The City of Summerville Tree Board will celebrate National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25th by hosting a tree planting at The World Friendship Pocket Park at 10a.m. National Arbor Day in the USA is celebrated on the last Friday in April. This is the traditional date for this tree-planting and an environmental awareness holiday. As an official Tree City, it is the city’s commitment to cultivate civic pride and commit to a community that’s healthier, happier, and more livable.
Downtown LaFayette’s concert series for 2025 will start on April 25th, featuring live music and new “Sip ‘n’ Shop” events.
The Trion Veterans’ Committee is hosting a fundraiser: a Smoked Boston Butt sale on May 24th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to Noon at the Trion Park Pavilion, located at 250 Simmons St, Trion, GA 30753. For $45, you can buy a smoked Boston Butt weighing 10-15 lbs. Proceeds will enhance the Veterans’ Memorial in Trion, honoring those who served the country. This fundraiser is important for creating a lasting tribute. To reserve your Smoked Boston Butt, contact the Trion Police Department at 706-734-3665. Place your order today to support the veterans and enjoy a great meal!
A surprise inspection of the Chattooga County Animal Control on April 7th by the Georgia Department of Agriculture revealed troubling conditions, but a follow-up visit just four days later showed significant improvement.
Trion Middle School is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced bookkeeper to manage the school’s financial records and prepare essential monthly reports. This vital position reports directly to the Principal and Assistant Principal and will be responsible for maintaining a complete and systematic set of records for all financial resources. Key responsibilities include recording comprehensive financial information, preparing reports for the central office, reconciling accounts payable with bank statements, verifying bank balances, and managing vendor payments related to middle school functions. The bookkeeper will also be responsible for managing leave reports for the middle school staff and faculty. Candidates must possess a minimum of a high school diploma and demonstrable experience in bookkeeping and/or accounting practices. Proficiency in a variety of office equipment and computer applications, including Excel, Quicken, and Microsoft Word, is essential. The ability to multi-task and perform job duties with frequent interruptions is also a key requirement. Strong communication, computer, bookkeeping, and interpersonal skills are a must. The successful candidate must also be able to learn and utilize new software programs as systems are upgraded. This is an 11-month (220 days per year) position. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
Randy Lavon Sims, 59, from Trion, was arrested last week, for driving under the influence of drugs and driving with a suspended license. The arrest followed a traffic stop by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 27 North after a deputy observed Sims’ Dodge truck with an obstructed license plate around 1:34 PM last Wednesday. Signs of impairment were noted, including bloodshot eyes and droopy eyelids. Sims, who admitted to being on probation, allowed a vehicle search, which uncovered a plastic bag with a white crystal-like substance. Tests indicated the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl. During field sobriety tests, deputies noted signs of drug impairment, and Sims subsequently refused a blood test, seeking to consult his probation officer. He was taken to the Chattooga County Detention Center, and his vehicle was towed. Sims was charged with driving while license suspended and DUI for drugs.
Over a hundred students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Cartersville campus on Monday to celebrate GHC President Dr. Mike Hobbs, who was presented with the prestigious White Rose Award.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed a second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer harvested in Berrien County, South Georgia. The infected deer, a 4.5-year-old male, was located approximately 400 yards from the site of the first CWD-positive deer found in the area. The sample was collected from a landowner permittee assisting with ongoing sampling efforts as part of the DNR’s CWD response plan. This discovery underscores the importance of continued monitoring and management strategies in the region. “Our staff continues to work in collaboration with landowners and hunters in the CWD Management Area to sample for the disease. These collaborative efforts will help us manage CWD and ensure Georgia maintains healthy deer herds,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon.
Chattooga County has sued Zentell Communications, LLC, and Jonathan W. Allen for breach of contract and fraud related to a late-2024 communications project. The lawsuit, filed in Chattooga County Superior Court, claims Zentell did not meet contract obligations and misused county funds. Former County Commissioner Blake Elsberry paid $333,265 for work that was allegedly not completed. The lawsuit seeks damages equal to the payments made, plus additional compensation for fraud and attorney fees. Attorneys from the Palmour Law Firm are handling the case. Zentell Communications has not yet responded to the lawsuit. WZQZ will have more on this story in tomorrow’s news on the radio and online at www.chattoogainfo.com.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 23, 2025:
