Back to School Bash Organizers Seeking Donations as July 16 Event Approaches

With just over two weeks remaining until the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are asking the community to help fill the final gaps in school supply donations before the event takes place on Thursday, July 16, at the Chattooga High School Gym.

Organizer Maisha Ludy says donations have been coming in, but several essential classroom items are still in short supply. The greatest current needs include composition books, dry erase markers, dividers with pockets, sticky notes, and index cards.

The Back to School Bash serves students from both the Chattooga County and Trion school systems and is designed to help local families prepare for the new school year. The free event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature school supplies, free haircuts, music from DJ Marty Mart, shaved ice treats from Mort’s Brain Freeze, and opportunities for families to connect with community organizations.

Anyone wishing to donate supplies can contact Maisha Ludy through Facebook, email maishaludy@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 706-388-9849. Organizers say every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure local students begin the school year prepared and ready to learn.

Alabama Woman Cited On DUI And Open Container Charges In Summerville

The Summerville Police Department has charged an Alabama woman with driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle following a traffic stop in Summerville.

According to citations filed by the department, Nicole Renee Thacker, 23, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, was cited after officers stopped her vehicle on June 28 on Pine Street near Highway 114. Officers allege Thacker was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for her to drive. The citation also states that an alcoholic beverage in an open container was found in the center console cup holder while she was operating the vehicle. Court documents further indicate that Thacker was advised of Georgia’s implied consent law and refused the requested state chemical test.

Thacker is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, to answer the charges.

14-Year-Old Boy Identified After Drowning at Armuchee Park

Emergency crews recovered the body of 14-year-old Tyler Brown on Monday night following an extensive search at Armuchee Park on Jones Mill Road, according to the Floyd County Police Department.

Earlier in the evening, the department announced that first responders were searching for a possible drowning victim and asked the public to avoid the area while search and rescue operations were underway.

Later Monday night, authorities confirmed that emergency personnel had located Brown’s body during the search. Law enforcement officers and other emergency responders remained at the scene as the investigation continued.

Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Floyd County Police Department expressed its condolences to Brown’s family and thanked the public for avoiding the area while emergency crews completed their work.

The investigation into the drowning remains ongoing.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – June 30, 2026

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

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Dangerous Heat Continues Across Chattooga County Through Fourth of July Weekend

A prolonged stretch of dangerous summer heat will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the Independence Day weekend, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 90s and heat index values frequently topping 100 degrees.

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Body Recovered During Search At Armuchee Park In Floyd County

Emergency crews recovered the body of an individual Monday night during search operations at Armuchee Park on Jones Mill Road in Floyd County.

Earlier in the evening, the Floyd County Police Department announced that first responders were searching for a possible drowning victim and asked the public to avoid the area while search and rescue operations were underway.

Later Monday night, authorities confirmed that emergency crews had located the body of an individual during the search. The scene remained active as law enforcement and other agencies continued their investigation.

The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The Floyd County Police Department expressed its condolences to the individual’s family and again asked the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel completed their work.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.

AAA: Gas Prices Continue To Fall Ahead Of Independence Day Travel

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Georgia motorists are getting another break at the pump just as one of the busiest travel weeks of the year gets underway.

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Summerville City Offices Announce July 4th Holiday Schedule

The City of Summerville says City Hall and all municipal offices will close early on Thursday, July 2, in observance of the Independence Day holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday celebration.

City offices will close at 11 a.m. Thursday and remain closed on Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6.

Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 7.

Residents needing to conduct business with the city are encouraged to do so before the holiday closure begins

Summerville’s Celebrate Independence Festival Returns Thursday With Music, Food, Family Fun & Fireworks

One of Chattooga County’s biggest summer traditions returns Thursday, July 2, as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Celebrate Independence Festival and Fireworks Show at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

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Chattooga High School To Host Kiddie Football Camp Next Week

 

Young football fans will have an opportunity to learn from the Chattooga High School Indians coaching staff and players during the annual Chattooga High School Kiddie Football Camp, which begins next week.

The camp will be held Monday through Wednesday, July 6th, 7th, and 8th, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. each evening at the Chattooga High School football field. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6.

The camp is open to boys and girls ages 5 through 11, and organizers say all skill levels are welcome. Participants will receive instruction in football fundamentals, offensive and defensive techniques, speed and agility drills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and will also take part in fun games and competitions.

Campers should wear athletic clothing and bring cleats or tennis shoes along with a water bottle.

The annual camp provides a fun opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills while spending time with the Chattooga High School football program and learning what it means to be a Future Indian.