Local News | AM 1180 Radio

March 13, 2026

Chattooga River Group to Host Blue Trail Paddle Event in Summerville

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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 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Centre Man Charged In Child Exploitation Investigation Following ICAC Cyber Tip

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A Centre man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation by the Centre Police Department tied to an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cyber tip received in late January 2026.

March 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – March 12, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, March 10, 2026:

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Cold Front Brings Gusty Winds Today, Cooler Air To Chattooga County Before Weekend Warmup

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A cold front that brought showers and thunderstorms across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia early Thursday morning is expected to move out of the area by early afternoon, leaving gusty winds and cooler air behind.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Mohawk Hiring Event Set For Today In Trion

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People looking for a new job opportunity will have a chance to connect with Mohawk Industries during a hiring event in Trion today.

Mohawk’s Summerville team is returning to the Trion area with immediate openings for Lift Truck Operators, Sorters, Waste Handlers, and Extrusion Operators.

The event will be held Thursday, March 12, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Trion Recreation Department, 90 Dalton Street, Trion. The jobs are based at Mohawk Summerville, 106 John Bankston Drive, Summerville.

Officials say a 12-hour night swing shift is available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Previous experience is required for the Extrusion Operator position.

Starting pay ranges from $16 to $20 or more per hour, depending on the role. Benefits include health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, a training program, and up to 80 hours of paid time off.

Applicants are encouraged to apply in advance online. Those with questions can also text “Mohawk” to 97211 to speak with the company’s talent acquisition team.

Candidates attending the hiring event are asked to dress for the work environment, including long pants, a short- or long-sleeve shirt, and tennis shoes or work boots. No jewelry, piercings, hoodies, or jackets with hoods are allowed because of safety concerns. Long hair must be pulled up and off the shoulders, and applicants should bring two forms of ID.

Mohawk Industries says it is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status, and is committed to an inclusive workplace.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam Calls

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of scam calls from people falsely claiming to be employees or officers with the agency. According to the sheriff’s office, callers are telling victims they missed jury duty and now have a warrant, while also making it appear the call is coming from the sheriff’s office main phone line.

Officials say the Walker County Sheriff’s Office does not operate this way and is urging the public not to give out personal information or send money to anyone they do not know. Anyone with questions about the calls is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office directly at 706-670-1931.

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 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison in Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse Case

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A Chattooga County man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted by a jury on multiple charges involving the physical and sexual abuse of children, according to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Energy Assistance Cooling Program to Open April 1 for Eligible Chattooga County Residents

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A state-funded energy assistance cooling program will open April 1, 2026, for eligible homebound and elderly residents in Chattooga County, according to North Georgia Community Action, Inc. The program is designed to help qualifying households offset the cost of home energy expenses with a one-time payment made directly to the household’s energy supplier.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Police Investigating Stolen Vehicle Report

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating the reported theft of a vehicle that occurred early March 7 on Alred Street in Summerville.

According to the incident report, officers were dispatched shortly after midnight to the police department to meet with a complainant regarding a stolen 2016 gray Ford Fusion. The vehicle had reportedly been parked at a residence on 33 Alred Street while the owner’s son was visiting a friend.

Police say the vehicle’s driver told officers he arrived at the residence around 10 p.m. and discovered the car missing when he returned around 11:50 p.m. He reportedly told investigators the vehicle had been left unlocked with the key inside, believing nothing would happen to it.

Authorities say several items were inside the vehicle when it was taken, including about $300 in cash, a wallet, a vehicle key, a backpack in the trunk, and Apple AirPods inside the backpack.

Police confirmed the vehicle had not been repossessed, and a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued to surrounding agencies while the vehicle information was entered into the statewide database.

The investigation remains ongoing.