Local News Items | AM 1180 Radio

April 21, 2026

6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap Set for May 2

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Plant lovers across Chattooga County are invited to take part in a popular community event returning next month.

The 6th Annual Chattooga County Plant Swap is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd from 2 to 6 p.m. at Teloga Spring Farm, located at 9505 Highway 337 in Summerville.

Organizers say the free event will bring together the community for an afternoon of plants, fellowship, and fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants to swap, along with friends and family.

This year’s event will also feature raffle tickets, food trucks, a bake sale, and a variety of vendors.

All donations from the event will benefit the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County and the Teloga Fire Department.

Organizers note the event is cash-only, and cell service may be limited in the area.

April 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Extension Shares Tips On Beneficial Insects For Spring Gardens

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With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.

April 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Events Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park This Weekend

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Outdoor enthusiasts will have a couple of opportunities to enjoy nature this weekend at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, with two ranger-led events scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

April 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Warmer Weather, Summer Break Bring Renewed Push for ATV Safety in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama

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With warmer weather settling in and school set to let out in just a few weeks, families across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are being reminded that ATV season also brings a higher risk of serious and sometimes deadly crashes.

April 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Drought Conditions Worsen Across Georgia, Including Northwest Region

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Drought conditions continue to intensify across Georgia, with new data showing much of the state now experiencing severe to extreme drought levels.

According to the National Weather Service in Atlanta, drought conditions have steadily worsened since last fall. Maps comparing conditions from September 2025 to now show a dramatic expansion of dry conditions, with nearly the entire state now impacted.

As of mid-April, about 90 percent of Georgia is classified in severe to exceptional drought, marking the largest coverage of drought in nearly 20 years.

Rainfall totals have been well below normal in recent months. In some areas, including parts of North Georgia, rainfall has dropped to just a fraction of typical levels, contributing to worsening soil moisture and increasing stress on crops, water supplies, and vegetation.

Locally, these dry conditions are already contributing to elevated fire danger across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with officials urging residents to use caution with outdoor burning.

Forecasters say that without meaningful rainfall in the coming weeks, drought conditions are expected to persist and could continue into the summer months.

April 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Monday – April 20, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 20, 2026:

April 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Critical Fire Weather Conditions Raise Concerns Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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Dry air, clear skies, and gradually warming temperatures are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with concerns expected to continue through the rest of the work week.

April 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Teloga Fire Department to Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing This Evening

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Residents in the Teloga area are being advised of possible temporary low water pressure this evening as the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department conducts scheduled fire hydrant testing.

Testing is planned for this evening (Monday, April 20, 2026) from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Officials say water customers may notice a drop in pressure during that time, but normal service is expected to resume by 8:00 p.m.

The testing is part of routine efforts to help ensure fire hydrants are working properly and ready when needed.

Residents are asked for their patience and understanding during the testing period.

April 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City of Summerville Seeking Bids for Caterpillar Wheel Loader Purchase

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The City of Summerville is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a Caterpillar 910 Wheel Loader as part of ongoing efforts to support infrastructure and maintenance projects across the city.

Officials say the equipment will play a key role in daily operations, helping city crews handle a variety of tasks more efficiently and reliably.

Bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and delivered to Summerville City Hall located at 120 Georgia Avenue. City leaders are encouraging qualified vendors to review all requirements carefully and submit complete bid packages.

Detailed specifications and submission guidelines are available through the City of Summerville’s official website.

April 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sex Crime Charges Among Latest Chattooga County Indictments

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Sex crime charges are among the latest indictments returned by a Chattooga County grand jury, with two Summerville men named in the cases.

According to the indictment report, Ayden Matthew Ard, of 271 Scoggins Street in Summerville, was indicted on charges of statutory rape and sodomy. Court records cited in the report state the alleged victim is between 13 and 16 years old and younger than the accused. Also indicted was Michael Lamar Battles, of 702 Scoggins Street in Summerville, on charges of child molestation and grooming of a minor.

The indictments are part of the latest group of felony cases returned in Chattooga County. An indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.