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City Of Summerville Seeks Bids For New Mini Excavator

The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a new mini excavator.

According to an official Request for Bid, submissions will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on May 6, 2026, at Summerville City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue. Bids will be opened publicly at that time in the Council Room.

Officials say all bids must remain valid for 60 business days and must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “RFB-2026-125-New Mini Excavator.” Any bids received after the deadline will not be considered.

City leaders note they are not responsible for delays caused by postal or delivery services. The contract will be awarded after city officials have had time to review all submissions.

Those interested can find the full bid document on the City of Summerville’s official website.

Georgia Lottery Players Win Big With Fantasy 5 Jackpot And Scratch-Off Prize

Two Georgia Lottery players are celebrating major wins after separate tickets produced prizes of more than $1 million.

A Fantasy 5 player won a $1,725,995 jackpot in the April 22 drawing, marking the sixth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at Supermarket on Buford Highway in Duluth and matched all five numbers: 11, 18, 34, 39, and 40.

Another player won the $1 million top prize playing the Millionaire Maker scratch-off game. That ticket was purchased at Chevron Food Mart on Baker Road in Acworth. The winner claimed the prize on April 22 and chose the annuity option.

Georgia Lottery officials say proceeds from Fantasy 5 and scratch-off games continue to benefit education programs across the state.

Calhoun Man Transferred To Floyd County To Face Drug, Weapons And Stolen Property Charges

A Calhoun man has been transferred from Autry State Prison to Floyd County to face a long list of charges tied to the execution of two search warrants in November of 2024.

According to jail records, authorities searched a home on Thomas Bluff Road and reported finding blasting caps, ecstasy, fentanyl, a vial of testosterone, more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, 117 grams of marijuana, and 43 firearms.

Investigators say eight of the firearms had been reported stolen. Authorities also reported finding two stolen vehicles connected to 46-year-old Terrance Lee Culberson.

A second search warrant executed on Fulton Road led to the recovery of another 5 grams of methamphetamine, a stolen golf cart, a stolen skid steer, and two pistols.

Culberson is facing multiple charges, including possession of an explosive device, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of methamphetamine.

He is also charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of meth with intent to distribute, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances.

March Housing Sales Show Continued Activity In Chattooga County

Housing activity in Chattooga County remained steady in March 2026, reflecting continued demand for homes across Northwest Georgia.

Local real estate data shows a mix of residential sales throughout the month, with buyers continuing to seek both move-in ready homes and properties with land. Realtors say affordability compared to larger markets remains a key factor drawing interest to the area.

Inventory levels remain relatively tight, which continues to influence pricing and competition among buyers. While not seeing the rapid spikes of previous years, home values are holding firm, and well-priced properties are still moving quickly.

Agents also note that seasonal trends are beginning to take shape, with spring traditionally bringing increased listings and buyer activity. March is often seen as the start of the busy homebuying season, and early indicators suggest that pattern is holding in 2026.

Looking ahead, real estate professionals expect activity to remain consistent through the spring and early summer months, especially if inventory levels improve and interest rates remain stable.

Chattooga High School Class Of 2015 Planning Summer Reunion

The Chattooga High School Class of 2015 is making plans to reunite this summer, with a class reunion scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The event will be held at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center beginning at 6 PM. Organizers say tickets are $25 per person, and all attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Class members interested in attending are encouraged to connect through social media or sign up for updates. A Remind notification system has been set up, and a Facebook group for the Class of 2015 reunion is also available for those wanting more information.

Organizers say tickets should be purchased in advance, with a deadline of June 30. Those interested can reach out to Tiffany Maynard, Jessie Corbitt, or Ivy Middleton for additional details.

The reunion is expected to bring classmates together for an evening of reconnecting and celebrating more than a decade since graduation.

Red Cross Urges Blood Donations As Spring Activities Impact Supply

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The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.

Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.

Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.

To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

LaFayette Farmers Market Opening Day Happening Today

The LaFayette Farmers Market kicks off its 2026 season today with its annual Opening Day Market and Plant Sale at the Farmers Market Pavilion on East Villanow Street.

