Voters in Lyerly will have a new polling location for future elections, Chattooga County election officials announced yesterday. The change will take effect starting with the upcoming election on March 18, 2025. According to an official notice released by the Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration, the Lyerly precinct polling place will be moved from its current location at the Lyerly Fire Hall (6086 Highway 114) to the Lyerly Community Center, located at 29 Alpine Street, Lyerly, Georgia 30730. The change is being made to better serve the voters of the Lyerly with the Lyerly Community Center providing a more accessible and convenient location for residents to exercise their right to vote.  The Board of Elections and Registration is providing notice of the change as mandated by Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 21-2-265). Lyerly voters are encouraged to take note of the new polling location before heading to the polls on March 18th for the upcoming SPLOST vote.

Murder charges have been filed against two former inmates in connection with the October killing of Lawrence Williams, 33, at Hays State Prison near Trion, Georgia. Montez Potts, 31, and Adrian Murdock, 35, are accused of participating in a gang-related killing inside the prison walls. According to arrest records, Potts and Murdock are charged with being “party to the crime of murder, aiding and abetting in the killing of Lawrence Williams by chasing him down, armed with a weapon, and trapping him on a stairwell where he was stabbed, leading to his death.” Prison investigators described the October 24th incident as a “coordinated attack” involving a crudely made knife, often referred to as a shank. Arrest records further allege that both Potts and Murdock are “validated members of the Blood Gang and participated in gang activity, by possessing a weapon, and engaging in a coordinated, violent act of aggravated assault and murder, with other Blood Gang members, to assist the gang.” Williams, who was from Valdosta, Georgia, was the fourth prisoner killed at Hays State Prison in 2024.

The Chattooga County Democratic Party has announced its annual Black History Month celebration, “Celebrating Our Heritage Through Poem and Song,” scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd at 7:00 PM. The event will be held at the Chattooga County Civic Center in Summerville. The evening will feature a vibrant showcase of local talent, including song, dance, and spoken word performances, all paying tribute to the rich history of Black culture in Chattooga County. In addition to the performances, the Chattooga County Democratic Party will be presenting two prestigious awards: The Community Service Award will be presented to Maisha Ludy, a Coordinator with Chattooga Family Connection, in recognition of her tireless dedication and countless hours of volunteer service to charitable organizations within the community. The Community Spirit Award will be awarded to Janice Foster, an active member of the MLK Committee, dedicated volunteer with Camp Juliette Low, caregiver, and beloved community singer whose talents uplift and inspire. The event is free to the public and all are invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Individuals interested in performing at the celebration are encouraged to contact Pam Albert at (706) 859-8044 for further information on participation. The Chattooga County Democratic Party encourages everyone to join them for this special evening of celebration and community.

Nearly half a million Georgians, including small business owners, farmers, veterans, and gig workers, cannot afford private health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Closing this coverage gap is important for both health care and economic reasons, benefiting not only those in need but all Georgians. 

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, February 13, 2025:

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The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Chattooga River at Summerville, effective from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon. Minor flooding is expected in the area. The river is forecast to exceed its flood stage of 14 feet early Thursday afternoon, cresting at an estimated 15.9 feet tomorrow evening before receding below flood stage late Saturday morning.

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New research finds pedestrian fatalities occur disproportionately in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research shows a worrying rise in pedestrian deaths in the United States, with fatalities increasing by over 80% since 2009. Most of these deaths occur after dark on major roads outside towns and cities, which have high traffic, few stops, multiple lanes, and access to key areas.

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The Chattooga Senior Center, located off Farrar Drive, is inviting the community to join them for a hot dog fundraiser on Friday, February 21st, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The fundraiser aims to raise much-needed funds for the center’s senior programs and activities. For just $10, attendees can purchase a lunch plate featuring a mouthwatering hot dog, crispy chips, creamy slaw, a classic Little Debbie cake, and a refreshing drink. All proceeds from the event will directly support the seniors at the center, contributing to the funding of bingo prizes, craft supplies, exciting trips, and a variety of other engaging activities. To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, preorders are encouraged. Community members can place their orders by calling 706-857-5001 between 8 AM and 2 PM the day before the event. Come out and support the Chattooga Senior Center while enjoying a tasty lunch! Your participation will help enrich the lives of local seniors and contribute to a vibrant and supportive community

On Wednesday evening, the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office released the name of a man who was struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle on Highway 27 in Trion on Monday night. Coroner Jeremy McElhaney  confirmed that the identity of the victim killed after being struck by a vehicle Monday night is 56 year old Andy Lamar Hines – listed as from Chattooga County. The investigation into the fatal accident is still ongoing.

A single-vehicle accident on Mountain View Road at Adams Road in Trion caused a temporary lane closure Wednesday night. The incident involved a vehicle that overturned into a culvert, resulting in water entering the vehicle. Initial reports indicated possible entrapment, but a passing pedestrian stopped to assist the driver before emergency responders arrived. The Trion Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after, and firefighters successfully and safely extricated the driver from the wrecked vehicle. The accident is still under investigation.