Local News | AM 1180 Radio

September 30, 2026

Small Earthquake Recorded In Cloudland Area Wednesday Morning

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A small earthquake was recorded early Wednesday morning just north of the Chattooga-Walker County line in the Cloudland area of Northwest Georgia.

The Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis recorded the magnitude 1.97 earthquake at 4:25 AM Wednesday, September 30. The earthquake had a reported depth of about 3.2 miles.

Coordinates provided for the earthquake — 34.631 degrees north and 85.440 degrees west — place the epicenter just inside Walker County, north of the Chattooga County line and closer to the Pigeon Mountain area.

The location can still be described locally as the Cloudland area, which extends beyond the community itself and includes portions of the Lookout Mountain area in Chattooga, Walker and Dade counties.

The earthquake was reported by CERI as approximately 10.4 miles north of Menlo.

At just under magnitude 2.0, Wednesday’s earthquake was relatively small and would not normally be expected to cause damage. People close to the epicenter, however, may have noticed a brief vibration or rumbling.

It is also the second small earthquake recorded near Chattooga County in a little more than a month. A magnitude 2.08 earthquake was recorded about one-half mile west of Trion on August 24.

Residents who felt Wednesday morning’s earthquake can report what they experienced through the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” system.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Wednesday – September 30, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, September 30, 2026:

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Unseasonably Warm Finish To September Before Stormy Weekend

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Chattooga County will close out September with sunshine and temperatures well above normal, but a major change in the weather pattern is expected by the weekend.

The National Weather Service says Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southeast around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 61.

Forecasters say Wednesday’s temperatures across the region will run approximately 8 to 12 degrees above normal for the final day of September.

The warm weather continues Thursday with sunshine and a high near 90. Friday could be even warmer, with a high near 91 before moisture begins returning to the area. A 30% chance of showers develops Friday afternoon, increasing to 50% Friday night.

A much wetter pattern is expected for the weekend.

The chance of rain increases to 70% Saturday, with showers likely and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Rain chances climb to 80% Saturday night and Sunday.

The National Weather Service says Sunday will need to be watched for the possibility of stronger thunderstorms as a weather system moves through the region. Forecasters caution that details concerning the strength of the storms could change as the weekend gets closer.

Heavy rainfall could also become a concern. Current guidance indicates several inches of rain could be possible from Friday into early next week, potentially creating a risk of flash flooding in parts of north Georgia.

Temperatures will turn noticeably cooler behind the system. Sunday’s high is forecast near 78, followed by highs around 76 Monday and 74 Tuesday.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday

A 30 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Round Of Bidding Underway For Tooga Theatre Renovation

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Chattooga County is moving forward with a new round of bidding for the first phase of renovations to the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville, with contractors invited to a pre-bid meeting Thursday morning.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Pickup Damaged At Summerville Convenience Store

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The Summerville Police Department investigated a report of property damage involving a pickup truck at a convenience store on Commerce Street.

According to the incident report, the incident involved a black 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 at 10935 Commerce Street in Summerville. The report classifies the incident as non-criminal property damage. 20260928150435613

The complainant reported damage to the truck, including multiple dings and marks. Photographs were taken to document the damage.

The complainant was advised to contact his insurance company regarding the damage.

No criminal charge or arrest was listed in connection with the incident. 20260928150435613

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Summer Burn Ban Comes To An End

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Wednesday marks the final day of Georgia’s annual summer open burning ban, meaning some outdoor burning will again be allowed in Chattooga County beginning Thursday, October 1.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Man Arrested In Chattooga County On Three Out-Of-State Warrants

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A 47-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County after a deputy discovered he was wanted on three out-of-state warrants.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Brian Taylor Lynn, 47, was spotted shortly after 2:14 AM on September 23 riding a black motorcycle north on Georgia Highway 114 near Raccoon Creek Road without lights.

The deputy followed the motorcycle and initiated a traffic stop in a private driveway near Charlie Street.

During the stop, Lynn provided identification, and a records check showed he had three outstanding warrants — one from Tennessee and two from Cherokee County, Alabama.

The deputy contacted Cherokee County authorities, who confirmed their warrants and advised that they wanted Lynn held for extradition.

Lynn was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Wednesday Deadline For Georgia Students To Apply For U.S. Senate Youth Program

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Eligible high school students in Chattooga County have until 5 PM today to apply for a program that could send them to Washington, D.C., and provide a $12,500 college scholarship.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Technical Colleges Set Records For Graduates And Job Placement

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Georgia’s technical college system is reporting record numbers of graduates, credentials and students finding jobs in the fields for which they trained.

September 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Animal Rescue Receives $8,000 State Spay-Neuter Grant

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A Walker County animal rescue organization will receive $8,000 from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to help pay for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Fraternity of the 4 Paws is among the organizations selected for funding through Georgia’s 2026 Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. The Department of Agriculture’s official recipient list identifies the organization as a Walker County grant recipient.

The state program provides funding for spay and neuter procedures as part of an effort to reduce dog and cat overpopulation across Georgia.

Grant money may be used for sterilization surgeries, but not for administrative costs or other veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, medications, testing or food.

The program is funded in part through Georgia specialty dog and cat license plates, a state income-tax checkoff and private donations.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the grants are intended to help local organizations provide more low-cost sterilization services and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering shelters and rescues.