Free Grief Support Seminar In September

Anyone coping with the loss of a loved one is invited to attend “My Grief Journey,” a free one-day seminar on Saturday, September 12, at Boynton Church of God in Ringgold.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the church, located at 1956 Three Notch Road, in Ringgold, and lunch will be provided.

The six-hour seminar is designed for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, as well as those who want to better understand how to help others through the grieving process. Topics will include common emotions associated with grief, such as anxiety, depression, anger, fear, difficulty sleeping and loss of concentration, while offering encouragement and practical guidance for healing.

The seminar will be facilitated by Jimmy Spurling and Neal Brown and is hosted by Boynton Church of God. There is no cost to attend.

Teloga Volunteer Fire Department Reminds Residents 2026 Membership Dues Are Due

The Teloga Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents that 2026 membership dues are now due and encouraging community members to continue supporting the department’s mission of protecting the Teloga community.

Current members can conveniently pay their dues by placing their payment in the drop box located at the fire department or by stopping by the station on Monday nights after 6 p.m. to meet the firefighters and pay in person.

Residents who are not yet members are encouraged to join. The cost is $150 for the first year, with annual renewals of $50 each year after that.

Volunteer fire departments rely on community support to help provide emergency fire protection and other emergency services. Department officials say every membership helps keep the Teloga community safe.

 

Chattooga County Back to School Bash Fully Stocked Ahead of Thursday Event

Chattooga County Community Resource Center Director Maisha Ludy says the community has provided every item needed for this year’s Back to School Bash, several days before the event.

Ludy announced Monday that all requested school supplies and other needed items have been collected. She said that in six years of coordinating the event, the organization has never completed its supply collection this far in advance.

The annual Back to School Bash will be held Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Chattooga High School.

The event will include free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, community resources and other activities for local students and families.

Organizers remind parents and guardians that children must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.

Ludy thanked residents, businesses and organizations across the county for their generosity and support, saying the early response reflects the strength of the Chattooga County community.

Southeast First National Bank Donates To Chattooga County School Athletic Programs

Southeast First National Bank has made a donation to support athletic programs throughout the Chattooga County School System.

The contribution was presented by Suzanne Hurley-Bowman and Barry Hurley of Southeast First National Bank to Chattooga County School System Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie and Chief Academic Officer Robert Beach.

Barry Hurley said the bank remains committed to supporting local schools and organizations that serve the community and its young people.

“We are proud that over the years we have been able to support our school systems and other entities that serve the citizens and youth of our community,” Hurley said.

School officials expressed their appreciation for the contribution, noting that partnerships with local businesses help strengthen athletic opportunities and provide additional support for student-athletes across the Chattooga County School System.

Godfrey’s Tree Service Organizes GoFundMe For Trion Family After July 4 Storm Damage

Kevin Godfrey and Lacey Gilreath with Godfrey’s Tree Service have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help a Trion family whose home was heavily damaged during severe storms on July 4, 2026.

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Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Donations of Cat Litter and Dawn Dish Soap

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the community’s help by donating two items that are always in high demand: cat litter and Dawn dish soap. Shelter officials say even small donations can make a big difference in caring for the dogs and cats housed at the facility.

Cat litter is used daily for the shelter’s feline residents, while Dawn dish soap is an important cleaning supply used to bathe animals and clean food and water bowls, kennels, and other equipment. The shelter says these items are used quickly as staff care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals from across Chattooga County. The shelter has made similar appeals in the past during periods of increased intake and kitten season.

Donations may be dropped off at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville, during public hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The shelter is open by appointment on Wednesdays. For more information, call 706-857-0679.

 

Chattooga County Democrats Donate to Annual Back to School Bash

The Chattooga County Democratic Party recently presented a donation to support the annual Back to School Bash, an event that helps local students prepare for the upcoming school year with free school supplies and other resources.

State House District 12 candidate Holly Chaney joined the presentation and praised the community effort.

“This is one of the events that makes me so proud of our county,” Chaney said. “Maisha Ludy and Chattooga Family Connection do a terrific job helping our students start school with the supplies and support they need.”

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Pictured are (left to right) Pam Albert, First Vice President of the Chattooga County Democratic Party; Maisha Ludy, Coordinator of Chattooga Family Connection; and Holly Chaney, candidate for Georgia House District 12, which includes Chattooga County.

Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11

The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.

Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.

The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.

Back to School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations as July 16 Event Approaches

With just over two weeks remaining until the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are asking the community to help fill the final gaps in school supply donations before the event takes place on Thursday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Organizer Maisha Ludy says donations have been coming in, but several essential classroom items are still in short supply. The greatest current needs include composition books, dry erase markers, dividers with pockets, sticky notes, and index cards.

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is designed to help local families prepare for the new school year. The free event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature school supplies, free haircuts, music from DJ Marty Mart, shaved ice treats from Mort’s Brain Freeze, and opportunities for families to connect with community organizations.

Anyone wishing to donate supplies can contact Maisha Ludy through Facebook, email maishaludy@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 706-388-9849. Organizers say every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure local students begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.

Tickets Now On Sale For CRC’s ‘Dancing With Our Stars – Chattooga Style’ Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for the Community Resource Center of Chattooga’s second annual “Dancing With Our Stars – Chattooga Style” fundraiser.

The event benefits the Community Resource Center and is presented by VistaLife and Vitality Labs. Local community members have volunteered to take the stage in support of the CRC and its mission of serving families throughout Chattooga County.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga High School Auditorium.

Organizers say last year’s inaugural event raised more than $58,000 to support the CRC’s programs and services. They hope this year’s event will build on that success while providing an entertaining evening for the community.

Tickets are available now through the “Dancing With Our Stars – Chattooga Style” Facebook page.