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July 28, 2026

Auditor Says Menlo’s Financial Records Were In Worse Shape Than Last Year

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Pre-K Program Begins New School Year In Chattooga County

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Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program is beginning its 34th year, and for children in Chattooga County, the school year is already underway.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Schools Activate New Panic Alert Badge System For All Staff

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRC Back to School Bash Serves 500 Trion and Chattooga Students

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Correction: Local Businessman Pleads Guilty In Injury Crash, Receives Probation

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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.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Monday – July 27, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 27, 2026:

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Storms Possible This Morning Before Dangerous Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia This Week

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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.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Rises To 3.8 Percent

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Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate unchanged at 5.6 percent, Rome Down

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.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lyerly Woman Indicted On Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

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A Lyerly woman has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on charges related to child sexual abuse material and bestiality following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CHS Class Of 1996 Plans 30th Class Reunion

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The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is making plans for its 30-year class reunion, which is currently scheduled for Saturday, October 3.

Classmates are encouraged to join the Facebook group “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-Year Reunion” to stay informed about plans and additional details.

Those who are not on Facebook may contact Ben Sellers by email at nauticalarch@yahoo.com for more information.

Organizers are asking classmates to help spread the word so as many members of the Class of 1996 as possible can be included.