Chattooga And Trion Both Pick Up Friday Night Football Victories
Both Chattooga County high school football teams celebrated victories Friday night, as the Chattooga Indians picked up a road win over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and the Trion Bulldogs rolled to a homecoming victory over Manchester.
The Chattooga Indians defeated Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 27-14 Friday night in Fort Oglethorpe, earning their second victory of the season.
The Indians entered the game with a 1-6 record and were looking to bounce back from a 54-14 loss to Dade County the previous week.
Friday night’s victory improves Chattooga’s overall record to 2-6.
Chattooga’s other victory came October 2, when the Indians defeated Gordon Central 38-22 during homecoming at the Little Big Horn.
Meanwhile, the Trion Bulldogs celebrated homecoming with a convincing 36-6 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils at Sam R. McCain Stadium.
The Bulldogs entered Friday night’s contest looking to rebound from a 34-7 loss to Bowdon that snapped a five-game winning streak.
Trion’s victory over Manchester improves the Bulldogs’ overall record to 7-2.
Friday night’s win was especially sweet for Trion fans as the Bulldogs celebrated homecoming in front of their hometown crowd.
During the homecoming festivities, Miss Zoi Phillips was crowned Trion High School’s 2026 Homecoming Queen. Miss Meila Treadaway was named first runner-up, while Miss Emme Hankins was named second runner-up.
Trion High School congratulated the members of the homecoming court following Friday night’s celebration.
Looking ahead, Trion will have an open week next Friday, October 30, before returning to action at home on November 6 to close out the regular season.
Chattooga will travel to Christian Heritage next Friday, October 30, as the Indians look to build on their victory over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe.
WZQZ provided live radio coverage of the Trion homecoming game on FM 99.1, with Paul Cavin, Jeremy Burke and Sam Kholer calling the action.
Both games were also streamed live on Facebook, with Chris “Bubba” Wilson, Steiner Davis and Mason Gilreath providing coverage of Chattooga’s victory in Fort Oglethorpe.
Friday Night Final Scores:
🏈 Chattooga Indians 27 – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 14
🏈 Trion Bulldogs 36 – Manchester Blue Devils 6
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Students Earn 32 Cisco Certifications
Twenty-one students at Georgia Northwestern Technical College have earned a total of 32 Cisco certifications, marking an achievement for students preparing for careers in information technology and cybersecurity.
Dr. Dwight Watt, an instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology at GNTC, said he administered 32 Cisco Certified Support Technician certification exams, and every student passed their exams.
The certifications are available in three areas: cybersecurity, information technology support and networking.
According to Watt, students who participated earned between one and three certifications each.
For approximately two years, GNTC’s Cisco Academy Support Center has made certification testing available to students at no charge, allowing them to earn valuable entry-level credentials without the expense normally associated with the exams.
The certification exams typically cost $145 each when taken at authorized testing centers. Students also received free curriculum materials and other benefits through the program.
Watt said the opportunity was made available to all of his students, helping them strengthen their qualifications for employment in the technology industry.
GNTC participates in the Cisco Networking Academy, a program that provides technical education and industry-recognized certifications. The college’s regional academy is Stanly Community College in North Carolina, where Watt received training to administer the certification exams.
Watt also maintains his own certifications by taking the exams annually while attending Cisco conferences to stay current with changes in the technology field.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students throughout Northwest Georgia, offering associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields ranging from information technology and business to healthcare, aviation and industrial technology.
The certifications provide students with additional credentials that can help them pursue employment opportunities in the growing technology workforce.
Summerville Chili And Brunswick Stew Cook-Off Takes Place Today
The smell of homemade chili and Brunswick stew will fill downtown Summerville today as the annual Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off returns to the historic Summerville Depot.
The event, sponsored by Summerville Main Street, takes place today, Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM until 3 PM, with free admission for the public.
Ten amateur cooking teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights as they prepare their favorite chili and Brunswick stew recipes.
Visitors will have an opportunity to sample the entries and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice competition.
Tasting wristbands will be available for $5 beginning at 10 AM and continuing until 2 PM, or until sold out. Visitors can also vote for their favorite team theme and spirit, with additional votes available for $1 each.
This year’s competing teams include Alley Cats BBQ, Chill-N-Grill, Up N Smoke’s Haunted House, Old Fashioned Western Chili & Stew, Gaylesville First Baptist Church’s Country Pumpkins, Thank A Farmer, Possum Drool Stew, Pot of Gold, Purple Haze and Quack Attack.
