Even though the current school year is still underway, Chattooga Family Connection is already hard at work planning its annual ‘Back to School Bash.’ This year’s event, a community staple that provides free resources and fun for students and families, is scheduled for July 17th, 2025. The Back to School Bash will take place at Chattooga High School from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering a range of activities and resources designed to help Chattooga and Trion students prepare for a successful academic year. Attendees can expect to find information on various community programs, access to essential school supplies (while supplies last), and engaging activities for children of all ages. Chattooga Family Connection invites community members to get involved in making this year’s Back to School Bash the best one yet. Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event can contact Chattooga Family Connection at CHATTFC@WINDSTREAM.NET. Chattooga Family Connection is a community-based collaborative working to improve the lives of children and families in Chattooga County.

The average gas price in Georgia is decreasing, now at $2. 92 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. This price is 6 cents lower than last week, 2 cents higher than a month ago, and 51 cents lower than last year. Filling a 15-gallon tank costs drivers about $43. 80, which is nearly $8. 00 less than a year ago.

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Summerville City Hall will be closing its doors early on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:30 AM for its annual Employee Appreciation Day. The closure is to allow city staff to participate in a day of recognition and celebration of their hard work and dedication. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 8:00 AM. City officials encourage residents to plan accordingly for any necessary city services. In the event of an emergency during the closure, residents are reminded to dial 911.

State Senator Jason Esteves, a Democrat representing Atlanta, announced Monday his intention to run for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election. Esteves, elected to the Senate in 2022 and currently serving his second term, aims to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Before his tenure in the State Senate, Esteves served nearly a decade on the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. He has consistently championed education, healthcare, and housing as key priorities throughout his career in public service. “As extreme politicians in Georgia push (President Donald) Trump’s reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, Georgians pay the price,” Esteves stated in a prepared statement. “Now more than ever, we need to tackle the high cost of living, improve access to health care, protect women’s reproductive freedom, lower housing costs, and invest in schools across the state.” Esteves is the first Democrat to officially announce his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race. U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Marietta) briefly considered a run, forming an exploratory committee last month, but ultimately suspended her campaign to care for her husband who is recovering from cancer surgery. On the Republican side, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr launched his campaign late last year. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are also considered potential contenders for the GOP nomination.

Want to know the prime fishing spots in Georgia without even stepping out your door? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has you covered with easy-to-access online fishing forecasts and weekly reports, providing anglers with the latest intel straight from the pros.

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Residents of Northwest Georgia should be prepared for the possibility of isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. According to the National Weather Service, a few storms could produce an isolated damaging wind gust in far Northwest Georgia, where a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms (Level 1 out of 5) is in effect. The forecast for the remainder of the week calls for continued chances of isolated thunderstorms across North and Central Georgia from Tuesday through Saturday, with the highest probabilities in North Georgia. While widespread severe storms are not expected at this time, residents should remain aware of changing weather conditions. Today, there’s a 30 percent chance of showers after 3 PM. The day will be mostly sunny with a high near 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Southwest winds will blow between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely, primarily before 2 AM, followed by a likely chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 AM. Expect mostly cloudy skies and a low around 61 degrees. Precipitation chances stand at 70%, with potential rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half of an inch. Tuesday brings an 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a high near 77 degrees. Rainfall amounts are expected to be similar to tonight. The unsettled weather pattern is predicted to persist through Wednesday and Thursday, with continued chances of showers and thunderstorms.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 21, 2025:

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An attempt to smuggle contraband into Hays State Prison was thwarted last week after a drone delivery went awry, leaving a trail of tobacco and cell phones scattered near the facility. According to Chattooga County Sheriff’s reports, deputies responded to a call regarding suspicious bags of tobacco found on a property adjacent to the prison. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered several vacuum-sealed bags of what appeared to be tobacco strewn across the ground. Further investigation led them to a black bag lodged in a tree above the scattered tobacco. With the homeowner’s assistance, deputies retrieved the bag and found it contained additional vacuum-sealed bags of tobacco and two prepaid AT&T cell phones. “This discovery is indicative of an attempt to smuggle contraband into the facility,” stated the sheriff’s report. All seized items, including the tobacco and cell phones, have been placed into evidence and will be examined to determine their origin and intended recipients within the prison. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the incident.

A Trion man is set to face trial after being indicted by the Chattooga County Grand Jury last week on multiple counts of sex crimes involving children. According to grand jury records, Daniel Luke Cornett, of 191 Elm Street, Trion, was indicted on two counts of aggravated child molestation, two counts of statutory rape, and two counts of child molestation. The indictment comes after evidence was presented to the grand jury saying that Cornett engaged in sexual intercourse with a child between January 5, 2024, and February 26, 2024. The grand jury found enough evidence for Cornett to stand trial on the charges. The case will now proceed to trial in Chattooga County Superior Court.