#CommunitySupport | AM 1180 Radio

March 11, 2026

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaCountyGA, #CommunityBreakfast, #CommunitySupport, #EmergencyServices, #EMS, #Firefighters, #firstresponders, #LocalEvents, #MasonicLodge, #northwestgeorgia, #police, #SupportFirstResponders, #trionga, #TrionLodge160, #wzqznews 0

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 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Grace Winder Receives UGA Community Service Grant for “Confidence Kits”

Local News, Local News Items #BullardCommunityChampions, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySchools, #chattoogahighschool, #CommunityService, #CommunitySupport, #ConfidenceKits, #FanningInstitute, #GraceWinder, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #SchoolNews, #StudentLeadership, #StudentSuccess, #summervillega, #trionga, #UGA, #wzqznews, #YouthLeadership, #YouthLEADGeorgia 0

Local high school student Grace Winder has been awarded a community service grant through the Bullard Community Champions program, a youth leadership initiative connected to the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. The grant helped support Winder’s project to assemble “Confidence Kits” for students across Chattooga County.

Each kit includes basic toiletries meant to help students with personal hygiene while also promoting dignity, confidence, and overall well-being. Every school in Chattooga County received 30 kits total — 15 for boys and 15 for girls — helping make sure students in need have access to everyday essentials.

The grant program is part of Youth LEAD Georgia, which helps high school students build leadership skills and take on service projects that make a difference in their local communities. Through the Bullard Community Champions program, students are given support to turn ideas into action and address real needs close to home.

Grace’s project is a meaningful example of student leadership in action, and school leaders expressed appreciation for her hard work and compassion in helping fellow students throughout Chattooga County.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Launches “Adopt a Dispatcher” Program for Telecommunicators Week

Local News, Local News Items #911Dispatch, #CommunityNews, #CommunitySupport, #Dispatchers, #EmergencyCommunications, #firstresponders, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #PublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek, #TelecommunicatorsWeek, #ThankADispatcher, #WalkerCounty, #WalkerCountyE911, #WalkerCountyGA, #wzqznews 0

Walker County is inviting community members to show appreciation for local emergency dispatchers through a new “Adopt a Dispatcher” program ahead of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will be observed April 12–18.

Dispatchers are often the first voice heard during emergencies, providing life-saving guidance to callers while coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel.

Through the program, residents, businesses, and organizations can fill out a short form on the county’s website to be matched with a member of the Walker County E-911 team. Participants will receive basic information about the dispatcher they adopt to help inspire messages of appreciation such as handwritten notes, drawings, or small gifts.

Curtis Creekmur, Director of E-911, said dispatchers play a vital role in public safety, working behind the scenes around the clock to connect those in need with emergency services.

Community members interested in participating can sign up at walkercountyga.gov/adoptadispatcher or email r.pope@walkerga.us. The deadline to participate and deliver appreciation items is April 6, 2026.

March 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

FLEX Day Coming March 19 in Chattooga County Showcases Student Entrepreneurs

Local News, Local News Items #BusinessLeadership, #chattoogachamber, #chattoogacounty, #chattoogahighschool, #CommunitySupport, #Entrepreneurship, #FLEXProgram, #HurleyCommunityDevelopmentCenter, #northwestgeorgia, #StudentEntrepreneurs, #summervillega, #trionga, #trionhighschool, #wzqznews, #YouthBusiness 0

The Chattooga Chamber is inviting the community to come out on March 19 for FLEX Day at the Hurley Community Development Center, where the Top 3 student entrepreneurs will compete for a chance to win $3,000 and advance to the state level.

Organizers say the event highlights the strong entrepreneurial spirit growing in Chattooga County and encourages everyone to support these young innovators.

The competition is part of the Georgia Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) program, a non-profit initiative launched in 2022 that trains students in entrepreneurship and business leadership while helping them develop and launch their own ventures.

