Summerville Man Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Police Officer
A Summerville man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident in which he admitted striking a Summerville Police officer in the face.
According to Chattooga County Superior Court records, John Howard Trammel, of 19 Church Street in Summerville, pleaded guilty to obstruction of an officer and simple assault.
Trammel was indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on August 11 and entered his guilty plea just two days later, on August 13, before Superior Court Judge Melissa Hise.
Judge Hise sentenced Trammel to three years of probation and ordered him to pay a $1,716 fine. He was also ordered to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, submit to random drug testing and treatment, and complete 40 hours of community service.
Court records state that Trammel admitted to striking Summerville Police Officer Joshua Mitchell in the face during a call on May 8.
Records also state that Trammel damaged property belonging to Kaileigh Painter during the same incident, including breaking an air conditioner and a window.
The guilty plea resolved the charges against Trammel in Chattooga County Superior Court.
Georgia Power Pushes Back Against Data Center “Misinformation”
As data centers continue to expand across Georgia, Georgia Power is pushing back against what company officials describe as misinformation surrounding the massive facilities and their impact on residential electric customers.
The issue has become increasingly important as Georgia emerges as one of the country’s major data center markets. The facilities require enormous amounts of electricity, prompting questions about whether residential customers will ultimately pay for the new generation and transmission infrastructure needed to serve them.
Georgia Power says they will not.
The utility says new rules approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission require large energy users, including data centers, to pay the costs associated with serving them.
Under those rules, new customers requiring 100 megawatts or more can be required to enter long-term contracts, pay minimum monthly bills even when they don’t use the electricity, provide financial collateral and make substantial termination payments if they leave before their contracts expire.
Georgia Power also says large customers must pay upfront for local infrastructure required specifically to serve their facilities.
Company officials argue those requirements prevent residential and small-business customers from subsidizing data center development.
Georgia Power has also pushed back against claims that data center growth will cause residential base rates to increase in the immediate future. The company’s base rates are currently frozen through at least 2028.
Georgia Power says revenue from large energy users is actually expected to benefit residential customers. Beginning in 2029, the company projects that additional revenue from large-load customers will provide benefits equivalent to approximately $102 per year for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has taken a similar position, saying its rules are specifically designed to ensure revenue from data centers reduces — rather than increases — the burden on residential customers.
The growth involved is substantial.
In 2022, Georgia Power estimated that it would need only about 400 megawatts of additional generation during the following seven years. By 2023, as data center development accelerated, that projection had increased to approximately 6,600 megawatts. The forecast subsequently climbed even higher.
In December 2025, state regulators approved a plan allowing Georgia Power to add 9,885 megawatts of new generation, with most of that additional electricity expected to serve large customers such as data centers.
Georgia Power also disputes suggestions that data centers will make electric service less reliable. The company says large facilities generally require dedicated infrastructure and that system improvements constructed to accommodate major new customers can also improve reliability and resiliency in surrounding areas.
Questions About Costs Remain
Despite those assurances, the debate is not settled.
The Public Service Commission voted this summer to investigate whether certain fuel-related expenses associated with data centers and other large customers could still be passed along to residential and small-business customers.
One issue involves costs such as guaranteed natural-gas pipeline capacity needed to supply Georgia Power generating plants. Critics contend some of those expenses may not currently be fully recovered from large customers using certain electricity-rate structures.
PSC public-interest staff has also previously questioned Georgia Power’s projections for future data center electricity demand, raising concerns about the possibility of building generation capacity for projects that ultimately aren’t constructed.
Those concerns are particularly important because Georgia Power is making multibillion-dollar investments in new generation and transmission infrastructure to prepare for expected growth.
The debate has intensified further with several enormous data center developments planned around Georgia, including OpenAI’s proposed $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County near Savannah. The facility is expected to require as much as 3,200 megawatts of electricity, potentially making it the largest individual electricity user in Georgia.
The contract between Georgia Power and the OpenAI project is currently receiving scrutiny from the Public Service Commission as regulators examine whether existing customers are adequately protected from costs associated with serving the massive facility.
Georgia Power maintains that Georgia’s regulatory structure is different from states where rapidly expanding data centers have been blamed for increasing electricity costs.
