#ChattoogaInfo | AM 1180 Radio

June 8, 2026

Audit Reveals Financial Control Issues, Documentation Problems in Chattooga County Operations

Local News, Local News Items #AndyAllen, #ARPAFunds, #AuditFindings, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGovernment, #ChattoogaInfo, #CountyFinance, #FinancialAudit, #FiscalOversight, #GovernmentAccountability, #June2026, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicRecords, #summervillega, #TaxpayerAccountability, #Transparency, #wzqznews 0

A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunday Brings Return of Showers and Storms Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #DailyStorms, #georgianews, #georgiaweather, #HeavyRain, #June72026, #LightningSafety, #LocalForecast, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #NorthwestGAWeather, #northwestgeorgia, #RainReturns, #summervillega, #SummerWeather, #SundayForecast, #SundayWeather, #Thunderstorms, #trionga, #wzqznews, #WZQZWeather 0

After a stretch of dry weather, showers and thunderstorms are making a return to Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today as a more active weather pattern settles across the region.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Among Highest Poverty Rates in Northwest Georgia, New Data Shows

Local News, Local News Items #CatoosaCountyGA, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChildPoverty, #CommunityNews, #DadeCountyGA, #EconomicDevelopment, #EconomicOpportunity, #floydcountyga, #GordonCountyGA, #LocalEconomy, #northwestgeorgia, #PovertyRate, #summervillega, #WalkerCountyGA, #WhitfieldCountyGA, #WorkforceDevelopment, #wzqznews 0

Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Seeking Full-Time Animal Care and Field Services Technician

Local News, Local News Items #AnimalCare, #AnimalServices, #AnimalShelter, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyAnimalShelter, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #EmploymentOpportunity, #FullTimeJob, #HelpWanted, #JobOpening, #June2026, #LocalJobs, #northwestgeorgia, #NowHiring, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is looking to add a full-time Animal Care and Field Services Technician to its staff and is currently accepting applications.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Expands Special Session Agenda to Include Property Tax Referendums and Appointments

Local News, Local News Items #briankemp, #ChattoogaInfo, #electionlaw, #georgiageneralassembly, #GeorgiaGovernment, #GeorgiaLegislature, #georgiapolitics, #June2026, #LHOST, #PropertyTaxes, #Redistricting, #SpecialSession, #StatePolitics, #TaxRelief, #wzqznews 0

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council to Consider Budget, Splash Pad, Pavilion and Property Sales Monday

Local News, Local News Items #BasketballPavilion, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CityOfSummerville, #CommerceStreet, #DowntownSummerville, #FY2027Budget, #HousingAuthority, #June82026, #LocalGovernment, #MainStreetSummerville, #Monday, #publicmeeting, #SplashPad, #summervillecitycouncil, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

The Summerville City Council will meet Monday evening with a busy agenda that includes the proposed city budget, several construction and equipment bids, a downtown recognition, and discussions involving city-owned property.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City of LaFayette Hiring Downtown Development Coordinator/Main Street Manager

Local News, Local News Items #BusinessDevelopment, #CareerOpportunity, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityDevelopment, #DowntownDevelopment, #DowntownLaFayette, #EconomicDevelopment, #JobOpening, #LaFayetteGA, #LocalJobs, #MainStreetManager, #MainStreetProgram, #northwestgeorgia, #NowHiring, #WalkerCountyGA, #wzqznews 0

The City of LaFayette is seeking applicants for its Downtown Development Coordinator/Main Street Manager position, a role focused on downtown revitalization, community engagement, economic development, and event planning.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Producers Urged to Review USDA Screwworm Resources After Confirmed U.S. Case

Local News, Local News Items #AgricultureNews, #AnimalHealth, #APHIS, #CattleProducers, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #FarmNews, #GeorgiaAgriculture, #LivestockHealth, #LivestockProducers, #NCBA, #NewWorldScrewworm, #northwestgeorgia, #RuralGeorgia, #USDA, #wzqznews 0

Livestock producers are being urged to stay alert following the recent confirmation of a New World screwworm case in the United States.

The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3. The CDC says no locally acquired human infestations have been reported in the United States, but the outbreak has been moving northward through Central America and Mexico since 2023, affecting livestock, pets, wildlife, and people.

New World screwworm is a serious pest that can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals. Because of the potential risk to livestock and agriculture, the USDA has released preparedness resources for producers, including current status updates, a U.S. response plan, fact sheets, field identification guides, and additional response materials.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it also plans to release simplified resources in the coming weeks to help producers better understand the USDA response playbook.

Producers are encouraged to review USDA materials and monitor livestock closely for suspicious wounds or signs of infestation.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Depot to Host Homemade Ice Cream Contest During June 20 Event

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChillAndChurn, #CommunityEvent, #FamilyFun, #FoodContest, #HomemadeIceCreamContest, #IceCream, #June2026, #LocalEvents, #MainStreetSummerville, #northwestgeorgia, #SummerFun, #SummervilleDepot, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

Homemade ice cream makers will have an opportunity to put their recipes to the test later this month during the Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest at the Summerville Depot.

The contest will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., with judging beginning at 12:45 p.m. Organizers are inviting individuals and groups to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as the maker of the best homemade ice cream in town.

Contestants may enter one flavor and must pre-register by June 15. Setup begins at 10:30 a.m., with ice cream churning scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. Participants must provide their own ingredients, supplies, and electrical cords if needed.

Judges will evaluate entries based on flavor, body, texture, and overall appearance. The winning recipe will receive a $500 cash prize and a People’s Choice Award plaque. Second place will receive $250, while third place will be awarded $100.

Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to sample the ice cream entries by purchasing a wristband and voting for their favorite flavor in the People’s Choice competition. Organizers say all proceeds from voting and wristband sales will benefit Main Street Summerville.

For more information or to register, contact Main Street Summerville before the June 15 deadline.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – June 6, 2026

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #CrimeNews, #JailBookings, #June72026, #LawEnforcement, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #Mugshots, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicRecords, #summervillega, #Sunday, #trionga, #wzqznews 0

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