TODAY'S HEADLINES

Monday, February 23, 2026

ELBERTON EARNS 2025 TREE CITY USA

RECOGNITION FROM ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

news@wsgcradio.com

ELBERTON, Georgia (1/26/2026) — The Arbor Day Foundation has named Elberton a 2025 Tree City USA, recognizing the city’s ongoing commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees for the benefit of the community.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. With a network of more than one million supporters and partners, the organization has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972.

The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that use urban forestry to enhance livability and sustainability in their communities for more than 40 years.

“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like Elberton are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Elberton is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help reduce the urban heat island effect, lessen stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and support better mental and physical health. When planted in the right places, trees can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.

Devan Seawright with the City of Elberton noted that this marks Elberton’s 20th year being nominated as a Tree City.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.

Elbert County Advances Three Community Projects with UGA Partnership

Lori Blackmon

news@wsgcradio.com

The Elbert County Development Authority is moving forward with three new community development projects in partnership with the University of Georgia. According to Economic Developer Caitlin Dye, the county joined the Connected Resilient Communities program last April, a smaller initiative within UGA’s Archway Partnership, and progress is now underway.

Through the program, Elbert County, the City of Elberton, and the City of Bowman are collaborating on three community-focused projects.

The first project centers on redeveloping the former Bowman Elementary School building. Students involved in the program suggested several possibilities for the site, including converting it into a YMCA. Other ideas being considered include a mixed-use development that could feature housing, retail space, and a restaurant.

The second project gaining momentum is a countywide housing study. A community survey conducted last April showed that residents see a need for more available housing. The next step will be identifying what types of housing currently exist in the county and what may be lacking. The study will be conducted in partnership with UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and will help guide updates to the county’s future land-use map in the coming months.

The third project focuses on revitalizing the former Hickory Drive Park, an eight- to nine-acre property owned by the City of Elberton. Officials say the park has strong potential but will need improvements. Possible plans include adding walking trails and open basketball courts designed for casual, come-and-go use.

Together, these three initiatives make up Elbert County’s commitment to the Connected Resilient Communities program.

Elbert County JROTC Drill Team Opens Season with Strong Showing at Cedar Shoals Meet

news@wsgcradio.com

The Elbert County High School JROTC drill team kicked off its competition season in impressive fashion Saturday at the meet hosted by Cedar Shoals High School, bringing home multiple top finishes and overall honors.

The team earned first place in several events, including Mixed Unarmed Platoon, Mixed Armed Platoon, Mixed Armed Squad, and Female Armed Squad. Elbert County also captured 1st Overall in the Mixed Team competition, highlighting a strong start to the year for the program.

In addition, the Mixed Color Guard delivered a strong performance to finish second place, missing first by just three points, while the Female Color Guard claimed first place in its category. The Female Team also had a successful outing, earning 2nd Overall at the meet.

Monday, February 23, 2026

• No events posted at this time

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

• First Round State Playoffs - LADY DEVILS BASKETBALL WILL HOST ACE CHARTER ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 @ 6:00 PM. GoFan Link for Tickets Click here for tickets! schoolld-GA17181

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

• No events posted at this time

Thursday, February 26, 2026

• No events posted at this time

Friday, February 27, 2026

• No events posted at this time

Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Friends Helping Friends Club Pageant and Live Auction with Mecole Hardman, Jr., starts at 3:45 p.m. at the Elbert County Middle School Auditorium.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

• Youth On The Move For God 3rd Annual Black History Program, starts at 2:30 p.m. at Wesley Chapel UMC, speaker will be Ke'Mauri Willis
• Trinity Baptist Church Pastor's Anniversary, starts at 11:15 a.m., guest speaker will be Reverend Lance Pitts, a reception will be held following the program

Send Community Calendar event notices to

stan@wsgcradio.com or call 706-283-1400

Dennis Stuart Andrews, 74, of Bowman, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, from 6:30p.m. until 8:30p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Memorial services celebrating his life will be conducted on Friday, February 20, at 3:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Paramore officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Dennis Stuart Andrews. Full obituary

Herman Harold Johnson, 86, of Chamblee, GA, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was the husband of Mary Lovelace Fortson Johnson. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, from 2:00-2:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 3:00p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Herman Harold Johnson. https://www.berryfh.com/obituaries/herman-johnson-2026 Full obituary

Willie Roberson Norman, Sr., affectionately known as “Bob”, age 88, entered into his rest on February 11, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12pm in the Berry Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Norman Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Public viewing will be held on Friday, February 20, from 12:00-4:00p.m. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Willie Roberson “Bob” Norman, Sr. https://www.berryfh.com/obituaries/willie-roberson-bob-norman-sr Full obituary

Charlie "Bird" Leverette, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Memorial Service will be held for Mr. Leverette on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 3:00pm at Westside Presbyterian Church. Arrangements for Mr. Charlie "Bird" Leverette, Jr. have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. https://www.macksfuneralhome.com/obituary/CharlieBird-LeveretteJr Full obituary

Olivia (Funderburk) Black age 71 of Bowersille, GA passed away on

Sunday, February 15, 2026 at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in

Lavonia, GA. Per her wishes she will lie in state at her home located at 171 Hubbard

Street Bowersville, GA 30516 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and

Thursday, February 19, 2026 where the family will receive friends from

6:00 - 8:00 PM each night. A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Gaines Chapel Emmanuel Holiness Church Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors of 333

E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643. Olivia Funderburk Black Obituary February 15, 2026 - Coile and Hall Funeral Directors Full obituary

Linda (Oglesby) Fortson, age 72, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026. Arrangements are currently incomplete and will be announced at a later date. The staff of Mack’s Funeral Home joins the family in asking that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The family respectfully requests that friends and members of the community begin visitation after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, as they take time to process their loss. Friends and loved ones may express their condolences by signing the online guestbook, sending flowers, or lighting a memorial candle in honor of Ms. Fortson’s memory.

Arrangements for Ms. Linda Oglesby Fortson have been entrusted to Mack’s Funeral Home, Elberton Chapel. Obituary for Linda (Oglesby) Fortson | Mack's Funeral Home