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June 10, 2026

Two Guided Hikes Planned Saturday at Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host two guided hikes on Saturday, June 13, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park by day and night.

The first event will be a Guided Marble Mine Hike at 2 p.m. Park rangers will lead participants on a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the Marble Mine, where hikers can learn about the park’s nature and history while exploring the Marble Mine Trail. Participants should meet at the park office, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.

Later that evening, the park will host a Firefly Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will meet at the park office at 8:30 p.m., with the hike beginning at 9 p.m. The event will give visitors a chance to see the glow of fireflies and learn how they can help protect them.

Each hike is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required for both events.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

June 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors as Summer Begins

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The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule blood donation appointments as an alarming decline in donations threatens to impact the nation’s blood supply heading into the busy summer months.

June 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

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A Northwest Georgia man with a lengthy criminal history has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl while armed with a firearm.

Sincere M. Billingslea, a three-time convicted felon, received the sentence after being convicted on federal drug and firearm charges stemming from fentanyl distribution activities in northwest Georgia.

According to federal prosecutors, Billingslea sold fentanyl while in possession of a firearm despite being legally prohibited from possessing weapons because of his prior felony convictions. Authorities say the case highlights the ongoing threat posed by fentanyl trafficking, which continues to contribute to overdose deaths and public safety concerns across Georgia and the nation.

Federal officials emphasized that fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, with even small amounts capable of causing fatal overdoses.

Following his prison sentence, Billingslea will also be subject to a period of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Federal authorities said the sentence reflects their continued commitment to targeting armed drug traffickers and removing dangerous narcotics from communities throughout northwest Georgia.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – June 9, 2026

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There were no arrests reported on the jail media report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Stormy Pattern Keeps Northwest Georgia on Alert This Week

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A damp and unsettled weather pattern will remain parked over North Georgia this week, bringing repeated opportunities for showers and thunderstorms across Chattooga County and surrounding areas.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chamber of Commerce Hosting AfterWork Meet Up Thursday

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting members and prospective members to a special AfterWork Meet Up this Thursday evening at Dos Maguey’s Mexican Restaurant in Summerville.

The networking event will take place Thursday, June 11, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and is designed to provide a relaxed setting for local business professionals to connect and build relationships.

According to the Chamber, the event is intended to be a social and networking opportunity where attendees can talk shop—or anything but work. Dos Maguey’s will offer drink specials, and the Chamber will provide appetizers for those attending.

The Chamber is not hosting its regular luncheons during June and July and is instead offering these lower-key summer networking gatherings.

While tickets are not required, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP. For more information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033.

The event is open to Chamber members and those interested in learning more about the local business community.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Grand Jury Indicts Summerville Man in Church Vandalism Case

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A Chattooga County Grand Jury has indicted a Summerville man accused of vandalizing a local church earlier this year.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Fuel Tax Suspension Contributes to Drop in Georgia’s May Tax Revenue

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Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state motor fuel tax contributed to a significant decline in tax collections during May, according to state revenue figures.

State officials reported that net tax revenues for May declined by 12.6 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The decrease comes after Georgia suspended its motor fuel excise tax for part of May in an effort to provide relief to drivers facing higher fuel costs. The suspension remained in effect through June 2.

The gas tax holiday temporarily removed Georgia’s fuel excise tax, which currently amounts to about 33 cents per gallon on gasoline. State leaders said the suspension was intended to help offset rising fuel prices and reduce costs for consumers at the pump.

While the suspension provided relief for motorists, it also reduced one of the state’s major sources of transportation-related revenue. The tax is normally collected at the wholesale level and helps fund transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Georgia.

The gas tax suspension officially expired on June 3, and state officials have indicated it will not be extended. As a result, motorists across Georgia may continue to see fuel prices fluctuate throughout the summer as the tax returns and market conditions evolve.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Athletic Booster Club Golf Tournament Set for June 20

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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.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Youth Travel Volleyball Interest Meeting Scheduled in Summerville

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Parents of girls interested in travel volleyball will have an opportunity to learn more about a potential new program during an upcoming interest meeting at the Summerville Recreation Center.

The meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 12, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and is open to parents of girls ages 9 to 15 who may be interested in participating in travel volleyball.

According to the announcement, the purpose of the meeting is to gauge interest levels in each age group and provide general information about the program. Organizers say that if enough interest exists to form teams, tryout dates will be announced at a later time.

Those seeking additional information can contact the organizer through the email address listed in the announcement.