Georgia State Patrol Adds Ford Broncos For Off-Road Emergency Response

The Georgia State Patrol is adding a different type of vehicle to its familiar fleet of patrol cars and SUVs — Ford Broncos equipped for off-road emergency response.

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Master Cattlemen’s Program Continues In Chattooga County

Cattle producers from Chattooga County and the surrounding area are taking part in an eight-week educational program designed to provide practical information on managing and improving beef cattle operations.

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Summerville Announces Theme And Date For 2026 Christmas Parade

The City of Summerville has announced plans for its 2026 Christmas Parade, including this year’s theme and the dates for parade entry registration.

The annual parade will be held Monday, December 7, at 7 PM in downtown Summerville.

This year’s theme is “A Hard Candy Christmas.”

The city says float and entry registration will open November 1 and continue through December 1. Those wishing to participate will be able to register through the Summerville Recreation Department or through the city’s website.

The city will also award trophies and prize money to the top three floats participating in the parade.

The Summerville Christmas Parade is one of the community’s traditional holiday events, bringing decorated floats, organizations, businesses and other participants through downtown as the Christmas season gets underway.

Additional information about registration and parade participation is expected to be available through the City of Summerville.

EPD Reviewing Complaints Over Alleged Trash Burning Near Summerville

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is reviewing complaints concerning alleged household garbage burning at a residence near Summerville.

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Georgia Highlands To Hold Nursing Program Information Session Thursday

Northwest Georgia residents interested in pursuing a career in nursing will have an opportunity this week to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Georgia Highlands College.

GHC will hold a Traditional BSN Program Information Session Thursday, October 8, from 4 until 5 PM at the college’s Cartersville location, 5441 Highway 20.

The one-hour session is designed for prospective nursing students and is a required step for those interested in the Traditional Nursing Pathway.

College representatives will explain the nursing program’s admissions process, including required prerequisite courses, expectations for the TEAS entrance examination and the steps students must complete after being accepted into the program.

Prospective students will also learn how the nursing program is structured and how clinical training differs from traditional classroom instruction.

Clinical education gives nursing students hands-on experience in healthcare settings and helps prepare them for providing patient care after graduation.

GHC BSN Program Coordinator Ivey Stang will be available during the session to answer questions about the program and the admissions process.

Admission into the GHC nursing program involves several steps. Students must first be admitted to Georgia Highlands College, submit the required nursing-program documentation and then be accepted into the BSN program.

GHC requires applicants to have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average for consideration. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as applications from qualified students are reviewed following the application deadline.

Students accepted into the program must also meet additional requirements before registering for nursing courses, including a background check, drug screening, required immunizations and current CPR certification.

The October 8 session is one of several nursing information sessions being offered by Georgia Highlands. Additional Cartersville sessions are scheduled for October 22 and November 3, while another Traditional Nursing Pathway session is scheduled at the Rome/Floyd Campus on December 3.

The Rome/Floyd Campus is located at 3175 Cedartown Highway in Rome, making the program accessible to prospective nursing students from Chattooga County and other communities across Northwest Georgia.

Registration is available through the Georgia Highlands College events website.

Sources:

Georgia Highlands College — Traditional BSN Program Information Session
Georgia Highlands College School of Health Sciences
Georgia Highlands College BSN Program Application

Fire Prevention Week Focuses On Reducing Risk Of Home Fires

With cooler fall weather arriving and families soon beginning to use fireplaces, furnaces and space heaters, the American Red Cross is reminding Chattooga County residents to take some simple steps that could prevent a home fire or save a life.

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Trion And Chattooga FCA Partner For Night To Shine Clothing Drive

Trion and Chattooga Fellowship of Christian Athletes are partnering with the Tim Tebow Foundation to help local participants prepare for the upcoming Night to Shine through a formal wear clothing drive.

The community is being asked to donate new or lightly used formal wear in all sizes, including dresses, dress shirts and pants, shoes, jewelry and skirts. The donated items will allow Night to Shine participants to “shop” for outfits ahead of the event.

Donations will be collected during the Night to Shine gathering at Fields of Faith on Wednesday, October 14, at the Trion High School football field. The event begins at 6:30 PM.

Night to Shine is designed to celebrate individuals with special needs and provide a prom-style experience. Organizers are also seeking volunteers and people willing to serve as buddies during the event.

The local Night to Shine is scheduled for February 27, 2027, at Connect City Church.

Those interested in volunteering or helping with the event can email connectcity.summerville@gmail.com

Chattooga County Plans $5 Million Broadband Expansion Through 2030

Chattooga County is planning a major expansion and upgrade of broadband service over the next several years, with an estimated $5 million identified for the effort in the county’s newly adopted five-year Community Work Program.

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Deadline Approaching For Appalachian Regional Commission Funding

Local governments and eligible organizations in Chattooga County have only a few days remaining to submit pre-applications for the next round of Appalachian Regional Commission funding.

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Pinktober Event Planned At Chattooga County Health Department

The Chattooga County Health Department will host a Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Friday, October 16, offering information, resources and assistance to area residents during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The “Pinktober in Chattooga” event will be held from 8 AM until 1 PM at the health department, located at 60 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Activities and services will include breast exams for those who choose to receive one, assistance with mammogram paperwork, information about scheduling a mammogram, goody bags, limited breast cancer awareness T-shirts and light refreshments.

Organizers say early detection is an important part of protecting women’s health and are encouraging residents to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about available screening resources.

The event includes services for uninsured or underinsured individuals age 40 and older, with eligibility guidelines applying.

The event is open to the public. For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Health Department at 706-857-3471.