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September 16, 2026

Pilot Killed In DeKalb County Plane Crash Remembered As Longtime Albertville Aviation Leader

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The pilot killed in Tuesday morning’s plane crash in neighboring DeKalb County, Alabama, was a longtime fixture in the region’s aviation community.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DeKalb County Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Fort Payne

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A 62-year-old DeKalb County man was killed Tuesday morning when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Fort Payne.

The victim has been identified as Douglas Emge of DeKalb County, Alabama. DeKalb County EMA officials said Emge was the only person aboard the aircraft when it crashed on September 15.

The crash occurred near the 4700 block of County Road 3 in the Whiton community, near the Whiton water tank.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash at around 8 AM Tuesday and asked the public to avoid the area as emergency crews responded.

Federal Aviation Administration records list Emge as the registered owner of the aircraft, identified as N469TW.

Residents near the crash site reported hearing the crash and seeing flames and smoke from the wreckage. Some neighbors said they had known Emge and his family for years and were saddened by his death.

Emge’s family has been notified.

The Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene and is investigating the crash.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Fort Payne

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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.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Menlo Residents Face Meth Trafficking Charges In Cherokee County

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Two Menlo residents were arrested in Cherokee County, Alabama, late last month on methamphetamine trafficking charges.

According to Cherokee County arrest records, 30-year-old Tristan Bruno-Mendez of Menlo and 28-year-old Amber Schrader of Menlo were arrested by the Cedar Bluff Police Department.

Both were charged with trafficking methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The available arrest information does not state where the arrests occurred, how much methamphetamine was allegedly involved, or provide additional details about the circumstances that led to the arrests.

Under Alabama law, methamphetamine trafficking begins at 28 grams or more, and the penalties increase substantially depending on the amount involved. For 28 grams to less than 500 grams, state law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a $50,000 fine. For 500 grams to less than one kilogram, the mandatory minimum increases to five years and a $100,000 fine. Larger quantities can bring still more severe mandatory sentences and fines.

September 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cherokee County Man Dies In Farm Accident Near McCord’s Crossroads

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A Cherokee County man died Sunday night following a farm accident in the McCord’s Crossroads community.

September 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Labor Day Travelers Urged To Use Caution As Holiday Weekend Comes To An End

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The Labor Day holiday weekend comes to an end today, and motorists should be prepared for heavier traffic as thousands of travelers make their way home.

September 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lyerly Elementary Golf Fundraiser Coming Up Saturday

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Lyerly Elementary School is reminding area golfers and community supporters about a fundraising golf tournament coming up this Saturday, September 12, to help support the school’s eighth-grade trip.

The Study Cade Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be held at Little Mole Run Golf Course in Mentone, Alabama. The tournament begins at 9 AM Eastern Time — 8 AM Central Time.

With the tournament now less than a week away, individuals and businesses can still support the fundraiser by registering to play or sponsoring a hole.

Those interested in participating or becoming a sponsor should contact Zach White at zwhite@chattooga.k12.ga.us. Payments can be made at Lyerly Elementary School or mailed to 150 Oak Hill Road, Lyerly, GA 30730.

Little Mole Run Golf Course is located at 741 County Road 647 in Mentone.

Proceeds from Saturday’s tournament will help Lyerly Elementary students with expenses associated with their upcoming eighth-grade trip. Organizers are encouraging golfers, local businesses and other community members to participate and help support the students

September 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heat And Severe Storms Possible Today, Cooler For Labor Day

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A Heat Advisory remains in effect today across much of North and Central Georgia as another hot and humid afternoon is expected. In Chattooga County, the high will reach around 95 degrees, with the heat index potentially climbing to around 102.

September 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Junior Angler Fishing Day Set For September 26 At Little River Canyon

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A Junior Angler Fishing Day will be held Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.

The event is being held as part of National Public Lands Day and will feature fishing instruction and education for all ages, along with fish-printing arts and crafts for those who do not want to fish.

All supplies will be provided.

Fishing is free for youth ages 16 and under. Adults who want to fish must have a valid Alabama fishing license.

Participants can also complete a Junior Angler booklet to receive a Junior Angler Ranger badge.

There will be no entrance fee for the day.

Again, the event is Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.

September 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Fugitive Captured After Jumping Into Weiss Lake

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A Georgia fugitive wanted out of Floyd County was taken into custody in Cherokee County, Alabama, after authorities say he ran from deputies and jumped into Weiss Lake.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a campground in the Wildwood Cove area off County Road 182 Tuesday afternoon to serve a warrant for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies located 33-year-old Eric Carl Virta of Cartersville, Georgia. Authorities say that when deputies attempted to take Virta into custody, he ran and jumped into the water. Virta reportedly crossed to the other side and entered the Kirk’s Grove/Mud Creek area.

Deputies responded to that area and searched for more than an hour before finding Virta hiding in a swampy area in Mud Creek. He was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol transported Virta and the deputies back across the water by boat.

Virta was wanted in Floyd County on a probation violation connected to charges involving possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and terroristic threats and acts.

He was also charged in Cherokee County with fugitive from justice and attempting to elude.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked ALEA, the Leesburg Police Department and the Cedar Bluff Police Department for their assistance.