Music lovers in Chattooga County are in for a treat tonight with two separate live music events taking place in Trion and Summerville this evening.

In Trion, a concert postponed last month due to bad weather is finally set to take place at the Trion Recreation Department. The high-energy tribute band “Pink Houses” will be performing the iconic hits of John Mellencamp. Attendees can expect to rock out to classics like “Jack & Diane” and “Hurts So Good.” The event is free and sponsored by the Town of Trion and the Trion Recreation Department. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trion Parks & Recreation throughout the evening.

Meanwhile, in Summerville, Summerville Main Street is hosting its popular Friday Night Live Concert on East Washington Street, featuring the fan-favorite band, Strictly Skynyrd. The concert will run from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on East Washington Street, which will be closed to traffic from Commerce Street to University Street from 5:15 PM to 11:00 PM. Organizers encourage attendees to support local downtown restaurants by enjoying dinner before the show. A few vendors will also be on-site during the concert. Public restrooms will be available inside the Summerville Depot. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Chattooga County Ag Center under the covered arena.

With two great music options on offer, residents of Chattooga County have plenty to choose from for a night of live music.

The Supreme Court of Georgia has invalidated four of the seven election rules adopted by the Republican-led State Election Board. The unanimous decision, released Tuesday, affirmed concerns that the board overstepped its authority in implementing the rules. The court specifically struck down rules related to “reasonable inquiry” before election certification, allowing election board members to examine all election documentation, requiring hand-counting of ballots after polls close, and mandating photo ID for family members dropping off absentee ballots. Only the rule requiring video surveillance of absentee drop boxes outside voting hours was upheld. The remaining two rules, concerning daily reporting of vote totals and expanded access for poll watchers, were remanded to a lower trial court to determine if plaintiffs have the legal standing to challenge them.

The lawsuit challenging the rules was brought by Eternal Vigilance Action, Inc., and individuals Scot Turner and James Hall, who argued the rules contradicted the state Election Code. Their concerns were echoed by civil rights organizations. “The ruling confirms that the State Election Board exceeded its legal authority by attempting to rewrite election procedures just weeks before a major election without legislative approval and in direct contradiction of Georgia law,” stated Gerald A. Griggs, president of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP. The Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, represented by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the law firm Morgan Lewis, praised the court’s decision.

The now-invalidated rules were adopted in August and September 2024 with the support of the three Republican members of the five-member State Election Board. The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on election procedures in Georgia. The state, along with the Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party, had appealed the initial challenge, arguing that the plaintiffs lacked the standing to sue.

Compiled Sources

According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, a man was arrested outside a gas station in Menlo after making “inappropriate gestures” to passing motorists and attempting to enter the store, that was closed at the time.  The incident happened on Tuesday of this week at 12:10 AM at the America’s Quick Stop gas station near the intersection of Highway 48 and Jamestown Road.  Deputies responded to a call about a male subject, later identified as 64-year-old George Franklin Atchley, attempting to enter the closed gas station. A passerby flagged down a deputy,  stating they witnessed Atchley, described as wearing a green neon hoodie, repeatedly attempting to enter the store and making lewd, sexual gestures.  When deputies attempted to approach Atchley, he fled on foot. After a brief pursuit, Atchley stopped, but again attempted to flee when the responding deputy tried to exit his patrol vehicle.  Two deputies were able to apprehend Atchley near Showa Best Glove.  Atchley was taken to the Chattooga County Jail on misdemeanor charges of loitering or prowling and obstruction of officers.

After three decades of dedicated service, Paula Buice, Principal of Menlo Elementary School, has announced her retirement. In a  letter addressed to students, families, staff, and the broader Menlo community, Buice expressed her gratitude and reflected on her journey with the school. Buice’s connection to Menlo Elementary runs deep. “My story with Menlo Elementary began as a student, attending from first through eighth grade,” she wrote. Later, she returned to teach and eventually served as principal, witnessing countless students grow and succeed within the nurturing environment of the school. Beyond her role at Menlo Elementary, Buice also served on the Chattooga County district’s Academic Coach Team, working alongside other educators to enhance student achievement and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. In her farewell message, Buice expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to her fulfilling career. “I want to thank everyone—students, families, staff, and colleagues—for your support, kindness, and collaboration over the years. Menlo Elementary holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the memories we’ve shared.”

Photo Credit: UGA

Just as summer heats up and Georgians flock outdoors, a new and potentially dangerous pest is emerging: the Asian needle ant. New research from the University of Georgia (UGA) has raised concerns about the ant’s venomous sting, which, in some cases, can trigger life-threatening anaphylactic shock. While first detected in the U.S. in the 1930s, the Asian needle ant has remained relatively unnoticed until recently.

Now, the species is rapidly spreading throughout the Southeast, with Georgia backyards being a primary target. Despite their diminutive size – only 3/16 of an inch long – these tiny insects pack a potent sting. They prefer to nest in hardwood habitats, such as oak trees, leaf litter, dead logs, and areas with high moisture, like rock and stone piles. “Don’t underestimate these ants because of their size,” warns UGA entomology professor Dan Suiter. “Their sting can be life-threatening, especially for individuals who have previously experienced adverse reactions to bee or ant stings.” Even if not fatal, the venom can cause significant discomfort.

