Local News | AM 1180 Radio

March 14, 2026

Georgia Net Tax Collections Dip Slightly in February, Remain Up for Fiscal Year

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Georgia’s net tax collections totaled $2.12 billion in February, a slight decrease of 0.1% compared to February of last year.

Even with that small monthly decline, the state remains ahead overall for the fiscal year. Through the first eight months of the budget year, Georgia has collected about $21.88 billion, an increase of 1.6% over the same period a year ago.

The biggest drop in February came from individual income tax collections, which fell 4.1%. Higher tax refunds were a major factor in that decline, even as withholding payments showed a slight increase.

At the same time, sales tax collections moved higher, providing one of the brighter spots in the report. Motor fuel tax revenues also increased from the same month last year.

Meanwhile, corporate income tax collections posted a sharp decline for the month. The state also reported smaller decreases in motor vehicle tag, title and fee collections.

Despite the mixed results in February, Georgia’s overall revenue picture remains positive for the year so far, with collections continuing to run ahead of last fiscal year’s pace.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

UGA Extension Offering Diabetes Cooking School Series In Chattooga County

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The University of Georgia Extension – Chattooga County is inviting residents to participate in a “Learning to Live With Diabetes” Cooking School Series, designed to help individuals better manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions through healthier cooking and nutrition choices.

The 2026 Lunch and Learn Series will cover several topics including label reading and portion control, sweeteners, carbohydrates and fiber, hypertension and sodium, and modifying recipes for healthier alternatives. Classes will be held Wednesdays from noon until 1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through April 22.

Each class costs $15 and includes lunch. Sessions will take place at the Chattooga County Extension Office, 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. To register, residents can call 706-857-0744 or email rbt@uga.edu.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

IRS Extends Office Hours At Taxpayer Assistance Centers During Filing Season

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The Internal Revenue Service has announced extended weekly office hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country to give taxpayers more time to receive in-person help during filing season. The expanded weekday hours will remain in place through Thursday, April 30.

Taxpayers can find out whether a nearby Taxpayer Assistance Center is offering extended hours by using the TAC Locator tool on IRS.gov. The online tool provides office locations, directions, available services, and information about extended hours.

In addition to longer weekday hours, many Taxpayer Assistance Centers will also be open on select Saturdays through June 2026. During those Saturday hours, taxpayers can access all regularly available TAC services except for making cash payments. The IRS encourages taxpayers to check the website regularly because participating locations and available hours may change without notice.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Carrie Rowe Named Chattooga County School District Teacher Of The Year

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Leroy Massey Elementary School is celebrating one of its own after Mrs. Carrie Rowe was named Chattooga County School District Teacher of the Year.

School officials shared the announcement on social media, congratulating Rowe and thanking her for her dedication to students and the school community. Leroy Massey Elementary said they are grateful for her continued commitment to supporting students, fellow educators, and the community.

District Teacher of the Year honors are awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools, and a strong commitment to student success.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Sheriff Schrader Joins National Warning About “764” Threat Targeting Children Online

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in warning parents about a violent online extremist network known as “764,” which authorities say targets minors through social media, gaming platforms, and private chat features.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Prison-Based Methamphetamine Ring Members Sentenced

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U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District Of Georgia Collects Over $108 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2016

Thirteen members of a prison-based methamphetamine distribution ring have been convicted and sentenced following a multi-year federal investigation. Authorities say state inmates Edward Kelvin Pope, David Wilson, and Kevin Josue Campos Rivera coordinated drug trafficking operations from Central State Prison in Macon, working with federal inmate Jose Santos Isaola Cisneros at the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta to distribute methamphetamine through couriers and distributors across north Georgia. Pope, known as “Paw Paw,” was already serving a life sentence plus 70 years for armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes at the time of the offenses.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

City Of Summerville Accepting Applications For Building Inspector Position

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The City of Summerville is accepting applications for a Building Inspector position. According to the job summary, the position is responsible for inspecting new residential, commercial, and industrial construction to make sure projects comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, safety standards, and approved construction plans.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Ralph “Country” Brown Memorial Scholarship Applications Due March 27

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Applications are now being accepted for the Ralph “Country” Brown Memorial Scholarship, available to senior baseball and softball players at Chattooga High School.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Assurance Reports Critical Need For Type O Blood Donations In Northwest Georgia

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Blood Assurance says several days of heavy hospital usage have pushed its supply of O-positive and O-negative blood to critical levels, while platelet supplies are also nearing critical status.

The organization says there is an emergency need for donors as soon as possible, especially those with Type O blood.

The need comes as the region moves into severe weather season, a time when trauma cases can rise and put even more pressure on local blood supplies. Blood Assurance says rebuilding the supply quickly is especially important to help meet patient needs.

Blood Assurance is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, and it also supplies Cartersville Medical Center. Donations made at Blood Assurance donor centers and blood drives in Rome and Cartersville help support local patients across the area.

Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible, although walk-ins are also being accepted.

To schedule a donation, visit Blood Assurance online, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.

March 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Hosting Adoption Event Saturday

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host a special adoption event this Saturday, March 14, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

A number of dogs and cats will be available for adoption, including Ember, Rem, Lick, Rosie, Kuma, Hoss, Diesel, Gojo, Buster, Ranger, Boone, Maple, Radar, Ollie, Freckles, Dottie, Pepper, Ozzie, and George. Shelter officials encourage residents to stop by, meet the animals, and consider giving a pet a new home.

The event will take place at the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville. For more information, call 706-857-0679.