#June2026 | AM 1180 Radio

June 8, 2026

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

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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

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

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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

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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 Depot to Host Homemade Ice Cream Contest During June 20 Event

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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 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Dog Shooting Incident Reported in Summerville

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating an incident in which a dog was shot and later died from its injuries following a dispute between two Chattooga County residents.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Charged With DUI Following Traffic Stop

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A Summerville man faces multiple charges following a traffic stop conducted by the Summerville Police Department.

According to citations provided to WZQZ, Antonio Francisco Tomas, 37, of Summerville, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Failure to Maintain Lane.

The citations indicate the incident occurred on Sixth Avenue within the city limits of Summerville. The reporting officer noted that Tomas was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was considered less safe to drive. The citation states that a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.

A separate citation alleges that Tomas failed to maintain a single lane of travel and was involved in a vehicle accident while impaired.

The case is scheduled to be heard in Summerville Municipal Court at a later date.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Recent Rains Bring Much-Needed Drought Relief to Northwest Georgia

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Weeks of steady rainfall have brought encouraging news for Northwest Georgia, helping ease drought conditions that have plagued the region for months.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rising Housing Costs Continue To Squeeze Chattooga County Residents

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Finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult for many families in Chattooga County as rent prices continue to rise while wages struggle to keep pace with the cost of living.

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.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DNR Proposes Updates To Georgia Protected Species List

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state’s protected species list for the first time since 2006.

The list includes plant and animal species protected under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and Wildflower Preservation Act. These are species considered most in need of conservation across the state.

State listing makes it illegal to intentionally harm protected animals. It also restricts removing protected plants from state land without a permit, or from private land without the landowner’s permission.

DNR says the proposed updates include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and aligning some state listings with federal status.

The agency says the changes were developed as part of the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

The public may also nominate species for consideration through June 30, 2026, using the online nomination form provided by DNR.

Final proposed changes will be made available for public comment before being sent to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.