The company’s message to customers is straightforward: data centers are required to pay their own way, residential customers will not subsidize them, and the additional revenue generated by those large customers should eventually put downward pressure on residential rates.
But with billions of dollars in new power-generation and transmission projects planned, state regulators continue examining whether those protections are working as intended.
Chattooga County Seeking Bids For Phase One Of Tooga Theatre Renovation
Chattooga County is moving forward with plans for the renovation of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville, with the county now advertising for bids for the first phase of the project.
According to a public bid notice, Phase One of the Tooga Theatre Renovation Project is being funded through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs under grant number GA-22084.
A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough is scheduled for Friday, August 28 at 10 a.m. Prospective contractors interested in submitting a bid will be required to participate in the walkthrough.
The deadline for contractors to submit bids is September 18 at 10 a.m.
Bids are to be delivered to the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office at 10002 Commerce Street in Summerville by the deadline.
Complete bid documents and plans are available through Gary Lowery of LDG Design Management.
The advertisement represents another step toward renovation of the Tooga Theatre, a longtime downtown Summerville landmark. The first phase will begin the process of renovating the building, with contractors now being sought to carry out the work outlined in the project plans.
Chattooga County reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities in accordance with applicable laws and federal grant requirements.
Livestock Shows Put Agriculture At Center Stage At Chattooga County Fair
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens Thursday, and while the rides, music, food and entertainment are popular attractions, agriculture has always been at the heart of the fair.
That tradition will be on full display throughout the four-day event as local young people showcase months of hard work through the fair’s livestock shows.
The livestock schedule begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with the Junior Market Goat Show.
On Friday at 5:30 p.m., exhibitors return to the show ring for the Junior Market Lamb Show.
Saturday features a full afternoon and evening of agricultural activities. The Junior Beef Show begins at 1 p.m., followed by poultry judging at 4 p.m. Poultry awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m., with the poultry auction beginning at 7 p.m.
The livestock events continue Sunday with the Junior Dairy Show at 1 p.m. and the Market Hog Preview Show at 6 p.m.
These events highlight the dedication and hard work of Chattooga County’s FFA and 4-H students, who spend countless hours caring for their animals, learning about livestock production and preparing to compete in the show ring.
For these students, livestock projects are about much more than winning ribbons. They teach responsibility, animal husbandry, agriculture, record keeping and the commitment required to care for an animal every day.
The livestock shows also give fairgoers an opportunity to see firsthand the role agriculture continues to play in Chattooga County and to support the next generation of local farmers and agricultural leaders.
All livestock events will be held at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville. The shows are free to watch with the fair’s $5 gate admission, and the livestock barn will be open throughout fair hours.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair runs Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30.
Matthew Thomas Named Sole Finalist To Lead Rome-Floyd Development Authority
The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has selected Matthew Thomas as the sole finalist for its president and chief executive officer position.
Board Chairman Jimmy Byars announced the selection Monday.
Thomas currently serves as deputy director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, where he has worked since August 2023. In that role, he leads existing-industry efforts involving more than 210 manufacturing companies in Bartow County and has also been involved in major recruitment projects, including Hyundai SK Battery Manufacturing of America, Yakult America and Hanwha Qcells.
Byars said Thomas brings 16 years of economic development experience in North Georgia and described him as a strong fit for Rome and Floyd County.
Thomas was born in Dalton and has previously worked with the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Alpharetta and the City of Canton. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in economics from the University of West Georgia.
Thomas said the position would give him an opportunity to join an organization with a strong record of attracting new investment while supporting existing businesses.
The position became vacant earlier this year when former authority president and Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg left to become chief of staff for Congressman Clay Fuller in Washington.
Under Georgia law, Thomas’ background information will remain available for public review for 14 days before the authority takes final action.
The Rome Floyd County Development Authority plans to hold a called meeting on September 8 at 9 a.m. to vote on Thomas’ appointment as president and CEO.
Chattooga County Grand Jury Returns Several Indictments
The latest indictments from the Chattooga County Grand Jury include charges ranging from burglary and criminal damage to property to aggravated stalking, fleeing and terroristic threats.
According to court records, those indicted include:
Jabari Garner, 63, of Kay Drive in Summerville — first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal damage to property and making terroristic threats and acts.
