Chattooga County Schools On Two-Hour Delay Following Overnight Power Outages
Chattooga County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay today, Friday, August 21, due to a power outage affecting the Lyerly area.
The delay comes after thunderstorms moved through Northwest Georgia overnight, leaving multiple widespread power outages across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
Georgia Power is reporting numerous outages across the region this morning, with one of the largest outages affecting the Lyerly area.
The overnight storms brought heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds to portions of Northwest Georgia, resulting in power interruptions as residents began their Friday morning.
Because of the outage in Lyerly, Chattooga County School System officials made the decision to delay the start of school by two hours.
Parents, students and school employees should plan for school operations to begin two hours later than the normal Friday schedule.
Georgia Power crews are working to restore electricity to affected customers across Chattooga and Floyd counties.
Residents should use caution around any downed trees or power lines and should never approach or attempt to move a downed electrical line.
WZQZ News will continue to provide updates on the power outages and any additional schedule changes as information becomes available.
Arrest Report - Friday - August 21, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, August 21, 2026:
Cooler, Drier Weather Arrives For The Weekend
Northwest Georgia will get through one more hot and humid day Friday before a front brings noticeably drier and somewhat more comfortable weather for the weekend.
For Chattooga County, Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 90 degrees. The heat index could climb as high as 97, and there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Winds will be light, becoming southwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.
Thunderstorms developed across parts of North Georgia early Friday morning, producing locally heavy rainfall in some areas. The National Weather Service says much of North Georgia may be somewhat stabilized by that early activity, which should reduce the chance for widespread additional storms later today. The greatest threat for stronger storms this afternoon is expected to shift into Central and Eastern Georgia, where damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 70 degrees as drier air begins filtering into the region behind a frontal boundary.
Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 92, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 69. Sunday will also be sunny with a high near 91, while Sunday night temperatures could fall to around 65 degrees.
While afternoon temperatures will remain warm, the National Weather Service says lower humidity should make the weekend feel more comfortable. Dewpoints are expected to fall into the 50s and 60s across much of the region by Sunday afternoon.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 89 and only a slight chance of showers. Rain chances begin increasing again Monday night and Tuesday as a more typical late-August pattern returns.
By Wednesday and Thursday, there will be about a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with daytime highs holding in the upper 80s.
Overall, the weekend looks mostly dry for Chattooga County, with plenty of sunshine, lower humidity and cooler nighttime temperatures before thunderstorm chances return during the middle of next week.
Friday Night High School Football Returns To WZQZ With Two Big Matchups
Friday night lights are back, and WZQZ will be bringing local high school football fans coverage of two big matchups Friday, August 21, as the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs take the field.
The Chattooga Indians will host the LaFayette Ramblers at Chattooga High School, while the Trion Bulldogs will take on arch-rival Gordon Lee in one of Northwest Georgia’s longstanding rivalry games.
Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
WZQZ will provide coverage of both games live on the WZQZ Facebook Page, giving fans the opportunity to follow their favorite local team even if they can’t make it to the stadium.
Radio listeners can tune in to WZQZ 99.1 FM for live coverage of the Trion Bulldogs vs. Gordon Lee matchup.
The Trion-Gordon Lee rivalry has long been one of the most anticipated games on the local high school football calendar, while Chattooga will have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd as the Indians welcome LaFayette to Summerville.
Whether you’re in the stands, watching on Facebook or listening on 99.1 FM, WZQZ will have local football covered Friday night.
Good luck to the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs!
Lyerly Accepting Vendor Applications For Down Home Day
The Town of Lyerly is now accepting vendor applications for Lyerly’s Down Home Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
The community event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., providing an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products while residents come together to shop local and support the community.
Vendor spaces are available for $15 per spot.
Those interested in becoming a vendor can contact organizers by commenting on the official Lyerly, Georgia post or sending a private message directly to the Lyerly, Georgia page. Vendors may also contact Sally Kerce through Facebook or call Lyerly Town Hall at 706-895-2611.
Organizers are cautioning prospective vendors not to send money to anyone through Facebook when applying for a space.
Down Home Day is designed to celebrate the Lyerly community while giving local vendors, makers and small businesses an opportunity to connect with residents.
The message behind this year’s event is simple: Live local. Shop local. Support local.
