FLEX Day Coming March 19 in Chattooga County Showcases Student Entrepreneurs

The Chattooga Chamber is inviting the community to come out on March 19 for FLEX Day at the Hurley Community Development Center, where the Top 3 student entrepreneurs will compete for a chance to win $3,000 and advance to the state level.

Organizers say the event highlights the strong entrepreneurial spirit growing in Chattooga County and encourages everyone to support these young innovators.

The competition is part of the Georgia Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) program, a non-profit initiative launched in 2022 that trains students in entrepreneurship and business leadership while helping them develop and launch their own ventures.

The program is open to students at Trion High School, Chattooga High School, and high-school aged homeschool students in Chattooga County.

“Rio’s Law” Would Create Voluntary Autism Awareness License Plate and Expand Police Training in Georgia

Georgia lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 433, known as “Rio’s Law,” which would create a new voluntary specialty license plate for drivers and families affected by autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities.

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Blood Drive Happening Today at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion

A community blood drive is happening today (Thursday, February 26, 2026) at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion, giving Chattooga County residents an easy way to help save lives close to home.

Blood Assurance is hosting the drive from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mills on 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to stop by and help keep the local blood supply strong for area patients and hospitals.

Donors who give during Blood Assurance’s special promotion running February 15 through February 28 will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Blood Assurance says there will be one winner selected per community, with seven winners total.

Before donating, Blood Assurance recommends eating a good meal, drinking extra water, avoiding energy drinks, and bringing a valid ID.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/vernonmills, and walk-ins are typically welcome as space allows.

Operation Round Up Helps Chattooga Neighbors Move From Homelessness to Housing

CRC Chattooga is extending a heartfelt thank you to North Georgia EMC members whose participation in Operation Round Up is making a real difference in local lives.

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Summerville Middle School FFA Hosting Animal Shelter Donation Drive

The Summerville Middle School FFA chapter is stepping up to support local animals in need by hosting an Animal Shelter Donation Drive for the Chattooga County Animal Shelter from February 24–27, 2026.

Students are collecting essential supplies to help care for dogs and cats currently housed at the shelter. Needed items include dog food (wet and dry), cat food (wet and dry), cat litter, Milk Bones, cat treats, towels, hard dog toys, and cat toys. All donations should be placed in the front lobby of Summerville Middle School during the collection dates.

FFA members say the drive is part of their ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. By organizing the donation effort, students are learning firsthand the importance of giving back while also helping ensure local shelter animals have the food, comfort items, and enrichment they need.

Community donations are welcome, and organizers encourage residents to participate and help make a positive difference for animals across Chattooga County.

Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group Meeting Set for February 28 in Trion

Families across Chattooga County are invited to attend the next Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group meeting on Saturday, February 28, at 11 a.m. at The Ark, located at 2629 Spring Creek Road in Trion.

This month’s gathering will feature guest speaker Mr. Driggers, a board-certified behavioral analyst, who will offer insight and host a question-and-answer session focused on challenges many families face, including elopement, harmful stimming behaviors, and food refusal. Organizers say the event is designed to provide practical guidance and encouragement for parents and caregivers.

The support group is open to individuals of all ages with special needs and their families. Food, fellowship, and family-friendly activities will be part of the morning event.

Speak Life meets at 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month, except November and December, at rotating locations throughout Chattooga County.

New & Living Way Church and Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to Host Suicide Prevention Training in Rome

Residents from across Northwest Georgia are invited to attend a free suicide prevention training this weekend at New & Living Way Church in Rome.

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“There’s Hope for the Hungry” Happening Today in Summerville

 

“There’s Hope for the Hungry” is scheduled for today, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at South Summerville Baptist Church, located at 440 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say no identification is required to receive assistance. The event is part of an ongoing effort to provide food support and encouragement to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Chattooga County.

Food Distribution Set for Saturday in Teloga Area

A free food distribution is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church in the Teloga community.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until noon and will be first come, first served. Organizers say the distribution is open to those in need while supplies last.

The food distribution is being offered by Helping Hands End Hunger in partnership with the Atrium Health Floyd–Polk Foundation. Additional support is being provided by the Teloga Community, Teloga Fire Department, Teloga Springs Farm, and Beersheba Presbyterian Church.

The event will be held at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, 9977 Highway 337, Summerville, Georgia 30747. For more information, organizers ask the public to contact Mandy Hale at Teloga Springs Farm.

American Legion Post 129 Donates New U.S. Flags to Chattooga High School

Chattooga High School is expressing its appreciation to the Chattooga County Memorial Home and American Legion Post 129 for the donation of two new United States flags, reinforcing a long-standing tradition of patriotism and respect on campus.

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