#CommunityNews | AM 1180 Radio

July 5, 2026

Walker County Animal Shelter Reopens After Month-Long Quarantine Following Canine Distemper Case

Local News, Local News Items #AdoptDontShop, #AnimalShelter, #AnimalWelfare, #CanineDistemper, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChickamaugaGA, #CommunityNews, #DogHealth, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PetAdoption, #PetSafety, #WalkerCountyAnimalShelter, #WalkerCountyGA, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The Walker County Animal Shelter has reopened after completing a 30-day quarantine that began when a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus, or CDV.

Shelter officials announced that the facility resumed normal operations on June 24 after all cleaning and quarantine protocols were completed. Sadly, all eight puppies in the affected litter died from the highly contagious virus. Officials said no other animals at the shelter became ill during the quarantine period.

Canine distemper is an airborne virus that spreads easily among dogs. Because the Walker County Animal Shelter has an open-concept design and does not have adequate facilities to fully isolate exposed animals, officials determined that a complete shutdown of the shelter was necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.

During the month-long closure, shelter staff conducted an extensive deep cleaning of the facility, disinfecting equipment as well as all entry and exit points.

The shelter currently has more than 60 dogs and cats available for adoption. Staff members have also been working through a backlog of stray animals and owner surrenders that accumulated during the quarantine.

The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

July 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – July 4, 2026

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #CCSO, #chattoogacounty, #chattoogacountysheriff, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #CrimeNews, #CriminalCharges, #georgianews, #JailBooking, #July42026, #LawEnforcement, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PoliceDepartment, #PublicSafety, #SaturdayJuly4, #SheriffsOffice, #summervillega, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 4, 2026:

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #CommunitySafety, #DrugTakeBack, #ExpiredMedication, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MedicationDisposal, #MedicationSafety, #MenloGA, #NarcX, #northwestgeorgia, #OverTheCounterMedication, #PetMedication, #PrescriptionDrugDisposal, #PublicSafety, #SafeDisposal, #SheriffsOffice, #summervillega, #trionga, #UnusedMedication, #Vitamins, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Young Farmers Welcomes New Teacher Chris Ramsey

Local News, Local News Items #AgriculturalEducation, #agriculture, #BeefCattle, #CareerTechEducation, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyYoungFarmers, #ChattoogaInfo, #ChrisRamsey, #CommunityNews, #GeorgiaAgriculture, #Horticulture, #LocalEducation, #northwestgeorgia, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YoungFarmers 0

Chattooga County Young Farmers has announced the addition of a new instructor for the upcoming program year. Chris Ramsey has joined the organization after most recently teaching at Rockmart High School for the past two years.

Ramsey holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, a master’s degree in secondary education, and a specialist degree in career and technical education from Auburn University. Prior to teaching in Georgia, he spent more than 20 years teaching in Alabama.

In addition to his classroom experience, Ramsey operates a farm where he raises beef cattle and pigs. He and his wife have two children, both of whom are studying Agribusiness at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Chattooga County Young Farmers officials say they are excited to welcome Ramsey and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and leadership he will bring to the program. Ramsey says he is eager to get started and looks forward to meeting and working with local Young Farmers members.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Encourages Families to Adopt, Not Shop

Local News #AdoptAPet, #AdoptDontShop, #AnimalRescue, #CatAdoption, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyAnimalShelter, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunityNews, #DogAdoption, #ForeverHome, #northwestgeorgia, #PetAdoption, #RescuePets, #SaveALife, #ShelterPets, #summervillega, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YourHometownRadioStation 0

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is reminding residents that if they are thinking about adding a pet to the family, adoption can make a life-changing difference for both the animal and the adopter.

Shelter officials say their facility remains full and many dogs and cats are waiting for a loving, permanent home. By choosing to adopt, families not only gain a loyal companion but also help create space for other animals in need of care and shelter.

The shelter encourages prospective pet owners to consider the many benefits of adopting a rescue animal. Many shelter pets are affectionate, grateful, and eager to become part of a family. Officials say every adoption gives an animal a second chance while helping reduce overcrowding in local shelters.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is located in Summerville. Residents interested in meeting adoptable pets or learning more about the adoption process can contact the shelter at 706-857-0679.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

CHS Class of 1996 Plans 30th Class Reunion

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #30YearReunion, #chattoogacounty, #chattoogahighschool, #ChattoogaInfo, #CHSClassOf1996, #ClassReunion, #CommunityNews, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #summervillega, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YourHometownRadioStation 0

The Chattooga High School Class of 1996 is making plans to celebrate its 30-year class reunion this fall.

Organizers are currently planning to hold the reunion on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and are encouraging classmates to reconnect and help spread the word to fellow graduates.

Those wishing to stay updated on reunion plans can join the Facebook group “CHS Class of 1996 – 30-Year Reunion.” The group will provide information about the event, including location, schedule, and other announcements as plans are finalized.

