October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition (NWGRCC) is issuing a vital reminder to women across the region: schedule your mammograms. The organization is particularly emphasizing the importance of regular screenings for women over the age of 40.

Erin Hernandez, President and CEO of the NWGRCC, stressed the proactive role individuals can play in early detection. “We strongly encourage all women, especially those over 40, to have a conversation with their physician about their personalized screening schedule,” Hernandez advised. “Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.”

Understanding that financial barriers can sometimes prevent access to crucial screenings, the NWGRCC is committed to providing assistance. “No woman should have to forgo a mammogram due to cost,” Hernandez added. “We offer support for individuals who may have difficulty affording these vital screenings.”

The coalition also highlighted that while breast cancer is predominantly diagnosed in women, it is not exclusive to them. Men, too, are susceptible to the disease and should be aware of the risks and consider discussing screening with their healthcare providers.

The NWGRCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to mitigating the impact of cancer within its service area, which encompasses 15 counties in Northwest Georgia. Their comprehensive mission focuses on promoting health through robust cancer education, prevention strategies, early detection initiatives, and supporting survivorship programs for both the public and healthcare professionals. Through collaborative efforts with a network of organizations, the NWGRCC works to coordinate services, empower communities with knowledge, enhance access to screenings, and provide vital support to cancer patients and survivors.

For those seeking more information about screening programs or available assistance, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition invites the public to visit their website at www.nwgacancer.org or call directly at (706) 291-9809. This October, take a proactive step for your health and encourage those around you to do the same.

The Summerville Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) as the District 5 – Class B Agency of the Year. This prestigious award highlights the department’s outstanding achievement, professionalism, and continued progress in serving the Summerville community through parks and recreation programs.

The honor reflects the collective dedication and hard work of the department’s staff, including Maintenance Staff Larry Stamper and Mike Smith, Administrative Staff Barbara Johnson and Kassidy Wallin, and Athletic Staff Brandon Stewart and Wayne Perry, under the leadership of Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson.

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Adam Wilson, Director of Summerville Parks and Recreation. “It’s a testament to the commitment and teamwork of our entire staff who work every day to provide quality programs, maintain our facilities, and create positive experiences for the citizens of Summerville.”

The GRPA District 5 – Class B Agency of the Year Award recognizes excellence in administration, programming, community involvement, and overall impact in advancing parks and recreation in Georgia.

For more information about Summerville Parks and Recreation programs and upcoming events, visit www.summervillerec.org

A response involving multiple fire departments successfully put out a fully involved fire at an abandoned mobile home on Plum Street in Trion early this morning.

The Trion Fire Department, supported by units from Hays Correctional and Summerville Fire, responded to the alarm at 5:06 a.m.

Upon the arrival of Trion Engine 12-R, crews found the mobile home, which was reported to have no active power, fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighting operations commenced immediately. The combined effort, involving Trion Engines 12-R, 4, 11, and 9, quickly brought the intense blaze under control and eventually extinguished the fire.

Following suppression efforts, crews conducted a rigorous search protocol to ensure no occupants were inside the abandoned residence. A primary search was completed, followed by a thorough secondary sweep. Authorities confirmed that no individuals were found in or around the structure.

With the fire extinguished and the scene secured, the Trion Fire Department has begun an investigation into the cause and point of origin of the fire.

The incident remains under investigation.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, October 16, 2025:

Northwest Georgia is experiencing a dominant high-pressure system, but a shift is on the horizon. After a final warm burst, a new system is expected to bring rain chances, followed by a substantial drop in temperatures.

Current conditions today, Thursday, remain clear, sunny, and stable, ideal for outdoor activities. A cool, continental air mass coupled with the high-pressure system is suppressing any cloud or rain development, contributing not only to the clear skies but also to sharp contrasts between warm afternoons (highs around 80°F) and cool overnight lows dipping into the lower 50s. Winds remain light, generally coming from the northeast.

Days of Warmth Before the Change

This stable pattern is forecast to hold through much of Saturday. Friday will see abundant sunshine with highs again near 80°F. Saturday continues the warm trend, with predicted highs in the lower 80s. However, this is expected to be the peak of the warm spell before the approaching weather system takes hold.  The current high-pressure ridge will break down Saturday night as an approaching system moves in, increasing precipitation chances.

Weekend Showers  Possible

Forecasters anticipate the best chances for significant moisture will arrive late Saturday and persist through Sunday morning.

The chance of showers will spike to 50 percent after midnight Saturday, with a slight possibility of thunderstorms. This precipitation chance climbs even higher on Sunday, reaching 70 percent. Showers are likely, mainly in the morning, meaning Sunday travel could involve wet roads.

Cooling Trend Solidifies Next Week

The high chance of rain on Sunday marks the beginning of a decisive cooling trend. High temperatures, which flirted with the low 80s over the weekend, are predicted to drop into the mid-70s by Sunday afternoon.

The most noticeable temperature change will arrive Sunday night after the system clears the region. Skies will turn clear, allowing temperatures to plummet into the mid-40s.

Looking ahead to the start of the new work week, Monday will be sunny and noticeably cooler, with high temperatures stabilizing in the mid-70s. This drop from the Saturday high of 81°F down to Monday’s projected 75°F confirms the long-term cooling trend that is finally taking hold across Northwest Georgia.

Northwest Georgia Detailed Forecast Outlook

Chattooga High School’s welding students secured both the first and second place titles at the recent Welding Warm-Up Competition hosted by CHS Welding on Monday of this week. The event, held at the Polk College and Career Academy, brought together nearly 25 aspiring welders from across Northwest Georgia for a day of intense skill-building competition.

Students from Cedartown High School, Chattooga County High School, and Catoosa County Career Academy put their expertise to the test, showcasing their proficiency in a variety of welding techniques. The competition served as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming Regional SkillsUSA Skills Challenge, scheduled for November 4th, offering participants invaluable hands-on experience designed to hone their craft and build confidence.

Chattooga High School’s exceptional performance was a clear testament to the dedication and skill of their welding program. Their students’ ability to claim both top spots highlights the high caliber of instruction and training provided at the school.

Rounding out the podium, Cedartown High School took home the third-place award.

Organizers extended congratulations to all participating students for their hard work, exceptional sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to the demanding and rewarding craft of welding. The event proved to be a successful platform for fostering talent and camaraderie among future welding professionals in the region.

Georgians head to the polls this November for an election that will decide two seats on the powerful Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The outcome of these races holds significant implications for Georgia Power’s future operations, customer rates, and the state’s energy landscape, with key issues ranging from a newly enacted base rate freeze to the allocation of costs for burgeoning data centers.

The PSC, a statewide, elected body of five commissioners, is responsible for regulating utilities across Georgia, most notably Georgia Power. Its core duties include setting utility rates, approving critical infrastructure projects, and balancing the costs of these projects between utility companies and consumers.

The Contested Seats:

Two incumbent Republicans are facing Democratic challengers in the November election:

District 2: Incumbent Republican Tim Echols is being challenged by Democratic contender Alicia Johnson.
District 3: Incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson is defending his seat against Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard.

The results of these races could shift the dynamic of the commission, which currently holds an all-Republican majority.

Recent Decisions and the Rate Freeze:

In recent years, the PSC’s all-Republican majority has approved six Georgia Power rate increases since 2023, contributing to a spike in customers’ bills. A 3.5% increase for typical households, approved in December 2024, went into effect in January 2025.

However, in a significant development just this July 2025, the PSC approved an agreement with Georgia Power to freeze base rates through 2028. This deal, reached after negotiations with PSC staff, averted a planned rate case this year and offers a temporary reprieve for consumers after years of rising bills. While the freeze applies to base rates, other charges on customer bills, such as fuel costs and capital recovery, can still fluctuate.

Key Issues at Stake:

The candidates and voters are focusing on several critical topics:

• The Three-Year Base Rate Freeze: While praised by incumbents as a victory for consumers, challengers may argue it doesn’t go far enough to address overall bill increases or that previous rate hikes were unnecessary. The long-term implications of this freeze, and what happens once it expires, will be a central debate.
• Allocation of Data Center Costs: Georgia has become a hub for data centers, which are massive consumers of electricity. Commissioners will need to address how the substantial energy demands of these facilities are met and how related infrastructure costs are allocated between the data centers themselves and the broader ratepayer base. This issue raises questions about who should bear the burden of expanding energy infrastructure to support these industries.
• Investments in Energy Infrastructure: Beyond immediate rates, the PSC continually weighs Georgia Power’s proposals for new power generation (including renewables and natural gas), grid modernization, and transmission lines. These investments can have long-lasting effects on reliability, environmental impact, and, ultimately, customer bills. The elected commissioners will determine the scope and funding of these projects, influencing Georgia’s energy future for decades.

The November election is more than just a partisan contest; it’s a referendum on how Georgia’s energy future will be managed and who will bear the costs. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these critical decisions, shaping the financial burden on households and businesses for years to come.

Here are the latest health inspection scores from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the first half of October, 2025:

Georgia’s Deer Firearms Season Opens Oct. 18: State Biologists Predict Bumper Crop of Mature Bucks

One of Georgia’s most anticipated outdoor traditions is almost here. The state’s official deer hunting firearms season is set to open this Saturday, October 18, marking the start of a highly anticipated period that will continue into January 2026.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), initial forecasts suggest a robust and healthy deer population, exciting the hundreds of thousands of hunters who participate annually.

