the Natural Gas Friday Night Concert series continues on April 24.
This week’s featured performance will showcase Pink Houses, a John Cougar Mellencamp tribute band, taking the stage from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will take place along East Washington Street in downtown Summerville.
An opening local act will kick things off at 7 p.m., setting the stage for a full night of entertainment in the city’s Entertainment District streetscape.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere filled with great music and community spirit.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Trion Town Council To Hold Workshop And Regular Meeting Thursday
The Town of Trion has announced an upcoming workshop and council meeting later this week.
According to Mayor Mickey McGraw, the meeting will take place Thursday, April 23rd in the Town Hall Conference Room. The workshop session is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m., with the regular council meeting to follow shortly after.
City officials say the meeting is open to the public, and anyone with questions or comments is encouraged to contact Trion Town Hall for additional information.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - April 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 21, 2026:
Dry Weather Raises Fire Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and the wider Northwest Georgia region can expect several more days of warm, dry weather, increasing the risk for outdoor fires through the end of the workweek.
High pressure over the Southeast is keeping skies mostly clear and conditions dry, with temperatures climbing from cool mornings in the 40s and 50s to the upper 70s and low 80s this afternoon. The warming trend continues, with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s by Thursday and Friday.
The combination of dry air and already parched vegetation is creating elevated fire weather concerns each day. Officials urge residents to use caution with any outdoor burning, as fires could spread quickly under these conditions.
Relief may be on the horizon, as a shift in the weather pattern is expected this weekend. A cold front approaching the region could bring scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning late Friday into Saturday and continuing into early next week. While widespread heavy rainfall is not guaranteed, even spotty rain will be beneficial given the ongoing dry spell.
Forecasters say the risk for severe weather currently appears low in Northwest Georgia, but the situation will be monitored as the system develops.
Passenger In 2025 Hays Prison Chase Arrested In Chattooga County Over The Weekend
A man authorities say was the passenger in the vehicle involved in last year’s drug-drop attempt near Hays State Prison and the resulting crash that seriously injured a Chattooga County woman was arrested in Chattooga County over the weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office jail media report, Amari Duvwon-Qutez Robinson, 24, was booked on April 18, 2026. The report lists charges including giving inmate liquor, drugs, weapons, or tobacco, items prohibited for distribution to inmates, unmanned aircraft used to violate subsection B, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana over one ounce, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, along with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
The arrest stems from an investigation dating back to May 2025, when the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about possible contraband activity near Hays State Prison around 7 AM. Authorities said a deputy stopped a suspicious vehicle, but the driver fled when asked to get out, triggering a high-speed chase along Highway 27.
At the time of the incident, Sheriff Mark Schrader said charges were pending against the suspects as investigators continued working the case involving both the alleged prison contraband drop and the crash.
With Robinson now booked into the Chattooga County Jail, the case marks a major development in the investigation that began with the 2025 pursuit and injury crash.
Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall, Bringing Relief To Drivers
Georgia drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump this week as gas prices trend lower across the state, even amid ongoing global tensions that continue to affect energy markets.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is now $3.61, down 10 cents from last week and 15 cents from last month. However, prices remain 68 cents higher than this time last year. For motorists filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the average cost comes to about $54.15.
Much of the current relief is being supported by the continued suspension of Georgia’s state gas tax, which has helped offset potential increases and keep prices more manageable for drivers statewide.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said gas prices continue to rise and fall with the global market, but for now, Georgia motorists are benefiting from a period of welcome stability. She also encouraged drivers to use fuel-saving strategies since prices can still change quickly.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline dropped 8 cents this week to $4.04 per gallon. Oil prices have remained below $100 per barrel following the recent ceasefire announcement involving the U.S. and Iran, helping prevent sharper jumps in fuel prices. Still, lower activity through the Strait of Hormuz and continued regional tensions mean prices could shift again in the weeks ahead.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Valdosta at $3.69, Atlanta at $3.64, and Gainesville at $3.60. The least expensive metro markets are Albany at $3.50, Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.48, and Dalton at $3.45.
Area averages as of Monday show Chattooga County at $3.53, Walker County at $3.56, Floyd County at $3.52, Gordon County at $3.47, DeKalb County, Alabama at $3.78, and Cherokee County, Alabama at $3.69.
The national average cost at a public EV charging station remained unchanged this past week at 41 cents per kilowatt hour.
GNTC Hiring Part-Time CDL Instructor At Walker County Campus
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is now accepting applications for a part-time Commercial Truck Driving Road/Range Instructor at its Walker County Campus.
The position focuses on training students in commercial truck driving, helping prepare them for careers in the transportation industry. GNTC is encouraging qualified applicants with experience in commercial driving to apply.
College officials say the role includes both road and range instruction, providing hands-on training to students enrolled in the program.
As required by federal regulations, applicants must complete a physical exam and drug screening as part of the background check process. Those hired will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment.
Anyone interested in applying or learning more about the position can visit the GNTC employment page online.
6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap Set for May 2
Plant lovers across Chattooga County are invited to take part in a popular community event returning next month.
The 6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd from 2 to 6 p.m. at Teloga Spring Farm, located at 9505 Highway 337 in Summerville.
Organizers say the free event will bring together the community for an afternoon of plants, fellowship, and fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants to swap, along with friends and family.
This year’s event will also feature raffle tickets, food trucks, a bake sale, and a variety of vendors.
All donations from the event will benefit the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County and the Teloga Fire Department.
Organizers note the event is cash-only, and cell service may be limited in the area.
Chattooga County Extension Shares Tips On Beneficial Insects For Spring Gardens
With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.
Extension officials say spring brings welcome benefits for pollinators, wildlife, and desirable grasses, especially if the area receives much-needed rain. But it also brings the return of garden pests that can damage plants, spread disease, and quickly destroy vegetable crops.
According to Chattooga County Extension, some insects actually play an important role in protecting gardens by helping control harmful pests. Beneficial insects such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on common garden pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other plant-damaging insects, helping reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Gardeners are encouraged to learn how to identify these helpful insects and take steps to attract them. Extension experts say planting a variety of flowering plants, limiting pesticide use, and creating a healthy garden environment can help keep more of these “good bugs” around throughout the growing season.
The University of Georgia Extension has also provided a detailed guide explaining how to recognize beneficial insects, understand their role in the garden, and manage pest problems more effectively using natural methods.
Find out more HERE
Events Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park This Weekend
Outdoor enthusiasts will have a couple of opportunities to enjoy nature this weekend at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, with two ranger-led events scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
The day will begin with a Turtle Hike at 10 AM, where participants can explore the Upper Lake Trail and learn about the turtles that inhabit the park. Organizers say the guided hike is a great way to experience local wildlife while enjoying the outdoors. The cost is $3 per person, and participants are asked to meet at the park office before the hike. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended, and binoculars will be available, though guests are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
Later in the day, the park will host Kayaking 101 at 5:30 PM, offering beginners a chance to learn the basics of kayaking from park rangers. Participants can enjoy an evening on the lake while gaining hands-on experience. The cost is $20 per person with rental included, or $10 for those bringing their own kayak.
A $10 park pass is required for both events, and registration is required in advance. Anyone interested can call the park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for more information.
Park officials say both events are designed to encourage community members to get outside and take advantage of the natural beauty Northwest Georgia has to offer.