Local News | AM 1180 Radio

March 11, 2026

Trion Elementary Seeking Paraprofessionals for 2026–2027 School Year

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Trion Elementary School is seeking applicants to fill two paraprofessional positions for the 2026–2027 school year.

The positions are based at Trion Elementary School and involve assisting teachers and supporting elementary students in the classroom.

According to the posting, candidates must have at least a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following qualifications:

Hold an associate’s degree or higher from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) accepted accredited institution with at least 60 semester hours of college coursework, or
Pass the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment.

Interested candidates are asked to submit an application and letter of interest to Beth Pelham at beth.pelham@trionschools.org.

March 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Six Flags Over Georgia Opening 2026 Season This Weekend

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Thrill seekers across Georgia will soon be able to return to Six Flags Over Georgia, as the popular theme park prepares to kick off its 2026 season this weekend.

The park will officially reopen for Opening Weekend on March 14–15, marking its 59th season of operation.

Guests will once again be able to enjoy major attractions including roller coasters such as Goliath, Twisted Cyclone, and Georgia Scorcher, along with family rides, entertainment, and dining throughout the park.

Following opening weekend, the park will host several seasonal events throughout the year. One of the first major events will be Spring Break festivities scheduled for April 3–12, featuring additional entertainment and activities for visitors.

Six Flags Over Georgia, located in Mableton near Atlanta, first opened in 1967 and remains one of the largest amusement parks in the Southeast, offering dozens of rides and attractions across its 290-acre property.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lightning Strike Destroys Barn on Commissioner Andy Allen’s Farm

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen said Tuesday that a barn on his farm was destroyed after being struck by lightning during storms overnight.

Allen and his wife, Whitney, said the lightning strike hit a fence charger, which sparked the fire that resulted in the barn being a total loss.

In a statement, the Allens thanked the Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison firefighters for their quick response.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the statement said. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss.”

The Allens said firefighters worked quickly to ensure the fire was fully contained and did not spread to their nearby horse barn.

“We appreciate their efforts and kindness,” the statement concluded.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Fuller, Harris Advance to Runoff in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District

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Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris will face each other in an April 7 runoff election after no candidate received a majority in Tuesday’s special election to fill the remaining months of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former U.S. House seat.

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 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Thomas, Zibluk Advance to Runoff in Georgia State Senate District 53 Race

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Former Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas, a Republican, and John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk, a Democrat, are headed to an April 7 runoff election in the race for Georgia State Senate District 53 after no candidate won a majority in Tuesday’s special election.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lyerly Drive Thru Owner Announces Business Is for Sale

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The owner of the only restaurant in the Town of Lyerly has announced that Lyerly Drive Thru is being offered for sale, citing retirement planning and family commitments.

In a statement, the owner said the decision was made after thoughtful consideration and with retirement in mind. Family obligations are also prompting the owner to spend more time at home.

The owner described the listing as a great opportunity for someone interested in owning and operating a business in Lyerly.

According to the announcement, the sale will include the land, equipment and other essentials needed to continue operations. The owner also said the business will continue operating as usual during the sale process and that assistance will be provided to help the buyer get started when the time comes.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

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Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.

The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.

First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.

Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.

All first responders are welcome to attend.

March 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Releases Unofficial Election Results for March 10 Special Election

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Unofficial and incomplete results from Tuesday’s March 10, 2026 special election show 3,772 ballots cast in Chattooga County, representing 24.77% turnout among the county’s 15,226 registered voters.

The results released Tuesday night reflect Chattooga County votes only.

In the race for U.S. House of Representatives, District 14, Clay Fuller (Republican) received the most votes in Chattooga County with 1,705 votes (46.43%). Shawn Harris (Democrat) finished second locally with 912 votes (24.84%), followed by Colton Moore (Republican) with 727 votes (19.80%).

The 14th Congressional District covers multiple counties across Northwest Georgia, meaning the final outcome will be determined by votes from the entire district.

In the race for Georgia State Senate District 53, Lanny Thomas (Republican) led the vote in Chattooga County with 1,796 votes (48.27%), followed by Blake Elsberry (Republican) with 910 votes (24.46%), John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk (Democrat) with 696 votes (18.70%), and Denise Pierce Burns (Republican) with 319 votes (8.57%).

The 53rd State Senate District includes voters in Chattooga, Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Floyd counties, meaning the final election results will depend on totals from all counties in the district.

Election officials reported 1,869 votes cast on Election Day, 1,837 during advance voting, and 66 absentee ballots by mail.

Final certified results will be released after all counties complete their tabulations.