Local News | AM 1180 Radio

March 18, 2026

Man Arrested After Drugs Found in Disabled Vehicle

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A man was arrested following a traffic-related incident on March 11 after deputies discovered illegal drugs inside a disabled vehicle.

According to the report, deputies approached a vehicle stopped on the roadside and made contact with the driver, identified as 55-year-old John Wayne Cook. While speaking with Cook, officers detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, giving them probable cause to conduct a search.

During the search, deputies located suspected marijuana, along with a clear plastic container holding a substance believed to be methamphetamine. Authorities also conducted a field test, which returned a positive result for fentanyl.

Cook was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. He was transported to jail without further incident.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Advocate Health Offering $200,000 In Scholarships For Students Pursuing Health And STEM Careers

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Advocate Health has announced it will award $200,000 in scholarships to students pursuing education in health care and STEM-related fields, helping support the next generation of professionals in those industries.

March 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Systems to Be Unavailable March 30 for Scheduled Maintenance

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College says its systems will be unavailable Monday, March 30, across all campus locations due to scheduled maintenance.

During the outage, internet services, phone systems, Blackboard, and MyGNTC will be temporarily unavailable for the day. College officials are encouraging anyone who may need help with admissions, financial aid, student resources, or other GNTC-related business to plan ahead and reach out before or after the scheduled maintenance.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hee Haw Tribute Shows set for March 20-21 in Summerville

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The City of Summerville will host Hee Haw Tribute Shows on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21 at the Summerville Train Depot. The event will feature tributes to classic Hee Haw skits including “Rindercella,” Samples Sales, Gossip Girls, and more.

Organizers say a cast of more than 18 performers will bring 90 minutes of laughter and interactive fun to the stage. Showtimes are set for Friday at 7 p.m., with three performances on Saturday at 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at Summerville City Hall for $15, with additional tickets available at the door if space allows. Concessions will also be available, and seating will open 15 minutes prior to each show.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Youth, Mobility-Impaired Hunters get Early Start to Turkey Season March 21-22

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Youth and mobility-impaired hunters in Georgia will get an early start to turkey season during a special hunt set for March 21-22, 2026, on private lands. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says the opportunity allows eligible hunters to harvest a gobbler before the statewide season officially opens.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lucky Charm Cheer Classic Set For Sunday In Trion

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The community is invited to attend the 1st Annual Lucky Charm Cheer Classic, a cheerleading competition and fundraiser benefiting Georgia Elite Allstars and Trion High School Cheerleading. The event will take place Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Trion High School gymnasium.

The competition will feature recreation, performance, school, and all-star cheer and dance teams from across the region. Organizers say 21 teams and more than 200 athletes from surrounding counties are expected to compete, promising an afternoon full of energy, entertainment, and community spirit.

Proceeds from the event will support athlete development, competition opportunities, uniforms, and program needs for both organizations. Event organizer Tashia Knapp says the goal is to give athletes a fun platform to perform while strengthening local cheer programs, adding that community support has been overwhelming.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk Suspends Campaign

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Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.

March 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Senate Candidate and former Mayor of Trion Lanny Thomas Undergoes Emergency Surgery

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Lanny Thomas, Republican candidate for Georgia State Senate District 53 and former mayor of the Town of Trion, has undergone emergency surgery after what his family described as a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. He is currently recovering in the hospital.

A statement released by the Thomas family says prayers and well wishes are appreciated as he continues his recovery. Before surgery, Thomas spoke with his family and expressed his determination to return to the campaign as soon as possible.

The statement says he remains committed to serving Northwest Georgia and providing honest and effective representation. Updates on his condition are expected to be shared as they become available.

Thomas, along with Democrat Jack Zibluck are on the ballot in a runoff election for State Senate District 53 on April 7.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Tuesday – March 17, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Another Hard Freeze Tonight – Warm Up on the Way

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Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another hard freeze tonight into Wednesday morning, as temperatures remain well below normal for mid-March.