#CommunityService | AM 1180 Radio

September 17, 2026

Chattooga County EMA To Host Blood Drive In October

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #BloodAssurance, #BloodDonation, #BloodDonor, #BloodDrive, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyEMA, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityEvent, #CommunityService, #EmergencyManagement, #GiveBlood, #GiveLocalSaveLocal, #LocalHealthcare, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SaveLives, #summervillega, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.

The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.

As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.

The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Scouting America Troop 7 To Host BBQ Plate Fundraiser September 21

Local News, Local News Items #BBQFundraiser, #BoyScouts, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityEvent, #CommunityService, #Fundraiser, #LocalScouts, #northwestgeorgia, #Scouting, #ScoutingAmerica, #SummervilleFirstUnitedMethodistChurch, #summervillega, #SupportLocalYouth, #Troop7, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YouthLeadership 0

Scouting America Troop 7 is inviting the community to enjoy a barbecue dinner while helping support local Scouts during a fundraiser next week.

The Troop 7 BBQ Plate Fundraiser will be held Monday, September 21, from 6 until 8 PM at Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Plates are $12 each and include barbecue, a bun, green beans, potato salad and dessert. Both dine-in and carry-out will be available, with drinks provided for those eating at the church.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Troop 7 Scouting activities, including outdoor adventures, leadership development programs and community service projects.

Troop leaders say community support plays an important role in helping Scouts develop leadership skills, character and a commitment to service.

Tickets are available from Troop 7 members and will also be sold at the event while supplies last.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Red Cross Blood Drive Coming To Berry College Thursday

Local News, Local News Items #AmericanRedCross, #berrycollege, #BerryCollegeRedCrossClub, #BloodDonation, #BloodDonor, #BloodDonorsNeeded, #BloodDrive, #BloodSupply, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #CommunityService, #DonateBlood, #floydcountyga, #FloydCountyNews, #georgianews, #GiveBlood, #HelloKitty, #KrannertCenter, #LocalNews, #MountBerryGA, #NorthGeorgia, #northwestgeorgia, #northwestgeorgianews, #RedCross, #RedCrossBloodDrive, #RomeGA, #SaveLives, #Volunteerism, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to help maintain the nation’s blood supply by donating blood this week at Berry College.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held Thursday, September 17, from 2 until 7 PM at the Krannert Center, located at 2277 Martha Berry Boulevard in Mount Berry.

The Red Cross says the nation’s blood supply remains vulnerable following critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have blood products available for patients.

Berry College has a long history of supporting blood donations. The college’s Blood Donor Program was started by students in 1974, and Berry says Red Cross and Blood Assurance visits typically collect more than 450 units of blood annually. The Berry College Red Cross Club assists with blood drives on campus.

There’s also an incentive for Thursday’s donors. Those who give blood through September 20 can receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or through the Red Cross website.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins Appointed Deputy Coroner In Chattooga County

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyChamberOfCommerce, #ChattoogaCountyCoroner, #chattoogacountynews, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityService, #DeputyCoroner, #EarleRainwater, #EmergencyMedicalServices, #EmergencyServices, #EMS, #EMSPioneerOfTheYear, #firstresponders, #GaryWoods, #georgianews, #GregHawkins, #HawkHawkins, #JeremyMcElhaney, #LeadershipChattooga, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #NorthGeorgia, #northwestgeorgia, #NorthwestGeorgiaEMS, #northwestgeorgianews, #Paramedic, #PublicService, #RedmondEMS, #summervillega, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, menlo 0

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins has been appointed Deputy Coroner of Chattooga County, continuing a long career of service in local emergency services.

Hawkins was sworn in Monday by Judge Gary Woods, with Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney and Senior Deputy Coroner Earle Rainwater in attendance.

A longtime resident of Menlo, Hawkins has served Chattooga County for many years in emergency medical services. He worked as a paramedic and supervisor with Redmond EMS, building decades of experience responding to emergencies throughout the county.

Hawkins is also a 2018 graduate of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chattooga class.

