The Summerville City Council will hold a called meeting on Monday to discuss the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget. The meeting will be held at the Summerville Depot and will get underway at 5:30 PM. The public is invited to attend.
Georgia residents only have two weeks left to ensure their driver’s licenses or ID cards are REAL ID-compliant before the rapidly approaching May 7, 2025, deadline. Starting that day, a standard Georgia driver’s license or ID without the designated REAL ID star will no longer be accepted to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is urging residents to check their cards now to avoid potential travel disruptions next year. **How to Check Your ID:** Look at the top right corner of your Georgia-issued driver’s license or ID. If you see either a gold or a black star, you’re already compliant with REAL ID requirements and no further action is needed. “Both stars indicate compliance with federal REAL ID requirements,” stated DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “The color only changed due to a card design update.” **What if My ID Doesn’t Have a Star?** If your ID card lacks a star in the upper right corner, you will need to visit a DDS center to apply for a REAL ID. You will need to bring documentation proving your identity, Social Security number, and Georgia residency. “Most Georgians already have a REAL ID, especially if your card was issued after 2012,” explains the DDS. However, it’s essential to verify your compliance now to avoid any inconvenience when the federal mandate takes effect. Don’t wait until the last minute! Head to your local DDS office to secure your REAL ID and ensure seamless travel and access to federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
The American Lung Association (ALA) has released its 2025 “State of the Air” report, painting a mixed picture of air quality across Georgia. While the Atlanta metropolitan area faces significant challenges, Chattooga County has earned an “A” grade, highlighting the stark disparities in air quality throughout the state. The report, which analyzed air quality data from 2021 to 2023, reveals that nearly half of the U.S. population resides in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Atlanta fares poorly, ranking as the third worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution and the fourth worst for year-round particle pollution. Adding to the concerning trend, the Augusta area was ranked fourth-worst in the Southeast for soot. However, the report did highlight that some parts of Georgia remain among the cleanest in the nation for smog. Further south, the Savannah area saw its smog rating decline from an “A” to a “B,” indicating worsening air quality conditions. The ALA selected 19 counties across Georgia to represent different regions for the 2025 report. Chattooga County, representing Northwest Georgia, stood out with its exceptional “A” rating. The ALA urges residents and policymakers to take action to improve air quality for all Georgians.
Cyclists of all skill levels are invited to kick off their spring season with the 8th annual Honeybee Bicycle Ride, taking place on April 26th in LaFayette, Georgia. The Honeybee Bicycle Ride features routes catering to various levels of experience, offering 33, 52, and 74-mile options that wind through the area’s beautiful backroads. For families and casual riders, a 10-mile family fun ride through downtown LaFayette will also be available. Same-day registration will be offered for $85. Participants can pick up their packets at the LaFayette Recreation Center on Friday, April 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or on Saturday, April 26th from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The first 250 paying participants will receive a special gift bag, including a free pass to the popular Rock City attraction! All routes will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m., with the exception of the 10-mile family fun ride, which will commence at 8:15 a.m. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty of Northwest Georgia while enjoying a challenging and rewarding cycling event. For more information visit: https://www.bikereg.com/honeybeebicycleride
Olympic bronze medalist Brody Malone, a native of Trion, Georgia, was the featured speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) banquet held this past Thursday evening at the Colonnade in Ringgold. Malone, fresh off his success at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, shared his journey and message of perseverance with the area’s young athletes and coaches. Malone, who secured a bronze medal as part of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics team, brought his hard-earned medal, offering attendees a rare opportunity to see an Olympic prize up close. Despite his international travels and accomplishments, the celebrated gymnast emphasized the importance of his roots. “It’s always cool to be back in Northwest Georgia,” Malone stated, connecting with the audience through shared experiences and local pride. His presence and inspiring words undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those in attendance, reinforcing the values of dedication, faith, and community.
Last week, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia approved a class settlement to provide clean drinking water to residents affected by PFAS contamination in the City of Summerville water supply.
Local young farmers and aspiring homesteaders are invited to Sunset Creek Farms on Thursday, May 1st, at 6 PM for an informative and engaging workshop focused on achieving greater self-sufficiency. The Chattooga Young Farmer event will be hosted at 13780 Georgia 151 in Trion, GA, and will offer attendees a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced farm owners about the practical steps they’ve taken to reduce reliance on external resources. Sunset Creek Farms boasts a diverse range of sustainable practices, including raising miniature Jersey cattle and Kiko goats, cultivating a robust garden, canning vegetables, freeze-drying food for preservation, and even producing homemade detergent and goat milk soap. Hamburgers, hotdogs, trimmings, and dessert will be provided, sponsored by Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply. Due to catering logistics, please RSVP by Tuesday, April 30th, at noon to Lauren Jarrett at LJarrett@chattooga.k12.ga.us
Patchy dense fog may occur across Northwest Georgia this morning due to clear skies, low moisture, and nearly calm winds. Drier air is expected to settle in tonight, with little cooling behind the front.
Today is National Kids and Pets Day. As families prepare for spring and summer vacations, National Kids and Pets Day highlights the importance of keeping children and pets safe in vehicles. AAA – The Auto Club Group emphasizes that drivers must take precautions to protect their young and furry passengers. Montrae Waiters, a spokesperson for AAA, urges people not to leave children or pets in hot cars and to ensure they are secured while traveling. Small steps can help keep everyone safe.
Chattooga High School is working with Atrium Health Floyd to provide free sports physicals for student-athletes in grades 9 through 12. The annual Atrium Health Floyd Physical Event will occur on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chattooga High School War Lodge (989 Highway 114, Summerville, GA 30747).