Mrs. Betty Jean Lawson Shives, Obit. (M)

Mrs. Betty Jean Lawson Shives, age 91, of Trion, GA, died Monday, June 1, 2026, at Fifth Avenue Health Care.

Mrs. Shives was born August 25, 1934, in Jamestown, AL, daughter of the late Albert and Ruby Koonce Lawson.  Prior to her retirement, she was employed at Fred’s.  Mrs. Shives enjoyed gardening, yard work, bird watching, and spending time with her great-granddaughter, Lorna.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Leslie “Les” Shives; sisters, Johnnie Owens, Pat Hutchins; and a great-granddaughter, Stephanie Isabella Wells.

Survivors include her son, Brent (Tracy) Shives; daughter, Cindy (Jeff) Wells; 4 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Private entombment will be held at Greenhills Memory Gardens.

There will be no visitation.

Mrs. Deborah Kaye Whaley, Obit. (ER)

MRS. DEBORAH KAYE WHALEY, age 69, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in a Rome hospital. A native of Chattooga County, She was born on February 6, 1957 to the late Charles Mitchell and Wanda Jean Smith who survives.

 

Surviving are Her mother, Wanda Jean Smith; son, Donavon Whaley; brother, Danny Wooten; grandchildren, Dalay Whaley, Gavyn Whaley, and Bransen Whaley; several Nieces and Nephews.

 

The Family will receive friends Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Arrest Report – Thursday – June 4, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 4, 2026:

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Lyerly Community Church

South Commerce Street- Talks From The Bible – June 4, 2026

Comfortable Weather Continues Before Rain Chances Return

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can look forward to several more days of dry and comfortable weather before the return of typical summertime showers and thunderstorms later this weekend.

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Chattooga County Animal Control Seeking Donations Of Kitten Food

Chattooga County Animal Control is asking for the community’s help as the shelter experiences an influx of young kittens.

According to shelter officials, 14 kittens have been taken in during the past week alone, including nine that arrived without their mother and require additional care and feeding.

The shelter is currently in urgent need of wet kitten food donations, and officials say any brand will help. Donations can be dropped off during shelter operating hours or mailed directly to the facility.

Chattooga County Animal Control is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville.

Regular shelter hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.

Officials say community support is critical in helping provide proper nutrition and care for the young animals until they are ready for adoption.

Anyone wishing to help can donate wet kitten food directly to the shelter.

Lyerly Fire Department Plans Fundraiser To Support Back-To-School Bash

The Lyerly Fire Department is asking for community support as it prepares for its annual Back-to-School Bash, which provides free school supplies and book bags to local students.

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Georgia Expands Support For Farmers With New Resource Center As Trade Talks Continue

Georgia agriculture leaders are continuing efforts to strengthen the state’s farming industry through new business resources and expanded market opportunities.

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Walker County Commissioners Schedule FY2027 Budget Work Sessions

The Walker County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a series of budget work sessions next week as county leaders begin reviewing and discussing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

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