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September 16, 2026

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

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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.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Helps Develop National Education Playbook Focused On Better Student Outcomes

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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.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Receives $1.5 Million EPA Brownfields Grant

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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.

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 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Red Cross Blood Drive Coming To Berry College Thursday

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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.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins Appointed Deputy Coroner In Chattooga County

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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.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Man Arrested After Report Of Cursing At People Along Summerville Street

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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.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

17 Chattooga County Students Earn Academic Honors At GNTC

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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

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Community Health Fair Set For Friday In Summerville

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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.