#GeorgiaLaw | AM 1180 Radio

June 28, 2026

Georgia Law Allows Consumer Fireworks, But Safety Should Come First

Local News, Local News Items #CelebrateSafely, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #Fireworks, #FireworksSafety, #FourthOfJuly, #GeorgiaFireworks, #GeorgiaLaw, #IndependenceDay, #July4th, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #summervillega, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, #YourHometownRadioStation 0

As Independence Day approaches, many families across Northwest Georgia are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While Georgia law allows the use of many consumer fireworks, officials are reminding residents that safety should remain the top priority.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Residents Reminded to Call 811 Before Digging

Local News, Local News Items #BeforeYouDig, #Call811, #chattoogacounty, #ConstructionSafety, #DigSafely, #Georgia811, #GeorgiaLaw, #HomeImprovement, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #summervillega, #SummervilleUtilities, #UtilitySafety, #wzqznews 0

Summerville residents planning outdoor projects are being reminded to call 811 before beginning any digging or excavation work.

Whether installing a privacy fence, starting construction, or preparing for a pool project, homeowners and contractors are required by Georgia law to contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before digging begins.

Underground utility lines can include natural gas pipes, water mains, sewer lines, and electric cables. Striking one of those lines can cause service outages, costly repairs, injuries, or dangerous emergency situations.

The Georgia 811 service is free. After a request is submitted, utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Anyone digging near marked lines should use caution and hand tools when working within 24 inches of a marked utility.

Residents can contact Georgia 811 by dialing 811, calling 800-282-7411, or visiting Georgia811.com.

Summerville officials encourage everyone to help protect public safety and utility service by remembering one simple rule: call before you dig.

June 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County

Local News, Local News Items #AndyAllen, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyCommissioner, #ChattoogaCountyGovernment, #CountyNews, #GeorgiaLaw, #GMASS, #June12026, #LocalGovernment, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #Monday, #PropertyAppraisals, #PropertyAssessment, #PropertyOwners, #summervillega, #TaxAssessorsOffice, #trionga, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has issued a statement addressing questions and concerns from residents regarding property appraisal work currently being conducted throughout the county by GMASS (Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services).

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Allows Property Owners To Sue Over Public Nuisance Enforcement

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #CommunityNews, #floydcountyga, #GeorgiaLaw, #georgianews, #georgiapolitics, #Homelessness, #HouseBill295, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #Panhandling, #PropertyOwners, #PublicCamping, #PublicNuisance, #PublicSafety, #StatePolitics, #Vandalism, #wzqznews 0

A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.

House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.

State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.

However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.

Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.

House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Officials Urge ATV Safety As Summer Riding Season Begins

Local News, Local News Items #ATVRiding, #ATVSafety, #chattoogacounty, #FamilySafety, #GeorgiaLaw, #georgianews, #HelmetSafety, #northwestgeorgia, #OffRoadSafety, #OutdoorSafety, #PublicSafety, #Summer2026, #SummerSafety, #TrailRiding, #wzqznews 0

With school letting out and summer getting underway, safety officials are reminding families across Northwest Georgia to use caution when riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s New Insurance Reform Law Brings Major Changes For Homeowners And Drivers

Local News, Local News Items #AutoInsurance, #ConsumerProtection, #FortifiedHomes, #GeorgiaInsurance, #GeorgiaLaw, #georgiapolitics, #GovernorKemp, #HB1344, #HomeownersInsurance, #InsuranceClaims, #InsuranceFraud, #InsuranceReform, #northwestgeorgianews, #StormDamage, #UninsuredMotorists, #wzqznews 0

A sweeping new insurance reform measure signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp is expected to bring significant changes for Georgia homeowners, drivers and insurance companies.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Insurance Costs Rise For Teen Drivers In Georgia

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Teen drivers in Georgia are facing some of the highest insurance costs of any age group, as insurers point to increased risk and inexperience behind the wheel.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Tax Books Now Open For 2026 Returns

Local News, Local News Items #April1Deadline, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyAssessor, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #CommunityNews, #CountyTaxes, #GeorgiaLaw, #GeorgiaPropertyTaxes, #GeorgiaTaxes, #HomesteadExemption, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #PropertyOwners, #PropertyTaxes, #PropertyTaxExemption, #PropertyTaxReturn, #PublicNotice, #StateTaxes, #summervillega, #TaxBooksOpen, #TaxDeadline, #TaxNotice, #TaxReturn, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Monday – February 23, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 23, 2026:

December 11, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Man Arrested After Reported Trespass, Alleged False “Hostage” Call

Local News, Local News Items #BreakingNews, #Chattooga, #chattoogacounty, #CommunityNews, #crimereport, #CriminalTrespass, #FalseReport, #GeorgiaLaw, #georgianews, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #PublicSafety, #SheriffsOffice 0

A 70-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies responded to a reported suspicious person and vehicle call on Highway 114 and later charged him with criminal trespass and false report of a crime, according to an incident arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.