Berry College Partners With Georgia Department Of Corrections To Bring College Courses To Walker State Prison (Correction)
Berry College is partnering with the Georgia Department of Corrections to expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals, with a focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and successful reentry.
The program brings Berry College students and incarcerated students together through college-level coursework, including classes such as Introduction to Sociology. The effort uses the “Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program” model, allowing students on both sides to learn together in a correctional setting through discussion, reflection, and collaboration. (See correction).
One recent class at Walker State Prison saw 20 offenders complete a Sociology course through the partnership. Supporters say the program helps build critical thinking skills, confidence, communication, and career readiness for life after incarceration.
The initiative also reflects Berry College’s mission of expanding educational opportunity while supporting the Georgia Department of Corrections’ broader goal of reducing recidivism through education, literacy, vocational training, and reentry preparation.
Leaders involved in the program say higher education can play an important role in rehabilitation by helping participants develop new perspectives, strengthen decision-making skills, and prepare for a more stable future.
Correction: Dr. Sarah Allred with Berry College says ” The Berry College HEP program does not apply or use the pedagogy of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Rather, we offer traditional college courses exclusively to people incarcerated at Walker State Prison. While there are no Berry students learning alongside the Walker students (which would be the Inside Out model of learning), the Berry HEP Program does benefit from the contributions of Berry Student Interns who accompany Berry faculty in the classroom. From 2008 – 2020, I offered college classes at Floyd County Prison in Rome, GA and these courses were modeled after the InsideOut Prison Exchange Program. I do not use this model at Walker State Prison”.
Chattooga High School Alumna Completes Capitol Hill Internship
Chattooga High School alumna Izzy Wooten recently completed an internship in Washington, D.C., serving in the office of Congressman Clay Fuller.
During her time on Capitol Hill, Wooten gained firsthand experience with the federal legislative process while assisting constituents and learning more about the daily operations of Congress.
Wooten is currently a senior at the University of Alabama, where she is pursuing a STEM degree. After graduation, she plans to attend law school before returning to Georgia.
Wooten says she hopes to use her legal education to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in government. Her long-term goal is to help strengthen public trust, reduce corruption, and restore integrity to Georgia’s public institutions while serving citizens in her home state.
National Model Railroad Convention Steam Excursion Coming To Summerville Thursday
A special steam excursion connected to the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention and National Train Show will make a stop in Summerville on Thursday, July 30.
The national convention is being held in Chattanooga for the first time in its 90-year history and is expected to draw more than 1,000 registered attendees from around the world. Organizers also anticipate more than 15,000 visitors for the National Train Show.
As part of the convention, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will operate a chartered steam excursion to Summerville with approximately 450 passengers aboard. Special permission was granted by the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway for the weekday trip.
The steam locomotive, pulling 12 passenger cars, is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Passengers will have an opportunity to view the Summerville Railroad Turntable and enjoy a catered luncheon in Dowdy Park.
The excursion is scheduled to depart Summerville at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Motorists should be aware that the railroad crossings on East Washington Street and East First Avenue will be closed while the train is in Summerville. Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during the closure.
Arrest Report - Tuesday - July 28, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, July 28, 2026:
Heat Advisory Issued As Dangerous Heat Grips Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for dangerous heat today, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 106 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday for nearly all of north and central Georgia.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 95 degrees. Southwest winds will become west at 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will create hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Forecasters also warn that scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop late Tuesday into Tuesday night. While coverage is expected to be limited, any storms that do form could produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.
A cold front is expected to move through the region on Wednesday, bringing another chance for showers and thunderstorms before much drier and more comfortable air arrives later in the week. High temperatures will fall into the upper 80s by Thursday and Friday, with noticeably lower humidity.
Rain chances increase again over the weekend as another weather system approaches, bringing a return of scattered showers and thunderstorms Saturday through Monday.
Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drinking plenty of water, wearing light-colored clothing, and checking on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets. Never leave children or animals unattended in a parked vehicle, where temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
Georgia Corrections Warns Families About Bond And Prison Release Scams
The Georgia Department of Corrections is warning families across the state about two scams involving false demands for money following an arrest or before an inmate’s release from prison.
In the first scam, callers claim to represent a sheriff’s office and contact the families of people who were recently arrested and released from a county jail. The callers falsely say that additional bond money, court costs or other fees must be paid.
The second scam targets families of people currently incarcerated. In those cases, callers claim to work for a sheriff’s office, probation or parole and falsely state that payment is required before the inmate can be released from prison.