Gavin Scott Carroll, of Gore-Subligna Road — second-degree criminal damage to property and second-degree burglary.
Israel Dequez Dammond, 21, of Glen Drive in Summerville — aggravated stalking and three counts of obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Amy Ravenelle Pledger, of Two Lynn Drive in Summerville — simple assault, simple battery, two counts of entering an automobile and two counts of obstruction of an officer.
Roy Sanford Price Jr., of Rocky Hollow Road in Pennville — felony fleeing, reckless driving, speeding, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, failure to maintain a single lane and several other traffic violations.
Nathaniel Ratledge, of Scoggins Street in Summerville — battery under the Family Violence Act.
Ricky Anthony Tapp, of Brian Road in Summerville — criminal trespassing and making terroristic threats and acts.
The indictments were returned by the Grand Jury on August 11.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not mean a defendant has been convicted. Those indicted are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Pushes Back On Trump Beef Import Plan
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s plan to temporarily allow more foreign beef into the United States, saying the move could undercut American cattle producers just as they are beginning to recover from several difficult years.
Trump announced last week that the United States would temporarily allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef without the higher out-of-quota tariff for 90 days. The administration says the move is intended to increase supply and help bring down historically high beef prices for consumers.
Harper said he has heard from cattle producers across Georgia who are concerned about the potential impact.
“I have heard from cattle producers across Georgia who have serious concerns about the announcement of temporary tariff relief for additional foreign beef imports and the impact it could have on American producers,” Harper said. “I have shared those concerns.”
Harper argues that increasing America’s reliance on imported food is not a long-term solution to high grocery prices. He said the country can address affordability while continuing to support domestic farmers and ranchers.
The debate comes as the U.S. cattle herd has fallen to its lowest level in approximately 75 years. Years of drought, high feed and operating costs and herd liquidation have contributed to tight supplies, while strong consumer demand has helped push beef prices higher.
Harper said higher cattle prices now provide producers with an incentive to retain cows and heifers and begin rebuilding those herds. He warned that increasing lower-cost imports at this point in the cattle cycle could discourage producers from making the investments necessary to expand American beef production.
“The fundamental issue is supply,” Harper said. “Strong cattle prices are a market signal to retain cows and heifers, rebuild the herd, and produce more American beef.”
Harper said Georgia is taking several approaches to strengthen the state’s cattle and agricultural industries, including protecting farmland through the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, expanding market opportunities for small and medium-sized producers, increasing meat-processing and value-added capacity in Georgia, promoting competition in the food supply chain and connecting consumers with Georgia producers through Georgia Grown.
The Trump administration maintains that temporarily increasing imports can provide consumers with some relief from record beef prices. However, cattle organizations and producers around the country have joined Harper in questioning whether additional imports will substantially reduce grocery-store prices while potentially weakening incentives for ranchers to rebuild the domestic herd.
Harper said the long-term answer is increasing American agricultural production rather than becoming increasingly dependent on foreign food supplies.
“The long-term solution to food affordability is strengthening American agriculture — not becoming more dependent on foreign food,” Harper said.
CRC Chattooga Seeking Men’s Clothing Donations
CRC Chattooga is asking the community to help restock its Clothes Closet, with a special need right now for men’s clothing and shoes.
The organization recently shared the story of a guest who came in hoping to find something many people may take for granted — a pair of shoes that actually fit. After finding a pair in the Clothes Closet, she was so excited that she told volunteers she did not want to take them off, even to sleep. CRC officials said the moment was a reminder of how much a simple donation can mean to someone in need.
CRC Chattooga’s Clothes Closet operates much like a free thrift store for the families the organization serves. Clothing, shoes, household goods, personal care products and other donated non-food necessities are available through a point system, but there is no charge to the families receiving the items.
Right now, the organization is especially looking for gently used men’s shirts, jeans, pants, jackets, shoes and other clothing.
CRC Chattooga is encouraging local residents to take a look through their closets and consider donating items they no longer wear. An unused shirt or pair of shoes could make an important difference for a neighbor who needs it.
Donations may be taken to CRC Chattooga at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.
University System Of Georgia Reports Record $25.1 Billion Economic Impact
Georgia’s public colleges and universities generated a record $25.1 billion economic impact during fiscal year 2025, according to a new University System of Georgia study.
