Berry College To Host Landowner Meeting On Prescribed Fire And Forest Management

Private landowners and others interested in forestry, wildlife habitat and prescribed burning are invited to a free land-management meeting at Berry College on Monday, October 19.

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Georgia Helps Develop National Education Playbook Focused On Better Student Outcomes

Georgia is one of just eight states that helped develop and test a new national education framework designed to help states determine which programs are working and where education resources can have the greatest impact on students.

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Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Receives $1.5 Million EPA Brownfields Grant

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission has been awarded a $1.5 million federal Brownfields grant to help identify, assess and prepare properties across the region for potential redevelopment.

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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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17 Chattooga County Students Earn Academic Honors At GNTC

Seventeen Chattooga County students have earned academic honors at Georgia Northwestern Technical College for the summer 2026 semester.

GNTC announced its President’s and Dean’s Lists Monday. To qualify for the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher while carrying at least 12 credit hours. The Dean’s List recognizes students maintaining a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 with at least 12 credit hours.

Twelve Chattooga County students were named to the President’s List: Jonathan Bean, Jared Campbell, Melisa Cargle, Raven Dallas, Molly Jeon, Derek Mitchell, Jerry Morris, Amanda Parker, Courtney Trammell, Alyssa White, Mayahuel Yaoapoqa and Sueann Yaoapoqa.

Five Chattooga County students were named to the Dean’s List: Tammy Chandler, Darby Hall, Isis Hines, Stephanie Smith and Adam Tallman.

Students from across GNTC’s Northwest Georgia service area were recognized for their academic achievement.

The complete President’s and Dean’s Lists, including students from Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties, can be viewed on the GNTC website: View The Complete GNTC President’s And Dean’s Lists

Community Health Fair Set For Friday In Summerville

A Community Health Fair will be held this Friday evening in Summerville, offering free health screenings, food and health information to area residents.

The event will take place Friday, September 18, from 6 until 8 PM at the Fairway Recreation Center, 81 Senior Drive in Summerville.

The health fair is being presented by the Summerville Seventh-day Adventist Church and will feature Dr. Thomas Jackson, who will share information drawn from 48 years of gospel-medical missionary work. Topics will include managing diabetes and high blood pressure.

The evening will include free health screenings, an informative health seminar, an interactive health fair, complimentary food, music and giveaways.

Organizers say seating is limited and an RSVP is required. Those interested in attending may contact Christie Williams at 706-859-1140.

The event is designed to provide practical health information while giving local residents an opportunity to learn more about taking charge of their health.

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.

Scouting America Troop 7 To Host BBQ Plate Fundraiser September 21

Scouting America Troop 7 is inviting the community to enjoy a barbecue dinner while helping support local Scouts during a fundraiser next week.

The Troop 7 BBQ Plate Fundraiser will be held Monday, September 21, from 6 until 8 PM at Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Plates are $12 each and include barbecue, a bun, green beans, potato salad and dessert. Both dine-in and carry-out will be available, with drinks provided for those eating at the church.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Troop 7 Scouting activities, including outdoor adventures, leadership development programs and community service projects.

Troop leaders say community support plays an important role in helping Scouts develop leadership skills, character and a commitment to service.

Tickets are available from Troop 7 members and will also be sold at the event while supplies last.