Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Sunday

If you’re looking for a cool treat this weekend, the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, July 26, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Volunteers will be set up next to the park’s Visitor Center serving a variety of homemade ice cream flavors. Ice cream is $3 per cup, and both cash and credit cards will be accepted.

Proceeds from the sale will support the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, a volunteer organization that helps enhance and support the park through special projects and programs.

A $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass or an annual ParkPass is required for parking.

Trion High School Reminds Students of Locker and Parking Purchase Day

Trion High School is reminding students that locker and parking permit purchases will take place on Friday, July 24, at the back entrance of Trion High School.

Students must purchase lockers and parking permits during their assigned class time:

  • Seniors: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
  • Juniors: 9:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Sophomores: 11 a.m. to noon
  • Freshmen: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The cost is $25 for a locker and $30 for a parking permit.

School officials say students who have not completed and submitted their enrollment paperwork or tuition requirements will not be able to make purchases until those requirements have been met.

Because the enrollment deadline has passed and PowerSchool is temporarily offline for maintenance, parents needing to complete enrollment must fill out a paper enrollment form, which is available in the Trion High School office.

Students are also reminded to wait until their designated time slot before arriving to make purchases.

AdventHealth Redmond to Host Community Blood Drive Thursday

AdventHealth Redmond will host a community blood drive on Thursday, July 23, giving area residents an opportunity to help patients in need.

The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at AdventHealth Redmond in Rome.

Hospital representatives say donated blood can provide hope and support for patients and families facing medical emergencies, surgeries and other serious health needs. Every eligible donor has the potential to make a meaningful difference for someone receiving care.

Walk-ins will be welcome throughout the event, although donors may also reserve an appointment in advance through Blood Assurance’s online scheduling system.

Those planning to donate should bring a valid photo identification and are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before arriving.

AdventHealth Redmond is encouraging community members who are able to donate to take part in the drive and help maintain the regional blood supply.

Appointments may be scheduled through the Blood Assurance website.

Twisted Ankle Trail Race Celebrates 20 Years at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

Trail runners from across the Southeast are invited to lace up for the 20th annual Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, as the popular event celebrates two decades of racing and giving back to the park.

To mark the milestone, organizers are adding a special 20-mile race for 2026 only, giving participants the chance to make two climbs to Becky’s Bluff. The race lineup also includes a beginner-friendly 5K, a challenging 10-mile, and a half marathon, offering options for runners of all experience levels.

The scenic courses feature a mix of wide trails, single-track sections, Marble Mine, and the iconic climb to Becky’s Bluff, where runners will enjoy a stretch along the Pinhoti Trail before descending. Organizers say the courses include plenty of rocks and roots, providing the technical challenge trail runners have come to expect.

Since its beginning, the Twisted Ankle Trail Race has donated all proceeds to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, helping support improvements and preservation efforts.

Additional race information, course maps and registration details are available at twistedanklerace.com.

Chattooga Curtain Call To Present Newsies Jr.

Chattooga Curtain Call is preparing to bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage later this month, continuing its long-standing tradition of providing local students with opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.

The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who band together to stand up for fair treatment while learning valuable lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.

Chattooga Curtain Call, a local nonprofit organization, has spent more than a decade offering theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities. In addition to entertaining audiences, the organization provides young performers with training in acting, singing and stage performance while helping keep the performing arts thriving locally.

Newsies Jr. performances are July 31st at 7:00pm and Aug. 1st at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets via Venmo @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. You will receive confirmation with ticket numbers and your tickets will be held for you at the door. You can also purchase tickets at the door with cash/check. All performances will be held at Connect City Church.

Chattooga County Schools Release 2026-2027 School Supply Lists

With the first day of school just a few weeks away, Chattooga County Schools has made school supply lists available to help families prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

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Multicultural Market and Train Arrival Celebration Set for Saturday at Summerville Depot

Downtown Summerville will host a full day of food, culture, entertainment and railroad activities Saturday, July 18, during a Multicultural Market and special train arrival celebration at the historic Summerville Depot.

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City of Summerville to Celebrate Recreation Improvements with Two Open House Events

The City of Summerville is inviting the public to attend two open house celebrations later this month highlighting recent improvements to the city’s recreational facilities.

The first event will be held Wednesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at the Summerville Recreation Center, where city officials will celebrate the installation of the facility’s new gymnasium HVAC system.

A second celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 8:30 p.m. at Dunson Field, where the city will officially unveil the new MUSCO ballfield lighting system during youth baseball and softball games.

Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said both events are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend as the city marks the completion of these important recreation projects.

Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Cloud Spotters Program and Night Hike Saturday

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.

The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.

Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.

Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale

Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.

The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.

Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.