State corrections officials believe the calls are being made by inmates using contraband cell phones.
The Georgia Department of Corrections says legitimate law enforcement agencies, probation officers and parole officers do not demand payment over the phone to secure someone’s release. They also do not require payment through gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or other immediate payment methods.
Anyone receiving this type of call should not provide personal or financial information. Hang up and contact the sheriff’s office, probation office, parole office or correctional facility directly using an official phone number.
Georgia Lottery Raises Record $1.54 Billion For HOPE And Pre-K Programs
The Georgia Lottery generated more than $1.54 billion for education during fiscal year 2026, supporting the HOPE Scholarship and Georgia’s voluntary Pre-K Program.
Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia Lottery Corporation transferred $1,540,868,000 to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education Account during the fiscal year. Since ticket sales began in 1993, the lottery has now contributed more than $31.3 billion to education programs across Georgia.
Fiscal year 2026 marked the 11th consecutive year in which lottery profits for education exceeded $1 billion. The latest total was also $69.5 million higher than fiscal year 2025, when approximately $1.47 billion was transferred for education.
“The Georgia Lottery has generated $11.48 billion in proceeds for the HOPE Scholarship and our Pre-K Program over the last eight years,” Kemp said.
The governor said the lottery funding complements other state education investments, including restoring the HOPE Scholarship to cover 100 percent of tuition at eligible public colleges and universities and eliminating the institutional fee previously charged to students.
Lottery proceeds are legally dedicated to specific education programs. The money helps fund HOPE scholarships and grants for students attending Georgia colleges, universities and technical colleges, as well as free Pre-K classes for eligible four-year-old children.
Since the lottery’s creation, more than 2.3 million students have received HOPE assistance, while more than 2.2 million children have participated in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, according to the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin credited retailers, employees, vendors, state leaders and lottery players for the strong financial year. She said every ticket purchased helps support Georgia students and families who benefit from lottery-funded education programs.
Fiscal year 2026 also included the largest prize in Georgia Lottery history—a $983 million Mega Millions jackpot won with a ticket purchased in Newnan in November and claimed in January.
Summerville Woman Charged With Disorderly Conduct Following Property Damage Incident
A Summerville woman has been charged with disorderly conduct after police say she damaged property during a disturbance.
According to a citation issued by the Summerville Police Department, Brittany Leigh Money, 36, of 286 Kelly Street, Summerville, was arrested on July 22, 2026, at her residence on Kelly Street.
The citation alleges Money violated the City of Summerville’s disorderly conduct ordinance by acting in a violent and tumultuous manner and kicking a bedroom door, causing damage to the property.
Money was charged with Disorderly Conduct under the City of Summerville ordinance. She is scheduled to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on September 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Jefferson's Continues Free Meal Program For School Employees
Jefferson’s of Summerville is once again thanking local educators by continuing its Teachers Eat Free program throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Now in its fourth year, the program provides one free entrée every Tuesday to school employees from across Chattooga County. Eligible participants include teachers, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals and other school staff with a valid school ID.
The initiative was launched in 2023 by Summerville Jefferson’s franchisees Jake Lund and Robby Coggin. According to the restaurant, the program provided approximately $8,000 in free meals to local educators during the 2025-2026 school year.
“Our teachers and school staff are doing so much for our kids and community,” co-franchisee Jake Lund said. “We’re really excited to offer something our educators can count on throughout the school year and be a place where they can take a break, enjoy a meal and know they’re valued.”
The free meal offer is available for dine-in only at Jefferson’s of Summerville, located at 10096 Commerce Street, every Tuesday during the school year. Guests must present a valid school ID to receive one free entrée.
Gas Prices Rise Again As Global Oil Concerns Push Costs Higher
Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump this week as rising crude oil prices and continued instability in the Middle East drive fuel costs higher.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is now $3.92, up 15 cents from last week, 31 cents from a month ago, and $1.01 higher than a year ago. The national average has climbed to $4.11 per gallon.
AAA says uncertainty surrounding global oil supplies, including concerns involving the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed crude oil prices near $90 per barrel, increasing gasoline prices across the country.
For local drivers, the average price in the Rome metro area, which includes Floyd and Gordon counties, is $3.79 per gallon, while the Catoosa-Dade-Walker metro area averages $3.75, making it one of the least expensive areas in Georgia. Chattooga County is not tracked separately by AAA but typically follows prices in the Rome and Catoosa-Dade-Walker markets. Across the state line, the Gadsden metro area, which includes Cherokee and DeKalb counties, Alabama, averages $3.73 per gallon.
