Local News Items | AM 1180 Radio

July 10, 2026

One Suspect In Custody, Two Sought Following Alleged Shoplifting At Trion Walmart

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One man is in custody and two others remain at large following an alleged shoplifting incident Friday at Walmart in Trion.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, three men were stopped while leaving the store after they were believed to have stolen several iPads.

Authorities say the suspects fled the scene before Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Law enforcement was able to apprehend one of the three men, while the other two remained at large as of Friday night.

Sheriff Schrader said investigators believe the three men may also be connected to other shoplifting incidents in Michigan and in Dalton, Georgia.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information has not yet been released.

WZQZ will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 10, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 10, 2026:

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Showers and Storms Increase This Afternoon as Wet Weekend Takes Shape Across Northwest Georgia

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After another hot summer morning, weather conditions across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia are expected to become increasingly active this afternoon as a series of disturbances brings a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into early next week.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting Today on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Home and Non-Traditional Developments

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Chattooga County residents will have an opportunity today to learn more about and comment on a proposed temporary moratorium affecting certain non-traditional residential developments.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

John Deere Reaches Landmark Right-to-Repair Settlement, Expanding Repair Access for Farmers

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A landmark settlement between John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission, and five state attorneys general is expected to significantly change how farmers repair their equipment, giving owners and independent repair shops access to many of the same tools previously available only to authorized John Deere dealerships.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

VA Claims Backlog Falls Below 70,000 for First Time Since 2020

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a major milestone in processing disability claims, with the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits dropping below 70,000 for the first time in more than six years.

According to the VA, the number of disability compensation and pension claims pending longer than 125 days—the department’s definition of a backlog—has fallen below the 70,000 mark for the first time since February 2020. The agency says the backlog has been reduced by more than 74 percent since January 2025.

The VA also reports that it is processing claims faster than at any point in its history. The average time to complete a disability compensation or pension claim is now 77.7 days, a record low. Since the beginning of 2025, the department says it has completed more than one million claims in fewer than 30 days.

VA Secretary Doug Collins said the improvements mean faster decisions, better service, and quicker access to benefits for veterans and their families.

The agency also highlighted several additional accomplishments over the past year, including opening 38 new VA health care facilities, processing more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims during Fiscal Year 2025, offering veterans more than 3 million appointments outside normal business hours, and permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans, the highest annual total in seven years.

Veterans who have not yet applied for benefits or health care are encouraged to visit VA.gov or Choose.VA.gov to learn more about available programs and begin the application process.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter at Capacity, Urgent Homes Needed for Six Dogs

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The Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the public’s help after announcing the shelter has reached full capacity and is in urgent need of adopters, foster families, and rescue organizations.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Homer Man Indicted In Chattooga County Child Molestation Case

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A Homer man has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on child molestation-related charges, according to court records.

Dennis Harley Taylor was charged with three counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, and one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Investigators say the alleged offenses involved a young boy and occurred between September 8 and November 29, 2023. Taylor was arrested on March 29.

The case will proceed through Chattooga County Superior Court. As with all criminal cases, Taylor is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lyerly Accepting Vendor Applications for Down Home Day Celebration

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The Town of Lyerly is now accepting vendor applications for its annual Down Home Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

July 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Seeks Bids for Nearly 19 Miles of Road Resurfacing

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG/LRA) Program.

The project includes 18.54 miles of road resurfacing throughout Chattooga County. Contractors will provide both labor and materials for the paving work. Roads identified as newly constructed dirt roads will receive 2.5 inches of asphalt, while resurfacing projects on existing roads will receive 1.25 inches of asphalt.

A complete list of roads included in the project is available from the Commissioner’s Office or online at www.chattoogacounty.gov.

Sealed bids must be clearly marked “Sealed Bid” and delivered to the Commissioner’s Office at 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville, by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Bids will be opened during the Commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Contractors submitting bids must include a 10 percent bid bond, carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance, maintain workers’ compensation coverage, and be properly licensed to conduct business in Georgia. The county also requires contractors to provide a drug-free workplace for employees working on the project.

Commissioner Allen noted that the county reserves the right to reject any or all bids.