#RegionalNews | AM 1180 Radio

September 16, 2026

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

Former Berry College Student Found Dead On Campus Tuesday

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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.

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.

May 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AdventHealth Redmond Receives $934,000 For Rural Transportation Initiative

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AdventHealth Redmond is receiving $934,000 in federal funding to launch the Northwest Georgia Rural Initiative for Transportation, also known as NW-GRIT.

April 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gaylesville Woman Charged With Felony Shoplifting At Rome Walmart

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A Gaylesville, Alabama woman is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from the Walmart in West Rome over multiple visits.

According to an arrest warrant, 32-year-old Brittany Ann Edwards, who was working as a third-party delivery driver at the time, is accused of failing to scan dozens of items while shopping inside the store.

Authorities say Edwards placed approximately 40 items in a cart without scanning them and then left the store. The incidents reportedly occurred on seven separate occasions between June 24 and July 14 of last year.

The total value of the merchandise exceeded $500.

Edwards has been charged with felony theft by shoplifting.

April 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County TANF Job Opening Offers Temporary State Work Opportunity

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A job opening in Chattooga County is now being advertised through the Georgia Department of Human Services, but officials say applicants should understand this is not a standard public job posting.

March 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New Cherokee County, Alabama Courthouse Nearing Completion; Grand Opening Targeted for April

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Cherokee County Courthouse | Cherokee County Alabama

A major new landmark for Cherokee County, Alabama could officially open as soon as April, as contractors and the project architect complete final touchups on the county’s new courthouse.

The 37,500-square-foot facility, describing it as “state of the art” in both design and functionality. From its exterior appearance to the elegant interior finishes and upgraded courtroom technology, officials say the building is something Cherokee County residents can be proud of.