WZQZ NEWS | AM 1180 Radio

February 19, 2026

Blood Assurance Blood Drive Set for Mount Vernon Mills in Trion

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A community blood drive is coming to Mount Vernon Mills in Trion later this month, giving Chattooga County residents the opportunity to help save lives locally.

Blood Assurance will host the drive on Thursday, February 26th, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mills, located on 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to come out and support the effort to maintain a strong local blood supply.

As part of a special promotion running February 15th through February 28th, donors will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Blood Assurance reminds donors to eat a good meal before giving, avoid energy drinks, drink extra water, and bring a valid ID to the appointment.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/vernonmills, and walk-ins are typically welcome if space allows.

Blood Assurance serves communities across Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas, supplying local hospitals with lifesaving blood products. Officials stress that consistent donations are critical, especially during the winter months when supplies can run low.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Department of Labor Earns Top State HR Honor

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The Georgia Department of Labor has received the “Model Agency Award” for Excellence in Human Resources from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, after earning the highest assessment score among all Tier 1 agencies at 97.6 percent.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

DECAL Seeks Applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year

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The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year program.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Wednesday – February 18, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, February 19, 2026:

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Warm, Wet Changes Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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Drivers across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will want to stay alert this morning as patchy dense fog may develop in spots. Visibility could drop quickly, especially in low-lying areas and along rural roads. If fog forms, slow down, use low beams, and leave extra distance between vehicles. After the morning fog threat, the bigger story becomes an unseasonable warm-up. Winds have turned southerly, pulling warmer and more humid air into the region. Skies will stay mostly cloudy through today, and while a little drizzle or an isolated light shower is possible, most locations won’t see measurable rainfall.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

“There’s Hope for the Hungry” Happening Today in Summerville

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“There’s Hope for the Hungry” is scheduled for today, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at South Summerville Baptist Church, located at 440 Highway 48 in Summerville. Organizers say no identification is required to receive assistance. The event is part of an ongoing effort to provide food support and encouragement to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Chattooga County.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Food Distribution Set for Saturday in Teloga Area

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A free food distribution is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church in the Teloga community.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until noon and will be first come, first served. Organizers say the distribution is open to those in need while supplies last.

The food distribution is being offered by Helping Hands End Hunger in partnership with the Atrium Health Floyd–Polk Foundation. Additional support is being provided by the Teloga Community, Teloga Fire Department, Teloga Springs Farm, and Beersheba Presbyterian Church.

The event will be held at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, 9977 Highway 337, Summerville, Georgia 30747. For more information, organizers ask the public to contact Mandy Hale at Teloga Springs Farm.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Armuchee Man Arrested on Felony Financial Transaction Card Fraud Warrant

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An Armuchee man has been arrested on a felony warrant charging him with financial transaction card fraud.

According to the warrant, 45-year-old James Richard Guice is accused of authorizing another person to withdraw money from an ATM and then later reporting to the financial institution that the person did not have permission to make the withdrawal.

Investigators say the credit union credited $600 to Guice’s account based on that report, which the warrant alleges was false.

The case remains under investigation.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Pilgrim’s Pride Plant in Walker County Set to Break Ground This Fall in $400 Million Project

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Construction on Pilgrim’s Pride’s new prepared foods plant in Walker County is expected to begin this fall, a major step forward in a $400 million development local and state leaders say could reshape the area’s economy and bring hundreds of jobs to Northwest Georgia.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

North Georgia EMC Warns of Scam Messages Claiming Rolling Blackouts

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North Georgia EMC is warning members about scam emails and messages circulating across the Southeast that falsely claim the TVA is preparing for rolling blackouts and urge recipients to click a link for more information.

The utility says these messages are not legitimate and are designed to steal money and/or install viruses on your device, and they are not coming from TVA or any power provider.

Officials say another related scam involves messages claiming a customer has unusually high power usage and demanding immediate payment. North Georgia EMC stresses those messages are also fake and warns members not to click any links, share personal information, or respond to threatening payment demands.

If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and contact your utility directly using an official phone number or website.