Back To School Bash Organizers Seeking Supply Donations

Organizers are asking for community support as preparations continue for the annual Back to School Bash for Trion and Chattooga students.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. and will include music, free back-to-school haircuts, shaved ice treats, community resources, and support for students preparing for the new school year.

Maisha Ludy with Chattooga Family Connection says school supply donations are still needed. Items currently being requested include notebook paper, binders, dividers, markers, colored pencils, highlighters, composition books, glue sticks, and scissors.

Those who would like to donate supplies may contact Ludy at 706-388-9849 or email maishaludy@gmail.com.

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Donations may be made at United Community Bank to Chattooga County Collaborative, through CashApp at $MaishaLudy, or through Venmo at @Maisha-Ludy.

Organizers say every donation, large or small, will help support local students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

Dreamers Outreach Planning Student Trip To Obama Presidential Library

A local nonprofit organization is inviting students and families to learn more about a unique educational opportunity planned for 2027.

Dreamers Outreach, Inc. announced plans for an educational and inspirational trip to the Obama Presidential Library in June 2027. The organization says the trip is designed to expose young people to leadership, history, education, and service while encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams.

According to the organization, 10 students in grades 8 through 12 will be selected to participate in the experience.

An informational meeting for interested students and parents is scheduled for August 8 at 2 p.m. at Kuzzins, located at 105 Hemlock Street in Summerville. Organizers will discuss trip details, expectations, and future planning efforts.

Dreamers Outreach is also seeking community support for the project. The organization is encouraging parents and volunteers interested in serving as chaperones, sponsors who would like to support a student, and community members willing to assist through donations and fundraising efforts to get involved.

Organization leaders say community support will be essential in making the educational trip a reality and creating a meaningful experience for participating students.

Chattooga River Fest Happening Today In Trion

The 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest is happening today in Trion.

The event, presented by the Family Crisis Center, will be held from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today, Saturday, June 13, at the Trion Recreation Area, located at 90 Dalton Street in Trion.

The family-friendly festival will feature free parking and free admission, along with a free kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, open mic performances, educational demonstrations and talks, festival food, exhibitors, and more.

A cornhole tournament will also be part of the day’s activities, with registration and fees required for tournament participants and vendors.

The Chattooga River Group will have kayak raffle tickets and merchandise available for purchase at the CRG tent.

The day will wrap up with The Band Chickamauga performing from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Touch A Truck Happening Today In Downtown Summerville

Families in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to get up close to a variety of emergency, utility, and service vehicles today during the City of Summerville’s Touch A Truck event.

The sensory-friendly event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until noon today, Saturday, June 13, on East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Organizers say the event is designed specifically with the special needs community in mind while remaining open and welcoming to everyone.

Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard, explore, and learn about police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks, tow trucks, tractors, and other specialized equipment used throughout the community.

Participants will also have an opportunity to meet local first responders, public safety officials, and community exhibitors, including representatives from the Summerville Police Department, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, fire services, EMS, public works, and other local organizations.

Free Kona Ice will be available during the event, courtesy of United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.

Organizers say the event will feature a reduced-noise environment, hands-on exploration, and a supportive atmosphere designed to make the experience enjoyable for all ages and abilities.

Piedmont Man Charged Following Motorcycle Theft Investigation

A Piedmont man is facing charges following a motorcycle theft investigation in Cherokee County, Alabama.

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Next Step Set For Historic Floyd County Courthouse After Fire Damage

Floyd County officials say the next stage for the Historic Floyd County Courthouse will be debris removal, following completion of the initial stabilization work on the 134-year-old structure.

Before debris removal begins, insurance representatives, engineers, contractors, and county officials are expected to conduct an on-site inspection. Floyd County Attorney Chris Jackson said the meeting is scheduled for June 26 and will help determine what can be preserved and what future work may be possible.

Jackson said officials want all parties involved to inspect the site together for safety and continuity.

The historic courthouse was heavily damaged by fire on March 23. Officials say insurance funds are currently being used for storage and related costs as the county works to move the recovery process forward.

Arrest Report – Friday – June 12, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 12, 2026:

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Heat And Storm Chances Increase Across Chattooga County This Weekend

A taste of summer’s full force is arriving in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity pushes heat index values close to — and in some locations above — 100 degrees through the weekend.

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New Pinhoti Trail Reroute Opens Near Mack White Gap

A new 2.6-mile reroute is now blazed and open on Section 21 of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail northeast of Mack White Gap at U.S. Highway 27.

The reroute moves hikers off Forest Service Road 254 for about the same distance, creating a more scenic and enjoyable section of trail. Old blazes along FS 254 have been removed or painted over, and the new route is marked for hikers traveling both northbound and southbound.

GPS data has been submitted for the FarOut app and is expected to be updated in the Pinhoti database soon.

Project organizers say the reroute is an incremental improvement on the 370-mile wilderness trail, but represents a significant aesthetic upgrade for hikers.

The project was made possible through support from the Tillotson-Menlo Foundation, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District, and several trail and environmental partners.

Flourish Foster Care Hosting Yard Sale For A Cause In Summerville

Residents looking for bargains while supporting a worthy cause will have an opportunity this weekend as Flourish Foster Care Closet & Support, Inc. hosts a Yard Sale for a Cause at The Well in downtown Summerville.

The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 12, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Well, located at 141 W. Washington Street in Summerville.

Organizers say all proceeds will benefit The Well and the foster, kinship, and adoptive families served throughout Northwest Georgia. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items including furniture, home décor, clothing, toys, household items, books, seasonal merchandise, and more.

A BBQ food truck will also be on-site with plates, sandwiches, and other menu items available for purchase. A portion of food sales will benefit The Well and its mission.

According to organizers, every purchase helps Flourish continue providing clothing, essential items, support programs, meals, and community resources for children and families impacted by foster care.

Donations are still being accepted during the work week leading up to the event.