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July 28, 2026

Georgia Corrections Warns Families About Bond And Prison Release Scams

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lottery Raises Record $1.54 Billion For HOPE And Pre-K Programs

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaInfo, #CollegeAffordability, #EarlyChildhoodEducation, #Education, #GeorgiaEducation, #georgialottery, #GeorgiaPreK, #GovernorBrianKemp, #hopescholarship, #northwestgeorgia, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Jefferson’s Continues Free Meal Program For School Employees

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gas Prices Rise Again As Global Oil Concerns Push Costs Higher

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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 Chrystan 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

Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis As Donations Fall To Four-Year Summer Low

Local News, Local News Items #AdairsvilleGA, #AmericanRedCross, #BartowCountyGA, #BloodCrisis, #BloodDonation, #CartersvilleGA, #CedartownGA, #ChattoogaInfo, #floydcountyga, #GiveBlood, #northwestgeorgia, #PolkCountyGA, #RomeGA, #TypeOBlood, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRC Back to School Bash Serves 500 Trion and Chattooga Students

Local News, Local News Items #BackToSchool2026, #BackToSchoolBash, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityResourceCenter, #CommunitySupport, #northwestgeorgia, #SchoolSupplies, #summervillega, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, LocalStudents 0

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 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: