17 Chattooga County Students Earn Academic Honors At GNTC

Seventeen Chattooga County students have earned academic honors at Georgia Northwestern Technical College for the summer 2026 semester.

GNTC announced its President’s and Dean’s Lists Monday. To qualify for the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher while carrying at least 12 credit hours. The Dean’s List recognizes students maintaining a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 with at least 12 credit hours.

Twelve Chattooga County students were named to the President’s List: Jonathan Bean, Jared Campbell, Melisa Cargle, Raven Dallas, Molly Jeon, Derek Mitchell, Jerry Morris, Amanda Parker, Courtney Trammell, Alyssa White, Mayahuel Yaoapoqa and Sueann Yaoapoqa.

Five Chattooga County students were named to the Dean’s List: Tammy Chandler, Darby Hall, Isis Hines, Stephanie Smith and Adam Tallman.

Students from across GNTC’s Northwest Georgia service area were recognized for their academic achievement.

The complete President’s and Dean’s Lists, including students from Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties, can be viewed on the GNTC website: View The Complete GNTC President’s And Dean’s Lists

Community Health Fair Set For Friday In Summerville

A Community Health Fair will be held this Friday evening in Summerville, offering free health screenings, food and health information to area residents.

The event will take place Friday, September 18, from 6 until 8 PM at the Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive in Summerville.

The health fair is being presented by the Summerville Seventh-day Adventist Church and will feature Dr. Thomas Jackson, who will share information drawn from 48 years of gospel-medical missionary work. Topics will include managing diabetes and high blood pressure.

The evening will include free health screenings, an informative health seminar, an interactive health fair, complimentary food, music and giveaways.

Organizers say seating is limited and an RSVP is required. Those interested in attending may contact Christie Williams at 706-859-1140.

The event is designed to provide practical health information while giving local residents an opportunity to learn more about taking charge of their health.

Armuchee Woman Charged With Cruelty To Children

An Armuchee woman was arrested over the weekend following an alleged incident involving a minor family member.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 52-year-old Patricia Katherine Gonzalez was arrested at her residence on Tency Lane and charged with first-degree cruelty to children and simple battery.

Authorities allege Gonzalez grabbed the minor by the hair and pulled her down by it.

Jail records also state that Gonzalez grabbed the victim by the arm, leaving a visible red mark.

Gonzalez was taken into custody on the two charges.

Former Berry College Student Found Dead On Campus Tuesday

A former Berry College student was found dead on the college campus Tuesday afternoon following a search that brought a large law enforcement presence to the area.

According to information provided to WZQZ News, the victim was a former Berry student who attended the college more than 10 years ago and was visiting the campus Tuesday.

The Floyd County Police Department SWAT Team was conducting training in the area when officers received the call concerning the missing person at around noon Tuesday.

Officers began searching for the individual and located the victim at approximately 2 PM. The victim was found with what authorities described as a self-inflicted wound.

The incident explains the significant law enforcement presence reported at Berry College during the afternoon.

The victim’s identity has not been released.

Teloga Community Food Drive Set For Saturday

Residents in the Teloga area are invited to take part in a Community Food Drive this Saturday, September 19, aimed at helping local families and strengthening the community.

The food distribution will be held from 10 AM until noon, or until supplies run out, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.

Organizers say no identification is required to receive food. Those planning to attend are asked not to line up before 9:30 AM.

The event is being held under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and is designed to provide food assistance to people and families in the community.

Volunteers are also needed to help with Saturday’s distribution.

The Teloga Community Food Drive is being made possible with support from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands Food Support Community.

Organizers say the goal is simple: bring neighbors together to support one another and help build a stronger Teloga community.

Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Fort Payne

A pilot was killed in a small plane crash near Fort Payne in DeKalb County, Alabama, Tuesday morning.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported the aircraft went down near Fort Payne. The pilot was the only person aboard the plane and was killed in the crash.

The crash was reported in the area of Isbell Field, Fort Payne’s municipal airport. Isbell Field is located about two miles north of Fort Payne.

The identity of the pilot had not been released in initial reports.

Information about where the aircraft originated, its intended destination and what may have caused the crash was not immediately available.

Federal aviation authorities are expected to investigate the accident.

Scouting America Troop 7 To Host BBQ Plate Fundraiser September 21

Scouting America Troop 7 is inviting the community to enjoy a barbecue dinner while helping support local Scouts during a fundraiser next week.

The Troop 7 BBQ Plate Fundraiser will be held Monday, September 21, from 6 until 8 PM at Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Plates are $12 each and include barbecue, a bun, green beans, potato salad and dessert. Both dine-in and carry-out will be available, with drinks provided for those eating at the church.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Troop 7 Scouting activities, including outdoor adventures, leadership development programs and community service projects.

Troop leaders say community support plays an important role in helping Scouts develop leadership skills, character and a commitment to service.

Tickets are available from Troop 7 members and will also be sold at the event while supplies last.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – September 15, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, September 15, 2026:

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Hot, Sunny Weather Continues Across Chattooga County This Week

Chattooga County will remain hot and mostly dry through the rest of the workweek, with afternoon temperatures staying well into the 90s and rain chances largely absent until the weekend.

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When Will It Finally Feel Like Fall In Chattooga County?

With temperatures still reaching the 90s in the middle of September, plenty of people around Chattooga County may be asking the same question: When is it finally going to feel like fall?

The short answer is — probably not just yet.

The forecast keeps afternoon temperatures around 90 degrees or higher through much of this week, and there is not yet a strong indication of a sustained cool-down.

That doesn’t mean a cold front couldn’t bring a couple of cooler mornings along the way. September in Northwest Georgia can quickly swing between summer-like heat and brief hints of fall.

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