Al Millard Memorial Walker County Toy Run Set For November 1
Motorcycles, Christmas spirit and community support will come together this fall for the 2026 Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love Walker County Toy Run.
The annual event is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, with riders gathering at Ridgeland High School, 2478 Happy Valley Road in Rossville. Kickstands are scheduled to go up at 2 p.m.
The toy run benefits the Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love of Walker County, helping provide Christmas gifts for children in the community.
Organizers are asking participants and supporters to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation. All motorcycles and riding clubs are welcome to participate.
The event provides an opportunity for riders, clubs and community members to come together while helping make Christmas brighter for local children. Those who do not ride are also encouraged to support the effort through donations or by helping spread the word.
Organizers are hoping for a strong turnout in 2026 and are encouraging motorcycle clubs and riders from across Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas to take part.
A rain date of Sunday, November 15, 2026, has been scheduled in case weather prevents the event from being held November 1.
City Of Summerville Seeking Bids For Recreation Center Restroom Renovation
The City of Summerville is accepting sealed bids for a renovation project involving restroom and changing room facilities at the Summerville Recreation Department.
According to a Request for Bid issued by the city, the project will include renovations to the existing boys’ and girls’ restroom and changing room facilities at the recreation department, located at 220 Highway 100 in Summerville.
The project is listed as RFB-2026-137 – Rec Restroom Renovation.
Sealed bids will be accepted by the City of Summerville at 120 Georgia Avenue until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Bids will then be opened publicly at 2 p.m. that day in the City Hall Council Room.
The city states that all submitted bids must remain valid for a period of 60 days and will be subject to the conditions outlined in the official bid documents.
Additional specifications and requirements for contractors are available through the official bid document posted by the City of Summerville.
Summerville City Offices And Summerville Gas Office In Armuchee To Close Friday For Staff Training
The City of Summerville has announced that its front offices and the City of Summerville Floyd County Gas Office in Armuchee will be closed today, Friday, August 21, 2026, while employees participate in mandatory staff training.
Both locations are scheduled to resume regular business hours on Monday, August 24, at 8 a.m.
The temporary closure will not affect emergency services. Police, fire and other emergency response services will remain fully operational throughout the day.
Residents who need to make utility payments during the closure can continue to use the city’s online payment portals. Physical payment drop boxes located outside city offices will also remain available.
City officials thanked residents for their understanding while employees complete the training.
Guy Penrod Unable To Appear At Chattooga County Fair; The Statler Experience To Perform
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair has announced a major change to its Sunday night entertainment lineup, as Guy Penrod will be unable to perform due to illness.
Penrod had been scheduled to appear at the fair on Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. Fair organizers said his health and well-being come first and are asking the community to keep Penrod and his family in prayer as he recovers.
Stepping into the Sunday evening performance slot will be The Statler Experience, featuring Wilson Fairchild — Wil and Langdon Reid — along with Jack and Davis Reid.
The performance will bring three generations of the Reid family’s musical legacy to the stage in Summerville.
Wil and Langdon Reid are the sons of Harold and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers, while Jack and Davis represent the next generation of the family. The show celebrates the Statler Brothers’ legacy through country and gospel music, family harmonies, stories and the good-natured humor associated with the Reid family.
Wilson Fairchild has performed for audiences across the country for more than 15 years. Wil and Langdon also have more than 30 published and recorded songs and appeared on The Statler Brothers Show, which aired nationally on TNN for seven years.
The duo’s connection to the Statler Brothers’ musical legacy includes “The Statler Brothers Song,” a tribute to their fathers. The song was performed in connection with The Statler Brothers’ induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Wilson Fairchild are also Gaither recording artists and recently released their third album with Gaither Records, American Songbook: Country Classics and Gospel Favorites. The project combines country classics and gospel favorites reflecting the musical traditions that have influenced the Reid family.
With Jack and Davis joining their fathers onstage, The Statler Experience gives audiences an opportunity to hear the Reid family’s distinctive harmonies carried into a third generation.
The Statler Experience will perform Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair in Summerville.
Fair organizers say they hope to welcome Guy Penrod back to the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair next year and are asking the community to continue praying for a speedy and complete recovery.
Chattooga County Fair Demonstration Kitchen Offers Hands-On Programs
The 2026 Chattooga County Fair Demonstration Kitchen, sponsored by Chattooga County Farm Bureau, will offer a full lineup of hands-on demonstrations covering crafts, cooking, gardening and homemade household products.
