#CommunityNews | AM 1180 Radio

August 14, 2026

Concerned Citizens To Distribute Free Tax Appeal Forms Saturday In Downtown Summerville

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A group of concerned citizens plans to be in Downtown Summerville on Saturday, August 15, handing out free tax appeal forms to residents who may not be able to obtain one during regular weekday office hours.

The group says it plans to set up in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office beginning around 8 to 8:30 a.m. and remain there until at least 1 p.m., depending on the heat.

Organizers say motorists will be able to slow down and receive a form through their vehicle window or pull over and park. They are asking everyone to use caution so the distribution does not create a traffic or safety issue.

The group says residents can also obtain an appeal form directly from the tax office, where staff can print a form with identifying information already filled in. Taxpayers would then only need to enter the value they believe is appropriate, provide a reason for the appeal and sign the form.

Appeal forms can also be printed at home by those with internet and printer access.

Organizers say the purpose of Saturday’s distribution is to provide another option for residents who may not be able to visit the tax office during normal weekday business hours.

The group is also inviting others to join them Saturday to help hand out forms and potentially cover both sides of the street.

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Paint & Pop And Bat Hike Planned Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

Local News, Local News Items #ArtContest, #August15, #August152026, #BatHike, #BatNightHike, #Bats, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #FamilyActivities, #GeorgiaStateCapitol, #georgiastateparks, #IntoTheDark, #JamesHSloppyFloydStatePark, #LocalEvents, #MarbleMine, #MarbleMineTrail, #northwestgeorgia, #OutdoorAdventure, #PaintAndPop, #SaturdayEvents, #sloppyfloydstatepark, #StudentArt, #summervillega, #WeekendEvents, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia 0

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville has two special programs planned tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the park during both the day and after dark.

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Mulch Available To Walker County Residents During Mulch Madness

Local News, Local News Items #August2026, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChickamaugaGA, #CommunityNews, #FreeMulch, #Gardening, #Landfill, #Landscaping, #LocalNews, #MulchMadness, #northwestgeorgia, #SolidWaste, #WalkerCounty, #WalkerCountyGA, #WalkerCountyLandfill, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YardWork, georgia 0

Walker County residents will have an opportunity to pick up free mulch next week as the county brings back its Mulch Madness event at the Walker County Landfill.

August 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AdventHealth Redmond Honors William Stephens With Sunflower Award

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AdventHealth Redmond has recognized William Stephens as its Q2 2026 Sunflower Award recipient, honoring him for his positive attitude, servant heart and commitment to patients, visitors and fellow team members.

August 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council To Meet Today With Police Vehicles, Employee Pay And City Projects On Agenda

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The Summerville City Council will meet today, Monday, August 10, for its regular called meeting, with several purchases, personnel matters and city projects scheduled for discussion and possible action.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The agenda lists Mayor Rickey Hughes along with council members Simone Adams, Dana W. Mosley, Jeff Martin, Joe Money Jr. and Zachary Martin.

Mayor Hughes’ comments will include announcements and a proclamation for Terry Money. The council will also consider approval of minutes from its July 13 regular called meeting.

Several items are included on the consent agenda. The council is being asked to authorize the city manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Mountain Education and the City of Summerville. Proposed amendments to city policies concerning employee concerns, disciplinary actions and terminations are also listed.

Council members will consider several sign requests along with a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority resolution concerning a loan modification. The agenda also calls for approval of a $6,400 NyHart service agreement for actuarial valuation work and the purchase of various-sized Hymax couplings from Ferguson Waterworks for $18,569.70.

Under new business, the council is scheduled to discuss and possibly take action on a resolution reinstating the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding buildings and building regulations. Council members will also consider a pay increase for the Public Safety Director due to additional duties and approve pay for the interim Water Treatment Plant supervisor.

Another major item involves the proposed purchase of two police vehicles from Prater Ford. The agenda lists a cost not to exceed $45,331.76 for each base vehicle, along with $11,918 per vehicle to install emergency equipment through Coosa Valley Communications and additional costs for vehicle lettering through Hi-Tech Signs & Graphs.

The council will also consider quotes for a metal maintenance shop and a concrete pad for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. An executive session concerning personnel is also on the agenda.

Here is the complete agenda for the meeting:

August 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Board Of Education Plans Full Millage Rollback For 2026

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The Walker County Board of Education plans to adopt a full rollback millage rate of 14.013 mills during its meeting on Monday, August 17.

According to information released by Walker County Schools, the rollback rate is calculated using the previous year’s millage rate minus the millage equivalent of the total net assessed value added through property reassessments.

A public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate will be held at 6 p.m. on August 17 in the boardroom of the Walker County Department of Education, located at 301 N. Cherokee Street in LaFayette.

School district officials say they continue to work to balance the growing needs of students with efforts to keep local taxes as low as possible while also maximizing state funding.

Walker County Schools noted that over the past six years, the district has either lowered or maintained its millage rate. In 2019, the rate stood at 17.404 mills. For 2026, the district plans to adopt the full rollback rate of 14.013 mills.

All concerned citizens are invited to attend the public hearing.

August 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council To Consider Police Vehicles, Pay Increases And Water Projects Tomorrow Evening

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The Summerville City Council will meet tomorrow evening for its regular called meeting, with several personnel, public safety and infrastructure matters on the agenda.

August 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Transportation Available for Chattooga County Pets Needing Spay and Neuter Services

Local News, Local News Items #AnimalAdvocatesOfChattoogaCounty, #AnimalWelfare, #Cats, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #DaltonGA, #Dogs, #MyKidsHavePaws, #PetCare, #RomeGA, #SpayAndNeuter, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia 0

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is helping spread the word about an upcoming transportation opportunity for Chattooga County pet owners seeking affordable spay and neuter services through My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Services.

August 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

One in Three Georgia Families With Children Struggle to Afford Enough Food, New Poll Finds

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaInfo, #Children, #CommunityNews, #EmoryUniversity, #Families, #FoodInsecurity, #Hunger, #PublicHealth, #RollinsSchoolOfPublicHealth, #RuralGeorgia, #SchoolNutrition, #SNAP, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia 0

A new statewide poll conducted by Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health found that one in three Georgia families with children experience food insecurity, meaning they do not always have reliable access to enough nutritious food.

The survey found that 33% of Georgia families with children reported low or very low food security, while 18% said they had skipped meals, gone hungry or eaten less because they could not afford enough food. Researchers also found that many parents are sacrificing their own meals to ensure their children have enough to eat.

Food insecurity was found to be especially severe in rural parts of the state. According to the poll, 43% of rural Georgia families with children reported food insecurity, compared with 31% of families in urban and suburban areas.

Researchers warned the problem could worsen as changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect, potentially making it more difficult for some families to qualify for benefits and increasing administrative costs for the state.

The poll surveyed 1,002 Georgia parents and highlights growing concerns about rising grocery prices, access to food assistance and the impact food insecurity can have on children’s physical health, mental well-being and academic performance.

August 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion High School Reserved Seats and Season Tickets Go on Sale August 10

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Trion High School will begin selling reserved seats and season tickets for the upcoming football season on Monday, August 10.

From Monday through Wednesday, August 10–12, fans who purchased reserved seats last season will have the first opportunity to buy those same seats for the new season.

The cost is $110, which includes both the reserved seat and a season ticket.

Beginning Thursday, August 13, first-time purchasers may buy any reserved seats that remain available.

Fans who do not need a reserved seat may purchase a season ticket for $50.