Earlier this year, Hawkins received regional recognition for his service in emergency medicine. In March, he was honored as the EMS Pioneer of the Year by the Northwest Georgia Regional Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

His appointment as Deputy Coroner adds another chapter to a career centered on public service and emergency response in Chattooga County.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Teloga Community Food Drive Set For Saturday

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #AtriumHealthFloydPolkFoundation, #BeershebaPresbyterianChurch, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyEvents, #chattoogacountynews, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityFoodDrive, #CommunityNews, #CommunityOutreach, #CommunityService, #CommunitySupport, #FamiliesHelpingFamilies, #FightHunger, #FoodAssistance, #FoodDistribution, #FoodDrive, #FoodSecurity, #FoodSupport, #freefood, #HelpingHands, #HelpingNeighbors, #HungerRelief, #LocalFamilies, #LocalNews, #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors, #NorthGeorgia, #northwestgeorgia, #northwestgeorgianews, #StrongerTogether, #SummervilleEvents, #summervillega, #Teloga, #TelogaCommunity, #TelogaCommunityFoodDrive, #TelogaGA, #Volunteer, #VolunteersNeeded, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Residents in the Teloga area are invited to take part in a Community Food Drive this Saturday, September 19, aimed at helping local families and strengthening the community.

The food distribution will be held from 10 AM until noon, or until supplies run out, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337 in Summerville.

Organizers say no identification is required to receive food. Those planning to attend are asked not to line up before 9:30 AM.

The event is being held under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and is designed to provide food assistance to people and families in the community.

Volunteers are also needed to help with Saturday’s distribution.

The Teloga Community Food Drive is being made possible with support from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands Food Support Community.

Organizers say the goal is simple: bring neighbors together to support one another and help build a stronger Teloga community.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Scouting America Troop 7 To Host BBQ Plate Fundraiser September 21

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #BBQFundraiser, #BoyScouts, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityEvent, #CommunityService, #Fundraiser, #LocalScouts, #northwestgeorgia, #Scouting, #ScoutingAmerica, #SummervilleFirstUnitedMethodistChurch, #summervillega, #SupportLocalYouth, #Troop7, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YouthLeadership 0

Scouting America Troop 7 is inviting the community to enjoy a barbecue dinner while helping support local Scouts during a fundraiser next week.

The Troop 7 BBQ Plate Fundraiser will be held Monday, September 21, from 6 until 8 PM at Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Plates are $12 each and include barbecue, a bun, green beans, potato salad and dessert. Both dine-in and carry-out will be available, with drinks provided for those eating at the church.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Troop 7 Scouting activities, including outdoor adventures, leadership development programs and community service projects.

Troop leaders say community support plays an important role in helping Scouts develop leadership skills, character and a commitment to service.

Tickets are available from Troop 7 members and will also be sold at the event while supplies last.

September 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Community Leader Ronnie Winters Passes Away

Local News, Local News Items #BankstonTireAndOil, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityLeader, #CommunityNews, #CommunityService, #Farmer, #InMemoriam, #JasonWinters, #KristiBeach, #LocalBusinessman, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MasonFuneralHome, #MenloGA, #NorthGeorgia, #northwestgeorgia, #northwestgeorgianews, #OakHill, #OakHillCommunity, #OakHillMethodistChurch, #OptimistClub, #RememberingRonnieWinters, #RonnieWinters, #SummervilleBusiness, #summervillega, #SummervilleTrionOptimistClub, #trionga, #USVeteran, #Veteran, #VietnamVeteran, #VietnamWarVeteran, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County is mourning the loss of longtime veteran, farmer, businessman and community leader Ronnie Winters, who passed away at his home in the Oak Hill community of Lyerly on Sunday morning.

Mr. Winters was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was known throughout Chattooga County for his service to his country, his community and his church.

He was a lifelong member of Oak Hill Methodist Church in Lyerly and remained closely connected to the Oak Hill community throughout his life.

For many years, Mr. Winters operated Bankston Tire and Oil in Summerville, where he became well known to generations of local customers and business owners. He was also actively involved with the Summerville-Trion Optimist Club, contributing his time and support to community projects and local causes.