Activities will include everything from making an air-dry clay flower frog and beeswax lip balm to learning economical gardening techniques, preparing protein bites and making ice cream in a bag.
The schedule begins with Donna Sausville presenting a Make and Take Air Dry Clay Flower Frog demonstration at 5:30 p.m. Participants will create a flower frog, which is designed to hold flower stems upright and in place.
Stacie Marshall of Mountain Mama Farms will demonstrate how to make beeswax lip balm at 5:30 p.m. on the second day of demonstrations. Marshall operates her family farm in Gore and specializes in Appalachian heritage products including beeswax candles, goat’s milk soap, herbal salves and remedies.
At 7 p.m., Rebecca Thomas with UGA Extension Chattooga County will present Using Herbs to Create a Variety of Flavor. Thomas will demonstrate how different herbs can change the flavor profile of the same basic ingredients. Free tastings will be available.
The weekend lineup will continue at 2:30 p.m. with Katie Bandy Carlson of Sunset Creek Farms, who will demonstrate her method for creating a DIY low-toxin laundry detergent. Carlson makes the detergent for use on her homestead and also sells it at her farm stand locations.
At 4 p.m., Logan Money of Pine Ridge Outdoors will present Dirt Cheap Gardening, offering ideas for economical plant selection and ways homeowners can stretch their landscaping budgets.
At 5:30 p.m., former Chattooga County 4-H’er Linley Rogers will demonstrate No-Bake Protein Bites, an easy make-ahead option for busy mornings, school days or trips to practice.
Another demonstration will feature Melanie Morris presenting MacGyver Meals — Batch Cooking, Pantry Staples and Leftovers at 2:30 p.m. The interactive program will invite audience members to brainstorm creative ways to turn leftovers, pantry staples and batch-cooked foods into flexible meal options. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle for prizes designed to encourage freezer-meal creativity.
At 4 p.m., Donna Sausville will return with a demonstration on DIY Low-Toxin Dishwasher Detergent, showing participants a plastic-free method using simple ingredients.
The Demonstration Kitchen will wrap up at 5:30 p.m. with Ice Cream in a Bag, presented by Sandy Wheat and Chattooga County Farm Bureau. Participants will combine food and science as they shake ingredients inside a bag to make their own ice cream.
The Demonstration Kitchen is designed to give fairgoers practical ideas they can take home while highlighting local agriculture, homesteading, food preparation and community expertise.
Calendar note: The schedule provided lists Thursday, August 28 through Sunday, August 31. In 2026, August 28 falls on a Friday, August 29 on Saturday, August 30 on Sunday, and August 31 on Monday. Fairgoers may want to confirm the official day-and-date schedule before attending.
Trion Man Arrested On Methamphetamine Charges In Rome
A Trion man was arrested Tuesday in Rome after authorities say he attempted to dispose of suspected methamphetamine.
According to Floyd County Jail records, 61-year-old Anthony Guy Brown Sr. was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug-related objects.
Jail records state that Brown allegedly attempted to dispose of a bag containing suspected methamphetamine at a location on Woodbine Avenue in Rome.
Authorities also searched a vehicle and reportedly discovered what appeared to be a pipe used for methamphetamine.
Brown was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Floyd County Jail on the drug-related charges.
Georgia Sets New Records For Labor Force And Employment In July
Georgia’s labor market reached new record territory in July, with the state reporting all-time highs for both the number of people in the labor force and the number of Georgians employed.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state’s labor force climbed to 5,480,790 people in July, an increase of 2,941 from the previous month and 67,210 from a year ago.
Employment also reached a new record, increasing by 7,556 during July to 5,301,774 employed Georgians. Employment was up by 68,807 compared with the same time last year.
At the same time, Georgia’s unemployment rate declined to 3.3 percent, which is 0.8 percentage points below the national unemployment rate. Georgia’s unemployment rate was also 3.3 percent one year ago.
The number of unemployed Georgians fell by 4,615 during July to 179,016. That represents 1,597 fewer unemployed people than a year earlier.
Despite the record labor force and employment numbers, the state’s total number of jobs declined during the month. Georgia had approximately 4,977,500 jobs in July, down 9,200 from June and 15,700 compared with a year ago. It marked the second consecutive month of declining job totals.
Several industries did add jobs during July. Health care and social assistance led the way with 1,600 additional jobs, followed by construction with 1,100. Information added 800 jobs, durable goods manufacturing gained 700, and private educational services added 600.
Local government recorded the largest monthly decline, losing 2,000 jobs. Administrative and support services declined by 1,900, accommodation and food services lost 1,600, professional and technical services declined by 1,500, and non-durable goods manufacturing lost 1,300 jobs.
Looking at the past year, health care and social assistance continued to be a major source of employment growth in Georgia, adding 20,700 jobs.
Initial unemployment claims increased by 1,388 during July to 20,150, but remained 4,677 below the level recorded one year ago.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the record employment and labor force numbers demonstrate historically high levels of participation among Georgia workers.
Love Library In Rome Temporarily Closed After Merchandise Seized
Photo Credit: Coosa Valley News
An adult retail store on Shorter Avenue in Rome is temporarily closed after authorities seized merchandise from the business Thursday as part of an ongoing civil dispute.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the removal of inventory from the Love Library. Chief Deputy Bob Couey said the merchandise is expected to be sold on the courthouse steps at a later date.
The closure is connected to a legal judgment currently before Floyd County Superior Court.
Store owner Charles Craton disputes that the judgment involves the Love Library or its parent company, Romeathon Investments, LLC. Craton said the judgment was instead issued against a separate online business that previously used part of the warehouse space behind the Shorter Avenue location.
According to Craton, that online company went out of business years ago and its inventory was liquidated at that time.
Craton maintains that the merchandise seized Thursday belongs to Romeathon Investments, which he says is not a party to the lawsuit.
An attorney representing the business has filed an emergency motion in Floyd County Superior Court seeking intervention in the matter. Craton said he would not publicly debate the case while the litigation remains active.
Despite the temporary closure, Craton said employees will continue to receive their pay. He said workers were not responsible for the circumstances surrounding the dispute and should not be financially affected by the closure.
The business hopes the legal matter can be resolved quickly so the Love Library can reopen.
The dispute remains before the court, and the claims concerning ownership of the seized merchandise have not been finally resolved.
Chattooga Senior Center Hot Dog Sack Lunch & Bake Sale Fundraiser
Arrest Report - Thursday - August 20, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, August 20, 2026:
Strong Storms Possible As Triple-Digit Heat Index Returns
Hot and humid weather will take center stage across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia Thursday, August 20, with the National Weather Service also watching for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms later in the day and overnight.
Thursday will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96 degrees. The heat index could climb as high as 103 during the afternoon. Winds will remain light, with only a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m.
Forecasters say the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel like the triple digits across much of the region. While conditions are expected to remain just below Heat Advisory criteria, anyone working or spending extended periods outdoors should use caution during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Strong Storm Threat Increases Thursday Night
Thunderstorm chances will increase Thursday evening and overnight as a disturbance approaches the region. The National Weather Service says enough instability could remain in place even after sunset to support some stronger storms.
A few storms Thursday and Friday could become strong to severe, capable of producing gusty to damaging winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall. The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the region under a Marginal Risk for severe weather.
The chance of rain Thursday night is 50 percent, with thunderstorms possible before 2 a.m. and a slight chance of showers lingering into the early morning hours. The overnight low will be around 72.
Another Hot Friday
Patchy fog will be possible before 9 a.m. Friday before skies become mostly sunny. The high will reach around 92, with heat index values approaching 99 degrees.
There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms during portions of the day. Forecasters say isolated strong storms cannot be ruled out, although the greatest severe-weather potential Friday is expected farther south and east.
A 30 percent chance of thunderstorms continues into Friday evening before skies become mostly clear. The low will fall to around 69.
Drier Weather Arrives For The Weekend
A cold front moving through Georgia will bring somewhat drier air into the region Saturday, providing some relief from the more oppressive humidity.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 93, followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 69 Saturday night.
Sunday will also be sunny, with a high near 91. Sunday night should be mostly clear and cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 66.
The lower humidity will help keep heat index readings closer to the actual air temperature through much of the weekend and into the beginning of next week.
Storm Chances Return Next Week
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 91 and a nighttime low around 67.
By Tuesday, moisture will begin returning to the region. There will be a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday and Tuesday night, with a high near 91.
Scattered thunderstorms become a little more likely Wednesday, when the rain chance increases to 30 percent. Otherwise, skies will remain mostly sunny with a high near 92.
Forecasters caution that the summertime pattern can occasionally produce stronger thunderstorms even when overall rain chances are relatively low. Any storm that develops during peak afternoon heating could produce frequent lightning, heavy downpours and strong, gusty winds.
Chattooga Indians Enter 2026 Season Focused On Playoff Return
The Chattooga Indians are heading into the 2026 high school football season with a renewed sense of purpose after narrowly missing the playoffs a year ago.
Last season ended in disappointment when Chattooga’s postseason hopes came down to the final game of the year. That ending has helped fuel an offseason centered on improvement, accountability and preparation for another run at the playoffs.
Head Coach Rune Gable and his staff have spent the offseason working to build more consistency throughout the program, with an emphasis on strength, athleticism and putting players in positions where they can have the greatest impact.
The Indians return several key contributors who are expected to play major roles this fall.
Aiden Fletcher gives Chattooga an experienced option in the backfield after establishing himself as one of the area’s top rushing threats. Kane Baker returns at tight end and is expected to remain an important part of the offense.
On defense, Javion Cotton and Jayden Foster bring experience to the linebacker unit, while Major Blair is expected to contribute in the secondary and also provide another weapon at wide receiver.
Jovanni Hill adds additional depth at running back, giving the Indians multiple options in the ground game.
One of the biggest priorities for Chattooga has been continued development at quarterback and creating more explosive opportunities on offense. The coaching staff has also focused on improving overall team speed and versatility.
Expectations remain high entering the new season.
Chattooga will be looking to compete near the top of the region standings, earn a return trip to the state playoffs and put itself in position to host a postseason game at Little Big Horn.
The program is also leaning on a senior class that has been through the disappointment of missing the playoffs and understands what will be required to change the outcome this year.
Community support is expected to once again be a major factor as the Indians take the field. Chattooga football remains a major part of Friday nights across the county, with fans turning out each season to support the team.
With experienced players returning at several key positions and added motivation from last season’s finish, the Indians enter 2026 determined to take another step forward.
Trion Bulldogs Look To Turn Experience Into Success In 2026
The Trion Bulldogs enter the 2026 high school football season looking to turn a year of growing pains into a return to the winning tradition that has long surrounded the program.
Head Coach Sean Patrick and the Bulldogs are coming off a 4-7 campaign in 2025, but the final record doesn’t tell the entire story. Trion went 2-2 in region play and still earned a trip to the state playoffs, where the Bulldogs’ season ended with a narrow 24-21 loss at Hawkinsville.
That season followed a major turnover in personnel after Trion had gone 10-3 in 2024 and 11-1 in 2023. A younger Bulldog team was forced to gain experience on the field last fall, and many of those players are now back with another year of varsity football behind them.
That experience could be one of Trion’s biggest advantages in 2026.
The Bulldogs’ current roster includes 50 players and a senior group featuring Hudson Thomas, Dawson Crane, Linc Allen, Asher Clark, Silas Mills, Meisner Perez, Caden Sloan, Coleman Lee, Zeke Burrage, Jancarlos Morales and Hayden Woolard.
Allen gives Trion an experienced senior option at quarterback and also contributes in the secondary. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior is listed at quarterback and free safety.
Junior Landon Kimbell is another player to watch, giving the Bulldogs experience at running back and outside linebacker.
Thomas returns for his senior season at defensive end and tight end after emerging as a leader on the defensive side of the football. His presence should be important for a Trion defense looking to take a step forward this fall.
The Bulldogs also have plenty of size in the trenches.
Junior Jaxon Woods is listed at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, while sophomore Danny Gonzalez is listed at 290 pounds. Jarrett Helms checks in at 260, Lisandro Calderon at 245 and Jancarlos Morales and Hudson Wilbanks at 240 pounds. Hayden Woolard, Kam Hanes and Hayden Linam are each listed at 230 pounds.
That combination of size and returning experience gives Trion some building blocks as Patrick and his coaching staff look to get the Bulldogs back among the contenders in Class A.
Trion will not have to wait long for a major test.