The event runs from 9 AM until 1 PM and features more than 70 local farmers, makers, and bakers offering fresh produce, plants, and handmade goods. Organizers say all items sold at the market are grown or made within 50 miles of LaFayette, supporting local farms and small businesses.

Visitors can also enjoy food, music, and family-friendly activities. A special “Kids Grow Here” area includes seed planting and a scavenger hunt to help children get excited about gardening and agriculture.

The opening day event marks the start of another season focused on local agriculture, small businesses, and community connection in Northwest Georgia.

VA Reports Major Improvements In Processing Veteran Benefits Claims

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced significant progress in reducing wait times for disability claims and survivor benefits, highlighting major improvements in service for Veterans and their families.

According to the VA, processing times for disability claims have dropped sharply, with the average time to complete a claim falling from 141.5 days to just over 80 days — a decrease of more than 40 percent. At the same time, accuracy rates have climbed to just over 94 percent, marking the highest level in the past two years.

The agency says it is on pace to match last year’s record-breaking workload after processing more than 3 million claims in fiscal year 2025. So far in fiscal year 2026, more than 1.5 million claims have already been completed, including 1 million processed faster than ever before.

Improvements also extend to pension and survivor benefits. The VA reports major reductions in processing times for Veterans Pension, Survivors Pension, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claims. In many cases, wait times have been cut in half or better, while long-standing backlogs have been reduced by more than 80 to 90 percent.

Officials say these gains are the result of focused leadership, increased efficiency, and expanded use of overtime, along with a workforce that includes a large number of Veterans who understand the needs of those they serve.

VA Secretary Doug Collins says the improvements reflect a broader commitment to ensuring Veterans, families, and survivors receive the benefits they have earned as quickly as possible.

Hazy Skies, Fire Danger Continue Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia As Rain Chances Increase

Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia will continue to deal with hazy skies today as wildfire smoke drifts north from South Georgia and North Florida. The smoke may create milky-looking skies and could lead to reduced air quality in some areas, especially where winds remain lighter.

The dry pattern is also keeping fire danger concerns elevated. Forecasters say relative humidity values may drop low enough to increase the risk of outdoor fires spreading quickly. Residents are urged to use caution with outdoor burning and to follow any local burn restrictions or bans.

Temperatures will remain warm, with highs climbing into the 80s across much of the region. A few isolated showers may try to develop later today, but most communities are expected to stay dry through the end of the work week.

Relief could arrive this weekend as a cold front moves toward Georgia. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase late tonight into Saturday, with rain chances continuing through the middle of next week. Widespread severe weather is not expected at this time, but forecasters say the pattern will need to be monitored, especially late Monday night into Tuesday when a stronger system could bring a conditional risk for strong storms.

Rainfall totals through Tuesday could be beneficial, particularly across North Georgia, where some areas may receive more than an inch of rain. That moisture may help ease dry ground and ongoing drought concerns, though locally higher totals are possible where stronger storms develop.

WZQZ News will continue to monitor conditions across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.

Free Concert Tonight In Downtown Summerville

The City of Summerville and Summerville Main Street are inviting the community out tonight for another evening of live music as the Summerville Natural Gas Friday Night Concert Series kicks off in downtown Summerville.

Tonight’s featured act is Pink Houses, a John Cougar Mellencamp tribute band, performing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. along East Washington Street in downtown Summerville.

A local opening act will take the stage at 7 p.m., kicking off a full night of entertainment in the city’s Entertainment District.

Organizers encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music and community spirit.

The event is free and open to the public.

Rome Police Seek Suspect In Felony Murder Case, Additional Warrants Issued In Child Shooting Investigation

The Rome Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted in connection with a homicide investigation and is also seeking information on additional suspects tied to a separate shooting that injured a 6-year-old boy.

Police say they have secured a felony murder warrant for 25-year-old Chancelor Lamar Crawford in the death of 22-year-old Chancellore Jabez Donaldson. Investigators say the case stems from a shooting that happened during the early morning hours of April 19, 2026, at a location on North Broad Street in Rome.

