Local News | AM 1180 Radio

July 31, 2026

GDOT Encourages Northwest Georgia Residents To Review Transportation Projects

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The Georgia Department of Transportation is encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to review proposed transportation projects and submit feedback online as part of the draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

GDOT is encouraging citizens to participate through its interactive STIP website, where users can search for projects by county, view detailed project descriptions, funding information and anticipated timelines, and submit comments electronically. The public comment period remains open through August 15, 2026.

The STIP serves as Georgia’s four-year transportation plan for federally funded projects outside metropolitan planning areas and includes proposed highway, bridge, safety, resurfacing, bicycle, pedestrian and railroad improvements. Public comments will help GDOT identify local transportation priorities as it finalizes the 2027–2030 program.

Residents can review projects affecting Chattooga County and other areas of Northwest Georgia and submit feedback online through the Georgia DOT STIP website before the August 15 deadline.

You can find out more HERE

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – July 30, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 6, 2026:

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunny, Less Humid Weather Arrives Before Weekend Storms

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Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will enjoy a brief break from the recent heat and humidity today and Friday before showers and thunderstorms return for the weekend.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Steam Locomotive Rolls Into Summerville Today As International Model Railroad Convention Visits Region

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Rail fans will have a rare opportunity today as a historic steam locomotive arrives in downtown Summerville as part of the 2026 National Model Railroad Association Convention, being held this week in Chattanooga.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Fair Releases Rules Ahead Of August Event

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Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.

The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.

Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.

Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.

Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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.