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.

Chattooga High School Football Program Seeking Business Ads and Player Dedications

Local businesses, families, and supporters of Chattooga High School Football have an opportunity to be part of the 2026 football program while helping support the Indians during the upcoming season.

Businesses can purchase advertising space in the full-color football program, with options including a full-page ad for $125, a half-page ad for $75, a quarter-page ad for $40, or a business card-sized ad for $25. Businesses may submit a ready-made advertisement or provide text and photos for the Computer Science Club to design. A $10 design fee applies for ads requiring layout assistance. The deadline for business advertisements is Friday, July 17.

Families and friends can also recognize student-athletes by purchasing a dedication in the football program. Dedications are available at the same pricing levels—full page, half page, quarter page, and business card size—and may include photos and personalized messages. The deadline for student-athlete dedications is Saturday, July 11.

Both forms list the submission email as spiritshop@chattooga.k12.ga.us. Additional information is available by contacting the Chattooga High School Computer Science Club at 706-857-2402, extension 3141.

Rising Temperatures Could Bring Higher Georgia Power Bills for Many Families

As temperatures climb into the 90s across Northwest Georgia this week, many Georgia Power customers could see their electric bills rise as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool.

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Spark Day Happening Today In Summerville

A community event aimed at supporting local special needs programs and Special Olympics athletes is happening today in Summerville.

“Spark Day” will be held today, Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park. The event is being organized by the Speak Life Chattooga County Special Needs Support Group.

Organizers say the fundraiser will support adults participating in Special Olympics activities, along with children involved in summer programs. Community members, vendors, and local resource groups are expected to take part, with no vendor fees for the event.

Spark Day will feature local vendors, baked goods, art, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee, and community resources. Organizers also hope the event helps families connect with programs and services available throughout Northwest Georgia.

The goal is to make Spark Day an annual community tradition focused on inclusion, fun, and support for special needs families across the region.

Community Resource Center To Host July 6 Resource Fair With Free 24-Pack Pepsi Product Giveaway

The Community Resource Center of Chattooga is inviting area residents to attend its monthly Resource Fair on Monday, July 6, where families can connect with local organizations and learn about services available in the community.

The Resource Fair will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Representatives from a variety of local agencies and organizations will be available to provide information and connect attendees with programs and resources designed to help individuals and families.

As a thank-you for attending the Resource Fair, participants will qualify to receive a free 24-pack of beverages. Available choices include Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer and Zero Sugar Gatorade.

The Community Resource Center’s Food Pantry will also be open that day from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in a separate location within the building.

Organizers note that visitors do not have to pick up a food box on July 6, but they must attend the Resource Fair to qualify for the free 24-pack of drinks.

The Community Resource Center says its goal is to ensure everyone has access to resources, support and opportunities that help families thrive.

Back-to-School Bash Seeks Donations as School Supply Drive Continues

With the annual Back-to-School Bash less than a month away, organizers with Chattooga Family Connection are continuing to collect school supplies and financial donations to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

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New Report Shows More Than 660 Chattooga County Residents Live In Subsidized Housing

A new report from USAFacts, using data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, shows that hundreds of Chattooga County residents rely on federally subsidized housing programs.

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