Cash prizes for the judged chili and Brunswick stew competitions include $500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place in each division.
In addition to the cooking competition, the event will feature craft and dessert vendors, music and indoor dining in the Depot Freight Room. Competing teams will also have food available for purchase.
Another highlight of today’s event will be the scheduled arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam train at 1 PM. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the historic Joe Robert Norton Turntable, which is used to turn steam locomotives at the Summerville Depot.
The Summerville Steam Special Chili and Brunswick Stew Cook-Off takes place today from 10 AM until 3 PM at the Summerville Depot.
Final Saturday Of Early Voting Takes Place Today In Chattooga County
Chattooga County voters have one final opportunity to cast their ballots on a Saturday ahead of the November 3 General Election.
The Chattooga County Registrar’s Office in Summerville will be open today, Saturday, October 24, from 9 AM until 5 PM for advance voting.
All early voting in Chattooga County takes place at the Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.
According to figures from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, 1,755 Chattooga County residents had already cast ballots as of October 21, representing 11.2 percent of the county’s 15,617 active registered voters.
Absentee ballot figures as of October 21 showed 184 ballots issued, with 96 accepted and 88 outstanding.
Early voting will continue next week, Monday through Friday, October 26–30, with extended hours from 8:30 AM until 6 PM each day.
There will be no Sunday voting in Chattooga County.
Voters must present an acceptable photo ID when casting their ballots in person.
The November 3 ballot includes several important local questions, including proposed homestead property tax exemptions, renewal of the education sales tax and a bond referendum for the Town of Trion.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Rises To 4.1 Percent In September
Chattooga County’s unemployment rate increased slightly in September, according to the latest county-level employment figures released by the Georgia Department of Labor.
The county’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in September, up from 4 percent in August. The rate was also higher than the 3.8 percent recorded in September 2025.
Despite the increase in the unemployment rate, the number of employed Chattooga County residents also grew during September.
The Georgia Department of Labor estimates that 8,927 county residents were employed during the month, an increase of 125 compared with August and 201 more than a year earlier.
The county’s civilian labor force, which includes people who are employed or actively seeking work, increased to 9,312 in September. That represents an increase of 146 people from August and 246 compared with September 2025.
The number of unemployed residents increased from 364 in August to 385 in September.
Chattooga County’s unemployment rate was higher than the statewide unadjusted rate of 3.5 percent and the Northwest Georgia regional rate of 3.4 percent.
Among neighboring counties, Walker County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, Floyd County stood at 3.5 percent, and Gordon County reported 3.2 percent.
The latest figures indicate that while more Chattooga County residents are working, the number of people entering the labor force has grown slightly faster than employment.
The September figures are preliminary and are subject to revision by the Georgia Department of Labor.
Annual Veterans Day Lunch Scheduled For November 11 In Summerville
Veterans and their families throughout Chattooga County are invited to attend the annual Veterans Day Lunch on Wednesday, November 11, at the Chattooga County Memorial Home in Summerville.
The event will begin with a brief program at noon, followed by lunch and an opportunity for veterans and their families to visit with friends, share memories and reflect on their military service.
The Chattooga County Memorial Home is located at 818 Memorial Drive in Summerville.
This year’s event is sponsored by VFW Post 6688 and its Auxiliary, United Community Bank, Tractor Supply and numerous community volunteers.
The Veterans Day Lunch has a history dating back nearly 20 years, when local supporters began organizing an annual gathering to honor Chattooga County’s World War II veterans.
The original World War II Veterans Reunion was held at the Gore Gym, where Jim Hunter and Harold Gordon prepared a fish fry, volunteers provided desserts, and local school students assisted with the program and interviewed veterans about their experiences.
As the years passed, organizers expanded the Veterans Day Lunch to recognize veterans from all branches of military service and all generations. Separate World War II commemorations were held around D-Day on June 6 and Pearl Harbor Day on December 7.
Organizers say there are sadly no longer any surviving World War II veterans in Chattooga County, making the tradition of honoring their service and preserving their memories especially meaningful.
Over the years, the Veterans Day Lunch has been held at the Civic Center and the Chattooga County Courthouse before moving to its current location at the Chattooga County Memorial Home, which houses local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion organizations.
Local volunteers hope the annual gathering will continue for generations as a way of recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and their families in service to the country.
All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend the November 11 event.
Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking additional information may contact Barbara Reece at 706-857-8478 or Odell Anderson at 706-397-2394.
