This past weekend, the Chattooga Dairy Show Team hosted a successful dairy show at the Chattooga County Ag Building, highlighting the efforts of its members. The event featured excellent performances, celebrating several impressive wins. Notable achievements included Kasen Elsberry and Lane Bridges both winning first place in their showmanship classes. Kasen was named reserve grand showman, while Lane earned the grand showman title. Lane’s heifer also won the grand champion award, showcasing the team’s quality livestock. The team looks forward to the upcoming UGA Dairy Show this weekend on February 7–8, 2025, in Athens, Georgia at the UGA Livestock Arena. This event is open to youth in the National FFA Organization and Georgia 4-H. Congratulations to the Chattooga Dairy Show Team and good luck in Athens this weekend. 

The Chattooga Indians showcased their basketball prowess with a decisive 75-63 victory over the Gordon Central Warriors this past weekend. This win marks another highlight in the Indians’ impressive season, where they have dominated the court, winning 12 of their last 13 games. With this latest success, Chattooga has bolstered its record to an impressive 19-4, setting the stage for continued success as they prepare to host the Dade County Wolverines. The Indians will be hosting the Wolverines on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at home, looking to maintain their winning momentum against Dade County. Meanwhile, in other local basketball news, the Trion Varsity Boys Basketball team also had a successful weekend. Last Friday, they cruised to a comfortable 60-46 win over Greenville, followed by another strong performance on Saturday, where they defeated Manchester High School with a score of 75-61. The Bulldogs are now on the road, facing off against Atlanta Classical Academy at 7:30 PM this evening, looking to keep their winning streak alive.

In a heartfelt tribute to a pillar of the community, a surprise gathering to honor the remarkable legacy of longtime educator and local legend, Mrs. Clemmie Black, as part of the kickoff for Black History Month was held at the Chattooga County Civic Center on Saturday.

Read more

The Town of Trion Maintenance Department has announced an opening for a full-time Maintenance Worker position. This role is a part of the town’s service team, with a salary commensurate with experience. The primary responsibilities of the Maintenance Worker will include operating the garbage truck as part of the solid waste management team. Additional duties may be assigned as time permits, requiring flexibility and a strong work ethic. Candidates should be prepared for demanding physical tasks, as the job involves heavy manual labor for extended periods. The ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions is essential, along with proficiency in operating miscellaneous equipment. Candidates must possess the capability to understand and follow detailed instructions to ensure safety and efficiency in all tasks. Interested applicants can obtain an application at Town Hall. Please note that applications will be accepted until Friday, April 1, 2025. For further information, please contact Brandon Croy, Maintenance Superintendent, at the Town of Trion.

A residential structure fire on Turner Street has resulted in a fatality, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the tragic incident. At approximately 10:55 AM on Sunday, the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office received a report regarding the fire, which raised concerns of a possible casualty. Coroner Jeremy McElhaney arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and confirmed that one individual had lost their life due to the blaze. The identity of the deceased is being withheld as officials await positive identification and ensure that the family is notified in a respectful and timely manner.  The Summerville, Trion and Hays Correctional Fire Departments responded to the fire.  Smoke from the fire could be seen from more than a mile away, according to reports. As part of the standard procedure following such incidents, the deceased will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities from the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. As of now, details regarding the cause of the fire have not been disclosed, and further information is expected as the investigation unfolds.

Dry and warmer-than-average conditions will continue. A low-level cloud cover has formed over Upstate South Carolina and much of North Carolina, extending southwest into northeast Georgia. Patchy fog is possible this morning in low-lying areas and next to water. Some patchy freezing fog may occur in Northwest Georgia, where temperatures have dropped into the low to mid-30s but things will warm up today, with highs expected between the mid 60s. A high-pressure system causing this wedge is located in the Northeast but will move eastward into the Atlantic by evening. A clear to mostly clear night is expected, with lows in the upper 30s to upper 40s, and patchy fog may return overnight. For the long term, above-average temperatures are expected in Georgia through next weekend, with increased rain chances and isolated thunderstorms forecasted for mid to late week. The upper flow will shift to a northwesterly direction, leading to scattered showers and possibly some strong storms by Thursday, with rainfall totals between 0. 5 and 0. 75 inches expected.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, February 2, 2025:

Read more

The Calhoun Fire Department, in collaboration with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, is currently investigating a fire that broke out at Georgia Apache Mills, located at 501 Oak Street, on last Sunday, January 26, at 4:17 PM. The fire department responded swiftly to the scene, but the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry. “Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial to our investigation,” said Investigator Nathan Saylors of the Calhoun Fire Department. Individuals who can provide insights or details are encouraged to contact Saylors directly at 706-263-5293. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804 or via the website at www.georgiaarsoncontrol.org. In a proactive effort to combat arson, a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this fire.

The Lookout Mountain Court Circuit District Attorney’s office is investigating a case involving fake property deeds linked to Atlanta developer Marlena Barnett, the CEO of “The Lakes of Summerville. ” Allegations claim that Barnett filed counterfeit deeds for land she did not own in Chattooga County, causing significant financial losses for unsuspecting buyers. At least 11 victims from multiple states have reported being misled into buying non-existent properties, leaving them without valid deeds. One victim paid $15,000 for what he thought was a legitimate investment but only received a partial refund after months of uncertainty. Similar experiences have been shared by others from across the country who purchased the deeds, revealing a pattern of deception.  The district attorney’s office is considering consolidating all claims to simplify the legal process for the victims and will provide updates as the investigation continues. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader noted that charges against Barnett have not yet been filed.  Sheriff Schrader said that he is relying on updates from the District Attorney going forward and no charges have yet been made.