Chattooga High School is heading into a busy week of spring sports and activities as students and staff continue the countdown to Spring Break.
Assistant Principal and Athletic Director J. Mark Turner reminded families that there are now just eight school days remaining until the break. He also thanked the community for its continued support and noted that the school is still looking for volunteers to help with gate duties at upcoming games.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a $112 million grant funding opportunity for organizations that provide suicide prevention services to Veterans nationwide.
Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.
More than $40,000 had been raised as of Monday to help send Jude Baker and his family on a special trip following the young Chattooga County boy’s courageous battle with cancer.
The fundraiser was organized by Kevin Godfrey, owner of Godfrey’s Tree Service, after Leslie Tripp Watwood, owner of Burger Shack, approached him about bringing the community together for Jude.
Jude was diagnosed in February of 2024, at just 12 years old, with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After months of difficult treatments, Jude eventually reached a major milestone by ringing the bell to mark the end of his treatment.
But even while going through his own battle, Jude was thinking about others.
According to organizers, Jude used his Make-A-Wish Georgia opportunity not for a trip or gift for himself, but instead to help people experiencing homelessness in the community. His wish helped provide backpacks, supplies, sleeping bags, and meals for more than 300 people.
Now that Jude is in remission, organizers say the community is stepping up to give back to him and his family by helping provide a trip where they can enjoy time together and make lasting memories away from hospitals, treatments, and stress.
Organizers say Jude’s compassion and selflessness have deeply touched the community, and donations continue to come in as supporters rally around the Baker family.
A fundraising golf tournament has been scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Little Mole Country Club, with proceeds going to support the Chattooga Middle School Cheerleaders.
Chattooga County Schools are joining districts across the state in observing School Board Appreciation Week, held March 9–13, 2026, a time set aside to recognize the leadership, service, and commitment of local school board members.
A new friendly rivalry is underway in Chattooga County, as Chattooga and Trion face off in the Battle of the Beds to raise money for the Chattooga County Animal Shelter. The goal of the month-and-a-half-long campaign is to replace worn-out beds currently used by shelter pets with new elevated beds that offer better comfort, cleanliness, and support.
Bridge Health is inviting the community to attend its 4th Annual Mental Health Candlelight Vigil this spring in Chattooga County.
The event will take place Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chattooga County Civic Center. Organizers say the vigil will be an evening focused on community, reflection, and hope while supporting individuals and families on their mental health journey.
Participants will gather to light candles in honor of resilience, promote mental health awareness, and offer encouragement to those facing mental health challenges. Officials say the event is designed to remind people that no one has to face their struggles alone.
The vigil is hosted by Bridge Health with support from the Family Crisis Center and C.A.R.E.S., and community members are encouraged to attend and stand together in support of mental health awareness.
Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.
The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.
In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.
Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.
A state-funded energy assistance cooling program will open April 1, 2026, for eligible homebound and elderly residents in Chattooga County, according to North Georgia Community Action, Inc. The program is designed to help qualifying households offset the cost of home energy expenses with a one-time payment made directly to the household’s energy supplier.
