Chill & Churn Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day Underway Today at the Depot

Ice cream lovers and rail fans have a sweet treat waiting for them today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Summerville Train Depot.

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Georgia Insurance Commissioner Opens Investigation Into State Patrol ‘PIT for Pay’ Scandal

Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has opened an investigation into the Georgia State Patrol’s so-called “PIT for Pay” scandal involving former troopers who allegedly profited from insurance claims tied to crashes they caused during vehicle pursuits.

The investigation follows the firing of four Georgia State Patrol troopers who were found to have pursued personal injury settlements after performing PIT maneuvers, a law enforcement tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles by intentionally causing them to spin out.

According to records released during the investigation, three former troopers received nearly $100,000 in combined insurance settlements. A fourth trooper was fired for failing to report the practice and attempting to participate himself.

One case involved former Trooper Hunter Waters, who reportedly received a $25,000 insurance settlement following a pursuit-related crash involving a vehicle owned by Latesha Banks. Banks was not driving the vehicle and was not present when the crash occurred.

Banks says she later learned of the insurance claim and has since faced higher insurance premiums despite not being responsible for the incident. She is seeking to have the settlement money returned and her insurance costs reduced.

Internal investigations found that multiple former troopers referred pursuit-related crashes to an attorney and obtained settlements through insurance claims.

The four troopers involved were terminated for violating department policy and ethical standards. No criminal charges have been filed.

The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance continues to investigate the matter, while some insurance companies involved are reportedly reviewing their legal options.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting ‘Tails on Trails’ Hike June 20

Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.

The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.

The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.

Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.

Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.

Chill & Churn Ice Cream Contest Returns To Summerville Depot June 20

Ice cream lovers, train enthusiasts, and families are invited to the Summerville Depot on Saturday, June 20, for the 2026 Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Depot celebration.

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Chattooga Athletic Booster Club Golf Tournament Set for June 20

The Chattooga Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for its fifth annual golf tournament, with proceeds benefiting athletic programs at Chattooga High School.

The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the Trion Golf Course. The event will feature a four-man scramble format with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is $320 per team, and Mulligans will be available for purchase separately.

Participants will enjoy lunch, compete for cash prizes, and have an opportunity to win a pellet grill through a raffle that will be available during registration.

Local businesses and community supporters can also help support Chattooga High School athletics by purchasing $100 hole sponsorships.

Organizers say proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward supporting athletic programs at Chattooga High School.