Authorities say Crawford could be somewhere in Northwest Georgia or the Metro Atlanta area. Because he is wanted in connection with a homicide investigation, police warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The public is urged not to approach him and instead contact law enforcement immediately with any information on his whereabouts.

In a separate case, Rome Police say warrants have also been obtained for three individuals believed to be involved in the April 8, 2026 shooting near Banty Jones Park that left a 6-year-old boy injured.

Police identified those suspects as 18-year-old Isaiah Imari Curtis North, 17-year-old Tydarius Arthur McClure, who is already in custody, and a third suspect who is a juvenile. Authorities say the juvenile’s identity will not be released in accordance with state law.

Investigators say the case involving the injured child moved forward after members of the community came forward with information, and they are again asking the public to help as they continue their search for the remaining suspects.

Anyone with information on Chancelor Lamar Crawford, Isaiah Imari Curtis North, or others connected to these investigations is asked to contact the Rome Police Department at 706-238-5111, call 9-1-1, or submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Tip Line at 706-236-5000.

Summerville Man Arrested On Stalking And Obstruction Charges

A Summerville man is facing multiple charges following an incident that led to a standoff with deputies earlier this month.

According to reports, 25-year-old Israel Dequez Dammond was arrested on April 16th and charged with aggravated stalking and obstruction of officers.

Deputies responded to a call at a Highway 27 location regarding threats made toward a female complainant and a possible property issue. While investigating, officers learned Dammond was under a bond condition prohibiting contact with the woman involved.

Authorities say Dammond violated that condition, leading deputies to his residence on Glen Drive. When officers attempted to make contact and place him under arrest, Dammond allegedly refused to comply, slammed the door, and attempted to barricade himself inside.

Deputies forced entry into the home, where Dammond fled through the residence before being taken into custody. A taser was deployed during the arrest.

Following the incident, deputies also documented damage inside the home, including holes in walls and a broken television.

Dammond was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. No serious injuries were reported.

Lanny Thomas Sworn In To Serve Georgia Senate District 53

Lanny Thomas was officially sworn in Thursday to serve in the Georgia State Senate representing District 53.

Thomas called it a special day for his family and for Northwest Georgia, saying it is an honor he does not take lightly.

In a statement following the ceremony, Thomas said District 53 now has strong leadership and a voice at the Capitol. He thanked supporters, family, and friends who joined him in Atlanta, and said he is ready to represent all residents, including families, workers, small businesses, and local communities.

Thomas also reminded voters that another election is coming up on May 19th, encouraging residents to make a plan to vote as he seeks to continue serving in the next term.

He said the goal moving forward is to keep Northwest Georgia moving forward together.

Main Stage Entertainment Announced For 2026 Honeybee Festival In LaFayette

A big announcement has been made for one of Northwest Georgia’s most anticipated annual events. Organizers of the Honeybee Festival in LaFayette have officially revealed the main stage entertainment lineup for 2026.

Headlining this year’s festival will be Channing Wilson, Shane Profitt, and The Band Perry, bringing a full day of live music to downtown LaFayette.

The Honeybee Festival is set for May 30th, running from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., and once again will offer free admission for the community.

Local sponsors, including Mitchell’s Plumbing and P.O.T.S., are helping make the event possible while also supporting efforts to keep the festival clean, organized, and family-friendly.

The festival is expected to feature a full day of activities, including live entertainment, food vendors, and attractions for all ages.

Organizers are encouraging residents and visitors alike to come out, enjoy the music, and take part in one of the region’s signature community celebrations.

Rossville Couple Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges Following Investigation

A Walker County investigation has led to the arrest of a Rossville couple on multiple animal-related charges after authorities say a dog suffered a prolonged and preventable death.

According to officials, 33-year-old Andrew James Groncki and 23-year-old Megan Gibson are charged with cruelty to animals, improper disposal of a dead animal, and failure to maintain responsibility for control of rabies. Groncki also faces an additional charge of obstructing an animal control officer.

