The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) team specialized in empowering arts and culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, today announced the recipients of fiscal year 2026 Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities competitive grant awards to support organizations across the state, including in rural communities. As part of this year’s awards, 62 entities in 48 counties will receive $600,000 in funding. Paradise Garden in Chattooga County was one of the recipients of a cultural facilities grant. 

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“Slow Down, Move Over” rules exist in every state, but a new study shows many drivers still aren’t following them, and AAA set out to understand why.

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It’s almost ice skating time in Northwest Georgia – The Rink at Ridge Ferry Park will open to skaters on November 24^th and will remain open through January 19^th.

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Summerville Police were called to Hill Top Drive on Wednesday after reports of someone slashing tires on a vehicle.  When police arrived on the scene and were speaking with the victim, a man identified as 56-year-old Raymond Wood began badgering the victim and using profanity towards others.  A Summerville Police officer reported that Wood continued to disrupt the scene and was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.  Wood reportedly told the officer “take me to jail” and then told the officer “I don’t know when to shut my mouth”.  Also, officers say that 32-year old Kelly Danielle Hogue was arrested for disorderly conduct for yelling obscenities at the victim who had his tires slashed.  Both Wood and Hogue were reportedly heavily intoxicated at the time of their arrests.

An accident on Penn Bridge Road on Wednesday afternoon caused damage to a guard rail.  The single vehicle accident happened on October 29th after a vehicle left the roadway and landed on top of the guard rail.  Trion Firefighters, along with firefighters for Hays Correctional, arrived on the scene and were able to extract the driver of the vehicle without injury.  Chattooga County Public Works was on the scene Thursday to begin repairs to the guard rail.  According to Chattooga County EMA -911, county workers will be returning to the scene once more guard rail material arrives, which could necessitate further road closures and detours on Monday.

Several eighth-grade students at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Walker County were hospitalized after consuming a substance called Kratom. School officials reported that emergency crews responded quickly and all students are now stable. Kratom, which has stimulant and opioid-like effects, is not approved by the FDA and poses serious health risks.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, October 31, 2025:

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Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are facing a chilly evening this Halloween, with a drop in temperatures and strong winds. Highs are expected to only be in the mid-50s today, which is much cooler than usual for this time of year. Winds are gusting up to 25 mph, which is clearing the clouds and will create a partly sunny atmosphere.

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It is the final week of regular season high school football for both local teams. The Trion Bulldogs played on Thursday night at home at Sam R. McCain Stadium, hosting the Bowden Red Devils. The Chattooga Indians will be on the road tonight to take on Coosa.

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Halloween is today, and residents of Chattooga County are preparing for a spirited evening of trick-or-treating, with both the Town of Trion and the City of Menlo hosting major community activities tonight.

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