Hike On The Dark Side Coming Up This Evening At Sloppy Floyd State Park
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to explore the park after dark this evening, Saturday, October 24, during a special Halloween-themed guided hike.
The park’s “Hike on the Dark Side” begins at 7 PM and will take participants on a guided adventure to the historic Marble Mine.
Park rangers will lead the hike while sharing information about creepy, unusual and sometimes mysterious wildlife found in the natural environment.
The program is designed to give visitors a different perspective on the park after sunset while learning more about the animals and natural surroundings that become active at night.
Participants should bring a flashlight, drinking water and comfortable walking shoes.
The hike will begin at the Marble Mine Trailhead near Picnic Shelter Number 2.
Admission is $3 per person, and a $10 parking pass is required for vehicles entering the state park.
Registration is preferred, and visitors planning to attend are encouraged to contact the park office in advance.
For registration or additional information, call James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park at 706-857-0826.
The “Hike on the Dark Side” begins this evening at 7 PM.
Catoosa County Man Sentenced To 20 Years For Child Molestation
A Catoosa County man has been sentenced to 20 years after being convicted of child molestation involving two children, according to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Dakota Christopher Crow, 26, was found guilty on September 30, 2026, following a three-day jury trial before Chief Superior Court Judge Brian House. Crow was convicted on two counts of child molestation, one involving each victim.
According to prosecutors, evidence presented during the trial showed that Crow repeatedly molested the two children during 2017 and 2018.
An eyewitness testified to observing inappropriate contact involving one of the victims. The incident was not immediately reported to law enforcement.
A forensic interviewer from the Children’s Advocacy Center testified that delayed reporting of childhood sexual abuse is common, with some victims waiting years before disclosing what happened.
Crow testified in his own defense and admitted to inappropriate touching involving one of the victims but denied other allegations.
Following his conviction, Crow appeared before Judge House for sentencing on October 13.
During the hearing, Senior Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe argued that Crow posed a potential danger to other children in the community.
Judge House sentenced Crow to 20 years, with the first six years to be served in prison and the remaining 14 years on sex offender probation.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocate Britany Moses and District Attorney’s Office Chief Investigator Christy Smith.
Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Kathleen V.P. Davis praised the prosecution team and the Children’s Advocacy Center for their work on the case.
Davis emphasized that delayed disclosure of sexual abuse should not prevent offenders from being prosecuted and thanked law enforcement and victim advocates for their continued efforts to seek justice for victims.
VA Processes Record Number Of Veterans Disability Claims In 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it processed more disability compensation claims during fiscal year 2026 than ever before, while also reducing processing times and the backlog of veterans waiting for decisions.
According to an announcement from the VA, the agency processed 3,111,399 disability compensation claims during the fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of 3,001,734 claims set in 2025.
The department also reported a reduction of more than 70 percent in its backlog of disability claims since January 2025.
VA officials say the average time required to process disability claims has decreased by 46 percent during that period, allowing veterans to receive decisions on their benefits more quickly.
Despite the increased number of claims, the department reports that processing accuracy has improved to 94 percent, its highest level in two years.
The Veterans Benefits Administration continues to approve more than 60 percent of claims submitted by veterans, according to the agency. Approximately 3 percent of its decisions are appealed to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
VA Secretary Doug Collins credited improvements in the department’s operations for the record-setting numbers.
In addition to processing disability claims, the VA reported several improvements in healthcare services.
More than 300,000 new veterans enrolled in VA healthcare during 2026, and the department has opened 43 new healthcare facilities since January 2025.
The agency also reports providing more than 3.4 million medical appointments outside normal operating hours, including evening and weekend appointments.
For veterans in Chattooga County and throughout Northwest Georgia, the improvements could mean shorter waiting periods for disability benefit decisions and expanded access to healthcare services.
Veterans seeking information about disability compensation, healthcare enrollment or other benefits can visit VA.gov or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance.
Halloween Hayride Takes Place Today At Sloppy Floyd State Park
Families looking for some Halloween fun can head to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County today, Saturday, October 24, as the Friends of Sloppy Floyd present their annual Halloween Hayride.
The event takes place from 1 PM until 4 PM and offers an afternoon of Halloween-themed fun for children and adults.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 through 12. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.
Free candy, fake tattoos and popcorn will be available for visitors during the event.
A $10 park pass is required for vehicles entering the state park.
Visitors attending the hayride should park at the park entrance, where a free shuttle will transport guests to the hayride’s starting point.
