The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed five additional cases of measles, bringing the state’s total to 21 cases so far in 2026.
Five Chattooga County educators have been recognized as their schools’ 2027 Teachers of the Year and will now move forward for consideration for the districtwide honor.
A 46-year-old Trion woman was arrested in Floyd County this week after authorities said a firearm was discovered during a traffic stop in Rome.
According to Floyd County Jail reports, Starla Desiree Dean, 46, of Trion, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped Tuesday on Turner McCall Boulevard for a brake-light violation.
Authorities said the driver, 44-year-old Christopher David Sisco Jr. of Tunnel Hill, fled from the traffic stop at a high rate of speed and at one point traveled on the wrong side of the roadway before eventually stopping.
A search of the vehicle reportedly turned up methamphetamine, amphetamine pills, a digital scale, drug-related items and four firearms, along with magazines and ammunition.
According to reports, officers discovered Dean had an active warrant and found a pistol holder while taking her into custody. Police then located a pistol in the vehicle that reportedly fit the holder.
Dean was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was also listed as facing two probation violation counts.
Sisco faces numerous charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, firearms charges, reckless driving and other traffic offenses.
Chattooga County residents who want to vote in the November 3 General Election have until Monday, October 5, to register to vote or update their voter registration information.
A major Georgia Department of Transportation project on U.S. Highway 27 at Taylor’s Ridge has taken another step toward construction, with Wilson Construction Management, LLC of Norcross listed as the apparent low bidder at $4,076,759.
Two small floor freezers for sale. Text only. 706-844-7248.
Mr. Cecil William Watkins, age 88, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, passed away Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026, at his daughter’s residence in Waycross, GA.
Cecil was born July 4, 1938, in Trion, GA, to the late Ralph McKinley Watkins and Jewel Pack Watkins. He lived most of his life in the Trion and Summerville area. Cecil began his working career at Mt. Vernon Mills and was a truck driver for 55 years, working last with Phelps Transportation. He was a member of New Generation Church of God. Cecil Three years ago, he moved to Waycross to be with his daughter, where he attended Kettle Creek Church. Cecil enjoyed golfing in years past and eating at Waffle House, but most of all, he cherished visiting with others and witnessing for the Lord.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Patricia White Watkins; and his siblings, Maggie Tucker, Betty Tucker, Faye Williams, Buddy Watkins, and Frankie Watkins.
Survivors include two daughters, Cassandra White of Summerville, GA, and Candrice Hatcher (Tim) of Waycross, GA; his beloved dog, JJ; grandchildren, Randy Vaughn (Amanda), Angel Vaughn, Mitchell Hatcher (Nicole), and Austin Hatcher (Heather); great-grandchildren, Ella Vaughn, Israel Vaughn, Nathan Hatcher, McKinley Hatcher, Lincoln Hatcher, Charlotte Hatcher, and Henry Hatcher; siblings, David Watkins, Joyce Grogan, Sherman Watkins, Ray Watkins, Paul Watkins, and Shirley Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home, Summerville, Georgia with Rev. Danny Harkins and Rev. Jamie Godwin officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. Monday at Coffman Funeral Home.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Cecil William Watkins.
Mrs. Eva Nell Winters, age 90 a resident of Summerville, Georgia passed away on September 30, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehab Center where she had been a resident for about 8 years. She was surrounded by a number of family members and friends as she passed.
Ms. Eva was born September 19, 1936 in Centre, Alabama daughter of the late John Henry Bradley and Nettie Elizabeth Kirby Bradley. She was of the Baptist faith where she attended Dry Valley Baptist Church. Ms. Eva had a love for sewing, quilting and cooking. It is said that she was an amazing cook.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Grady E. Winters; brother, Virgil Bradley; sister, Leigh Dale Gerard; sister, Christine Johnson; sister, Edgil Sanford.
Surviving are daughter, Judy Tapp (Sammy); daughter, Patsy Hall; daughter, Wanda Elrod (Leonard); daughter Booger Hines. Ms. Eva is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews along with a number of very special friends.
The family extends a very special “thank-you” to the staff at the Oakview Nursing and Rehab as well as the staff of Affinis Hospice.
Services for Ms. Winters will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory where the family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour with the Dr. Brannon Martin officiating. Pall bearers will be Russell Justice, Dusty Hines, Mark Smith, Kolby Smith, David Ray Cordell and Travis Cordell. Honorary pallbearers will be Great grandchildren, Great-great grandchildren, staff of the Oakview Nursing and Rehab, staff of Affinis Hospice. Interment will follow in the Oakhill Cemetery at the Lyerly Methodist Church.
The Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Eva Nell Winters.
Join us as we celebrate and honor Pastor Marshall Bryan for 20 years of service to the Kingdom of God. Pastor Appreciation Day is October 11th. Join us for our 11:00 o’clock service.
Children’s Church will be provided during morning worship. A potluck dinner is following the service. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate this joyous occasion with us. Lyerly
Community Church is located at 105 Oakhill Road in Lyerly, GA. For more information contact Rebecca Thomas at 706-676-2432. (Photo attached)
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 1, 2026: