Finster Fest continues today at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville, giving visitors one more opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s signature annual events.
Congressman Clay Fuller, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, joined federal, state and local officials in Chickamauga Friday to highlight $6 million in federal funding aimed at cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated or underused properties across Northwest Georgia.
The cost of living is becoming an increasingly important issue for Chattooga County households as residents face higher prices for several basic necessities — particularly gasoline, diesel fuel and groceries.
Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.
The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.
One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.
The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.
Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.
The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.
Parents of Trion Middle School and Trion High School wrestlers are encouraged to attend an important parent meeting today at 2 PM at the Trion Wrestling Building.
Coaches will provide an overview of the upcoming wrestling season and schedule and discuss team requirements and expectations.
The meeting will also cover parent involvement and volunteer opportunities, fundraising and program needs, dues and gear, food and team meals, and commitment and responsibilities for the upcoming season.
Parents of students planning to participate in the Trion wrestling program are encouraged to attend today to learn more about the season and ways they can support the team.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs interested in learning how artificial intelligence can help their businesses will have an opportunity to attend a free class in LaFayette later this month.
The class will be held Tuesday, September 29, from 5:30 until 7 PM at the LaFayette-Walker County Public Library.
The session will be taught by Ed Bennett, an AI and automation architect, and will focus on moving beyond one-time questions to AI tools and workflows that can help businesses save time, automate routine tasks and generate new business opportunities.
The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Organizers say the class is designed for people who want a practical look at ways artificial intelligence can be used in day-to-day business operations.
For more information, call the LaFayette-Walker County Public Library at 706-638-2992.
Chattooga County E-911 is looking for new dispatchers, offering paid training, benefits and a starting wage that increases after an employee’s first year.
With the November 3 General and Special Election approaching, the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office is reminding local voters about several important upcoming deadlines.
The deadline to register to vote or make changes to an existing voter record, including a name or address change, is Monday, October 5. Georgia’s official 2026 election calendar confirms October 5 as the registration deadline for the November election.
Applications for an absentee-by-mail ballot are already being accepted. Chattooga County election officials say applications must be received no later than October 23. That deadline also appears on the Georgia Secretary of State’s official election calendar.
For most absentee voters, counties can begin mailing ballots October 5. Completed absentee ballots must be received by election officials by 7 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Military and overseas voters are subject to different deadlines.
Another important date arrived this weekend. Under Georgia’s 2026 election calendar, September 19 is the deadline for election officials to post sample ballots for public viewing, 45 days ahead of the election. Voters can also access their sample ballot and other personalized election information through Georgia’s My Voter Page.
The November ballot will include the General Election along with local and state questions and races applicable to Chattooga County voters.
Michael David Elrod, age 65, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away on September 18, 2026. He was born in Summerville, Georgia, on August 21, 1961, to the late Milton and Amalene Elrod.
Michael was a remarkably hardworking and talented man who took great pride in everything he did. He began his working career as a skilled machinist, developing a craft that remained an important part of his life long after he changed professions. Michael had an extraordinary ability to understand how things worked. If he needed something, he could often design it, build it, repair it, or find a way to make it work with his own two hands. His resourcefulness, determination, and craftsmanship were admired by all who knew him.
For more than 40 years, Michael proudly owned and operated M. Elrod Trucking, Inc. Through years of dedication and countless hours on the road, he built much more than a successful business—he built a reputation for dependability, honesty, and hard work. He had a lifelong love for trucks, and over the years, he cherished the two Peterbilt’s that were such a special part of his life. They represented more than just vehicles to him- they were a source of pride, memories, hard work, and many miles traveled. He was recognized for driving more than one million safe miles during his career and traveled through 44 of the continental United States and into parts of Canada, making friends with every mile along the way. Michael never met a stranger, and the friendships he formed throughout his career were a testament to his kindness, character, and genuine interest in others. He was deeply respected within the trucking community and leaves behind a legacy of excellence that cannot be measured in miles alone.
As proud as Michael was of his work, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and stepfather, and a proud grandfather. Michael did not simply tell his family how to live—he showed them through his example. He spent countless hours teaching the boys how to hunt, fish, work on vehicles, solve problems, and do a job the right way. Most importantly, he taught them the value of honesty, responsibility, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.
Michael gave his family more than practical knowledge. He gave them his time, guidance, protection, and a lifetime of memories. He was someone they could depend on, learn from, laugh with, and look up to. He showed his love through the things he did each day, and the lessons he passed down will continue to guide his family for generations.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jolynn Elrod; his son, William Elrod; his stepsons, Jackie (Ashley) Carter and Scott (Jennifer) Seaman; his grandchildren, Harley Carter and L.J. Carter; and beloved members of the family, Grace Dooley, Jerry Cook and Wallace Cook who have shared a special place in his life.
He is also survived by his sister, Renae (David) Franklin; his father- and mother-in-law, Ricky and Carol Joy; his sisters-in-law, Anna (T.C.) Scott, Teresa (Bobby) Caron, and Suzanne (Troy) Bennage; his brother-in-law, Ricky (Miriam) Joy Jr.; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of good friends.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Elrod Wills; his brothers-in-law, Stewart Wills and Glenn Gilmore; and his granddaughter, Harper Seaman.
Michael leaves behind a life defined by love, strength, skill, and unwavering dedication. He will be remembered for the pride he took in his work, the friendships he made along the road, his remarkable ability to build and repair almost anything, and the steadfast love he gave his family. The miles he traveled were many, but the lives he touched were even greater. His example, his wisdom, and his love will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Elrod will take place at 2:00 PM Monday, September 21, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery with William Elrod, Scott Seaman, Preston Stephenson, Mike Lanier, Ethan Ray, Randy West, Jerry Cook, and Dirk McCommas serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wallace Cook and Marty Ruby.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 12:00 noon until the service hour.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, September 19, 2026: