Community Calendar | AM 1180 Radio

March 13, 2026

Chattooga River Group to Host Blue Trail Paddle Event in Summerville

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #BlueTrail, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaRiver, #ChattoogaRiverGroup, #CommunityEvent, #ExploreNorthGeorgia, #Kayaking, #LocalEvents, #LyerlyDamRoad, #northwestgeorgia, #OutdoorAdventure, #PaddleEvent, #RiverEcology, #summervillega, #UGAExtension, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga River Group is inviting the public to take part in an upcoming Blue Trail paddle event on Lyerly Dam Road in Summerville. The paddle will begin with a mass launch at 10 a.m. and will follow the route from Lyerly Dam Launch to Chattoogaville.

Special guest Shane Kornberg, former manager of the Fish Hatchery in Cohutta and now an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with UGA Extension in Whitfield County, will lead discussion during the outing. Organizers say Kornberg will cover topics including river ecology, invasive versus native species, and the benefits of a diverse ecosystem.

Participants will need to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snacks, and should also make their own transportation arrangements for after the paddle. Organizers say each participant will be asked to provide an emergency contact and sign a waiver before launching.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

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Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.

The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.

In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Paradise Garden to Host Summer Art Camp for Rising 3rd Through 8th Graders

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Families with creative children can begin making summer plans now as Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville prepares to host its annual Art Camp in June.

According to Davia Weatherill, executive director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, this year’s camp will be held June 23 through June 26 and will be open to rising third through eighth graders.

Weatherill said it is not too early for families to begin thinking about summer camp opportunities.

For more information about Art Camp, the Paradise Garden Foundation can be reached by phone at (706) 808-0800 or by email at info@paradisegardenfoundation.org.

In addition to the children’s camp, adults are also invited to take part in a Plein Air Class scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class will feature an outdoor guided painting session.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located at 200 North Lewis Street in the Pennville Community, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Library Invites Readers to Join Adult Book Club in Summerville

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The Chattooga Library is inviting local readers to take part in its Adult Book Club, which meets every other week at the library in Summerville.

The group features a variety of reading selections chosen by participants, ranging from historical fiction to psychological thrillers and many genres in between. Organizers say the club is open to adults who enjoy reading and discussing books in a welcoming group setting.

The event will be held at the Chattooga Library, 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville, and each session lasts about one hour. For more information, call the Chattooga Library at 706-857-2553.

The next meeting time will be Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4-5 PM.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Miss Chattooga County Pageant Set for March 28 at Chattooga High School

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The Miss Chattooga County Pageant 2026 will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Chattooga High School in the auditorium/cafeteria. Organizers are encouraging contestants to register early and take advantage of the discounted entry fee.

The early registration deadline is March 20 at 11:59 p.m., with an entry fee of $40. Participants who register before that deadline will save $10 compared to the late registration fee. Late registration will remain open until March 26 at 6:00 p.m., with a fee of $50.

Contestants must either live in Chattooga County or attend a school in Chattooga County to be eligible to participate. Reigning winners may not compete in the same category the following year but may enter the next category if their age allows them to move up.

Those interested in entering can complete the application online at https://forms.gle/gFvWcpHQZp3mMdqo8 or by scanning the QR code included on the pageant flyer. Anyone with questions can contact Sandy Blalock at sblalock@chattooga.k12.ga.us.

More information and updates about the pageant can also be found on the event’s Facebook page.

March 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Waives Application Fee During March to Help Students Enroll for Summer 2026

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting a Free Application Month throughout March to help prospective students enroll for the 2026 summer semester.

Through March 31, GNTC will waive its $25 application fee for all incoming students. To receive the fee waiver, applicants should enter the code MARCH26 (all capital letters) when applying.

GNTC officials say the admissions deadline for the summer semester is April 27, and classes are scheduled to begin May 18.

Students who need help applying can contact the GNTC call center Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at 866-983-4682. More information is also available on the college’s website at gntc.edu by clicking “Apply Now.” Questions about Free Application Month can also be directed to the Office of Admissions at 866-983-4682 or by email at admissions@gntc.edu.

GNTC provides workforce education across Northwest Georgia, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a wide range of career pathways including aviation, business, health, industrial fields, and public service. The college reports that more than 14,000 people benefited from its credit and noncredit programs over the past year, and thousands more were served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start programs.

March 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Highlands College Waives Application Fee in March as Summer and Fall Enrollment Opens

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Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is encouraging prospective students across Northwest Georgia to take advantage of a limited-time offer: the college is waiving its $30 application fee through the month of March.

March 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

WZQZ Pet of the Week: Meet Maple

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The WZQZ Pet of the Week spotlight is on Maple, a young dog currently available for adoption at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Shelter staff say Maple is a female, approximately 1 year old, who came to the shelter through an owner surrender. Maple is not spayed at this time, and officials encourage anyone interested in giving her a home to contact the shelter for details on adoption requirements and next steps.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located at 464 Red Oak Drive in Summerville. For more information about Maple or the adoption process, call 706-857-0679.

The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Wednesdays are available by appointment.

March 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Clyde Cox Memorial Antique Tractor Ride Set for May 2 in Walker and Chattooga Counties

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The Chickamauga Antique Tractor Club will host its annual Clyde Cox Memorial Antique Tractor Ride on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

March 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Miss Trion Pageant Registration Deadline March 6; Pageant Set for March 14

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The Pride of Trion Marching Band is reminding the community that there’s only one week left to register for the Miss Trion Pageant or sign on as an event sponsor.

Organizers say the registration and sponsorship deadline is Friday, March 6, and the pageant will be held Saturday, March 14.

Registration is available online through the Trion High School Band Boosters website. Paper registration forms are also available in the school office and can be turned in at the office with payment.

In addition to contestants, organizers say they are still seeking sponsors to help make the event a success, with sponsorship options available online.