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January 22, 2026

AdventHealth Redmond Earns Blue Distinction® Center Designation for Bariatric Surgery

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AdventHealth Redmond has been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, a designation awarded to programs that meet nationally established quality measures for patient outcomes, safety standards, and overall program structure. Sarah Hunt, program coordinator of metabolic and bariatric surgery, said the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to whole-person care and gives patients added confidence in the quality and safety of their surgical support. Hospital officials said the bariatric program met comprehensive criteria, including national accreditation, participation in the MBSAQIP quality program, evidence-based practices, and multidisciplinary long-term care. AdventHealth Redmond noted bariatric surgery can help patients living with obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, with individualized care plans and ongoing support available locally. More information is available at BariatricSurgeryGA.com.

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Eddie Lumsden Recaps Week One Under the Gold Dome as 2026 Session Begins

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:

January 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Man Arrested in Floyd County After Meth Found at Rehabilitation Home, Reports Say

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A Chattooga County man was arrested late last week in Floyd County on drug charges after reports indicated he was found in possession of methamphetamine while at a rehabilitation home.

Floyd County authorities arrested Isaac Eric DeWayne Hines, 22, of Summerville, in Rome. Reports said the arrest followed an incident at the rehabilitation home where the suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Formal case details and court proceedings will determine how the charges move forward.

January 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

GNTC Hiring for Multiple Positions Across Northwest Georgia Campuses

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is currently accepting applications for several open jobs across its campuses, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.

Openings include two full-time positions at the Floyd County Campus: Accounting Technician/Cashier and Assistant Director of High School Initiatives. GNTC is also hiring a part-time Communication Officer serving the Floyd County and Walker County campuses, along with a part-time Enrollment Specialist at the Whitfield Murray Campus.

College officials say the positions support GNTC’s continued focus on student success, day-to-day operations, and expanding outreach and enrollment efforts across Northwest Georgia.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. Anyone interested in applying or learning more is encouraged to visit the Technical College System of Georgia’s employment website or contact GNTC Human Resources for details. Applicants may also reach out to Linda McEntire with the Technical College System of Georgia for more information.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Unemployment at 4.8% in November; Region Mixed as GDOL Releases Latest Numbers

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The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd Doctor Urges “Three Simple Steps” to Cut Winter Illness Risk

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As the new year begins, Atrium Health Floyd is reminding Northwest Georgians that respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV tend to surge during the winter months—and prevention is still the best defense.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Crowded Field Forms in Northwest Georgia as Candidate Qualifying Ends for Open Congressional Seat

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Candidate qualifying concluded on Wednesday for the Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. There are 17 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent who will be vying for the seat during the March 10 election.

January 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring Across Campuses: Multiple Positions Open in Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield-Murray

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New Felony Charge Filed in Day-After-Christmas Armed Robbery Case

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Another felony charge has been filed against a man accused in an armed robbery at the former State Line Tavern near the Alabama state line on Dec. 26.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 23-year-old Jeffrey Lemar Smith of Gadsden is accused of pointing a gun at a man inside the establishment and demanding he empty his pockets. Smith is now charged with criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.

Jail records indicate Smith was already facing multiple charges tied to the incident, including robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Authorities say Smith was later found hiding in a dumpster in Centre, Alabama, following a pursuit involving Alabama law enforcement. Investigators say two other suspects remain at large.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rome City Commission Elects Jim Bojo as New Mayor at First Meeting of 2026

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Rome has a new mayor, and as is customary in the city’s commission-manager form of government, the choice came from within the City Commission rather than through a direct mayoral election.