Independence Day 2026 – 250 Years of Freedom

Today, as America celebrates 250 years of freedom, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that have shaped our nation since 1776.

Whether you’re spending the day with family, enjoying a hometown parade, grilling with friends, or watching fireworks light up the night sky, we hope your Independence Day is filled with joy, gratitude, and pride in the freedoms we share.

Please celebrate responsibly, stay hydrated in the summer heat, and have a safe and memorable Fourth of July.

From our family at WZQZ—Your Hometown Radio Station—thank you for allowing us to serve Chattooga County, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. God Bless America!

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box

Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

Read more

Menlo Invites Community To Celebrate Independence Day Saturday At City Park

The City of Menlo is inviting residents and visitors to spend the Fourth of July celebrating with a full day of family fun, food, entertainment, and patriotic festivities at Menlo City Park.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with the annual Fourth of July Parade stepping off at 11 a.m. Following the parade, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the park, including vendors, food, a waterslide, and entertainment for all ages.

This year’s celebration will feature a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, specialty products, and community information. Participating vendors include Anita’s Blissful Bites, Twinkle & Tatt glitter tattoos and hair color, Mercy Me Pork Skins, Daydreamer Farms, Smoke Signals, DOB Lemonade Co., K Sims T-Shirt Bar, Leroy’s Seasoning, Sweet Pastures Sweet Treats, the Menlo Masonic Lodge, the Trion Library, Menlo First Baptist Church, and several others.

The Trion Library will be providing free information for families, while Menlo First Baptist Church will be handing out free bottled water, courtesy of Lucky’s.

City officials encourage everyone to come out, support local businesses, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate Independence Day with friends, family, and neighbors in Menlo.

Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11

The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.

Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.

The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.

Heat Advisory Continues as Dangerous Heat Grips Northwest Georgia Through Independence Day

The dangerous heat that’s been building across Northwest Georgia will continue today and through the Independence Day holiday, with a Heat Advisory remaining in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. An Excessive Heat Warning also continues for parts of northwest Georgia.

Read more

Driver Charged with DUI After Being Found Asleep in Vehicle on Gore Subligna Road

A 43-year-old man was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after deputies found him asleep behind the wheel of a pickup truck that had stopped in the roadway on Gore Subligna Road.

Read more

Summerville and Trion Recreation Departments Open Registration for Fall Youth Sports

Families in Chattooga County can now sign up children for fall youth sports as both the Summerville and Trion Recreation Departments have opened registration for the upcoming season.

Read more

Extreme Heat Warning In Effect Today; Heat Index Could Reach 111 Degrees

Dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is expected across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia today as an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from noon until 8 p.m.

Read more

AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day

As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.

AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.

Town of Trion Seeks Bids for Roof Replacement at Public Works Building

The Town of Trion is accepting sealed bids for a roofing project at the town’s Public Works building located at 141 Echols Drive. According to the bid invitation, the project involves removing the existing gable roof and installing a new low-slope roofing system.

Sealed bids must be submitted to Trion Town Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Bids will be publicly opened at noon on Friday, July 17, in the council room at Town Hall, with the contract to be awarded at a later date. No pre-bid conference will be held.

Contractors with questions may contact Brandon Croy at 706-859-1015 at least 36 hours before the submission deadline. The Town of Trion reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive technicalities or informalities.