“Opening day of the firearms deer season is like a holiday that hundreds of thousands of deer hunters look forward to each year,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist for the Wildlife Resources Division. “Georgia deer hunting has never been better—there are more mature bucks in the deer harvest now than ever before.”

The previous 2024-25 season saw impressive results, with more than 200,000 hunters harvesting around 220,000 deer statewide. Regulated hunting plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy population balance while providing a sustainable supply of local meat for families across the state.

Critical Need-to-Know for Hunters

To ensure a safe and legal season, hunters must review specific regulations regarding licenses, harvest limits, and reporting requirements. For most hunters, the season will conclude on January 11.

Licenses and Reporting: All Georgia deer hunters are required to possess a hunting license, a big game license, and a current deer harvest record. These items can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by calling 1-800-366-2661, or through authorized license agents.

Crucially, all harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours of harvest. Reporting can be accomplished via the Outdoors GA app, GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or by phone at 1-800-366-2661.

Harvest Limits and Legal Firearms: State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer. Hunters are limited to two antlered deer, with at least one of those antlered deer required to have a minimum of four points (one inch or longer on one side) or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread.

Legal firearms for the season include centerfire weapons only, .22-caliber or larger, utilizing expanding bullets. All weapons lawful for use during the preceding archery and primitive weapons seasons are also permitted.

Public Hunting Opportunities: Hunters seeking public access should explore Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which offer nearly one million acres of public hunting availability. Specific WMA dates and regulations are detailed in the current hunting guidebook available online.

Hunters for the Hungry Program Expanding

This year, the WRD and the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) are expanding the popular Hunters for the Hungry Program®. This initiative helps address agricultural damage caused by the deer population while providing much-needed quality protein to Georgia families in need.

Hunters interested in donating their deer, or processors interested in joining the program, can find information and a list of participating processors by visiting GWF.org/ghfth/.

CWD Alert: Testing Highly Encouraged in Three Counties

Following the first detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Georgia earlier this year, wildlife officials are urging hunters to take precautionary testing steps in certain regions.

“I highly encourage you to visit georgiawildlife.com/cwd to learn more,” Killmaster stated. “We encourage CWD testing for deer harvested in Berrien, Lanier, and Lowndes Counties to help manage CWD.”

Hunters harvesting deer in these three priority counties can leave their deer heads for testing at participating processors, taxidermists, or freezer sites. While testing deer from all other counties is not deemed necessary at this time, it remains available to all hunters statewide.

For comprehensive information on deer hunting, including regulations, maps, and CWD testing details, hunters are directed to GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is accepting applications for the 2026 Latin American Association-Mohawk Scholarships until October 31. These scholarships, supported by the Latin American Association (LAA) and Mohawk Industries Inc., are available for students involved in the Hispanic community who graduated from high schools in Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, or Whitfield Counties.

Up to six scholarships will be awarded for the spring 2026 semester.

Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC, expressed gratitude for the support from LAA and Mohawk, highlighting its positive impact on students’ dreams. GNTC is recognized as an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution and as Hispanic student enrollment grows, the LAA-Mohawk Scholarships become increasingly important.

The scholarships, worth $1,000 each, will go towards tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, with selections made based on need and merit. Applicants must meet county residency requirements and demonstrate involvement in the Hispanic community, possess U. S. citizenship or legal residency status, be in good standing at GNTC, and complete a 250-500 word essay on how the scholarship would assist them financially. The LAA aims to reduce economic barriers for the Latino community and support their integration into American life.

A Northwest Georgia man who was originally arrested in August on sex-related charges is now facing a significantly expanded indictment, including multiple felony counts of human trafficking and grooming involving multiple juvenile victims.

Garry Duane Hand, 65, of Cedartown, who is a registered and convicted sex offender, has been charged with a long list of violent and exploitative offenses following a continued investigation into his activities within Floyd and surrounding counties. Hand remains in custody at the Floyd County Jail.

According to jail records and charging documents, the investigation revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned multiple counties and involved the exploitation of several juveniles.

Allegations of Luring and Exploitation

Authorities allege that Hand actively sought out and groomed multiple teenage females, offering them material goods in exchange for physical affection and silence regarding the encounters.

Records indicate that Hand allegedly told a teenage female to bring other juveniles to his home, promising to provide goods for them. He is accused of driving the victims—who ranged in age from 11 to 15—across county lines to various stores and restaurants.

The goods allegedly provided by Hand to the minors included phones, vaping devices, alcohol, food, and electronics. Investigators state that these items were exchanged to buy the victims’ silence and for the purpose of receiving physical affection.

Additional Photographic and Trafficking Charges

The expanded investigation led authorities to file grave new charges, notably including human trafficking—a felony usually reserved for cases involving forced labor or sexual exploitation where a victim is compelled through force, fraud, or coercion.

In addition to the alleged luring and exploitation, Hand is accused of secretly photographing and videotaping the victims without their knowledge or consent, a serious offense amplified by his status as a convicted sex offender.