The Halloween Hayride is scheduled for three dates this year, including today, Sunday, October 25, and Saturday, October 31. Activities will take place from 1 PM until 4 PM each day.
Organizers say the hayride will be canceled in the event of rain.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.
Woman Arrested Following Burglary Investigation On Dean Road
A 37-year-old woman was arrested last week following a burglary investigation at a residence on Dean Road in Chattooga County.
According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Emily Alysee Broome, 37, was charged with first-degree burglary, a felony, and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence at 1014 Dean Road after receiving a report of a burglary in progress.
When deputies arrived, they found the homeowner’s neighbor, Frank Mitchell Gattis, and Broome walking toward the road from the residence.
Gattis told deputies he had gone to check on the property for the homeowner and discovered signs that someone had entered the residence. He reported finding a window screen removed and damage around a door lock.
According to the report, Gattis observed Broome inside the residence and contacted law enforcement.
Deputies gathered evidence at the scene, including photographs of a door that appeared to have been forced open. Investigators also documented food that had reportedly been taken from inside the residence and eaten.
The homeowner later provided deputies with security camera footage showing activity at the property. According to the report, the footage showed Broome arriving at the residence and entering the home.
Broome was taken into custody and transported to the Chattooga County Jail on charges of first-degree burglary and criminal trespass.
Arrest Report - Friday - October 23, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, October 23, 2026:
Sunny Skies And Pleasant Temperatures Expected Through The Weekend
Residents across Chattooga County can look forward to another stretch of sunny skies, comfortable afternoon temperatures and cool nights as dry weather continues through the weekend and into next week.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for sunshine today, Friday, October 23, with a high near 74 degrees. North winds around 5 miles per hour will shift to the southeast during the afternoon. Clear skies are expected tonight, with temperatures dropping to around 45 degrees.
Saturday will bring more sunshine, with a high near 72 degrees. Clear skies will continue Saturday night, with a low around 43.
Sunday will be sunny with a high near 71 degrees, followed by another clear and cool night with temperatures falling into the lower 40s.
The pleasant fall weather pattern will continue into the new workweek. Monday will be sunny with a high near 72, while Tuesday will warm slightly to around 75 degrees. Mostly sunny skies and afternoon highs in the lower to middle 70s are expected Wednesday and Thursday.
Overnight temperatures will generally remain in the lower to middle 40s throughout the forecast period.
No rainfall is included in the forecast through Thursday, making for an extended period of dry autumn weather across Northwest Georgia.
Trion Celebrates Homecoming Tonight As Chattooga Travels To Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
Both Chattooga County high school football teams will be in action tonight, with the Trion Bulldogs celebrating homecoming and the Chattooga Indians traveling to Fort Oglethorpe for a region matchup.
The Trion Bulldogs will host the Manchester Blue Devils tonight at Sam R. McCain Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Trion enters tonight’s contest with a 6-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Region 7-A competition. The Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 34-7 loss to Bowdon last Friday night.
That defeat ended a five-game winning streak for Trion, which included a 50-0 shutout victory over Greenville on October 9.
Manchester comes into tonight’s game with a 3-5 record. The Blue Devils defeated Greenville 50-8 last Friday night and will be looking to build on that victory.
Homecoming festivities will add to the excitement at Sam R. McCain Stadium. Trion held its annual homecoming parade Thursday evening, and tonight’s celebration will include recognition of the school’s homecoming court.
Meanwhile, the Chattooga Indians will travel to Fort Oglethorpe to take on the Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Warriors, with kickoff also scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Chattooga enters the game with a 1-6 record overall and a 1-2 record in Region 7-AA play.
The Indians are hoping to rebound from last Friday night’s 54-14 loss to Dade County at the Little Big Horn in Summerville.
Chattooga’s lone victory this season came on October 2, when the Indians defeated Gordon Central 38-22 in their homecoming game.
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe also enters tonight’s contest with a 1-6 record. The Warriors lost to Fannin County 45-14 last Friday night.
Tonight’s game will also be homecoming for Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, meaning both Chattooga County teams will be participating in homecoming matchups.
WZQZ will broadcast the Trion homecoming game live tonight on FM 99.1, with Paul Cavin, Jeremy Burke and Sam Kholer bringing listeners all the action from Sam R. McCain Stadium.
Both games will also be streamed live on Facebook.
The Trion broadcast will be available on the WZQZ Facebook page, while Chris “Bubba” Wilson, Steiner Davis and Mason Gilreath will provide coverage of the Chattooga Indians’ game at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe.
Fans can follow both teams throughout the evening with WZQZ, Your Hometown Radio Station.
