Chattooga High Graduate Jay Shropshire Named Indians’ JV Basketball Coach

A familiar face is returning to the sidelines in the Chattooga County School System.

Jay Shropshire, a 2017 Chattooga High School graduate, has been named the school’s new head junior varsity boys basketball coach. The appointment comes as Shropshire begins his first year as a teacher while continuing to mentor young athletes both on and off the court.

Shropshire was a standout player for the Indians and became known throughout the area for his athletic ability and highlight-reel dunks during his playing career. Since graduating, he has remained active in the local basketball community by coaching youth teams and organizing basketball events, including the Northwest Georgia Rising Stars Elite adult summer basketball tournament in Summerville.

As JV head coach, Shropshire will help develop the next generation of Chattooga basketball players while working alongside the varsity program. School officials say his familiarity with the program and passion for mentoring students make him a strong addition to the coaching staff.

Shropshire’s hiring marks a full-circle moment as he returns to his alma mater to invest in the same program where he once wore an Indians uniform.

Happening Today: Celebrate Living Local Market and Steam Train Arrival in Downtown Summerville

Residents and visitors are invited to downtown Summerville today, Saturday, August 1, for the Celebrate Living Local Market, held in conjunction with the arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursion train.

The market will feature local businesses, artists, craftspeople and food vendors. Participants include Sabo’s Golden Nectar with an educational observation beehive and locally produced honey, artist Billy Smith, Willow Flowers at Teloga Springs Farm, Acolyte Realty and additional community vendors.

Food and refreshments will be available from Twisted Treatz Bakery, Eneya’s Lemonade & Sipsations, Granny Hon’s Great Food, Rosita’s and Small Town BBQ.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engine 4501 is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot at approximately 12:45 p.m. with passengers aboard. During the train’s roughly 90-minute layover, visitors will be able to watch the locomotive being turned on the historic Summerville Turntable before it continues its journey.

The event offers a chance to shop with local vendors, enjoy food and refreshments, and see one of the South’s best-known steam locomotives in action.

 

Summerville Police Cite Man for Disorderly Conduct Following Parking Lot Dispute

A Summerville man was cited for disorderly conduct after an argument in a Highway 114 parking lot escalated last Saturday night, July 25.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, Officer B. Campbell responded at approximately 9:35 p.m. to the parking lot of the “Pay N Tote,” 106 Highway 114. The officer made contact with Cody Cameron and Hillary Hall.

After speaking with those involved, the officer determined Hall was spending time with Cameron, and another individual was upset about the relationship. Cameron told police the confrontation began because the other person did not want his wife associating with Hall and instructed Cameron to “Pay N Tote.”

The report states Cameron admitted he had been drinking and appeared intoxicated. Officer Campbell issued Cameron a citation for Disorderly Conduct for engaging in a belligerent and hostile manner in a public place while intoxicated.

Happening Today: James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Offers Two Guided Hikes Saturday

Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park can enjoy two ranger-led hiking programs today, Saturday, August 1.

The first is a Guided Marble Mine Hike beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the park office for the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Rangers will share the park’s natural history while leading hikers to the historic Marble Mine. Guests are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

The second program is a Firefly Night Hike at 8:30 p.m. along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the park’s glowing fireflies while learning about their habitat and ways to help protect them. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Both programs cost $3 per person, require advance registration, and participants must also have a $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Arrest Report – Friday – July 31, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:

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Stormy Weekend Ahead as Heavy Rain, Strong Storms Return to Northwest Georgia

After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.

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Community Rallying to Help Chattooga High Band Purchase New Equipment Trailer

A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.

The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.

In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.

Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.

As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”

Chattooga Curtain Call Presents Newsies Jr. Today And Tomorrow

Chattooga Curtain Call will bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage today and tomorrow, continuing its tradition of giving local students opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.

The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who join together to demand fair treatment while learning lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.

Chattooga Curtain Call is a local nonprofit organization that has provided theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities for more than a decade. The organization helps young performers build skills in acting, singing and stage performance while supporting the performing arts locally.

Performances are scheduled for today at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Connect City Church.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through Venmo at @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. Buyers will receive confirmation and their tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check.

Summerville Police Investigating Repeated Political Sticker Incidents

The Summerville Police Department is investigating after a city resident reported someone repeatedly placing political stickers on his vehicle without permission.

According to an incident report, police met with Dominick Bennett on July 25 regarding a criminal trespass complaint at a residence on Martin Street.

Bennett told police he first discovered “Trump” stickers placed on his vehicles about a month earlier while they were parked at his home. He said there was no damage to the vehicles and did not report the incident at that time.

According to the report, Bennett contacted police again after his wife discovered another “Trump” sticker inside the gas tank door of one vehicle. Later that same day, Bennett found an additional sticker on the rear passenger-side window of the same vehicle.

Bennett told officers he believes he and his family are being harassed because of their political views. He identified a nearby neighbor as a person of interest but acknowledged he has no evidence to support that belief. Bennett requested a follow-up investigation and told police he wishes to prosecute if the person responsible is identified.

The case has been turned over to the Summerville Police Department’s Investigations Division.

Woman Charged With Shoplifting Following Summerville Store Investigation

A Chattooga County woman was arrested after deputies responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a local business.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Alan Garmany was dispatched on July 22 after store personnel reported a suspected shoplifter. Investigators said Brenda Sue Ingram, 71, allegedly concealed six items inside her purse after checking out and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise.

The incident report states that while confronting Ingram, store personnel discovered what was believed to be marijuana in her purse and turned it over to law enforcement. Deputies also obtained a copy of the store’s surveillance video as evidence.

According to the report, Ingram apologized and told deputies she did not have enough money to pay for all of the items. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

Ingram was charged with Theft by Shoplifting.

As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.