The program is open to students at Trion High School, Chattooga High School, and high-school aged homeschool students in Chattooga County.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

“Rio’s Law” Would Create Voluntary Autism Awareness License Plate and Expand Police Training in Georgia

Local News, Local News Items #AutismAwareness, #AutismSpectrumDisorder, #CommunitySupport, #DevelopmentalDisabilities, #DisabilityAdvocacy, #GeorgiaDCH, #GeorgiaDDS, #GeorgiaLegislation, #georgianews, #GeorgiaSenate, #JustBeeYourself, #LawEnforcementTraining, #PublicSafety, #RiosLaw, #SenateBill433, #SpecialtyLicensePlate, #wzqznews 0

Georgia lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 433, known as “Rio’s Law,” which would create a new voluntary specialty license plate for drivers and families affected by autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Drive Happening Today at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion

Local News, Local News Items #BloodAssurance, #BloodDrive, #chattoogacounty, #CommunityEvent, #CommunitySupport, #DonateBlood, #GiveBlood, #HealthAndWellness, #LifesavingDonation, #LocalHospitals, #MountVernonMills, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #SaveLives, #TrionEvents, #trionga, #Volunteer, #wzqznews 0

A community blood drive is happening today (Thursday, February 26, 2026) at Mount Vernon Mills in Trion, giving Chattooga County residents an easy way to help save lives close to home.

Blood Assurance is hosting the drive from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mills on 4th Street in Trion. Organizers are encouraging donors to stop by and help keep the local blood supply strong for area patients and hospitals.

Donors who give during Blood Assurance’s special promotion running February 15 through February 28 will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Blood Assurance says there will be one winner selected per community, with seven winners total.

Before donating, Blood Assurance recommends eating a good meal, drinking extra water, avoiding energy drinks, and bringing a valid ID.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/vernonmills, and walk-ins are typically welcome as space allows.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Operation Round Up Helps Chattooga Neighbors Move From Homelessness to Housing

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #CommunityImpact, #CommunitySupport, #CRCChattooga, #DignityAndHope, #HomelessnessAssistance, #HousingSupport, #LocalNews, #MenloGA, #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors, #NonprofitNews, #NorthGeorgiaEMC, #OperationRoundUp, #summervillega, #trionga, #wzqznews 0

CRC Chattooga is extending a heartfelt thank you to North Georgia EMC members whose participation in Operation Round Up is making a real difference in local lives.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Middle School FFA Hosting Animal Shelter Donation Drive

Local News, Local News Items #AnimalShelter, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyAnimalShelter, #CommunitySupport, #DonationDrive, #northwestgeorgia, #SMS, #SMSFFA, #summervillega, #summervillemiddleschool, #SupportLocal, #wzqznews, ffa 0

The Summerville Middle School FFA chapter is stepping up to support local animals in need by hosting an Animal Shelter Donation Drive for the Chattooga County Animal Shelter from February 24–27, 2026.

Students are collecting essential supplies to help care for dogs and cats currently housed at the shelter. Needed items include dog food (wet and dry), cat food (wet and dry), cat litter, Milk Bones, cat treats, towels, hard dog toys, and cat toys. All donations should be placed in the front lobby of Summerville Middle School during the collection dates.

FFA members say the drive is part of their ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. By organizing the donation effort, students are learning firsthand the importance of giving back while also helping ensure local shelter animals have the food, comfort items, and enrichment they need.

Community donations are welcome, and organizers encourage residents to participate and help make a positive difference for animals across Chattooga County.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group Meeting Set for February 28 in Trion

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #ABAtherapy, #BehavioralHealth, #ChattoogaCountyGeorgia, #CommunitySupport, #FamilySupportGroup, #InclusiveCommunity, #NorthwestGeorgiaEvents, #ParentSupport, #SpeakLife, #SpecialNeedsCommunity, #SpecialNeedsSupport, #TrionGeorgia, #wzqznews 0

Families across Chattooga County are invited to attend the next Speak Life Special Needs Family Support Group meeting on Saturday, February 28, at 11 a.m. at The Ark, located at 2629 Spring Creek Road in Trion.

This month’s gathering will feature guest speaker Mr. Driggers, a board-certified behavioral analyst, who will offer insight and host a question-and-answer session focused on challenges many families face, including elopement, harmful stimming behaviors, and food refusal. Organizers say the event is designed to provide practical guidance and encouragement for parents and caregivers.

The support group is open to individuals of all ages with special needs and their families. Food, fellowship, and family-friendly activities will be part of the morning event.

Speak Life meets at 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month, except November and December, at rotating locations throughout Chattooga County.

February 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New & Living Way Church and Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to Host Suicide Prevention Training in Rome

Local News, Local News Items #988Lifeline, #CommunitySupport, #FaithCommunity, #floydcountyga, #HighlandRivers, #MentalHealthAwareness, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicHealth, #QPRTraining, #RomeGA, #SuicidePrevention, #wzqznews 0

Residents from across Northwest Georgia are invited to attend a free suicide prevention training this weekend at New & Living Way Church in Rome.