#FloydCounty | AM 1180 Radio

July 8, 2026

Recent Rainfall Eases Drought, Lowers Wildfire Risk Across Northwest Georgia

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Recent rainfall has lowered the immediate wildfire threat across Northwest Georgia, but the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows Chattooga, Floyd and Walker counties remain Abnormally Dry, indicating the region has not fully recovered from recent dry conditions.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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A Floyd County man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he seriously injured a dog with a machete at a Rome hotel.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 25-year-old Joseph Robert Bisher was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals following an incident at a hotel on Martha Berry Boulevard.

Investigators allege Bisher struck a dog named “Oreo” with a machete, causing a deep laceration.

According to the arrest report, when questioned about the incident, Bisher allegedly told authorities he did not want to strike his girlfriend, so he struck the dog instead.

The case remains under investigation.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Offering Night Classes For Diesel Technician Program

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is making it easier for working adults and others with busy schedules to prepare for a career in the diesel industry by offering night classes in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

According to GNTC, diesel technicians are in high demand as freight transportation continues to grow, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including independent maintenance and repair shops, corporate fleet maintenance, truck leasing and rental operations, and trucking logistics facilities.

Early registration for fall classes is underway, with the registration deadline set for August 4.

For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology program or to apply, visit gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Fall Ahead of Busy Independence Day Travel Period

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Georgia drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Donald Abernathy Receives Sunflower Award for Outstanding Service and Compassion

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AdventHealth Redmond has recognized Donald Abernathy as the recipient of the Sunflower Award for the first quarter of 2026.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

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Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.

June 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rome Shrine Club Members Raise Concerns After Downtown Concert Incident

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Members of the Rome Shrine Club attended Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting after an incident during Saturday’s First Friday concert in Downtown Rome, where a Shriner was asked by police to stop collecting donations.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Annual Health Initiative For Men And Women Planned For August In Rome

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The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition and the 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia are encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to make plans now to attend the 24th Annual Health Initiative for Men and Women on Saturday, August 15.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Armuchee Teacher Turns Survival Story Into Mission To Encourage Blood Donations

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An Armuchee Elementary School teacher who survived a life-changing crash is now using her story to encourage others to donate blood.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Foundation Scholarship Application Period Now Open

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Students planning to attend Georgia Northwestern Technical College now have an opportunity to apply for scholarship assistance through the GNTC Foundation.