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July 28, 2026

Chattooga High School Alumna Completes Capitol Hill Internship

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

National Model Railroad Convention Steam Excursion Coming To Summerville Thursday

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Tuesday – July 28, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, July 28, 2026:

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heat Advisory Issued As Dangerous Heat Grips Northwest Georgia

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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.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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

Summerville Woman Charged With Disorderly Conduct Following Property Damage Incident

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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.

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

Chattooga Elections Board To Call Special Elections Today

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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.