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May 18, 2026

Election Day Is Tuesday In Chattooga County

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Election Day for the May 19, 2026 General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election is tomorrow in Chattooga County.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 AM until 7 PM. Voters are reminded that they must go to their assigned Election Day polling location, not the Registrars Office.

According to the Chattooga County Board of Elections, 1,301 ballots were cast during Advance Voting, which has now ended.

As of Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 AM, 53 absentee by mail ballots had been issued. Of those, 42 had been accepted and 11 remained outstanding. The deadline to submit an application for an absentee by mail ballot has passed.

Voters will be required to show a government-issued photo ID when checking in to vote. Those voting in person will also be asked to select a Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan ballot.

May 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Health Inspection Scores – First Half of May 2026

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The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released its latest food service inspection scores for the first half of May 2026.

All listed locations received scores in the 90s or above, with three locations receiving perfect scores of 100.

Pudding Pops’ base of operation and mobile unit, both located at 190 Alred Street in Summerville, each received a perfect score of 100 during inspections on May 12.

Lyerly School also received a perfect score of 100 during its May 1 inspection.

Other scores included Waffle House in Summerville with a 96 on May 8, and Zaxby’s in Summerville with a 99 on May 7.

For more information, or for any complaints about any food service or tourist accommodation that operates in Chattooga County, residents may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.

May 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lyerly Man Charged With Exploitation Of Elderly Rome Man

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A Lyerly man has been booked into the Floyd County Jail after police said he exploited an elderly Rome man who was battling stage 4 lung cancer.

According to reports, 30-year-old Holland Tyler Bishop allegedly took and wrote a check belonging to the victim for his own use without permission.

Police said the check was written in April of 2024 and was in the amount of $1,300.

Bishop has been charged with exploitation of the elderly or disabled.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Sunday – May 17, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 17, 2026.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Strong Storms Possible Across North Georgia Today; Hotter Temperatures Ahead This Week

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Forecasters say scattered showers and strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across north and central Georgia this afternoon and continue into the early evening hours.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

LaFayette Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Shinbone Valley Road In Menlo

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A LaFayette man was killed Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo, according to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney.

Authorities said the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the coroner’s office at approximately 6:18 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival at the scene, Coroner McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland dead at the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Penland was the sole operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash was reportedly discovered and called in by a passer-by. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

Responding agencies included the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council Called Meeting Monday

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The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, May 18 at 5:30 PM at Summerville City Hall to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.

According to the meeting agenda, city officials and department heads will present budget discussions for multiple city departments and operations, including police, fire, recreation, streets, water and sewer services, gas operations and municipal court.

City Manager Jason Winters is scheduled to present information related to revenues, building inspection, water administration and gas administration. Other presentations will come from department leaders overseeing information technology, wastewater treatment, the water treatment plant and Main Street operations.

The meeting agenda also includes mayor’s comments, announcements, introduction of guests and a public comments portion before adjournment.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Brinley Corbin’s Dream Becomes Reality With Opening Of Trion Dog Park

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Brinley Alexandria Corbin’s dream became a reality Saturday as the Town of Trion officially opened a new dog park inspired by her love for animals and her community.

Family, friends and community members gathered at the Track Field for the dog park opening, where Mayor Mickey McGraw and the Trion Town Council welcomed those in attendance. The park now stands as a lasting tribute to Brinley, who loved her pups, her hometown and the people around her.

Earlier in the day, loved ones also gathered at Hurley Park for a bench dedication in Brinley’s memory. The bench was purchased by several teacher friends of Brinley’s mother, Staci, as a way to honor both Brinley’s life and the love surrounding her family.

Brinley was 26 years old when she passed away on April 9, 2025. On Saturday, the community made it clear that she has not been forgotten.

The new dog park includes separate areas for larger and smaller dogs. Residents are encouraged to bring their pups, enjoy the new community space and remember Brinley’s legacy through kindness, love and community spirit.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Residents To Consider Pet Adoption

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is encouraging residents to consider opening their homes to a shelter pet.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Peaceful Protest Held In Downtown Summerville Supporting Trion Student In ICE Custody

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Members of the Chattooga County Democratic Party organized a peaceful protest in downtown Summerville on Saturday in support of a Trion High School student currently being held by federal immigration authorities.