Local News | AM 1180 Radio

September 23, 2026

AdventHealth Gordon Gets State Approval For Level II NICU

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Families in Gordon County and across Northwest Georgia could soon have access to more advanced newborn care closer to home.

The Georgia Department of Community Health has issued AdventHealth Gordon a Certificate of Need to establish a four-bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the hospital’s existing Women’s Services Area. The approval is still subject to a standard 30-day appeal period.

AdventHealth Gordon is the only hospital in Gordon County and currently provides obstetric and newborn care. The proposed Level II NICU would allow more babies requiring additional medical support following birth to receive specialized care in Calhoun rather than having to be transferred farther from their families.

Hospital officials say the unit would also provide additional support for monitoring newborns, parent education, bonding, breastfeeding and discharge planning.

Justin Birmele, president and CEO of AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray, said the approval represents an important step toward expanding care for Northwest Georgia families and allowing mothers and babies to remain closer together when additional care is needed.

Georgia classifies Level II neonatal services as specialty or neonatal intermediate care, providing a higher level of newborn care than basic Level I services.

The state approval does not mean the new unit will open immediately. The Certificate of Need remains subject to the 30-day appeal period before the project can move forward.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

NWS: Wet Microburst Caused Trion Storm Damage, Winds May Have Reached 60-70 MPH

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The damaging storm that struck Trion Monday afternoon was not a tornado, according to the National Weather Service, but rather a downburst, likely a wet microburst, capable of producing winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Blood Assurance Honors Dolly Parton With Special ‘9 To 5’ Donor Shirt

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Blood Assurance is combining country music and a lifesaving cause this week with a special tribute to Dolly Parton.

On Friday, September 25, anyone donating blood at a Blood Assurance donation center or participating mobile blood drive will receive an exclusive, one-day-only Dolly-inspired “9 to 5” T-shirt, while supplies last.

The shirt features a quote from Parton encouraging people to make a difference in the world around them. Blood Assurance says the promotion is intended to turn that spirit of goodwill into action by encouraging more people to donate blood.

Blood Assurance is particularly important to Northwest Georgia. The nonprofit is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, along with Cartersville Medical Center. The organization says it now needs more than 600 donors every day to supply its partner hospitals.

All blood types are needed. Appointments are encouraged but aren’t required. Donors can schedule an appointment through Blood Assurance or by calling 800-962-0628.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Program Gives Small Businesses Another Option For Employee Health Insurance

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Small businesses in Chattooga County that have struggled with the cost or complexity of providing employee health insurance now have another option through a new state program.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summer Burn Ban Ends Next Week In Northwest Georgia

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Chattooga County residents will once again be able to burn certain yard debris beginning next week as Georgia’s annual summer open-burning ban comes to an end.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Property Owners Now Wait For Millage Rates And Tax Bills

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With the deadline to appeal 2026 property assessments now passed, Chattooga County property owners are entering the next stage of the annual property-tax process — waiting for final millage rates and the arrival of their actual tax bills.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Movie Sequel To Film In Walker County, Young Extras Needed

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A movie sequel is returning to Northwest Georgia this fall, and producers are looking for local children to appear as extras.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Cited For Leaving Scene Of Accident

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A Summerville man was cited after police say he left the scene of a traffic accident last week.

According to a Summerville Police Department citation, Evan Blake Adams, 22, was cited following an accident that occurred around 8:14 AM on September 17 near Fifth Street and Highland Avenue in Summerville.

Police say Adams was involved in an accident and allegedly left the scene without notifying 911. The citation lists the charge as leaving the scene of an accident under Georgia law.

The vehicle listed on the citation was a 2013 Dodge Journey. No injuries were indicated on the report.

Adams was ordered to appear in Summerville Municipal Court on November 19 at 9 AM.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gaylesville Homecoming Parade Happening Today

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If you are traveling in neighboring Cherokee County, Alabama, this evening, be aware of extra activity and possible traffic delays around Gaylesville as the community celebrates its annual homecoming parade.

September 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

18-Year-Old Charged With DUI Following Summerville Crash

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An 18-year-old Summerville man was charged with DUI and other offenses following a single-vehicle crash over the weekend.

According to Summerville Police Department citations, Gavin Ladon Palmer, 18, was involved in a crash on Woodland Avenue on September 20. Police say Palmer was traveling southbound when his vehicle ran off the roadway for approximately 200 feet before striking a power pole.

The investigating officer reported observing signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol and being unbalanced. The citation indicates a blood test was administered, with results listed as pending.

Palmer was cited for DUI — alcohol/less safe, failure to maintain a single lane, and possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21.