Red Cross Blood Drive Coming To Berry College Thursday

The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to help maintain the nation’s blood supply by donating blood this week at Berry College.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held Thursday, September 17, from 2 until 7 PM at the Krannert Center, located at 2277 Martha Berry Boulevard in Mount Berry.

The Red Cross says the nation’s blood supply remains vulnerable following critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have blood products available for patients.

Berry College has a long history of supporting blood donations. The college’s Blood Donor Program was started by students in 1974, and Berry says Red Cross and Blood Assurance visits typically collect more than 450 units of blood annually. The Berry College Red Cross Club assists with blood drives on campus.

There’s also an incentive for Thursday’s donors. Those who give blood through September 20 can receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or through the Red Cross website.

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins Appointed Deputy Coroner In Chattooga County

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins has been appointed Deputy Coroner of Chattooga County, continuing a long career of service in local emergency services.

Hawkins was sworn in Monday by Judge Gary Woods, with Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney and Senior Deputy Coroner Earle Rainwater in attendance.

A longtime resident of Menlo, Hawkins has served Chattooga County for many years in emergency medical services. He worked as a paramedic and supervisor with Redmond EMS, building decades of experience responding to emergencies throughout the county.

Hawkins is also a 2018 graduate of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chattooga class.

Earlier this year, Hawkins received regional recognition for his service in emergency medicine. In March, he was honored as the EMS Pioneer of the Year by the Northwest Georgia Regional Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

His appointment as Deputy Coroner adds another chapter to a career centered on public service and emergency response in Chattooga County.

Man Arrested After Report Of Cursing At People Along Summerville Street

A man was arrested for public intoxication after Summerville Police responded to a report of a man allegedly cursing at people while walking along a city street.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, Officer Ibzan Ramirez was dispatched to 215 State Street on September 9. When the officer arrived, he reported seeing a man walking on State Street toward Hawkins Drive.

Police identified the man as Fernando Powell. According to the report, Powell gave unclear answers when asked what was going on and said he was walking to his aunt’s residence.

The officer reported detecting an odor of alcohol coming from Powell’s breath and said Powell had bloodshot and watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech. Police also reported that he was unsteady while standing and walking.

A consent search reportedly found only a black cell phone and green lighter.

The officer determined that Powell was allegedly under the influence of alcohol to the extent that he was unable to safely care for himself in a public place.

Powell was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.

AdventHealth Challenges Community To “Light Your Porch Pink” For Breast Cancer Awareness

AdventHealth Georgia is once again asking residents across Northwest Georgia to turn their porch lights pink during October in support of breast cancer awareness.

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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.

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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Two Menlo Residents Face Meth Trafficking Charges In Cherokee County

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.

Arrest Report – Monday – September 14, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, September 14, 2026:

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