Happening Today: Summerville Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show

One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

The free community celebration begins at 6 p.m. at 33 Middle School Road and will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, contests and one of the largest fireworks displays in Northwest Georgia. The fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Families can enjoy the free Kid’s Zone from 6 until 9 p.m., with waterslides, inflatables, face painting, sack races, badminton, volleyball, Jenga and more. Other activities include the Corn Hole Tournament, the Patriotic Foot Parade for children at 6:35 p.m., and the Summerville Natural Gas and Menlo Lucky’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m. with Parker Thomas, followed by The Whole Fam Damily at 8 p.m.

Parking is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks.

Arrest Report – Wednesday – July 1, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, July 1, 2026:

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Trion Farmers Market Open Thursday Morning with Fresh Produce, Baked Goods and More

Fresh, locally grown produce and homemade products will once again be available Thursday as the Trion Farmers Market welcomes shoppers from 8 a.m. until noon at the pavilion near the Trion Track Field off Simmons Street.

This week’s market is expected to feature sweet corn, green beans, Super Sauce, Roma, San Marzano and cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, okra, yellow squash, fresh eggs, grass-fed beef and pork. Shoppers can also find homemade blueberry muffins, zucchini bread, jams, jellies, squash relish, chow chow, bread and butter pickles, candied jalapeños, salsa, lemonade, strawberry lemonade, chocolate no-bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies and a variety of herbal products including creams, lip balm, oils, tinctures, herbal sprays, Bug-Off spray and salves.

The Trion Farmers Market is held every Thursday throughout the growing season, giving residents an opportunity to support local farmers, bakers and artisans while purchasing fresh, locally produced goods.

Heat Advisory in Effect Today as Dangerous Heat Continues Through Holiday Weekend

Another stretch of dangerous summer heat is settling over Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with a Heat Advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. for portions of north Georgia. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, while heat index values could reach 105 degrees in parts of the area.

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GNTC Awards First Disabled Veterans Support Scholarships

Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced the first recipients of the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship, with 12 students receiving awards for the summer 2026 semester.

The scholarship is funded through voluntary state income tax return donations and was created to support U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities as they pursue technical education in Georgia. The program is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation and is designed to help cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, required supplies and other real costs.

GNTC Military-Connected Services Coordinator Josh Hickman said the first semester of the scholarship program has been a success and said the 12 recipients are deserving of the support.

Recipients include students from Dalton, Rome, Euharlee, Adairsville, Rocky Face, Dallas, Canton and Cedartown. Their programs include supply chain management, healthcare management, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, welding, EMS professions, automation engineering and instrumentation controls.

Eligible veterans must be enrolled in a degree, diploma or technical certificate program and provide documentation showing a service-connected disability rating.

Woman Arrested After Alleged Public Disturbance In Downtown Summerville

The Summerville Police Department arrested a Rome woman Saturday after officers responded to a disturbance in downtown Summerville. According to citations filed by the department, Tikeria Shaniquia Clowers, 27, of Rome, was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct following the incident.

According to the citations, officers observed Clowers to be visibly intoxicated in a public roadway, where police say she was causing a public disturbance. Officers also reported that she was told multiple times to lower her voice and stop yelling profanities. The citations state that after several warnings, she allegedly continued to be loud and boisterous, at which point she was placed under arrest.

The arrest occurred on June 28 in the area of 516 Highland Avenue in Summerville. Clowers is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.

AAA: More Than 2.4 Million Georgians Expected To Travel For Independence Day Holiday

AAA is forecasting another record-setting Independence Day holiday travel period, with more than 2.4 million Georgians expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5.

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Chattooga River Group Plans Independence Day Social Paddle Friday

Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.

Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.

County Exploring Temporary Reopening Option for Mosteller Creek Bridge

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is exploring whether smaller passenger vehicles could be allowed back across the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly while long-term replacement plans are developed.

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Town of Trion Announces July 4 Holiday Closings, Garbage Collection Changes

The Town of Trion has announced its schedule for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

Town officials say the Business Office, Gas Department, Recreation Department, and Maintenance Department will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Residents who normally have garbage collected on Fridays should note that Friday’s garbage route will be picked up on Thursday, July 2. All other residential garbage collection schedules will remain unchanged.

The Town reminds residents that any emergency involving the Police Department or Gas Department should be reported by calling 911, and dispatchers will notify the appropriate personnel.

Mayor Mickey McGraw and the Town of Trion wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday.