Dalton native now living in Savannah wins thousands on "Wheel of Fortune"

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A man born and raised in Dalton spun the big wheel on "Wheel of Fortune" last week.

Kurt Kessler is an 8th grade science teacher and father of two, now living in Savannah, Ga. He appeared on Wheel of Fortune on Tuesday, September 10 during 'Teacher's Week.'

Wheel of Fortune officials say Kurt "has been tuning in to America’s Game for “as long as [he] can remember.” He began his journey to be a contestant when he attended a Wheelmobile event in Savannah. Kurt won an all-cash total of $4,000 on the show!"

New this season is the “Triple Toss Up Round”, where three toss up puzzles are played in quick succession. Replacing the $3,000 Toss Up Round, the three rapid-fire puzzles of the same category will each be worth $2,000 making the total value of the round $6,000. A toss up puzzle is when a blank puzzle is revealed and slowly filled in, and all three contestants compete to buzz in first and solve correctly. Also, to coincide with the 37th season, the minimum cash prize in the bonus round has been raised to $37,000. Wheel Watchers Club members will want to pay specific attention to the Mystery Round. If the $10,000 Mystery Wedge is won by a contestant, then the SPIN ID of a loyal viewer at home will be revealed, giving them the chance to also win $10,000.

You can watch Wheel of Fortune each weeknight at 7 p.m., on NewsChannel 9.