Trion Athletics has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art weightroom, scheduled for completion in October 2026.
The new facility will serve male and female athletes across Trion’s athletic programs, as well as students taking weight training classes at Trion High School.
School leaders say the project is designed to give Trion students and student-athletes access to top-quality training resources. Trion Athletics also thanked the Superintendent, Board of Education, and Athletic Administration for helping make the project possible.
Officials say the investment reflects the school system’s continued commitment to ensuring Trion Bulldogs have the very best resources available.
The Social Security Administration is urging Americans to watch for signs of elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and fraud as scammers continue targeting older adults across the country.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is accepting applications for its 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, recognizing military veterans and active-duty service members who have found success in agriculture while making a positive impact in their communities.
Supported by Farm Credit, the award honors individuals who have carried the values of military service into farming and ranching, including leadership, hard work, problem-solving, and service to others.
The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, along with reimbursement for travel and related expenses to attend the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 2026 recipient was retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina. Following a 22-year military career, Rutter co-founded Project Victory Gardens and created Farmer Bootcamp, a program designed to help fellow veterans explore careers and opportunities in agriculture.
Applications for the 2027 award are due September 1. Farm Bureau membership is not required to apply.
Additional information and application details are available through the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has opened an investigation into the Georgia State Patrol’s so-called “PIT for Pay” scandal involving former troopers who allegedly profited from insurance claims tied to crashes they caused during vehicle pursuits.
The investigation follows the firing of four Georgia State Patrol troopers who were found to have pursued personal injury settlements after performing PIT maneuvers, a law enforcement tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles by intentionally causing them to spin out.
According to records released during the investigation, three former troopers received nearly $100,000 in combined insurance settlements. A fourth trooper was fired for failing to report the practice and attempting to participate himself.
One case involved former Trooper Hunter Waters, who reportedly received a $25,000 insurance settlement following a pursuit-related crash involving a vehicle owned by Latesha Banks. Banks was not driving the vehicle and was not present when the crash occurred.
Banks says she later learned of the insurance claim and has since faced higher insurance premiums despite not being responsible for the incident. She is seeking to have the settlement money returned and her insurance costs reduced.
Internal investigations found that multiple former troopers referred pursuit-related crashes to an attorney and obtained settlements through insurance claims.
The four troopers involved were terminated for violating department policy and ethical standards. No criminal charges have been filed.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance continues to investigate the matter, while some insurance companies involved are reportedly reviewing their legal options.
After a mostly cloudy start to the Juneteenth holiday, skies will gradually clear across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon. Temperatures are expected to top out near 86 degrees, with light winds making for a comfortable day.
