Berry College Earns National Career Readiness Award

Berry College has received national recognition for its commitment to preparing students for successful careers, earning an honorable mention from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) for career readiness excellence.

College officials said the award recognizes Berry’s distinctive LifeWorks program, which provides students with meaningful paid work experiences and professional development opportunities throughout their college careers. More than 90 percent of Berry students participate in the program, which offers over 1,000 paid student jobs across more than 180 campus departments.

According to Berry College, 85 percent of graduating seniors credit their student work experiences and supervisors with helping them achieve their career goals. The college also reports that 99 percent of graduates have achieved a positive career outcome within six months of graduation for the past six consecutive years.

Dean of Personal and Professional Development Marc Hunsaker said the recognition reflects the college’s efforts to embed career readiness throughout the student experience, while President Sandeep Mazumder noted that the program helps students connect learning with leadership and future career success.

AdventHealth to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Cancer Pavilion in Rome

AdventHealth Redmond will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Cancer Pavilion in Rome on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The event will take place from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the AdventHealth Cancer Pavilion Rome, located at 641 Braves Boulevard NE in Rome.

The new facility represents a significant investment in expanding access to advanced cancer care services for patients and families throughout Northwest Georgia. According to AdventHealth, the pavilion is designed to provide compassionate, whole-person care while bringing specialized cancer treatment closer to home.

The program will include welcome remarks, special recognitions, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a prayer of dedication for both the care team and patients.

Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new facility and enjoy light refreshments and beverages.

Community members, healthcare partners, and local leaders are invited to join AdventHealth in celebrating this milestone and the expanded cancer care resources now available in the Rome area.

Georgia Highlands College To Celebrate Community Impact Day June 26

Georgia Highlands College is inviting students, employees, alumni, families and community members to a special Community Impact Day celebration on Friday, June 26, at its Floyd Campus in Rome.

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Rome To Celebrate 250 Years Of American Independence With July 4th Extravaganza

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Independence Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at Ridge Ferry Park, celebrating 250 years of American independence.

The event, sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, begins at 3 PM and will feature family activities, games, water inflatables, food trucks and concessions. Inflatable wristbands will be available for $5.

Live music will be featured on the Coca-Cola stage, including a performance by Makenzie Phipps, a contestant from Season 28 of The Voice.

The evening will conclude with one of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Georgia at approximately 9:30 PM above Jackson Hill. The fireworks display, produced by Pyrotecnico, will include more than 1,500 fireworks in a red, white and blue celebration.

Parking for the event is $5 and card only. Parking will be available in the main park and Shoals parking lots, and attendees are asked to follow staff directions.

Guests are reminded that large coolers, pets, drones, fires and sparklers are not permitted in Ridge Ferry Park.

For more information, visit rfpra.com.

Centre Woman Charged With Drug Possession In North Rome

A Centre, Alabama, woman was arrested Monday in North Rome after police say she was found with suspected Xanax.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 41-year-old Shantera Labrea Kirby was arrested at a location on Couper Street at North Avenue. Authorities said Kirby was found in possession of suspected Xanax, which was reportedly located inside a nicotine pouch.

Jail records also state that Kirby gave law enforcement a false name.

Kirby is charged with possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of drugs not in the original container, DUI, giving a false name or address, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

One Dead Following House Fire in Armuchee

A Floyd County resident lost their life following a house fire Sunday morning in the Armuchee community, according to the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:44 a.m. on June 14 to a reported structure fire at 494 West Union Road NE with reports that someone was trapped inside.

Twenty emergency personnel responded to the scene, including two engine companies, two tankers, a squad unit, chief officers, and fire investigators. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-story home and immediately began an aggressive fire attack.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire, but one occupant was unable to escape and died as a result of the incident.

The victim’s body was turned over to the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification and identification procedures.

No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.

$5,000 Reward Offered For Information Leading To Murder Suspect’s Arrest

Law enforcement agencies are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with a Rome homicide investigation.

According to the Rome Police Department, multiple agencies are searching for 23-year-old Treveonsay Burge, who is wanted in the October 21 shooting death of 18-year-old Adam Hernandez on Woodcreek Way.

Authorities describe Burge as a Black male, 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds.

The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to Burge’s arrest.

Anyone with information regarding Burge’s whereabouts is urged to call 706-853-1628.

Authorities warn the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Burge. Anyone who knows his location should call 9-1-1 or the tip line immediately.

The investigation remains ongoing.

AdventHealth Redmond Nurse Honored With DAISY Award For Extraordinary Care

AdventHealth Redmond has named Rebekkah “Reba” Lackey as the recipient of its first-quarter 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion to patients and their families.

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Georgia Gas Prices Continue To Fall

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Georgia gas prices have continued to decline in recent weeks, giving drivers some relief at the pump even as overall costs remain a concern.

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Alabama Man Charged After Stolen Motorcycle Found In Floyd County

A Cherokee County, Alabama man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he was found in possession of a stolen motorcycle that had been taken from Alabama.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 53-year-old Gregory Wayne Ledbetter of Cedar Bluff was allegedly in possession of a 2002 Yamaha V Star motorcycle that had been reported stolen in Alabama.

Officials said the motorcycle is valued at approximately $2,500.

Ledbetter was arrested and charged with theft by receiving stolen property. Jail records also show he was charged as a fugitive from justice due to an outstanding warrant in Cherokee County, Alabama, and with a probation violation.

The case remains under investigation.