Recent budget cuts at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are raising concerns about the future of research and data collection efforts focused on genetic diseases like sickle cell disease. The cuts, particularly impacting the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics, have led to the elimination of entire research teams dedicated to these critical areas, including those studying developmental disabilities and birth defects.
The deadline to file taxes is approaching quickly, and many may wonder if they can get a tax extension and how to do so. The IRS has reported that more than half of tax returns this year will be filed with the help of a tax professional and has advised taxpayers to use trusted professionals to avoid scams. Tax filings are due tomorrow!
There’s Hope For The Hungry will be giving free food Wednesday April 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at South Summerville Baptist Church. No ID required but food must be picked up in person.
Kevin Godfrey, owner of Godfrey’s Tree Service, is turning his grief into action by organizing a fundraising event for a local boy battling cancer. Godfrey’s father, Charlie Godfrey, recently passed away after a courageous two-year fight with cancer. “My father, Charlie Godfrey, raised me to be the man I am today,” said Kevin Godfrey. “He was a selfless man and a true friend. In his honor, I am inspired to help raise money for Jeremiah Love and his family.” Jeremiah Love, a young boy from the Menlo community, has been fighting his own battle against cancer since 2020. Godfrey, deeply moved by Jeremiah’s story, decided to partner with Forrest Plumbing to host a 6U & 8U Baseball BENEFIT Tournament to support Jeremiah and his family. “Let us come together and show our support to lighten their burden during this challenging time,” Godfrey urged. “All proceeds raised will go directly to his family.” The tournament, exclusively for recreational teams, will be held at the Menlo Baseball Fields on April 19th. The entry fee is $50 per team or $5.00 per person, with free admission for children 12 and under. For more information about the tournament or to offer support, please contact Jason Forrest or Kevin Godfrey.
A 51-year-old woman and a 52-year old man were arrested last Friday, shortly after midnight, when Summerville Police responded to a call about a verbal altercation on Union Street. According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, officers arrested Linda Gail Lee, who they say was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Police said that Lee was arguing loudly with Benjamin E. Parrish and disturbing the peace. Parrish was also intoxicated at the time of the incident, according to police. Lee and Parrish were both charged with disorderly conduct and were booked into the Chattooga County Jail.
For eight decades, Troop 7 Summerville has been a cornerstone of the community, shaping generations of young men into ethical and moral leaders. The troop, guided by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to youth development. Over the years, Troop 7 has been proudly sponsored by several organizations, including the former Harriet & Henderson Mills / Geneva Mills (31 years), the Summerville-Trion Rotary Club (5 years), and its current and long-standing sponsor, the Summerville First United Methodist Church (44 years). The impact of Troop 7 is undeniable, with a remarkable 86 young men achieving the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank, the highest honor in Scouting. To commemorate this special occasion, Troop 7 extends a warm invitation to all past and present Scouts, Scouters, sponsors, and members of the community to join them for an anniversary celebration. The event will be held this evening from 6-8 PM at the Summerville Scout Hut in Summerville. Attendees will have the opportunity to journey through Troop 7’s rich history and learn about its current activities. This is a chance to reconnect with old friends, share memories, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Scouting in Summerville. Don’t miss this special event honoring 80 years of dedication and service!
The Summerville City Council will convene this evening at 5 PM at Summerville City Hall for its regularly scheduled April meeting. The agenda includes business recognition, a financial report, and several new business items requiring council discussion and action.
The meeting will begin with the recognition of Oak View Health and Rehabilitation for their contributions to the Summerville community. Following this, City Attorney Albert Palmour and City Manager Jason Winters will provide updates. The council will then move into new business, including the approval of the March 10, 2025, meeting minutes. Key action items include the appointment of Jason Winters as the city’s voting delegate and Terry Tinney as the alternate for the Municipal Authority of Georgia’s Election Committee. The council will also consider approving a Quit Claim Deed between the City of Summerville and Ronald and Loyce Carter. A bid of $22,000 to David Parker for the Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show is also on the agenda for potential approval. A discussion will be held regarding a proposed water leak insurance program.
The council is also scheduled to enter an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation. The meeting will conclude with a public comment period and subsequent adjournment. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and stay informed about city business. The meeting is open to the public. You can see the complete agenda for this evening’s meeting below:
The Summerville Recreation Department is now accepting sign-ups for its 14U Summer Baseball League until May 11th. This exciting league offers young baseball players the opportunity to hone their skills and compete throughout the summer. The league is scheduled to run from June 2nd to July 10th, with an optional midseason tournament available. Post-season tournaments will be held from July 14th to 18th at Central High School and Red Bank High School. An All-Star game is planned for July 20th, providing a showcase for the league’s top talent. Regular season games will be played on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at various locations including Camp Jordan, Hixson, Lookout Valley, East Brainerd, Signal Mountain, Snow Hill Harrison, Ooltewah, and locations in North Georgia. Practices are set to begin in mid-May, giving teams ample time to prepare. Registration for the league is $50 per player. Players must be between the ages of 12 and 14 as of August 1, 2025. Interested parents and players can register online by visiting the Summerville Parks and Recreation website at www.teamsideline.com/summervillega.
Rayne Melton and AJ Simpson, representing the Trion Bulldog Bass Team and the Mountain Valley Youth Angler Tournament Trail, have earned a coveted spot in the upcoming GHSA/SAF State Championship after a strong performance at the GHSA State Qualifier held on West Point Lake. The prestigious tournament, held in Lagrange, Georgia, drew 225 high school teams from across the state, all vying for a chance to compete in the State Championship on Lake Lanier on May 3, 2025. Melton and Simpson demonstrated their angling prowess, securing 7th place overall with a total catch of 11.9 pounds. Their impressive finish guarantees their participation in the highly anticipated GHSA/SAF State Championship. The Trion Bulldog Bass Team and Mountain Valley Youth Angler Tournament Trail are thrilled to be represented by Rayne Melton and AJ Simpson as they compete for the state title. Congratulations to both anglers on their achievement!
Northwest Georgia residents woke to temperatures in the low to mid-30’s but we will have warm temperatures and sunny skies today, with highs from the mid-60s, which is normal for this time of year. Light winds will shift south as a high-pressure system moves through. Relative humidity will drop to 25-30% this afternoon, creating a potential fire danger due to dry conditions. Fuel moisture levels were low yesterday and are expected to stay similar today. Officials are watching the situation closely, urging residents to be careful and avoid wildfire risks. Clear skies are expected tonight, with temperatures dropping to the mid-40s to lower 50s. Monday will also be mostly sunny, with highs reaching the mid-70s in the northeast mountains and lower to mid-80s elsewhere. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees above normal. Winds will increase from the southwest, possibly gusting to 20 mph. Looking ahead, there’s a slight chance of light rain early Tuesday and later in the week, but generally dry conditions will persist. Temperatures will warm over the week, with highs in the 70s and 80s, followed by a cool down after a cold front.