A UGA article highlights that pain from the sting “can come back days later.” The ants are most active during the warmer months, coinciding with peak outdoor activity. Identifying them can be tricky, as they don’t create noticeable mounds like fire ants or establish foraging trails. If you suspect you’ve encountered an Asian needle ant, UGA recommends sending photos or specimens to your local UGA Extension office for identification. If confirmed, a professional pest control service can provide baiting solutions.

Individuals at risk of allergic reactions should carry an EpiPen as a precaution.

Chattooga Head Start is now open for enrollment for the upcoming school year, offering a nurturing and educational environment where young children can grow, play, and thrive. Parents are encouraged to apply quickly as spots are filling fast! Chattooga Head Start provides early learning and development opportunities, ensuring children receive a strong foundation for future academic success. The program is led by a team of supportive and caring teachers dedicated to fostering a positive and stimulating learning experience. Beyond the classroom, Chattooga Head Start offers family-focused services, understanding the importance of a strong home-school connection. This comprehensive approach aims to support the entire family unit, creating a thriving community for all. Interested parents are urged to contact the following individuals to get their child on the enrollment list: Ashley Careathers: acareathers@myfraga.org or Tina Striblin: tstriblin@myfraga.org

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC)  announced this week the students who have earned a place on the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Spring 2025 semester. These honors recognize students who have achieved outstanding academic success while pursuing their educational goals. To qualify for the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher while carrying a course load of at least 12 credit hours during the semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79, also with a minimum of 12 credit hours. GNTC extends its congratulations to all students recognized for their hard work and dedication. A special acknowledgement goes out to the following Chattooga County residents who achieved President’s List status: Tennie Bandy, David Bohannon, Jennifer Bohannon, Kaylin Brewer, Ariel Cargle, Tammy Chandler, Gretchen Clark, Jacob Cordell, Raven Dallas, Brantley Daniel, Case Davis, Noah Denson, Gayler Diaz-Vasquez, Victoria Gammon, Karsen Gilliam, Khristen Hastings, Bowden Heathcock, Dushaun Hunter, Danika Lee, Ethan Lembcke, Nasiah McVay, Stacy Moore, Tabatha Oney, Summer Railey, Lina Ramirez, Desirae Rogers, Ranzy Smith, Libby Veatch, Courtney Villagomez, Tayler Watson, Abram Williams and Mayahuel Yaoapoqa. The following Chattooga County residents earned Dean’s List honors: Dalton Bearden, William Cesareo, Colter Clifton, Luis Garcia, Matthew Hamby, Isis Hines, Jacob Odom, Nicole Smith and Haign Stephens. GNTC continues to be a leading provider of technical education, empowering students to succeed in a variety of high-demand fields. The college commends these students for their academic achievements and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

Earlier this week, Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen passed a resolution adopting a new seal for the county.  The seal features each of the county’s four municipalities – Trion, Menlo, Summerville and Lyerly and shows the Chattooga River prominently.  County Code Enforcer B.J. Hall came up with the graphic design for the new logo.  It was adopted on June 11, 2025 and will be used going forward, according to Commissioner Allen.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 12, 2025:

Northwest Georgia residents  should prepare for a wet and humid weekend as a shift in weather patterns brings increased chances of showers and thunderstorms starting today. The change is attributed to a slow-moving upper-level low pressure system over the southern Plains, combined with a large surface high-pressure system over the western Atlantic. These weather systems are creating southerly winds that are drawing moisture into the area, setting the stage for numerous showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. While the risk of severe weather is low due to weak wind shear, residents should still be aware that some storms could be strong, bringing gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. Today we will see showers and thunderstorms likely, especially after 3 PM. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 85 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southerly around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with expected rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch. Tonight, a chance of showers and thunderstorms exists before 2 AM, followed by a slight chance of showers between 2 AM and 5 AM. Patchy fog is expected after midnight. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 69 degrees. Winds will be calm. The chance of precipitation is 40%. For Friday, the wet weather will continue with a chance of showers before 11 AM, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 AM and 2 PM, and then showers and possibly thunderstorms after 2 PM. The high will be near 86 degrees. Winds will be calm, becoming southerly around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%, with expected rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist throughout Father’s Day weekend.

There’s Hope for the Hungry will be distributing free groceries today, Thursday, June 12th, at the Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion. The giveaway will take place between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Residents in need are encouraged to attend and receive free groceries. No identification is required to receive the food, but attendees must be present to collect their share. In addition to the grocery distribution, the Central Avenue Baptist Clothes Closet will be open from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm, offering free clothing to those in need. The Central Avenue Baptist Church is located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs. Organizers extend a warm invitation to all those who can benefit from these resources.