The full list of new and expanded charges filed against Garry Duane Hand includes:

• Two counts of Human Trafficking
• Three counts of Grooming
• Two counts of Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes
• Two counts of Photographing a Minor by a Sex Offender Without Consent

Hand was initially arrested in August on charges including child molestation and sexual battery. The new charges underscore the severity of the alleged crimes and suggest the scope of the case has widened dramatically since his initial detention.

Hand is currently being held without bond at the Floyd County Jail and is awaiting his court appearance. Due to the sensitive nature of the charges and the age of the victims, additional details regarding the ongoing investigation have not been released by local authorities.

The Town of Trion’s Gas Department announced Thursday that it is accepting applications for an entry‑level Natural Gas Laborer and Meter Reader.

The position, which offers a full‑time 40‑hour work week with occasional overtime and emergency call‑outs, is aimed at residents and job‑seekers looking to launch a career in the public utility sector.

Key details of the opening

• Job title: Natural Gas Laborer / Meter Reader
• Work environment: Primarily outdoor, all weather conditions
• Hours: 40 hours per week; overtime and emergency call‑ins as needed
• Compensation: Competitive municipal salary with a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement options and paid leave
• Advancement: Opportunities for promotion to supervisory and technical roles for employees who demonstrate strong performance
• Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., October 24, 2025
• Contact: Town of Trion Gas Department, 706‑734‑2332 (phone) or PO Box 850, Trion, GA 30753

Applicants must be prepared for a pre‑hire and random drug and/or alcohol screening, a standard safety precaution for personnel who work on the town’s gas infrastructure.

Due to a water main break, Lyerly School will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, October 16th for all students, faculty and staff. This is for Lyerly school only, all other schools will operate as normal.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, October 15, 2025:

Residents of northwest Georgia and Chattooga County can look forward to a stretch of pleasant, mostly sunny weather from today through Saturday, with daytime temperatures reaching into the low 80s. However, a shift in the weather pattern brings a possibility of showers and thunderstorms by Saturday night.

The week begins with clear skies and a high in the low 80s today, Wednesday, October 15th. Tonight, expect clear conditions with lows in the mid-50s, accompanied by north winds at 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph.

Thursday, October 16th, will continue the trend of abundant sunshine, with highs expected to be around 80°F. The night will remain mostly clear, with temperatures dipping into the low to mid-50s.

Friday, October 17th, will see mostly sunny skies, with daytime temperatures slightly cooler, reaching the upper 70s. The evening will start partly cloudy before clearing to mostly clear skies, and overnight lows will be in the upper 50s.

Saturday, October 18th, promises another sunny day with highs back in the low 80s. However, as a new weather system approaches, the forecast for Saturday night includes partly cloudy skies with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after midnight. Overnight lows on Saturday will be in the low 60s.

The current pleasant weather is attributed to a high-pressure system bringing dry conditions, warm days, and cool nights. This system is expected to give way to the approaching system by the weekend, which will increase humidity and the potential for precipitation. While temperatures will peak in the upper 70s to low 80s through Saturday, a slight cooling is anticipated for Sunday.

The Chattooga County Coroner’s office is awaiting definitive results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab as they work to identify two individuals who perished in a devastating fire on Ridgeway Road on October 5th.

Coroner Jeremy McElhaney confirmed to WZQZ News that DNA testing is still pending to establish the identities of the victims. The GBI Crime Lab is conducting these analyses.

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at approximately 4:09 AM when Chattooga 911 received a call reporting the fire in the 1200 block of Ridgeway Drive. The location is near the intersection of Cooper Pit Road.

Multiple fire departments, including the Trion Fire Department, Summerville Fire Department, and Hayes Correctional Fire Department, responded to the scene. Atrium-Floyd EMS was also present to provide necessary medical support.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department also attended the incident. The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken the lead in investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

The identities of the two deceased individuals are being withheld at this time, pending notification of their next of kin and the positive identification by the GBI. The investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office remains active and ongoing.

An Armuchee man has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and terroristic threats, following an incident at his Old Dalton Road home and a subsequent event at a local hospital.

Donnie Eugene Lingerfelt, 52, was taken into custody recently after allegedly threatening a man with a knife and later making threats against the same man to a nurse.

According to Floyd County jail records, the initial incident occurred at Lingerfelt’s Old Dalton Road residence. Lingerfelt allegedly threatened to physically assault a man before approaching the victim while armed with a knife.

Later, while at a local hospital, Lingerfelt reportedly continued his menacing behavior. Records indicate he grabbed a nurse’s arm and explicitly stated his intention to kill the man involved in the earlier altercation.

As a result of these incidents, Lingerfelt has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of terroristic threats and acts, and a single count of simple battery.

He is currently being held at the Floyd County Jail.