Mr. Howard Leon “Tooster” Ward, Obit. (M)

Mr. Howard Leon “Tooster” Ward, age 75, of Cedar Bluff, AL, died Monday, September 21, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Ward was born February 7, 1951, in Trion, GA, son of the late Sandy Howard Ward and Margaret Montrey Lea Ward.  He was Baptist by faith, and prior to his retirement, was self-employed in the heating and air industry.  Mr. Ward cherished his family and loved music and gardening.  He also enjoyed mechanic work, fishing, and rabbit hunting.  Mr. Ward was also a veteran of the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Uvon “Bonnie” Ward.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Ward; sons, Brian (Jennifer) Ward, Arnold (Sylvia) Ward; a daughter, Angela (Lee) Dobyns; brothers, Ray Ward, Sam Ward, Rick Ward; sisters, Annette (Ron) Steward, Terry Easton, and Mary Dillard; grandchildren, Gabrielle White, Cassandra White, and Jaxon Ward; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Reynolds officiating.

Mr. Ward will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – September 22, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, September 22, 2026:

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South Commerce Street COC- Talks From The Bible September 22, 2026

Lyerly Community Church September 22, 2026

Storm Chances Continue Today Before Cooler Fall Weather Arrives

Another hot and unsettled day is expected across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, but a significant change toward more seasonable late-September weather is on the way.

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Storm Damage Reported Across Trion Monday Evening

Trion residents are cleaning up this morning following a strong thunderstorm that caused widespread damage across the town Monday evening.

Trion Police Chief David Gilleland told WZQZ News Monday night that the damage was extensive, with numerous trees and limbs brought down across town.

Damage was reported in front of Mount Vernon Mills and along Simmons Street, Town Hall Drive, Marsh Avenue and Pine Street, as well as several other locations. Crews had already cleared the area in front of the mill when Gilleland spoke with WZQZ shortly before 7:45 PM.

One of the more significant areas of damage was at the Trion Recreation Department, where a large tree came down near the tennis courts.

Gilleland told WZQZ the falling tree took out the entire fence surrounding the tennis courts.

Some residents along side streets also experienced power outages Monday evening, although power remained on at Trion School following the storm.

Most importantly, Gilleland said no injuries had been reported as of Monday night.

Photos taken around Trion following the storm showed large trees and limbs down near homes and along roadways.

There was no immediate confirmation that a tornado was responsible for the damage. The storms that moved through the area were capable of producing strong, damaging wind gusts.

Crews were working Monday evening to clear trees and debris and assess the extent of the damage.

Northwest Georgia Job Fair Happening Today

Job seekers from Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to meet directly with hiring employers today at a regional job fair in Rock Spring.

WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority are hosting the Northwest Georgia Job Fair from 10 AM until 1 PM today, Tuesday, September 22, at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27.

Organizers say employers from Chattooga, Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties will be participating, with companies looking to fill current openings across a variety of fields.

Job seekers attending today’s event should bring multiple copies of their résumé and be prepared to speak directly with employers about available positions, qualifications and hiring requirements.

The event is designed for people who are unemployed, considering a career change or simply interested in learning about other employment opportunities available across Northwest Georgia.

The job fair is free and runs from 10 AM until 1 PM today at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.

Georgia DNR Announces New Statewide Deer Carcass Disposal Rules

With Georgia’s archery deer season underway, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters about new statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses and unused deer parts.

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What Chattooga County Voters Will See On The November Ballot

Chattooga County voters will have a lengthy ballot when they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, with races ranging from the U.S. Senate and governor to the Georgia General Assembly, along with several state and local ballot questions.

Georgia’s sample ballots became available September 19, giving voters an opportunity to review the races and questions before early voting begins. Georgia law requires sample ballots to be posted at least 45 days before Election Day, and voters can view the ballot specific to their precinct through the Georgia My Voter Page.

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North Georgia EMC Operation Round Up Awards $5,350 In Chattooga County

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Five organizations serving Chattooga County received a combined $5,350 through North Georgia EMC’s Operation Round Up program during the cooperative’s Spring 2026 grant cycle.

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