Many home gardeners across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are finding that this year’s tomato crop hasn’t lived up to expectations. While tomato plants may appear healthy, many are producing fewer tomatoes than normal, dropping blossoms before fruit develops, or producing fruit that cracks, rots, or ripens unevenly.
The Chattooga County Historical Society is inviting the public to its Summer Meeting today, featuring a firsthand account from a Chattooga County native who took part in one of the most significant military operations in American history.
The meeting begins at 2 p.m. today at the Historic Summerville Depot in downtown Summerville. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
Featured speaker Jim Lenderman will share his experiences as a U.S. Marine helicopter pilot during the 1980 Iranian hostage rescue attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw. Lenderman will also discuss his later service flying President Ronald Reagan aboard Marine One, providing a unique perspective on both military and presidential aviation.
The Historical Society says the presentation offers a rare opportunity to hear an inspiring story from one of Chattooga County’s own while learning more about an important chapter in American history. The event is free and open to the public.
The Town of Trion’s Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) Committee will hold a public meeting on Monday, July 20, at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
The GICH Committee works with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the University of Georgia to develop long-term strategies for addressing local housing needs and strengthening the community.
In Trion, the committee focuses on issues such as rehabilitating older homes, encouraging neighborhood revitalization, reducing blight, improving code enforcement and planning for future housing opportunities that support economic growth and community stability.
Mayor Mickey D. McGraw said anyone with questions or comments is encouraged to contact him or the Town Hall office for additional information.
The meeting is open to the public.
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.
Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause prolonged watery diarrhea.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 18, 2026:
A hot and muggy Saturday is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.
A celebration of cultures from around the world will take place today at the Summerville Train Depot as the City of Summerville hosts its Multicultural Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a “Taste Around the World” with a variety of international foods, live entertainment, craft vendors, cultural displays and activities celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the local community.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s antique steam locomotive arrive at the depot and watch demonstrations of the historic Summerville Turntable, one of the few operating railroad turntables of its kind.
The festival is open to all ages and will be held at the Summerville Train Depot, 111 East Washington Street.
Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.
To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.
Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.
Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.
Bargain hunters and vendors alike will have an opportunity to buy, sell and explore during the Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale at Dowdy Park in downtown Summerville, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, through Saturday, August 8.
Hosted by the City of Summerville, the three-day event runs from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day at Dowdy Park. Organizers say shoppers can expect a wide variety of treasures while sellers have a chance to clean out unwanted items and earn extra money.
Vendor spaces measure 15-by-15 feet and are available for $5 per day. Those interested in reserving a space can request a vendor form by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.
Dowdy Park is located along Highway 27 in the heart of downtown Summerville, offering convenient access and plenty of visibility throughout the event.
