AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day

As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.

AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.

Town of Trion Seeks Bids for Roof Replacement at Public Works Building

The Town of Trion is accepting sealed bids for a roofing project at the town’s Public Works building located at 141 Echols Drive. According to the bid invitation, the project involves removing the existing gable roof and installing a new low-slope roofing system.

Sealed bids must be submitted to Trion Town Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Bids will be publicly opened at noon on Friday, July 17, in the council room at Town Hall, with the contract to be awarded at a later date. No pre-bid conference will be held.

Contractors with questions may contact Brandon Croy at 706-859-1015 at least 36 hours before the submission deadline. The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities or informalities.

Georgia Highlands College Announces Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester.

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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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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.

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.

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.

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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