The University System of Georgia includes 25 public colleges and universities across the state. The study found that students and USG institutions accounted for approximately $16.3 billion in direct spending on personnel, operations and student expenses. That activity generated another $8.8 billion in economic activity in communities across Georgia.
The system also supported an estimated 170,096 jobs statewide. USG officials say that for every job created on a university campus, approximately two additional jobs are supported in the surrounding community.
The report also examined the long-term financial value of earning a college degree.
Researchers estimate that Georgia students graduating in 2025 will collectively earn approximately $249 billion during their working lives — about $77 billion more than they would have earned without completing college or graduate school.
The estimated additional lifetime earnings vary considerably depending on the credential earned. A certificate is associated with nearly $309,000 in additional lifetime earnings, while an associate degree adds approximately $388,000.
The study estimates that earning a bachelor’s degree adds approximately $1.42 million in lifetime earnings. A master’s degree adds about $1.73 million, while professional degrees and doctorates produce even larger estimated gains.
University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue said the findings demonstrate that Georgia’s public colleges and universities provide benefits extending beyond individual graduates, with educated workers contributing their skills and earnings to communities throughout the state.
The economic-impact and lifetime-earnings studies were conducted by Jeffrey Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
Lunar Eclipse Thursday Night!
A very deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible over Georgia on the night of Thursday, August 27, into early Friday, August 28, 2026.
This is an unusually impressive partial eclipse. At maximum, about 96% of the Moon’s disk will be inside Earth’s dark central shadow, known as the umbra. It won’t technically be a total lunar eclipse, but visually it may come close to resembling one, with much of the Moon potentially taking on a coppery-red or reddish-orange color.
All of Georgia will be in an excellent position to see the eclipse, weather permitting. Unlike some eclipses that occur near moonrise or moonset, the Moon will be well up in the sky during the best part of this event.
Around maximum at 12:12 a.m. Eastern Time Friday, the Moon will be roughly 40 to 42 degrees above the southern horizon across much of Georgia, including areas such as Atlanta, Rome and Athens. That means you won’t need a perfectly unobstructed horizon — just a reasonably open view of the sky.
If you don’t want to stay up for the entire event, the key viewing window will be from about 11:15 p.m. Thursday until 12:45 a.m. Friday. The most dramatic appearance should occur around the maximum at 12:12 a.m.
And the good news: no special glasses are needed for a lunar eclipse. It is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars or a telescope can make the changing colors and the edge of Earth’s shadow even more impressive.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - August 25, 2026
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has no arrests to report for today, Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Sunny And Pleasant Today, Storm Chances Increase Later This Week
Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia will enjoy another mostly dry and pleasant late-summer day today, but showers and thunderstorms will make a return later this week.
Today will be sunny with a high near 91 degrees. Despite temperatures reaching the lower 90s, relatively low humidity across North Georgia should make conditions feel more comfortable than during some of the recent hot and humid weather. Winds will be light, with mostly clear skies tonight and a low around 68.
Changes begin Wednesday as moisture starts returning to the region. The day will be mostly sunny with a high near 91, but there will be a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly late in the afternoon. Rain chances continue Wednesday night.
Thursday appears to bring the greatest increase in storm activity. Showers and thunderstorms become likely during the afternoon with a 60 percent chance of precipitation and a high near 90. Storms remain likely Thursday evening before gradually diminishing overnight.
An approaching weather system and a nearly stationary boundary could result in an active period across Georgia Thursday and Friday. Forecasters say atmospheric moisture will be plentiful, meaning thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall. There may also be the potential for a few isolated strong to severe thunderstorms, although forecasters will continue monitoring that possibility as the week progresses.
Friday brings a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high near 89.
Conditions improve for the weekend. Saturday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 89, followed by only a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday and a high near 90.
Seasonable temperatures continue into Monday with mostly sunny skies, a high near 91 and a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.
GNTC Offering Eight-Week Fall Mini-Mester Beginning In October
Students who missed the start of the traditional fall semester still have another opportunity to begin classes this year at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
GNTC is preparing for its Fall Mini-Mester Term C, an accelerated eight-week term that provides the same credit hours as a regular semester course while offering the same quality instruction in a fast-tracked format.
