Local News | AM 1180 Radio

May 21, 2026

Both Chattooga and Trion Move Graduation Indoors

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #chattoogahighschool, #ClassOf2026, #Graduation2026, #GraduationUpdate, #northwestgeorgia, #SchoolNews, #summervillega, #trionga, #trionhighschool, #WeatherAlert, #wzqznews 0

Both Chattooga High School and Trion High School have announced graduation ceremonies will be moved indoors because of the forecast for rain and thunderstorms Friday evening.

Chattooga High School officials say graduation has been moved to the school gymnasium to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees. Due to limited seating capacity, each graduate will receive seven tickets for admission. Tickets will be distributed Thursday morning following graduation practice. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

Meanwhile, Trion High School has also moved its Friday night graduation ceremony from the stadium to the THS Gymnasium. School officials say no tickets will be required for entry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 8:00 p.m. ceremony.

Both school systems say the decisions were made after closely monitoring weather forecasts throughout the week.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Native Named Chief Of Staff For Congressman Clay Fuller

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChiefOfStaff, #CongressmanClayFuller, #EconomicDevelopment, #floydcountyga, #georgiapolitics, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicService, #RomeGA, #RuralGeorgia, #SpencerHogg, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.

Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.

Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.

Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.

In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Traffic Stop In Gore Leads To Drug Arrest

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #CrimeNews, #DrugArrest, #GoreGA, #JailBooking, #LawEnforcement, #May20, #northwestgeorgia, #PossessionCharges, #TrafficStop, #Wednesday, #wzqznews 0

A traffic stop near Gore earlier this month resulted in a drug arrest, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say 41-year-old Gary Lee Parker was arrested on May 14th and charged with possession of Schedule I drugs following a stop on Highway 27 near the Gore Fire Hall Road area.

According to the incident report, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling erratically and initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle crossed the center line multiple times. During the stop, authorities reported that Parker appeared extremely nervous and showed signs of possible impairment.

A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered suspected THC wax, suspected marijuana, THC vape cartridges, and drug paraphernalia.

Parker was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Arrested Following Shoplifting Incident

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #CrimeNews, #JailBooking, #LawEnforcement, #May20, #northwestgeorgia, #Shoplifting, #summervillega, #TheftByShoplifting, #Wednesday, #wzqznews 0

A Summerville man was arrested earlier this month following a reported shoplifting incident at a local convenience store, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say 36-year-old Cody Lee Vickers was charged with theft by shoplifting after allegedly taking several items from a store on Highway 27 without paying.

According to the incident report, a deputy responded after receiving a complaint about a male suspect matching Vickers’ description leaving the store with merchandise. Authorities say the suspect was later located walking nearby and was taken into custody without further incident.

The report states the stolen items included cigarettes, Mountain Dew, and several other products allegedly concealed inside a jacket pocket.

Vickers was transported to the Chattooga County Jail following the arrest.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AdventHealth Georgia Welcomes Therapy Dog In Training During National EMS Week

Local News, Local News Items #AdventHealthGeorgia, #AdventHealthGeorgiaFoundation, #CommunitySupport, #EmergencyMedicalServices, #EMS, #EMSWeek, #firstresponders, #GeorgiaHealthcare, #MentalHealthSupport, #NationalEMSWeek, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #TherapyDog, #WholePersonCare, #WinstonTheTherapyDog, #wzqznews 0

During National EMS Week, AdventHealth Georgia is welcoming a new source of comfort and encouragement for its Emergency Medical Services team.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Friends Of Sloppy Floyd Hosting Homemade Ice Cream Sale Sunday

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd are inviting the community out for a sweet treat this Sunday during their Homemade Ice Cream Sale at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

The event will take place Sunday, May 24th, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. next to the park visitor center. Organizers say several traditional homemade ice cream flavors will return this year, along with a few surprise flavors for visitors to enjoy.

Ice cream will be available for three dollars per cup, and both cash and cards will be accepted.

The Friends group encourages families and friends to come out, enjoy the park, and cool off with homemade ice cream during the Memorial Day weekend.

A ten-dollar park pass or annual pass is required for parking.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Steam Engine 4501 Returning To Historic Summerville Depot This Saturday

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #DowntownSummerville, #GeorgiaEvents, #HistoricSummervilleDepot, #MayMarketAndMelodies, #northwestgeorgia, #SouthernRailway, #SteamEngine4501, #summervillega, #SummervilleTurntable, #TennesseeValleyRailroadMuseum, #trainexcursion, #wzqznews 0

Summerville is home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States, and is truly a step back in time for train and history buffs alike. The City of Summerville is proud to announce the return of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engines to the Historic Summerville Depot on Saturday, May 23. The Summerville Turntable will work again, turning the iconic 4501 steam engine for the first time in 2026. A May Market & Melodies event, celebrating with live music and vendors, will be a highlight for the welcome back return of the steam engine with passengers.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DOT Suspending Interstate Lane Closures For Memorial Day Weekend

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #GeorgiaDOT, #GeorgiaRoads, #GeorgiaTraffic, #HolidayTravel, #MemorialDay, #MemorialDayWeekend, #MoveOver, #northwestgeorgia, #TrafficDelays, #TravelAlert, #WorkZoneSafety, #wzqznews 0

The Georgia Department of Transportation says interstate lane closures will be suspended across the state for the Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The suspension begins Friday, May 22nd, at 12:00 p.m. and will continue through Tuesday, May 26th, at 5:00 a.m. Georgia DOT says the move is intended to reduce travel delays and improve safety during one of the busier travel weekends of the year.

Motorists should remember that while lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be working near roadways. Some long-term closures may also remain in place for safety reasons, and emergency or crash-related lane closures can still happen at any time.

Drivers are urged to stay alert, slow down in work zones, and move over when possible when workers are present. Georgia DOT says heavier traffic is expected around metro Atlanta and popular tourist destinations across the state.

Travelers can find traffic forecasts and holiday travel tips at the Georgia DOT website.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA Predicts Record Memorial Day Travel For Georgia And Nationwide

Local News, Local News Items #AAA, #chattoogacounty, #GeorgiaDOT, #GeorgiaTravel, #HolidayTravel, #MemorialDay, #MemorialDayWeekend, #northwestgeorgia, #RoadTrip, #SummerTravel, #TrafficAlert, #TravelForecast, #TravelNews, #wzqznews 0

AAA says a record number of travelers are expected to hit the roads, skies, and rails this Memorial Day weekend, including more than 1.3 million Georgians.

May 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Town Of Trion Announces Memorial Day Closings And Garbage Schedule Change

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #GarbagePickup, #HolidayClosings, #MemorialDay, #MemorialDay2026, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicNotice, #townoftrion, #TrashSchedule, #trionga, #wzqznews 0

The Town of Trion has announced several department closures for Memorial Day.

The Town of Trion Business Office, Gas Department, Maintenance Department, and Recreation Department will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

Garbage normally picked up on Monday will instead be picked up on Tuesday, May 26. All other garbage pickup days will remain on a regular schedule.

For emergency calls involving the Gas Department or Police Department, residents should call 911, and dispatchers will contact the proper personnel.