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May 1, 2026

Summerville Announces Sensory-Friendly “Touch A Truck” Event for Special Needs Community

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The City of Summerville is gearing up for a unique and inclusive community event designed for individuals with special needs.

Mayor Rickey Hughes announced that Summerville will host a “Touch A Truck” sensory-friendly event on June 13th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on East Washington Street.

The event will feature a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, including police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tractors, tow trucks, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the vehicles up close in a welcoming, reduced-noise environment tailored to sensory sensitivities.

Organizers say the event is focused on creating a friendly, supportive atmosphere with hands-on exploration, allowing children and families to interact with local first responders and community helpers in a comfortable setting.

Free Kona Ice will also be available, thanks to sponsorships from United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.

Mayor Hughes expressed appreciation to local exhibitors and sponsors for helping bring the event to life, noting it will be a special day for families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.

The community is invited to come out and enjoy a morning of learning, exploration, and fun in a safe and inclusive environment.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Makerspace Monday Returns to Summerville Library

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The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is inviting the community to get creative during its upcoming Makerspace Monday event at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

GNTC Aviation Program Adds Donated Cessna 401A to Expand Hands-On Training Fleet

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program has added another aircraft for student training, thanks to a donation of a Cessna 401A from a private individual in Dalton.

Program director Zac Fager says it’s the fourth 400-series Cessna now owned by GNTC and will be used in all areas of hands-on instruction. The aircraft had been stored in a hangar at Dalton Municipal Airport before being moved to GNTC’s Aviation Training Center, where it was reassembled.

GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham says the gift will help train the skilled professionals the aviation industry needs.

Fager says the timing is critical, because students are constantly disassembling, inspecting, and repairing aircraft components—and having additional aircraft helps ensure graduates gain the Airframe and Powerplant experience needed to be workforce-ready.