The Chattooga County Young Farmers are once again offering Georgia-Grown Vidalia onions for sale as the 2026 season gets underway.
According to the group, the order deadline is April 17, with pickup tentatively planned for the last week of April. Customers can place an order through a Young Farmer member or by scanning the QR code on the sale flyer.
Students from across Chattooga County came together for a day of service, raising nearly $2,000 to support the local animal shelter while also volunteering their time.
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 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.
The Pride of Trion Marching Band is reminding the community that there’s only one week left to register for the Miss Trion Pageant or sign on as an event sponsor.
Organizers say the registration and sponsorship deadline is Friday, March 6, and the pageant will be held Saturday, March 14.
Registration is available online through the Trion High School Band Boosters website. Paper registration forms are also available in the school office and can be turned in at the office with payment.
In addition to contestants, organizers say they are still seeking sponsors to help make the event a success, with sponsorship options available online.
Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here
More than 700 runners, walkers, and volunteers gathered Thanksgiving morning for the second annual AdventHealth Rome Turkey Trot, turning a chilly holiday start into a celebration of community, movement, and gratitude. Participants followed a scenic riverside route before crossing the finish line inside AdventHealth Stadium, where they completed a victory lap around the bases to cap off the experience.
The Chattoogaville Volunteer Fire Department will be selling Boston Butts this year again. The annual fundraiser will be held on May 26th and the fire department is taking orders now. For more information or to order, you can contact any Chattoogaville VFD member or you can message them on Facebook .
