#alabamanews | AM 1180 Radio

September 16, 2026

DeKalb County Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Fort Payne

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A 62-year-old DeKalb County man was killed Tuesday morning when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Fort Payne.

The victim has been identified as Douglas Emge of DeKalb County, Alabama. DeKalb County EMA officials said Emge was the only person aboard the aircraft when it crashed on September 15.

The crash occurred near the 4700 block of County Road 3 in the Whiton community, near the Whiton water tank.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash at around 8 AM Tuesday and asked the public to avoid the area as emergency crews responded.

Federal Aviation Administration records list Emge as the registered owner of the aircraft, identified as N469TW.

Residents near the crash site reported hearing the crash and seeing flames and smoke from the wreckage. Some neighbors said they had known Emge and his family for years and were saddened by his death.

Emge’s family has been notified.

The Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene and is investigating the crash.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Fort Payne

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A pilot was killed in a small plane crash near Fort Payne in DeKalb County, Alabama, Tuesday morning.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported the aircraft went down near Fort Payne. The pilot was the only person aboard the plane and was killed in the crash.

The crash was reported in the area of Isbell Field, Fort Payne’s municipal airport. Isbell Field is located about two miles north of Fort Payne.

The identity of the pilot had not been released in initial reports.

Information about where the aircraft originated, its intended destination and what may have caused the crash was not immediately available.

Federal aviation authorities are expected to investigate the accident.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cherokee County Alabama Lieutenant Appointed Secretary of National School Resource Officer Association

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Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jordan Kelley has been appointed secretary of the National Association of School Resource Officers, giving the local agency representation in a national school-safety leadership role.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cherokee County Marks Historic Courthouse Transition With Ceremony

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Cherokee County, Alabama marked a major milestone Friday with a ceremony honoring the transition from its longtime courthouse to a new, modern facility in Centre.

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 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gaylesville Woman Charged With Felony Shoplifting At Rome Walmart

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A Gaylesville, Alabama woman is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from the Walmart in West Rome over multiple visits.

According to an arrest warrant, 32-year-old Brittany Ann Edwards, who was working as a third-party delivery driver at the time, is accused of failing to scan dozens of items while shopping inside the store.

Authorities say Edwards placed approximately 40 items in a cart without scanning them and then left the store. The incidents reportedly occurred on seven separate occasions between June 24 and July 14 of last year.

The total value of the merchandise exceeded $500.

Edwards has been charged with felony theft by shoplifting.

April 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

“Beau’s Law” Passes Alabama Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature

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A bill known as “Beau’s Law” has passed through the Alabama Legislature, aiming to establish stricter statewide standards for how dogs are treated—particularly those kept outdoors.

March 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Rise Again As Spring Demand Builds

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Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump again this week, as rising crude oil prices continue to push fuel costs higher across the state.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia climbed to $3.69, up 18 cents from last week, $1.00 higher than last month, and 76 cents above this time last year. At that price, filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $55.35.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Centre Man Charged In Child Exploitation Investigation Following ICAC Cyber Tip

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A Centre man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation by the Centre Police Department tied to an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cyber tip received in late January 2026.

March 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New Cherokee County, Alabama Courthouse Nearing Completion; Grand Opening Targeted for April

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Cherokee County Courthouse | Cherokee County Alabama

A major new landmark for Cherokee County, Alabama could officially open as soon as April, as contractors and the project architect complete final touchups on the county’s new courthouse.

The 37,500-square-foot facility, describing it as “state of the art” in both design and functionality. From its exterior appearance to the elegant interior finishes and upgraded courtroom technology, officials say the building is something Cherokee County residents can be proud of.