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March 17, 2026

More Than $40,000 Raised To Give Back To Jude Baker

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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.

March 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Golf Tournament Planned to Benefit Chattooga Middle School Cheerleaders

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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.

March 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

School Board Appreciation Week Recognizes Leadership and Service in Chattooga County

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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.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Battle Of The Beds Begins To Benefit Chattooga County Animal Shelter

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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.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Bridge Health To Host 4th Annual Mental Health Candlelight Vigil In Chattooga County

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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.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

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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.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Energy Assistance Cooling Program to Open April 1 for Eligible Chattooga County Residents

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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.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

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Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.

The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.

First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.

Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.

All first responders are welcome to attend.

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Grace Winder Receives UGA Community Service Grant for “Confidence Kits”

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Local high school student Grace Winder has been awarded a community service grant through the Bullard Community Champions program, a youth leadership initiative connected to the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. The grant helped support Winder’s project to assemble “Confidence Kits” for students across Chattooga County.

Each kit includes basic toiletries meant to help students with personal hygiene while also promoting dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. Every school in Chattooga County received 30 kits total — 15 for boys and 15 for girls — helping make sure students in need have access to everyday essentials.

The grant program is part of Youth LEAD Georgia, which helps high school students build leadership skills and take on service projects that make a difference in their local communities. Through the Bullard Community Champions program, students are given support to turn ideas into action and address real needs close to home.

Grace’s project is a meaningful example of student leadership in action, and school leaders expressed appreciation for her hard work and compassion in helping fellow students throughout Chattooga County.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Launches “Adopt a Dispatcher” Program for Telecommunicators Week

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Walker County is inviting community members to show appreciation for local emergency dispatchers through a new “Adopt a Dispatcher” program ahead of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will be observed April 12–18.

Dispatchers are often the first voice heard during emergencies, providing life-saving guidance to callers while coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel.

Through the program, residents, businesses, and organizations can fill out a short form on the county’s website to be matched with a member of the Walker County E-911 team. Participants will receive basic information about the dispatcher they adopt to help inspire messages of appreciation such as handwritten notes, drawings, or small gifts.

Curtis Creekmur, Director of E-911, said dispatchers play a vital role in public safety, working behind the scenes around the clock to connect those in need with emergency services.

Community members interested in participating can sign up at walkercountyga.gov/adoptadispatcher or email r.pope@walkerga.us. The deadline to participate and deliver appreciation items is April 6, 2026.