The case began March 16th after a Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services case manager reported concerns, noting a dog at a Carline Road residence was no longer barking during visits.

Walker County Animal Control conducted a welfare check, where Gibson told officers the dog had died after showing signs of illness, including weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. She stated Groncki planned to handle the remains.

When officers later spoke with Groncki, he admitted he did not seek veterinary care and said he had arranged for someone through Facebook to remove the remains.

A follow-up visit to the home led to a discovery in the backyard, where an officer located the dog’s remains partially covered.

A necropsy revealed the dog had been dead for several days and had ingested cloth material that blocked digestion, ultimately leading to a slow death by starvation.

Animal Control Director Tyler Bishop says both individuals were aware of the dog’s declining condition and chose not to seek medical treatment.

If convicted, Groncki could face up to three years in prison, while Gibson could face up to two years, along with significant fines.

Cara Paris Named Administrative Professional Of The Year By Chattooga Chamber

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is recognizing excellence in the workplace, naming Cara Paris as its Administrative Professional of the Year.

Paris, who has served for decades in the District Attorney’s Office, was honored for her dedication, professionalism, and ability to keep operations running smoothly in a fast-paced legal environment.

According to the Chamber, Paris has built a reputation for maintaining strong working relationships across all levels of the judicial circuit, while demonstrating exceptional organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Her ability to manage complex responsibilities and keep cases on track has made her an invaluable part of the office.

Colleagues say her role often involves coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies—each with its own procedures and challenges—but Paris consistently handles it all with efficiency and professionalism.

Beyond her technical expertise, she’s also known for her positive attitude, bringing warmth and a welcoming presence to the workplace.

The Chamber says Cara Paris truly personifies excellence and remains a vital part of the local judicial system.

Auto Insurance Costs Climbing Across Georgia, Impacting Drivers Statewide

Drivers across Georgia are continuing to feel the pinch as auto insurance costs remain among the highest in the country.

Recent data shows the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Georgia ranges from roughly $2,500 to over $3,200 per year, depending on the source and driver profile. That breaks down to about $200 to $270 per month, significantly higher than the national average.

Even minimum required coverage can cost drivers around $900 to $1,000 annually, offering less protection but still representing a major expense for many households.

Experts say Georgia ranks in the more expensive half of states for car insurance, driven by a combination of factors including population growth, traffic congestion, accident rates, and a relatively high number of uninsured drivers.

Where you live also plays a big role. Drivers in metro areas like Atlanta typically pay significantly more than those in smaller communities, due to higher risks of accidents, theft, and claims.

Other key factors that impact rates include:

  • Driving history and accidents
  • Age and experience behind the wheel
  • Credit score
  • Type of vehicle
  • Coverage levels and deductibles

Younger drivers and those with poor credit or prior violations often see the highest premiums, sometimes paying nearly double the average.

Insurance experts say one of the best ways to save money is to shop around and compare rates regularly, as prices can vary widely between companies. Adjusting coverage levels, bundling policies, and maintaining a clean driving record can also help lower costs.

With car insurance now a major part of the cost of owning a vehicle, many Georgia drivers are being forced to rethink budgets as premiums continue to rise.

Burn Ban Issued For Chattooga County Amid Extreme Drought Conditions

A countywide burn ban is now in effect for Chattooga County as officials respond to worsening drought conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the region.

According to an executive order signed by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, the burn ban took effect at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and applies to all outdoor burning.

The order comes as drought conditions across Georgia have intensified, with officials reporting extremely dry weather, low humidity, and gusty winds contributing to dangerous fire conditions. State officials have already responded to more than 90 wildfires, and nearly all of Chattooga County is now experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions.

The ban prohibits burning of yard debris, natural vegetation, campfires, and any combustible materials outdoors.

Officials say the action is necessary to protect both life and property as wildfire risks remain high.

The temporary burn ban will remain in place through May 1, 2026, when the state’s annual outdoor burning restrictions are set to begin.

Residents are urged to comply with the ban and avoid any outdoor burning until conditions improve.