Votes cast for Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman in the upcoming June 17th primary election for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) will not be counted, following a judge’s ruling on Tuesday. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville determined that Blackman failed to prove he had resided in Fulton County for the required year prior to the general election in November. This decision overturns a previous temporary order issued by Judge Glanville that allowed Blackman to remain on the ballot, after Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger initially disqualified him. Following a hearing on Tuesday, Judge Glanville sided with Raffensperger, stating his office’s decision was correct. Blackman has the option to appeal the ruling. The Georgia Public Service Commission elections are held statewide, with voters choosing each of the five commissioners. However, each commissioner must reside within a specific district. A request for comment from Blackman’s lawyer has not yet been returned. Secretary of State spokesperson Robert Sinners stated that signs alerting voters to Blackman’s disqualification will be displayed at polling locations.

Abbie Carson, a recent graduate of Armuchee High School, has been awarded the North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation’s (NGEMC) 2025 Chairman’s Memorial Scholarship. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding students within the NGEMC service area. Carson, a resident of Chattooga County, plans to further her education at the University of Georgia. The $2,500 scholarship is available to high school seniors who reside in households served by NGEMC. It is named in honor of former NGEMC board members Howard Baker and Gerald Lowery, recognizing their dedication and service to the cooperative and its members. NGEMC is a member-owned electric cooperative providing power to residents in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties. The scholarship program underscores NGEMC’s commitment to supporting the education and future success of young people in the communities it serves.

Charles Shannon Keen, 46, of Summerville, was arrested last week on charges of DUI after failing field sobriety tests at a license and safety checkpoint.  Chattooga County Deputies and Trion Police were conducting a safety checkpoint at the intersection of Ridgeway Drive and Tatum Road last Saturday. According to the incident report filed by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office,  Keen’s vehicle, a white Land Rover Discovery Sport, entered the checkpoint. A deputy noticing the odor of alcohol, directed Keen to pull aside. The deputy also detected the odor of alcohol and initiated a conversation with Keen, who initially denied consuming alcohol before admitting to having “three or four” drinks.  A portable breath test registered a 0.094 blood alcohol content. Keen subsequently refused a blood test after being read implied consent. Keen then asked if he could tell his wife to call a ride because she was also intoxicated, the report stated. After being read his Miranda rights, Keen admitted to having “3 or 4 beers” approximately 30 minutes prior to driving. While being transported to the Chattooga County Jail, Keen told deputies, “I’m sorry for driving I knew I shouldn’t have been.” Keen was booked into the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Residents in Chattooga County, Georgia, and neighboring Cherokee and DeKalb Counties in Alabama, are experiencing an increased number of black bear sightings in recent weeks. In response, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents to practice “BearWise” principles to ensure both human and bear safety.

“By taking a few proactive steps to be BearWise, we can ensure our outdoor plans and activities this summer are safe, enjoyable and memorable for all. At the same time, being BearWise will help keep bears wild,” said Adam Hammond, WRD’s State Bear Biologist. The DNR emphasizes that wild black bears typically avoid humans, but are often drawn to areas where they can easily access food. Hammond stresses that eliminating food sources is crucial. “Wild black bears typically go out of their way to avoid people, so taking simple precautions to avoid providing bears a free meal will allow us to explore and enjoy the outdoors confidently and may help others do the same.” Here are some key tips from the DNR to stay safe in bear country:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Leave the earbuds at home and pay attention to the sounds of nature. Bears often hear you coming and will avoid unnecessary close encounters. Keep children within sight and close by.

Don’t Feed the Bears: Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even seemingly harmless items like apple cores teaches bears to associate areas with food.

Encountering a Bear: If you see a bear before it notices you, do not approach. Stand still, enjoy the view, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. If the bear continues to approach, stand your ground, wave your arms and yell, throw sticks or rocks, and be prepared to put up an aggressive fight, if necessary, until it leaves. Stay together if you are in a group. Have bear spray at the ready and be prepared to use it if the bear keeps approaching.

The DNR is promoting the national program, BearWise, developed by state bear biologists within the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, is dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. For more information on how to be BearWise, visit BearWise.org.

A welfare check on several horses has led to the arrest of Raul Rodriguez, 47, and Belinda Rodriguez, 56, both of Walker County. The arrests follow a two-day investigation at their property located at 44 Manor Lane, outside of Rossville. Raul Rodriguez is facing 12 counts of animal cruelty, while Belinda Rodriguez is charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty. The investigation began when Walker County Animal Control officers responded to a complaint concerning multiple horses appearing malnourished. Upon arrival, officers found several animals on the property in emaciated condition, lacking sufficient feed to maintain a healthy body weight. Observations included deteriorating muscle mass, missing fur, open leg wounds, and inflamed skin on several animals. A veterinarian who assessed the animals determined that some were in pain and suffering from conditions stemming from neglect. While the veterinarian did not believe the owners acted maliciously, their failure to provide adequate care for the livestock was evident. The Rodriguez’s surrendered their animals to the county. Authorities removed a total of four horses, three donkeys, two mini-horses, two pigs, one rabbit, and multiple chickens and goats from the property. The animals in the most critical condition were transported to TMMA Farms & Sanctuary in Trion for immediate treatment. The remaining animals were placed with a livestock rescue organization. The case remains under investigation.