#CartersvilleGA | AM 1180 Radio

September 10, 2026

Red Cross Urges Blood Donations As Fall Schedules Put Supply At Risk

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The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to roll up their sleeves this September as the organization works to protect the nation’s blood supply heading into fall.

September 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Fugitive Captured After Jumping Into Weiss Lake

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A Georgia fugitive wanted out of Floyd County was taken into custody in Cherokee County, Alabama, after authorities say he ran from deputies and jumped into Weiss Lake.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a campground in the Wildwood Cove area off County Road 182 Tuesday afternoon to serve a warrant for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies located 33-year-old Eric Carl Virta of Cartersville, Georgia. Authorities say that when deputies attempted to take Virta into custody, he ran and jumped into the water. Virta reportedly crossed to the other side and entered the Kirk’s Grove/Mud Creek area.

Deputies responded to that area and searched for more than an hour before finding Virta hiding in a swampy area in Mud Creek. He was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol transported Virta and the deputies back across the water by boat.

Virta was wanted in Floyd County on a probation violation connected to charges involving possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and terroristic threats and acts.

He was also charged in Cherokee County with fugitive from justice and attempting to elude.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked ALEA, the Leesburg Police Department and the Cedar Bluff Police Department for their assistance.

September 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Highlands Education Lab Gives Future Teachers Classroom Experience

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Future teachers at Georgia Highlands College will now have an opportunity to practice their skills in a setting designed to closely resemble the classrooms where they will eventually work.

August 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Matthew Thomas Named Sole Finalist To Lead Rome-Floyd Development Authority

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The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has selected Matthew Thomas as the sole finalist for its president and chief executive officer position.

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Three Charged In Alleged Forced Labor Scheme At Cartersville Flooring Manufacturer

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Three men are facing federal charges following an investigation into an alleged forced labor operation at a flooring manufacturing company in Cartersville.

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Booth Museum Invites School Employees To Free ‘Mysteries At The Museum’ Educator Night

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School employees from across Northwest Georgia are invited to put their detective skills to the test during a special Educator Night — Mysteries at the Museum at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis As Donations Fall To Four-Year Summer Low

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The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations continue to fall well below hospital demand.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Highlands College Hosts President’s Scholars Day To Inspire Future Students

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Georgia Highlands College Hosts President’s Scholars Day to Inspire Future Students and Strengthen Community Engagement

Georgia Highlands College recently hosted its annual President’s Scholars Day, an event designed to inspire high-achieving high school seniors and strengthen community engagement.

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

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.