AAA encourages motorists to compare prices between stations, use grocery or fuel rewards programs when available, and avoid waiting until their tank is nearly empty before filling up, as prices could continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks.
Chattooga Elections Board To Call Special Elections Today
The Chattooga County Board of Elections and Registration will meet today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. to officially call four special referendums that will appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
The meeting will be held at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville, and is open to the public.
The board is expected to issue calls for referendums on House Bill 1543, House Bill 1544, the Chattooga County ESPLOST renewal, and the Town of Trion bond referendum.
If approved by voters, House Bill 1543 would increase the income eligibility cap for the existing senior citizen homestead exemption on Chattooga County School District property taxes. The measure would raise the qualifying income limit from $20,000 to $38,000, with the exemption increasing further in future tax years.
House Bill 1544 would create a new homestead exemption from Chattooga County property taxes for county purposes. Like HB 1543, the measure must receive voter approval before taking effect for the 2027 tax year.
The board is also expected to call the referendum on renewing the county’s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), which funds school construction, renovations, technology, buses and other capital improvements, as well as the Town of Trion bond referendum, which is related to financing approved municipal projects.
Following today’s action by the Elections Board, all four questions will be placed before Chattooga County voters during the November 3 General Election.
Auditor Says Menlo’s Financial Records Were In Worse Shape Than Last Year
An independent auditor told the Menlo City Council that the city’s bookkeeping was in “worse shape this year than it was last year.”
CPA Chrissan Thomas said bank accounts had not been reconciled, months of revenue had not been recorded, payroll and property tax entries contained errors, and some bank statements had not been opened. Auditors also struggled to locate invoices and other supporting records.
Thomas warned that some state grant funds had not been properly closed out and could have to be returned. She said much of the audit involved reconstructing the city’s financial records rather than conducting a normal review.
Thomas said Menlo can recover by improving internal controls, reconciling accounts monthly and closely monitoring financial reports. She praised new City Clerk Julie Willingham but said it could take several months to bring the books current.
Georgia's Pre-K Program Begins New School Year In Chattooga County
Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program is beginning its 34th year, and for children in Chattooga County, the school year is already underway.
According to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), Chattooga County was among the first school systems in the state to welcome Pre-K students, with classes beginning as early as July 24. Across Georgia, first-day schedules vary by local school system, with some programs not starting until early September.
Georgia’s Pre-K Program is available at no cost to eligible four-year-old children regardless of family income. The lottery-funded program began as a pilot in 1992 and expanded statewide in 1995. Last year, Georgia met all 10 quality benchmarks in the National Institute for Early Education Research’s annual Pre-K report card, highlighting the state’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs said research consistently shows that education from birth through age five plays a critical role in children’s future academic success and long-term workforce readiness.
Earlier this year, Chattooga County Schools opened enrollment for Pre-K classes serving children in Lyerly, Menlo and Summerville. Students must be four years old on or before September 1 to participate in the program.
State guidelines require Georgia’s Pre-K Program to provide 180 instructional days, with each school day consisting of 6.5 hours of classroom instruction focused on preparing children for kindergarten
Chattooga Schools Activate New Panic Alert Badge System For All Staff
As students return to classrooms for the new school year, the Chattooga County School District has activated a new panic alert badge system designed to improve campus safety and speed emergency response.
According to Chattooga County Schools Superintendent Michelle Helie, the district has completed implementation of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system after beginning work on the project last fall.
“We started working on it last fall and began the implementation phase and onboarding all in the spring, but come this year, it is active, it’s live and ready to go,” Helie said.
The CENTEGIX system is required under Georgia law and provides every school employee with a wearable badge equipped with a panic alert button. Teachers, office staff, custodians, cafeteria workers and other employees throughout the district have been issued the devices.
If an emergency occurs, staff members can press the button on the badge to immediately notify school administrators, 911 and emergency responders through the system’s alarm network.
Helie said district employees completed training on the system last week before receiving their badges. Staff members will wear the panic alert badge alongside their regular school identification badge. One side displays the employee’s identification, while the reverse side contains the emergency alert button.
The badges became active with the start of the new school year, adding another layer of security for students, staff and visitors across all Chattooga County schools.
Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis As Donations Fall To Four-Year Summer Low
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations continue to fall well below hospital demand.
Red Cross officials say donations have dropped to a four-year summer low, worsening an emergency blood shortage that was first announced earlier this month. All blood types are needed, but the shortage is especially serious for type O blood. The supply of type O positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, and the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of some type O blood products to hospitals.