The admissions application file completion deadline is September 21, and Term C classes begin October 12. GNTC’s academic calendar shows classes continuing through early December.
The shorter term can provide an option for students who were unable to begin classes earlier in the fall or for those looking for a faster-paced way to work toward a degree, diploma or certificate.
GNTC offers more than 200 degree, diploma and certificate programs, including programs in business and cyber-related technologies, nursing and health technologies, aviation and industrial technologies, and public service technologies.
Prospective students can apply online through GNTC. The admissions process includes completing an online application and submitting required educational records. New students are also required to complete orientation before registering for courses.
Anyone interested in beginning classes with the Fall Term C Mini-Mester is encouraged to start the admissions process soon rather than waiting for the September 21 deadline.
For more information, contact Georgia Northwestern Technical College at 1-866-983-GNTC, or apply through the college’s admissions website.
Lumsden Holds Large Fundraising Advantage In Georgia House District 12 Race
The race for Georgia House District 12 is set for November, with incumbent Republican Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee facing Democratic challenger Holly Chaney of Trion and the latest campaign finance reports showing a substantial difference in the amount of money available to the two campaigns.
Both candidates advanced from uncontested party primaries in May. State election results show Lumsden received 6,426 votes in the Republican primary, while Chaney received 1,569 votes in the Democratic primary.
The two will meet in the November 3 general election.
Campaign finance figures show Lumsden entered August with $318,103 in the bank. His latest report lists $7,542 in contributions, $472 in interest earned and $4,455 in expenses.
Among Lumsden’s larger contributions during the reporting period were $2,500 from San Francisco-based Lyft Inc. He also received contributions of $1,000 each from Priority Ambulance of Scottsdale, Arizona; the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals; and Allan Soto, owner of Assisted Living Center of Augusta.
Lumsden’s larger expenses included $1,790 for lodging in Atlanta during the June special legislative session. His campaign also reported contributions to the campaigns of fellow Republican state representatives John Carson and Tim Fleming, along with contributions to the state House Republican trust and the Floyd County Republican Party.
Chaney reported having $2,464 in the bank.
During the latest reporting period, Chaney reported $534 in contributions, including $350 from Cherry Fodor of Douglasville. Her campaign reported $641 in expenses, which included costs associated with meet-and-greets, campaign materials, banking and fundraising services.
The latest figures leave Lumsden with a significant financial advantage heading into the final months before the general election.
Lumsden is the current District 12 representative and is seeking another term in the Georgia House. Georgia records list him as the incumbent Republican representative for the district.
District 12 includes all of Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County. The district has leaned heavily Republican in recent elections. In 2024, Lumsden defeated Democrat Logan Johnson with 21,310 votes districtwide, compared with 4,778 for Johnson. In Chattooga County specifically, Lumsden received 8,649 votes to Johnson’s 1,661.
Voters will decide between Republican Eddie Lumsden and Democrat Holly Chaney on Tuesday, November 3.
“Power To The Polls” Voter Registration Event Planned In Summerville
A new community voter registration and education event is coming to Summerville next month, with organizers hoping to help residents prepare for upcoming elections.
Summerville Councilwoman Simone Adams and her sister, Ashley Adams, are organizing the event, called “Power to the Polls.”
The event will be held Saturday, September 19, from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive in Summerville.
Organizers say the event is designed to help residents verify their voter registration status, learn more about the voting process and ask questions about upcoming elections.
Volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist first-time voters, answer questions and help make sure attendees leave confident about casting a ballot.
The event is open to all Chattooga County residents.
Those attending are encouraged to bring a valid photo identification if they plan to register.
Lunch will be provided while supplies last, and organizers say there will also be giveaways and prizes throughout the day.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact the organizers at 770-537-3869.
Georgia Agriculture Officials Warn Of Fake Farmers Market Vendor Scam
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning farmers, vendors and small-business owners about a fraudulent event advertised on social media as being held at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.
The scam promoted what was called the “2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor & Artisan Market,” supposedly scheduled for August 21 through August 23 at the state farmers market in Forest Park. State agriculture officials say the event was not legitimate and was not affiliated with either the Georgia Department of Agriculture or the Atlanta State Farmers Market.
