Spark Day Event Planned for June 27 at Dowdy Park

A special community event focused on supporting individuals with special needs and connecting families with valuable resources is coming to Summerville later this month.

Spark Day will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dowdy Park.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together the special needs community, local service providers, entrepreneurs, and families for a day of fun, fellowship, and information sharing.

Activities will include a foam party, free food, vendors, and opportunities to learn about available medical, respite, and community services. Attendees will also have the chance to meet special-needs entrepreneurs and browse a variety of vendor offerings.

According to promotional materials, free nachos will be available, and visitors can enjoy art, baked goods, coffee, jewelry, T-shirts, and a community resource meet-and-greet.

Organizers encourage families, caregivers, and community members to attend and show their support while learning more about resources available for individuals with special needs in the region.

Total Solar Eclipse Set for August, But Not Visible in Georgia

Skywatchers around the world are preparing for a rare celestial event this summer as a total solar eclipse is scheduled to occur on August 12, 2026, the first total solar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth in more than two years.

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Survey Work Begins for Proposed $62 Million Bioenergy Plant in Trion

Survey crews have begun geotechnical work for a proposed $62 million bioenergy plant planned for Trion’s industrial park, marking the first visible activity associated with the project.

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Free Groceries and Clothing Available Thursday in Trion

Residents in need of assistance will have an opportunity to receive free groceries this week when There’s Hope for the Hungry visits Trion.

The food distribution event will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Central Avenue Baptist Church, located at 14074 Highway 27 in Trion, behind Dixie Subs.

Organizers say free groceries will be available to those who attend. No identification is required; however, individuals must be present to receive food.

In addition to the food giveaway, a free Clothes Closet will be open from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., providing clothing items for those in need.

Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the free services and share the information with friends, family members, and neighbors who may benefit.

 

Arrest Report – Monday – June 8, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, June 8, 2026:

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Flood Watch Continues for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia Through 9 PM

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are being urged to remain weather-aware today as a Flood Watch remains in effect until 9:00 p.m. Monday due to the threat of excessive rainfall and flash flooding.

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Audit Reveals Financial Control Issues, Documentation Problems in Chattooga County Operations

A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

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Trion Recreation Department Summer Baseball Registration Ends Today

Parents still have time to sign up their children for Trion Recreation Department Summer Baseball, but the registration deadline is today, Monday, June 8.

The summer league will offer three age divisions, including 6U Coach Pitch, 8U Coach Pitch, and 11U Machine Pitch. The season is scheduled to run from July 10 through August 14.

The registration fee is $30 per player, and player age eligibility is based on the child’s age as of September 1.

Families interested in participating are encouraged to register at Trion Recreation before today’s deadline. Officials remind parents that registrations must be completed by the end of the day to guarantee participation in this year’s summer program.

The summer baseball program provides young athletes with an opportunity to develop their skills, learn teamwork, and enjoy organized competition during the summer months.

For additional information or to register before today’s deadline, contact or visit the Trion Recreation Department 90 Dalton Street in Trion.

Early Voting Starts Today for June 16 Primary Runoff Election

Early voting for the June 16, 2026 Primary Runoff Election starts today, Monday, June 8, and will continue through Friday, June 12, according to the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office.

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Chattooga County Democrats to Host State House Candidate Forum June 15

The Chattooga County Democratic Party will host its next monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, featuring a public forum with Georgia House District 12 candidate Holly Chaney.

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