Officials say extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross.
Several blood drives are scheduled across Northwest Georgia in the coming weeks.
A blood drive will be held Monday, July 27, from 1 until 6 p.m. at Adairsville Church on the Square, located at 102 South Main Street in Adairsville.
Another drive is scheduled Tuesday, July 28, from noon until 5:30 p.m. at the Cartersville Civic Center, located at 435 West Main Street.
A Cedartown blood drive will be held Monday, August 3, from 2 until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 144 Essex Street.
In Rome, donors may give blood Tuesday, August 4, from 2:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 1941 Shorter Avenue.
Those who donate by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email valued at up to $15. Donors who give between August 1 and August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments may be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
CRC Back to School Bash Serves 500 Trion and Chattooga Students
The Community Resource Center’s 2026 Back to School Bash helped 500 students from Trion and Chattooga County prepare for the new school year.
According to Maisha Ludy, each student received a backpack filled with school supplies. Families also had access to additional community resources designed to help them begin the school year with the support they need.
Organizers thanked the volunteers, community partners, donors and others who contributed their time, resources and encouragement to make the event possible.
Ludy said the strong community support made a meaningful difference for local children and families as students prepared to return to the classroom.
The annual event reflects the Community Resource Center’s continued commitment to serving families throughout Trion and Chattooga County.
Correction: Local Businessman Pleads Guilty In Injury Crash, Receives Probation
The owner of a used car lot in Summerville has pleaded guilty in Chattooga County Superior Court to a serious injury by vehicle charge stemming from a February 2024 traffic crash that left a local woman with significant injuries.
Billy Joe Dooley entered the guilty plea during a hearing in Chattooga County Superior Court. As part of a negotiated plea agreement, Dooley was sentenced under Georgia’s First Offender Act, allowing him to avoid a felony conviction if he successfully completes the terms of his sentence.
Under the agreement, Dooley will serve probation and must comply with several court-ordered conditions. Those conditions include paying restitution to the victim, completing community service, and attending programs aimed at preventing future impaired driving offenses. The court also suspended a separate traffic-related charge connected to the incident.
The crash seriously injured Katie Talley, who sustained multiple injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Because the sentence was imposed under Georgia’s First Offender Act, the case may be discharged without a felony conviction if Dooley successfully completes all requirements of his probation. Failure to comply could result in the court revoking First Offender status and entering a conviction.
Correction: An earlier story listed Judge Don Thompson as the judge. This was incorrect. The plea was taken by Judge Melissa Hise.
Arrest Report - Monday - July 27, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 27, 2026:
Storms Possible This Morning Before Dangerous Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia This Week
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should be prepared for a mix of thunderstorms and dangerous heat over the coming week, according to the National Weather Service.
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected Monday morning, mainly before noon. Some storms could produce heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and gusty winds, especially if a line of storms moving out of Alabama remains organized. High temperatures will reach around 92 degrees, with heat index values climbing to near 101.
The biggest weather concern shifts to the heat on Tuesday. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 95 degrees, but the combination of heat and humidity could push heat index values as high as 106. Forecasters say a Heat Advisory may be needed if cloud cover and thunderstorms do not keep temperatures in check.
Another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms is possible Tuesday evening before drier weather returns Wednesday through Friday. High temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s through the end of the workweek.
Rain chances increase again next weekend, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and a 60 percent chance on Sunday.
The National Weather Service advises residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and remain alert for changing weather conditions, especially if thunderstorms develop.
Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Rises To 3.8 Percent
Chattooga County recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in the latest report from the Georgia Department of Labor, the highest rate among the nine Northwest Georgia counties included in the regional report.
The county’s rate was above Northwest Georgia’s overall unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, which increased four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The regional rate was unchanged from the same period one year ago.
Nearby Floyd and Walker counties each reported unemployment rates of 3.0 percent. Gordon County had one of the region’s lowest rates at 2.8 percent, while Whitfield County reported 3.3 percent.
Despite the monthly increase in unemployment, Northwest Georgia’s labor force reached an all-time high of 460,744 workers. That was an increase of 882 workers from the previous month and 7,391 from one year earlier.
The number of employed residents across the region totaled 445,054. While that figure declined by 994 over the month, it remained 7,254 higher than a year ago.
Initial unemployment claims also increased during the month, rising by 619 to 1,808. However, claims remained slightly below the number filed during the same period last year.
The latest figures indicate that while Chattooga County’s unemployment rate remains higher than surrounding counties, Northwest Georgia continues to experience long-term workforce and employment growth.