Chattooga County Community Leader Ronnie Winters Passes Away

Chattooga County is mourning the loss of longtime veteran, farmer, businessman and community leader Ronnie Winters, who passed away at his home in the Oak Hill community of Lyerly on Sunday morning.

Mr. Winters was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was known throughout Chattooga County for his service to his country, his community and his church.

He was a lifelong member of Oak Hill Methodist Church in Lyerly and remained closely connected to the Oak Hill community throughout his life.

For many years, Mr. Winters operated Bankston Tire and Oil in Summerville, where he became well known to generations of local customers and business owners. He was also actively involved with the Summerville-Trion Optimist Club, contributing his time and support to community projects and local causes.

Mr. Winters was married to the late Peggy Winters. He was the father of Kristi Beach and Jason Winters, who previously served as Chattooga County Commissioner and currently serves as Summerville City Manager.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home in Summerville. Service details are still pending and will be announced when they become available.

WZQZ Radio extends our condolences to the Winters family and joins the community in remembering Ronnie Winters for his service to his country, his county, his community, his church and his family.

Berry College Announces Fall Senior Scholars Program For Adults 55 And Older

Adults age 55 and older will have an opportunity to continue learning, explore new interests and connect with others through the Fall 2026 Senior Scholars program at Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum.

The continuing education program, established in 1994, offers a variety of courses, lectures and special tours led by Berry College faculty and local experts.

This fall’s semester will feature more than 30 offerings covering history, literature, technology, the arts, wellness and local culture.

Participants will be able to explore topics ranging from the Declaration of Independence and the global response to the Holocaust to ballroom dancing, pickleball, mindfulness, creative writing and digital design using Canva.

Senior Scholars is designed to provide lifelong learning opportunities while also encouraging personal enrichment and community connections among participants.

The program is offered through Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and Berry College.

Those interested in participating can contact Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum or visit its website for additional information about Fall 2026 courses, registration and scheduling.

Oak Hill And The Martha Berry Museum To Host Free Family Morning

Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum will close out the summer break with another free Family Morning program on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages and is designed to engage young learners and their families through interactive and educational activities. Family Morning programs are offered several times throughout the year during school breaks, giving families an opportunity to explore the museum together.

The theme for July’s program is “Colors at Berry.” Participants will be encouraged to discover the colors, patterns and artistic inspiration found inside The Martha Berry Museum and throughout Berry College’s historic campus.

Activities will include a color scavenger hunt inside the museum, creating a garden design inspired by the gardens at Oak Hill and exploring the patterns and science behind stained glass, using the windows of Frost Chapel as inspiration.

Local artist Patricia Eastin will also present a live oil painting demonstration during the event.

Admission is free, and no age restrictions were announced. Organizers note that the Oak Hill home will not be open for tours during the Family Morning program.

Habitat For Humanity Coosa Valley Seeks Volunteers For Rome Emperors Season, Promotes Overall Ball

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Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley is gearing up for the return of Rome Emperors baseball and hopes fans visiting AdventHealth Stadium will come hungry.

Executive Director Betsy Allgood says Habitat operates two of the large concession stands and the nacho stand at the ballpark during Emperors home games. Fifteen percent of the concession proceeds benefit Habitat, and the organization also accepts tips.

Habitat is now looking for volunteers ages 14 and older to help work concessions throughout the season. Anyone interested in volunteering can register through Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley.

The organization is also preparing for its upcoming Overall Ball, scheduled for Saturday evening, April 25, at Oak Hill. The event will feature entertainment from the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos.

Allgood says proceeds from the Overall Ball will support Habitat’s latest home build. Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley serves families in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk counties.