The Bulldogs open the regular season Friday night, August 21, when Gordon Lee comes to Sam R. McCain Stadium. The matchup renews one of Georgia’s oldest high school football rivalries and will put the Bulldogs in the spotlight immediately to begin the new season.
Trion then remains at home against Model on August 28 before hitting the road for back-to-back games at Ridgeland on September 4 and Dade County on September 11.
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe visits Trion on September 18, followed by a September 25 road trip to Northview.
After an open date, the Bulldogs begin the most important portion of their schedule in October.
Trion travels to Greenville on October 9 and then faces one of its biggest challenges of the season with an October 16 trip to Bowdon. Manchester visits Sam R. McCain Stadium on October 23 before the Bulldogs close the regular season at home against BEST Academy on November 6.
The region schedule will leave little room for error, making Trion’s early non-region games particularly important as the Bulldogs work to establish their identity before October.
For a program accustomed to postseason football, last year’s playoff appearance provided valuable experience despite ending in a three-point first-round loss. The challenge now is turning that experience into more victories.
Trion enters 2026 with an older roster, experience at several key positions and size along the line. After the rebuilding that came with significant personnel losses a year ago, the Bulldogs have an opportunity this fall to show how much that young group has developed.
The first opportunity comes Friday night under the lights at Sam R. McCain Stadium, where Gordon Lee and Trion will renew their historic rivalry and officially begin the Bulldogs’ 2026 campaign.
Trion Bulldogs 2026 Schedule
August 21: Gordon Lee — Home
August 28: Model — Home
September 4: at Ridgeland
September 11: at Dade County
September 18: Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe — Home
September 25: at Northview
October 9: at Greenville
October 16: at Bowdon
October 23: Manchester — Home
November 6: BEST Academy — Home
WZQZ Radio will provide coverage of Trion football throughout the 2026 season on FM 99.1, AM 1180 and the WZQZ Radio Facebook page.
Berry College Named Among Nation’s Best By The Princeton Review
Berry College has again earned national recognition as one of the country’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to the latest college guide from The Princeton Review.
The Mount Berry institution is included among the colleges selected for The Princeton Review’s annual “Best Colleges” guide, which was released Tuesday. Schools chosen for the guide are selected primarily based on The Princeton Review’s assessment of their academic quality, with the organization reviewing data from thousands of colleges across the country.
Berry College Vice President of Enrollment Andrew Bressette said the recognition reflects not only the quality of the college’s academics but also Berry’s emphasis on affordability, mentoring and preparing students for life after graduation.
“Being listed as one of the nation’s best colleges is exciting, but being recognized for delivering real value such as 5 consecutive years where 99% of our graduates have positive career outcomes means our commitment to affordability coupled with our mentoring, LifeWorks program and rigorous academics are delivering,” Bressette said.
Berry’s LifeWorks program is a distinctive part of the college experience, providing students opportunities for paid work and professional development while completing their undergraduate education.
The Princeton Review describes the institutions selected for its Best Colleges guide as a highly selective group of American four-year colleges and universities. The company evaluates schools for inclusion based largely on academics, while its individual ranking lists draw heavily from surveys in which students describe their experiences on campus.
Berry has been a recurring selection in The Princeton Review’s college guides. In the previous edition, the college was included among “The Best 391 Colleges” and was also recognized on the organization’s “Best South” and “Best Value Colleges” lists.
Located in Mount Berry near Rome, Berry College offers more than 75 areas of study and combines traditional academics with hands-on learning and professional development opportunities.
The latest recognition adds to several national honors Berry has received for academics, value and career preparation.
Lyerly’s Emma White Among Gadsden State Nursing Graduates
A Chattooga County resident was among 38 registered nursing graduates recently honored by Gadsden State Community College.
Emma White of Lyerly received her nursing pin during the college’s summer pinning ceremony held August 6 at Wallace Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden.
The ceremony recognized students earning associate degrees through Gadsden State’s Health Sciences Division. Graduates represented communities across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Other Northwest Georgia graduates included students from Rome, Lindale, Cedartown, LaFayette, Adairsville and Bremen.
Gadsden State’s registered nursing program includes classroom instruction, laboratory training and clinical experience designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare.
Students completing the registered nursing program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to pursue the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as the NCLEX-RN. Passing the examination is required to become a licensed registered nurse.
Congratulations to Emma White of Lyerly on reaching an important milestone as she begins the next chapter of her nursing career.