Chamber Invites Community to Monthly ‘5:30 Club’ Networking Event at Jefferson’s

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting business owners, professionals, and community members to its monthly 5:30 Club networking event on Thursday, July 9, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson’s Restaurant in Summerville.

The informal gathering is designed to give Chamber members and guests an opportunity to network, share ideas, discuss local business, and build new relationships in a relaxed setting. Organizers say the event has been rebranded following a successful launch and will now be held on the second Thursday of each month.

Attendees can enjoy complimentary appetizers while connecting with fellow business leaders and community members. The event is open to anyone interested in networking and learning more about the local business community.

For more information about the 5:30 Club or membership opportunities, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Families to Adopt, Not Shop

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is reminding residents that if they are thinking about adding a pet to the family, adoption can make a life-changing difference for both the animal and the adopter.

Shelter officials say their facility remains full and many dogs and cats are waiting for a loving, permanent home. By choosing to adopt, families not only gain a loyal companion but also help create space for other animals in need of care and shelter.

The shelter encourages prospective pet owners to consider the many benefits of adopting a rescue animal. Many shelter pets are affectionate, grateful, and eager to become part of a family. Officials say every adoption gives an animal a second chance while helping reduce overcrowding in local shelters.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located in Summerville. Residents interested in meeting adoptable pets or learning more about the adoption process can contact the shelter at 706-857-0679.

Chattooga County Seeks Bids for 18.5-Mile Road Resurfacing Project

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project that will improve more than 18.5 miles of county roads through funding provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Local Road Assistance (LRA) programs.

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Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Homes, Container Homes and Other Non-Traditional Developments

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced a public meeting to gather comments and discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on certain non-traditional development projects within the county.

According to a public notice released by the Commissioner’s Office, the proposed moratorium would apply to projects including cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, and other similar non-traditional residential or mixed-use developments that may be identified during the county’s review process.

County officials say the purpose of the proposed moratorium is to provide time to review existing land use regulations, evaluate the potential impacts of these types of developments, and determine whether changes to county ordinances are needed to protect the health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the community.

The public meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. Residents, property owners, developers, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide input before any action is taken on the proposed moratorium.

The Commissioner said the meeting is intended to ensure the public has an opportunity to be informed and participate in the discussion before any decision is made regarding the proposal.

 

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.

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Town of Trion Seeks Bids for Roof Replacement at Public Works Building

The Town of Trion is accepting sealed bids for a roofing project at the town’s Public Works building located at 141 Echols Drive. According to the bid invitation, the project involves removing the existing gable roof and installing a new low-slope roofing system.

Sealed bids must be submitted to Trion Town Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Bids will be publicly opened at noon on Friday, July 17, in the council room at Town Hall, with the contract to be awarded at a later date. No pre-bid conference will be held.

Contractors with questions may contact Brandon Croy at 706-859-1015 at least 36 hours before the submission deadline. The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities or informalities.

Georgia Highlands College Announces Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester.

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Happening Today: Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show

One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, contests and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone from 6 until 9 p.m., with waterslides, inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and more. Other activities include the Corn Hole Tournament, the Patriotic Foot Parade for children at 6:35 p.m., and the Summerville Natural Gas and Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with Parker Thomas, followed by The Whole Fam Damily at 8 p.m.

Parking is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks.

Ms. Jackie Hammonds Grimes, Obit. (ER)

MS. JACKIE HAMMONDS GRIMES, age 66, of Gaylesville, Alabama, formerly of Chattooga County, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Summerville, Georgia on January 27, 1960 to the late Fletcher Charles and Jennett Fraiser Hammonds. Ms. Grimes was a Homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, the late Mickey Hammonds, former husband the late Michael Grimes, and nephew the late Chuck Hammonds.

 

Surviving are daughter, Robin Womack; son, Cody Grimes; brothers, Ricky (Pam) Hammonds and Jerry (Anita) Hammonds; grandchildren, Justice Rich, Aubrie Rich, Joey Rich, and Chance Womack; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

 

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Steve McGill officiating, interment in Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Jackie Hammonds Grimes.

Mrs. Martha A. Latta, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Martha A. Latta, age 90 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Mrs. Latta was born in Trion, Georgia on December 5, 1935, daughter of the late Arthur Dewey Anderson and Bessie Mae Guice Anderson. She was a member of the Central Avenue Baptist Church, where she was active in many church activities; and was retired from the County Clerk’s office. Mrs. Latta raised 3 boys, 3 grandchildren, was an excellent cook and an avid gardener.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Latta was preceded in death by her husband, WA Latta.

Mrs. Latta is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Theresa Latta, Gary and Melinda Latta and Grant and Kendra Latta; grandchildren, Andy(Elizabeth) Latta, Ben Latta and Wyatt Latta; great grandchildren, Challis Latta, Wilkes Latta, Knox Latta and a number of additional extended family and friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Latta will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Central Avenue Baptist Church with Pastors Terry Hampton and Brandon Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Andy Latta, Ben Latta, Shannon Tucker, Knox Latta. Wilkes Latta, Wyatt Latta, Joe Bachelor and Ralph McWhorter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne Whited, Larry Gilreath, Randy Crabtree, Kenneth Cox, Larry Stoker, Scott Quinn and BruceWallin.

Mrs. Latta will lie in state at the Central Avenue Baptist Church, where the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Martha A. Latta