#CommunitySupport | AM 1180 Radio

July 28, 2026

Jefferson’s Continues Free Meal Program For School Employees

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Jefferson’s of Summerville is once again thanking local educators by continuing its Teachers Eat Free program throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

Now in its fourth year, the program provides one free entrée every Tuesday to school employees from across Chattooga County. Eligible participants include teachers, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals and other school staff with a valid school ID.

The initiative was launched in 2023 by Summerville Jefferson’s franchisees Jake Lund and Robby Coggin. According to the restaurant, the program provided approximately $8,000 in free meals to local educators during the 2025-2026 school year.

“Our teachers and school staff are doing so much for our kids and community,” co-franchisee Jake Lund said. “We’re really excited to offer something our educators can count on throughout the school year and be a place where they can take a break, enjoy a meal and know they’re valued.”

The free meal offer is available for dine-in only at Jefferson’s of Summerville, located at 10096 Commerce Street, every Tuesday during the school year. Guests must present a valid school ID to receive one free entrée.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRC Back to School Bash Serves 500 Trion and Chattooga Students

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The Community Resource Center’s 2026 Back to School Bash helped 500 students from Trion and Chattooga County prepare for the new school year.

According to Maisha Ludy, each student received a backpack filled with school supplies. Families also had access to additional community resources designed to help them begin the school year with the support they need.

Organizers thanked the volunteers, community partners, donors and others who contributed their time, resources and encouragement to make the event possible.

Ludy said the strong community support made a meaningful difference for local children and families as students prepared to return to the classroom.

The annual event reflects the Community Resource Center’s continued commitment to serving families throughout Trion and Chattooga County.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Grief Support Seminar In September

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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.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Teloga Volunteer Fire Department Reminds Residents 2026 Membership Dues Are Due

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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.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Southeast First National Bank Donates To Chattooga County School Athletic Programs

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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.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.

July 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Democrats Donate to Annual Back to School Bash

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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.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.