Jimmy Holbrook | AM 1180 Radio

July 30, 2026

Playground Fence Damaged At Summerville Church

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to a playground fence at First United Methodist Church in downtown Summerville.

According to an incident report, Officer Matt Kinnamont responded to the church at 220 West Washington Street on July 28 after receiving a report of property damage.

Pastor John Privett told police someone had damaged the chain-link fence surrounding the church’s playground. Officers observed the fence had been removed from one side, bent, and that the top rail pieces had been broken.

Privett told police that several groups of children often use the playground and nearby basketball court, but it was unclear who was responsible for the damage. He said he was first notified of the incident on Saturday, July 25.

Police documented the damage with photographs and advised the church to consider installing security cameras. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Updated Property List Released For August 4 Chattooga County Tax Sale

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Cooper Hampton has released an updated list of properties scheduled for the county’s August tax sale.

The sheriff’s sale will be held Tuesday, August 4, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville. Properties will be offered at public outcry between the legal sale hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Payment must be made with cash or certified funds.

The properties are being sold under tax executions issued for unpaid state and county taxes. Only as much property as necessary to satisfy the tax debt and related costs will be sold.

Prospective buyers are reminded that this is a buyer-beware sale. All properties will be sold as-is, and the Tax Commissioner’s Office makes no warranty regarding title. Properties may also be subject to recorded covenants, easements, rights-of-way and the legal right of redemption following a tax sale.

Purchasers are responsible for title costs, transfer costs, taxes, advertising expenses and recording fees. At the discretion of the Tax Commissioner’s Office, payment may be required within two hours after the sale concludes.

The updated property list was released July 28. Anyone considering bidding should carefully research the property and consult an attorney before participating. You can see the updated list below:

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Schools Hiring Custodians For Two Elementary Schools

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The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for two custodian positions at local elementary schools.

A full-time, 208-day custodian is needed at Lyerly Elementary School. The position requires employees to work 9.25 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday, and includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement, sick leave and vacation leave.

The school system is also hiring a part-time, 208-day custodian at Leroy Massey Elementary School. That position is 4.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday and is not eligible for benefits.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, although it is preferred rather than required. Duties include cleaning and maintaining school buildings and grounds.

Applications are available at the Chattooga County Superintendent’s Office or online at chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting District Services and then Human Resources. Completed applications, along with required documents, should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education in Summerville.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Congressman Fuller Backs Community Banking Bill Passed By U.S. House

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Congressman Clay Fuller voted with a bipartisan majority this week to approve H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act, legislation supporters say would make it easier for community banks to lend money to small businesses, farmers and families by reducing certain federal regulatory requirements. The bill passed the House by a 270-155 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Automated Ice Machine Damaged Near Dollar General On Highway 114

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating damage to an automated ice machine located near the Dollar General on Lyerly Highway.

According to an incident report, Officer M. Kinnamont was dispatched shortly after 10:30 a.m. on July 27 to the ice machine at 356 Highway 114 after receiving a report of damage.

The operator, Logan Hilton, told police the machine’s monitoring software alerted him to a malfunction around 7 a.m. the previous day. Someone also reportedly called him around 9 a.m. to report the damage.

Police observed damage to the front panel where customers make payments. The machine’s credit card reader was missing, and the power switch on the rear had been turned off.

Hilton told police the automated ice machine had last been checked about two months earlier. He was advised to install security cameras and contact police if he receives any additional information.

The case was documented as criminal trespass damage and forwarded to investigators.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GBI Arrest Fuels Ongoing Debate Over Flock Cameras Across Georgia

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An arrest involving alleged misuse of an automated license plate reader system is adding to the ongoing debate over Flock cameras across Georgia, including concerns raised here in Chattooga County about privacy, access and government oversight.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia

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Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, recognizing the state’s long-standing hunting traditions, recreational shooting opportunities, and the economic impact of the industry. The proclamation encourages Georgians of all experience levels to safely enjoy shooting sports throughout the month.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges, many of which are located on Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. The agency also promotes firearm safety training and responsible participation in shooting sports.

According to DNR, Georgia’s shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In addition, Georgia received more than $19.2 million in federal wildlife conservation funding in 2025 through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded by excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Those funds help support wildlife management, habitat conservation, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across the state.

The proclamation highlights the role hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts play in conservation while encouraging safe, responsible firearm ownership and recreation throughout the month of August.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Reports Losing More Than $10,000 In Vacation Rental Scam

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A Summerville man reported losing more than $10,000 after falling victim to an apparent vacation rental scam, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say 48-year-old Brian Dover reported on July 27 that he and his wife had been communicating with someone claiming to be the owner of a vacation rental property listed on VRBO.

According to the incident report, Dover said he made an initial payment of $10,000, followed by another $500 transfer for the rental. He then traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida, to stay at the property, where he discovered the transaction was fraudulent.

The incident occurred at Dover’s residence on Back Penn Road in Summerville. The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.

Authorities remind residents to use caution when booking vacation rentals online. Travelers should verify property listings through legitimate rental platforms, avoid sending money outside of official payment systems, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

July 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Celebrate Living Local Market To Welcome Steam Train Excursion August 1

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #CelebrateLivingLocal, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #DowntownSummerville, #LivingLocalMarket, #ShopLocal, #SteamEngine4501, #SummervilleDepot, #summervillega, #SummervilleTurntable, #SupportLocal, #TennesseeValleyRailroadMuseum, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Residents and visitors are invited to downtown Summerville on Saturday, August 1, for the Celebrate Living Local Market, held in conjunction with the arrival of a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursion train.

The market will feature local businesses, artists, craftspeople, and food vendors. Participants will include Sabo’s Golden Nectar with an educational observation beehive and locally produced honey, artist Billy Smith, Willow Flowers at Teloga Springs Farm, Acolyte Realty, and additional community vendors.

Food and refreshments will be available from Twisted Treatz Bakery, Eneya’s Lemonade & Sipsations, Granny Hon’s Great Food, Rosita’s, and Small Town BBQ.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engine 4501 is expected to arrive at the Summerville Depot at approximately 12:45 p.m. with passengers aboard. During the train’s roughly 90-minute layover, visitors will be able to watch the locomotive being turned on the historic Summerville Turntable before it continues its journey.

The event offers an opportunity to shop with local vendors, enjoy food and refreshments, and see one of the South’s best-known steam locomotives in action.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Air Conditioner, Fridge, Cage for Sale

The Trading Post, The Trading Post 0

Air conditioner for sale $40. A cage for $10 and a small refrigerator for $20. Call 706-978-0637.