Classmates who are not on Facebook can contact reunion organizer Ben Sellers by email at nauticalarch@yahoo.com to receive updates and additional details.

Organizers encourage members of the Class of 1996 to reach out to former classmates and help make the reunion a memorable celebration.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Community Resource Center To Host July 6 Resource Fair With Free 24-Pack Pepsi Product Giveaway

Community Calandar, Community Calendar, Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #CommunityNews, #CommunityOutreach, #CommunityPartners, #CommunityResourceCenter, #CommunityResourceCenterOfChattooga, #CommunityServices, #CommunitySupport, #FamilyResources, #FoodAssistance, #FoodPantry, #Free24Pack, #GatoradeZero, #HelpForFamilies, #HelpingFamilies, #July6, #LocalEvents, #LocalResources, #MakingADifference, #MondayEvents, #MountainDew, #MugRootBeer, #Nonprofit, #northwestgeorgia, #Pepsi, #ResourceFair, #summervillega, #SupportYourCommunity, #WZQZCommunity, #wzqznews 0

The Community Resource Center of Chattooga is inviting area residents to attend its monthly Resource Fair on Monday, July 6, where families can connect with local organizations and learn about services available in the community.

The Resource Fair will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Representatives from a variety of local agencies and organizations will be available to provide information and connect attendees with programs and resources designed to help individuals and families.

As a thank-you for attending the Resource Fair, participants will qualify to receive a free 24-pack of beverages. Available choices include Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer and Zero Sugar Gatorade.

The Community Resource Center’s Food Pantry will also be open that day from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in a separate location within the building.

Organizers note that visitors do not have to pick up a food box on July 6, but they must attend the Resource Fair to qualify for the free 24-pack of drinks.

The Community Resource Center says its goal is to ensure everyone has access to resources, support and opportunities that help families thrive.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Hosting Adoption Event Saturday

Local News, Local News Items #AdoptAPet, #AdoptDontShop, #AdoptionEvent, #AnimalRescue, #CatsOfChattooga, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyAnimalShelter, #CommunityEvents, #CommunityNews, #DogsOfChattooga, #FamilyPets, #FindYourNewBestFriend, #ForeverHome, #GeorgiaPets, #GiveAPetAHome, #June27, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PetAdoption, #PetLovers, #PetRescue, #RescueCat, #RescueDog, #SaturdayEvent, #SaveALife, #SecondChance, #ShelterPets, #summervillega, #SupportLocalShelters, #wzqznews 0

If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, this Saturday could be the perfect opportunity.

The Chattooga County Animal Shelter will host a special adoption event on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the shelter, located at 464 Red Oak Road in Summerville.

Dozens of dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and personalities will be available for adoption, including Macy, Carmelo, Lucy, Lucky, Rosie, Colby, Pickles, Ziggy, Zoe, Ruby, Courage, Penelope, Simba, Freda, Oscar, Cash, Flora, Isabella, Autumn, Jasmine, Aurora, Orion, Preacher, Coral, Nico, Myrtle, Pumpkin and Tinkerbell.

Shelter staff encourage residents to stop by, meet the animals and find a new companion while giving a deserving pet a loving forever home.

The event’s message is simple: “Give a pet a second chance. Gain a loyal friend.”

For more information about the adoption event or animals available for adoption, contact the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – June 25, 2026

Local News, Local News Items #2026, #arrestreport, #Bookings, #CCSO, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #CommunityNews, #CrimeNews, #georgianews, #JailReport, #June25, #June252026, #LawEnforcement, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicRecords, #PublicSafety, #summervillega, #Thursday, #ThursdayJune25, #wzqznews 0

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, June 25, 2026:

June 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Transfer Station To Begin Sunday Hours

Local News, Local News Items #AndyAllen, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyCommissioner, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #CommunityNews, #GarbageCollection, #HouseholdWaste, #June2026, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #StockadeRoad, #summervillega, #SundayHours, #TransferStation, #WasteManagement, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County residents will soon have an additional opportunity each week to dispose of household garbage as county officials expand operating hours at the county’s main transfer station.

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen announced that the transfer station on Stockade Road will begin opening on Sundays, providing residents with a weekend option for household waste disposal.

Under the new schedule, the county’s main transfer station will operate from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Allen said the change is intended to help residents who have difficulty visiting the facility during normal weekday hours.

“This will let people get rid of some of their household garbage on the weekends,” Allen said.

The expanded hours will apply only to the county’s main transfer station on Stockade Road. Other garbage collection sites located throughout Chattooga County will remain closed on Sundays.

According to Allen, opening every collection site on Sundays would significantly increase personnel and operating costs. County leaders instead chose to focus on adding hours at the main transfer station while keeping expenses manageable.

Allen said he has wanted to open the main site on Sundays for some time and believes the added hours will provide greater convenience for residents whose work schedules and other commitments make weekday visits difficult.

County officials hope the expanded access will help residents keep up with household waste disposal needs without requiring costly expansions at collection sites across the county.