Mr. Winters was married to the late Peggy Winters. He was the father of Kristi Beach and Jason Winters, who previously served as Chattooga County Commissioner and currently serves as Summerville City Manager.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home in Summerville. Service details are still pending and will be announced when they become available.

WZQZ Radio extends our condolences to the Winters family and joins the community in remembering Ronnie Winters for his service to his country, his county, his community, his church and his family.

September 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CRC Chattooga Seeking Volunteers For Upcoming Community Projects

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaCommunity, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChurchGroups, #CivicOrganizations, #ClothesCloset, #ClothingAssistance, #CommunityNews, #CommunityOutreach, #CommunityService, #CommunityVolunteers, #CRCChattooga, #EmpoweringChattooga, #FallProjects, #FeedingHope, #FightingHunger, #FoodAssistance, #GiveBack, #HelpingOthers, #LocalBusinesses, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors, #NorthGeorgia, #northwestgeorgia, #northwestgeorgianews, #ServeChattooga, #SummervilleCommunity, #summervillega, #SundaySchool, #SupportLocal, #trionga, #Volunteer, #VolunteerOpportunity, #VolunteersNeeded, #WinterClothing, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YouthGroups 0

CRC Chattooga is asking local churches, civic organizations, businesses, youth groups and other volunteers to lend a hand with several projects as the organization prepares for the fall and winter months.

The Summerville-based organization says it has two major projects coming up and hopes groups from throughout Chattooga County will consider volunteering.

The first project is a painting crew needed next weekend. CRC Chattooga is looking for one group, or several smaller groups, willing to help paint the organization’s Distribution Room and Produce Room.

Organizers say the project could be a good service opportunity for a church group, Sunday School class, youth group, business, civic organization or simply a group of friends looking for a way to help in the community.

CRC Chattooga is also looking for volunteers to help with its Clothes Closet as the organization makes the seasonal transition from summer to fall and winter clothing.

That project will include hanging and sorting clothes, organizing the Clothes Closet, putting away summer items and getting winter clothing ready for distribution. The work can be completed during the same weekend as the painting project or at another time during the following week.

CRC officials say having several volunteers working together can make relatively quick work of the projects while helping the organization prepare to serve families during the colder months.

The organization operates from 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville and provides assistance to people in need in Chattooga County.

Anyone with a church, business, organization, family or group of friends interested in taking on one of the projects is encouraged to contact CRC Chattooga directly. The organization can be reached at 706-808-0477 or through its Facebook page.

CRC Chattooga describes its mission with the message, “Fighting Hunger • Feeding Hope • Empowering Chattooga.”

September 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Friends Of Sloppy Floyd Volunteers Continue Tradition Of Supporting Local State Park

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityService, #CommunityVolunteers, #ExploreGeorgia, #fishing, #FriendsOfGeorgiaStateParks, #friendsofsloppyfloyd, #georgiadnr, #GeorgiaOutdoors, #georgiastateparks, #Hiking, #JamesHSloppyFloydStatePark, #northwestgeorgia, #OutdoorGeorgia, #ParkVolunteers, #PinhotiTrail, #publiclands, #sloppyfloydstatepark, #StateParks, #summervillega, #SupportOurParks, #Volunteer, #Volunteerism, #volunteers, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Visitors to Georgia’s state parks see the trails, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lakes and other amenities, but much of the work that helps improve and preserve those parks is supported by volunteers working behind the scenes.

September 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Berry College Named Among Nation’s Best Colleges For 2027

Local News, Local News Items #berrycollege, #BestColleges, #BestColleges2027, #BestValueCollege, #ChattoogaInfo, #CollegeRankings, #CollegeStudents, #CommunityService, #floydcountyga, #GeorgiaColleges, #GeorgiaEducation, #highereducation, #MostBeautifulCampus, #MountBerryGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PrincetonReview, #RomeGA, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Berry College is one of just seven Georgia colleges and universities included in The Princeton Review’s newly released list of the nation’s best colleges for 2027.