GNTC Awards First Disabled Veterans Support Scholarships

Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced the first recipients of the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship, with 12 students receiving awards for the summer 2026 semester.

The scholarship is funded through voluntary state income tax return donations and was created to support U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities as they pursue technical education in Georgia. The program is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation and is designed to help cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, required supplies and other real costs.

GNTC Military-Connected Services Coordinator Josh Hickman said the first semester of the scholarship program has been a success and said the 12 recipients are deserving of the support.

Recipients include students from Dalton, Rome, Euharlee, Adairsville, Rocky Face, Dallas, Canton and Cedartown. Their programs include supply chain management, healthcare management, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, welding, EMS professions, automation engineering and instrumentation controls.

Eligible veterans must be enrolled in a degree, diploma or technical certificate program and provide documentation showing a service-connected disability rating.

Woman Arrested After Alleged Public Disturbance In Downtown Summerville

The Summerville Police Department arrested a Rome woman Saturday after officers responded to a disturbance in downtown Summerville. According to citations filed by the department, Tikeria Shaniquia Clowers, 27, of Rome, was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident.

According to the citations, officers observed Clowers to be visibly intoxicated in a public roadway, where police say she was causing a public disturbance. Officers also reported that she was told multiple times to lower her voice and stop yelling profanities. The citations state that after several warnings, she allegedly continued to be loud and boisterous, at which point she was placed under arrest.

The arrest occurred on June 28 in the area of 516 Highland Avenue in Summerville. Clowers is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.

AAA: More Than 2.4 Million Georgians Expected To Travel For Independence Day Holiday

AAA is forecasting another record-setting Independence Day holiday travel period, with more than 2.4 million Georgians expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5.

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Chattooga River Group Plans Independence Day Social Paddle Friday

Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.

Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.

County Exploring Temporary Reopening Option for Mosteller Creek Bridge

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is exploring whether smaller passenger vehicles could be allowed back across the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly while long-term replacement plans are developed.

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Town of Trion Announces July 4 Holiday Closings, Garbage Collection Changes

The Town of Trion has announced its schedule for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

Town officials say the Business Office, Gas Department, Recreation Department, and Maintenance Department will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Residents who normally have garbage collected on Fridays should note that Friday’s garbage route will be picked up on Thursday, July 2. All other residential garbage collection schedules will remain unchanged.

The Town reminds residents that any emergency involving the Police Department or Gas Department should be reported by calling 911, and dispatchers will notify the appropriate personnel.

Mayor Mickey McGraw and the Town of Trion wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday.

Back to School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations as July 16 Event Approaches

With just over two weeks remaining until the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are asking the community to help fill the final gaps in school supply donations before the event takes place on Thursday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Organizer Maisha Ludy says donations have been coming in, but several essential classroom items are still in short supply. The greatest current needs include composition books, dry erase markers, dividers with pockets, sticky notes, and index cards.

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is designed to help local families prepare for the new school year. The free event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature school supplies, free haircuts, music from DJ Marty Mart, shaved ice treats from Mort’s Brain Freeze, and opportunities for families to connect with community organizations.

Anyone wishing to donate supplies can contact Maisha Ludy through Facebook, email maishaludy@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 706-388-9849. Organizers say every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure local students begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.

Alabama Woman Cited On DUI And Open Container Charges In Summerville

The Summerville Police Department has charged an Alabama woman with driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle following a traffic stop in Summerville.

According to citations filed by the department, Nicole Renee Thacker, 23, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, was cited after officers stopped her vehicle on June 28 on Pine Street near Highway 114. Officers allege Thacker was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for her to drive. The citation also states that an alcoholic beverage in an open container was found in the center console cup holder while she was operating the vehicle. Court documents further indicate that Thacker was advised of Georgia’s implied consent law and refused the requested state chemical test.

Thacker is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.

Mrs. Teresa Deborah Craig, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Teresa Deborah Craig, age 70 of Trion, Georgia passed away on June 29, 2026 at her Spring Creek residence in Trion, Georgia. 

Teresa was born on February 26, 1956 in Summerville, Georgia to the late Boyd C. Williams and Mary Lois Nation Williams.  She was a retired textile worker from Mount Vernon Mills.  According to her husband, she most enjoyed correcting him and telling him what to do.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Craig was preceded in death by a brother, Bud Williams and a grandchild “Zay” Sizemore.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mr. Robert Craig; a son, Shannon Keen(Missy); a step daughter, Loretta Sizemore (Robert); twelve total grandchildren: Austin Keen, Ty Craig. Ashley Evans, Blake Sizemore, Railey Cooper, Ally Cooper, Ely Cooper; great grandchildren,  Payton Sizemore, Ryder Sizemore, Kati Broom, Jayden Broom, Jo-Jo Broom, Slade Stroupe and Maranda Stroupe.

Visitation for Mrs. Craig will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory from 5-7 that evening.  Teresa will be cremated according to her wishes and no further service is planned.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society in Mrs. Craig’s honor.

Hay For Sale

40 rolls of hay left over from 2025 for $25 each. Will load the bales. Contact 706-346-1827.