Chattooga High School Wins Gold Cup At Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge
Chattooga High School’s construction and welding students brought home the Gold Cup from the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge held Thursday in Rome, earning multiple first-place finishes and demonstrating their skills against students from across the region.
The competition, organized by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia in partnership with SkillsUSA, was held at the Forum River Center and featured students competing in a variety of skilled trades.
Chattooga High School earned five first-place finishes, including individual championships in masonry, welding and cabinetmaking, along with team victories in TeamWorks and welding fabrication.
The school’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program announced the results Thursday evening, congratulating students for their accomplishments.
In the individual competitions, Cody Corbin won first place in masonry, while Jude Chestnut captured first place in welding. Gunner Henderson finished second in welding.
Corbin Wiggins earned first place in cabinetmaking, with Brian Durham taking third place in the same competition.
David Mangan finished second in carpentry, while Camp Bullard earned third place in plumbing.
Chattooga also had an outstanding showing in the team competitions.
The TeamWorks team of Oaklyn Young, Kylor Kellett, Ben Howard and Gabriel Pauley captured first place, demonstrating their ability to work together on construction-related projects.
The school’s welding fabrication team of Gunnar Allen, Skylar Ward and Rylan Green also earned first place.
The strong performance earned Chattooga High School the competition’s Gold Cup, adding another major accomplishment for the school’s career and technical education programs.
Chattooga CTAE officials credited construction instructor Bengi Price and welding instructor Carter Woodall for their work preparing students for the competition and helping them develop skills for future careers.
School officials said the students’ hard work, dedication and technical abilities were reflected in their success at the regional competition.
The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge gives high school students opportunities to demonstrate hands-on skills in construction and related trades while connecting career education with the region’s workforce needs.
Chattooga High School’s performance Thursday continues a tradition of success at the regional competition, where the school also earned the top team award in 2025.
Trenton Man Convicted Of Rape And Child Sex Trafficking In Dade County
A 53-year-old Trenton man has been convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving two minor victims following a two-day jury trial in Dade County.
According to a news release issued Thursday by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Virgil Travis Gilliam, 53, of Trenton, was found guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, three counts of aggravated child molestation, trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude and three counts of child molestation.
The trial concluded Tuesday, October 20, before Chief Judge Brian House.
Prosecutors said evidence presented during the trial showed that Gilliam sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl and trafficked the child for sexual purposes by taking her to other men’s homes in exchange for money.
The allegations came to light several years after the abuse when the child disclosed what had happened to Dade County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chris Gravitt.
A subsequent forensic interview at a Children’s Advocacy Center revealed additional allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Prosecutors said a medical examination documented injuries consistent with the child’s disclosures.
During the investigation, authorities identified a second victim who reported being sexually assaulted by Gilliam at age 15. Investigators also discovered material on Gilliam’s cell phone referencing incest and sex trafficking.
Prosecutors presented additional evidence concerning Gilliam’s past, including allegations involving a 13-year-old girl in Dade County in 1995 and another 13-year-old girl in DeKalb County, Alabama, in 2010.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Gilliam had not previously been arrested or formally charged in connection with those earlier incidents.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh prosecuted the case with assistance from members of the District Attorney’s Office and investigators.
Following the verdict, Baugh praised Investigator Gravitt and the Dade County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case, saying the investigation and evidence were crucial in securing the convictions.
Members of B.A.C.A., Bikers Against Child Abuse, attended the trial to provide support for the victims.
Gilliam has not yet been sentenced. Prosecutors say a sentencing hearing is expected next week.
Under Georgia law, Gilliam faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway For Veterans Planned In Rome
Veterans and military families across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to receive a free Thanksgiving turkey next month during a special event in Rome.
United Military Care, in partnership with Sysco, will host the “Give Thanks for Those Who Served” turkey giveaway on Saturday, November 7, at the Rome Civic Center.
The event will take place from 11 AM until 3 PM, with one free turkey available per eligible family.
The giveaway is open to veterans, active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, reservists, military dependents whose service member is currently deployed, and spouses of veterans who have military identification cards.
Advance registration is required, and participants must register before arriving at the event.
Those registering will receive an email confirmation containing pickup instructions and directions. Organizers encourage participants to make sure their email addresses are entered correctly when registering.
Participants must also bring documentation verifying their military service or eligibility. Acceptable identification includes a Veterans Affairs identification card, a driver’s license showing veteran status, a DD-214 discharge document, military identification or other qualifying military paperwork.
