Former Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas, a Republican, and John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk, a Democrat, are headed to an April 7 runoff election in the race for Georgia State Senate District 53 after no candidate won a majority in Tuesday’s special election.
The owner of the only restaurant in the Town of Lyerly has announced that Lyerly Drive Thru is being offered for sale, citing retirement planning and family commitments.
In a statement, the owner said the decision was made after thoughtful consideration and with retirement in mind. Family obligations are also prompting the owner to spend more time at home.
The owner described the listing as a great opportunity for someone interested in owning and operating a business in Lyerly.
According to the announcement, the sale will include the land, equipment and other essentials needed to continue operations. The owner also said the business will continue operating as usual during the sale process and that assistance will be provided to help the buyer get started when the time comes.
Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.
The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.
First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.
Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.
All first responders are welcome to attend.
Unofficial and incomplete results from Tuesday’s March 10, 2026 special election show 3,772 ballots cast in Chattooga County, representing 24.77% turnout among the county’s 15,226 registered voters.
The results released Tuesday night reflect Chattooga County votes only.
In the race for U.S. House of Representatives, District 14, Clay Fuller (Republican) received the most votes in Chattooga County with 1,705 votes (46.43%). Shawn Harris (Democrat) finished second locally with 912 votes (24.84%), followed by Colton Moore (Republican) with 727 votes (19.80%).
The 14th Congressional District covers multiple counties across Northwest Georgia, meaning the final outcome will be determined by votes from the entire district.
In the race for Georgia State Senate District 53, Lanny Thomas (Republican) led the vote in Chattooga County with 1,796 votes (48.27%), followed by Blake Elsberry (Republican) with 910 votes (24.46%), John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk (Democrat) with 696 votes (18.70%), and Denise Pierce Burns (Republican) with 319 votes (8.57%).
The 53rd State Senate District includes voters in Chattooga, Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Floyd counties, meaning the final election results will depend on totals from all counties in the district.
Election officials reported 1,869 votes cast on Election Day, 1,837 during advance voting, and 66 absentee ballots by mail.
Final certified results will be released after all counties complete their tabulations.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, March 10, 2026:
Unseasonably warm weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week as a stalled front lingers across the region, bringing scattered morning showers and the chance for an isolated thunderstorm Tuesday.
Today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, is Election Day for the Special Elections for U.S. House of Representatives District 14 and Georgia Senate District 53.
The Chattooga County Elections and Registration Board reminds voters that ballots must be cast at their assigned polling location.
Polling places open today include:
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Gore Fire Hall
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Lyerly Community Center
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Former Menlo City Hall
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Chattooga County Civic Center
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Trion Recreation Department
Election officials report that 1,837 ballots were cast during Advance Voting, which has now concluded.
As of 8:30 a.m. on March 9, a total of 74 absentee-by-mail ballots had been issued. Of those:
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59 ballots have been accepted
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1 ballot has been spoiled
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14 ballots remain outstanding
The deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot has already passed. However, absentee ballots may still be returned until 7 p.m. today. Ballots must be mailed or hand delivered to the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, located at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.
Voters with questions about polling locations or ballot status are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office.
Advocates for Georgians with disabilities say the state faces an urgent need for expanded support services, warning lawmakers that many families are struggling to access essential care.
Happening today, the City of Summerville will hold a public listening session to gather community input on ideas and services that can better support youth with special needs and their families.
The meeting is set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at The Depot on East Washington Street.
City officials say the goal is to hear directly from residents about the needs, resources, and programs that could make a difference for local families.
The public is encouraged to attend and share input.
A man wanted in connection with an armed robbery at the State Line Tavern in Floyd County near the Georgia-Alabama state line is now in custody.
According to an arrest warrant, 23-year-old Alric Gabriel Crawford of Centre, Alabama, entered the business on December 28 armed with a gun and demanded money from the clerk.
Authorities say Crawford took around $3,000 during the robbery.
Crawford is now being held in the Floyd County Jail without bond and is charged with armed robbery.
A second suspect, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lemar Smith of Gadsden, was arrested shortly after the robbery. Authorities say Smith was found hiding in a dumpster off West Main Street near Watson Drive in Centre.
The case remains under investigation.