The professional-looking social media advertisement sought vendors selling food, arts and crafts, clothing and other merchandise. Those interested were directed to an email address where they were sent an application and then instructed to pay a vendor fee electronically.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says the scam is another example of fraudsters attempting to take advantage of farmers and small businesses. Investigators believe those responsible could potentially be operating from outside the United States, making them more difficult to identify.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture issued a cease-and-desist notice to the Facebook account promoting the fraudulent event, and the department’s law enforcement division is working to determine who is responsible.
Officials are urging Georgians to be cautious when responding to online advertisements seeking vendors for festivals, farmers markets and similar events. People should avoid providing payment, personal information or business information until they have independently verified that an event and its organizers are legitimate.
The Department of Agriculture says vendors interested in leasing legitimate space at the Atlanta State Farmers Market should apply directly through the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s official website, rather than through unsolicited social media advertisements.
Summerville Housing Authority Seeking Administrative Assistant
The Housing Authority of the City of Summerville is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant.
According to the job announcement, the Housing Authority is looking for a highly motivated, knowledgeable and qualified applicant for the position.
The Administrative Assistant will perform high-level administrative duties and should have demonstrated knowledge of multifamily housing management, accounts payable, payroll and general office management.
Applicants must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license, be insurable and have no alcohol, drug-related or criminal record.
Applications may be picked up at the Housing Authority Office at 56 Ross Street in Summerville.
Applications will be accepted through September 4, 2026.
The Housing Authority of the City of Summerville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Chattooga High School Class Of 1968 Planning September Reunion
Members of the Chattooga High School Class of 1968 are making plans to get together next month for their annual class reunion.
The gathering will be held Saturday, September 19, at The Red Lobster on Shorter Avenue in Rome.
Class members will have a dining room reserved beginning at 2 PM and continuing until 6 PM.
Organizers say they hope all classmates and their spouses will attend and are also extending an invitation to members of other classes who would like to join them.
The reunion will be casual, providing classmates an opportunity to visit, catch up and share memories.
Anyone with questions or who may be hesitant about attending is encouraged to contact Vicki McCorsley at 770-313-5207.
Red Cross Teams Up With Hello Kitty To Encourage September Blood Donations
The American Red Cross is teaming up with Hello Kitty and Friends in September as part of a new effort to encourage blood and platelet donations and help keep the nation’s blood supply stable.
The Red Cross says the blood supply has begun to recover from critically low levels seen earlier this summer, but officials warn that September can bring new challenges. Back-to-school activities often reduce donor availability, while tropical weather and other natural disasters can disrupt blood drives and threaten collections.
To help encourage donations, anyone who comes to give blood or platelets September 1 through September 20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.
The Red Cross says every donation is important and can help more than one patient.
Officials are asking eligible donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments now to help ensure lifesaving blood products remain available wherever they are needed.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, which is 1-800-733-2767.
Most donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health, although some younger donors may be eligible with parental consent where allowed by law.
The Red Cross also reminds donors that they can save time on donation day by completing their pre-donation health history questionnaire through RapidPass before arriving at a blood drive.
Trion Bulldogs Closing In On Historic 600th Football Victory
The Trion Bulldogs are closing in on another major milestone in the history of one of Georgia’s most successful high school football programs.
Following Friday night’s season-opening victory, Trion now has 592 all-time wins, putting the Bulldogs just eight victories away from program win number 600. According to information shared by Trion Football, only 26 high school football programs in Georgia have reached the 600-win mark.
Trion also reached another significant mark Friday night, tying Manchester for the most football victories in Class A history.
The milestones come as the Bulldogs have gotten the 2026 season off to a strong start.
Trion opened the regular season Friday night with an impressive 36-7 victory over arch-rival Gordon Lee at Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium. The win moved the Bulldogs to 1-0 under head coach Sean Patrick and avenged last season’s 23-12 loss to the Trojans.
Trion’s football tradition stretches back for generations. The program has won state championships in 1942, 1957 and 1974, along with numerous region championships. The Bulldogs’ most recent region title came in 2023.
Now, another piece of program history is within reach.
With 592 victories, every win during the 2026 season moves Trion another step toward becoming one of the relatively small number of Georgia high school football programs to reach 600 all-time victories.
The Bulldogs will have their next opportunity to add to that total Friday, August 28, when they host the Model Blue Devils at Sam R. McCain Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.