Organizers say turkeys will not be held for participants who arrive after the scheduled distribution hours.
The giveaway is intended to recognize the service of military veterans while providing assistance to families preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Veterans in Chattooga County and surrounding communities are welcome to participate if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Registration information is available through the City of Rome’s official website at romega.us.
Anyone with questions about eligibility or required documentation may contact United Military Care at 770-973-0014.
Chattooga Historical Society To Hold Fall Meeting At Historic Lyerly Home
The Chattooga County Historical Society will hold its annual fall meeting next month at one of the county’s historic homes, offering visitors an opportunity to explore local history and learn about the preservation of a landmark property.
The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 2 PM, at the Finley-Sanford home, located at 3065 Holland-Chattoogaville Road in Lyerly.
The historic home was built in 1832, before the Cherokee Removal, on land purchased by Samuel Finley from the Cherokee Land Lottery. The property eventually became home to several generations of the Finley family.
The Finley family was closely connected to the development of the surrounding community. Major Sam Mosteller, who lived on the property, operated a general store nearby and also served as a minister.
In the early 1970s, Carl and Tippy Sanford purchased the property from Miss Miriam Finley and began restoration and preservation efforts that continue today.
Miriam Finley, who was known for her interest in local history, served as an unofficial historian of the Holland community and was an active member of the Chattooga County Historical Society.
During the November 8 meeting, Tippy Sanford will welcome visitors to the home. Guests will have an opportunity to view before-and-after photographs of the restoration, along with furniture, antiques and other historical features of the property.
Refreshments featuring old-fashioned baked goods will be served, and members of the Chattooga Garden Club will provide seasonal arrangements for the tour.
The Historical Society will also have keepsake Christmas ornaments available for purchase. This year’s ornament features a steam locomotive crossing the steel bridge at Trion, commemorating the area’s railroad history.
Historical Society President Gene McGinnis said the meeting will offer an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the home, with docents available to answer questions.
The meeting is open to the public, and anyone interested in Chattooga County history is encouraged to attend.
The Chattooga County Historical Society has nearly 300 member families and welcomes new members. Annual membership is $20 and includes a quarterly publication.
For additional information, residents may contact P.O. Box 626, Summerville, Georgia 30747, or email chattoogahistory@outlook.com.
Veterans Group Plans $10,000 Raffle
The Veterans for the American Flag organization is planning a $10,000 raffle next month, with the drawing scheduled during a special celebration in Summerville.
The raffle will be held Saturday, November 7, in conjunction with a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
The event will take place on Scott Hill, just south of Summerville and below the large American flag.
Raffle tickets are available for $50 each and may be purchased at Bryant and Sons in Summerville or Mathis Builders in Rome and Battlefield Supply in Calhoun.
Tickets are also available through members of the Veterans for the American Flag organization.
The drawing will take place during the November 7 celebration, with the winner receiving $10,000.
The raffle is being organized by Veterans for the American Flag, a local group associated with the large American flag displayed on Scott Hill.
Menlo City Council Approves Ordinance Prohibiting Camping On Public Property
The Menlo City Council has approved a new ordinance prohibiting camping and certain other activities on public property within the city limits.
Council members unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading during Tuesday evening’s meeting, following a first reading last week.
Mayor Kris Willis said the ordinance was developed in response to concerns about homeless individuals living in the city’s park. Willis told council members that, on two occasions, the city had to deal with overnight guests using the park. He said he believes those individuals were from outside Menlo.
The new ordinance, titled the Camping and Improper Use of Public Areas Ordinance, makes it unlawful for anyone within the city limits to camp in a public area or interfere with others entering or leaving buildings, private property or public areas.
The ordinance defines camping broadly, including sleeping or preparing to sleep, laying down bedding, storing personal belongings, making a fire, cooking or using a tent or other structure for habitation.
Public areas covered by the ordinance include streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, schools, transportation facilities and other city-owned property. The ordinance also applies to other property where the public regularly gathers or meets.
Violators may be cited or arrested after receiving a verbal or written warning to stop the prohibited activity. Anyone who fails to promptly comply with the warning may face additional enforcement action.
Personal property left behind in violation of the ordinance may be considered abandoned and confiscated by the city without prior warning. The ordinance requires the city to retain confiscated property in the same manner as other property confiscated or abandoned.
The ordinance includes exceptions for people attending public events, festivals or other activities authorized by the city, as well as city employees and agencies performing their official duties.
The ordinance takes effect immediately.