#LocalNews | AM 1180 Radio

July 14, 2026

Georgia Gas Prices Tick Up Slightly as Summer Travel, Oil Costs Push Prices Higher

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After several weeks of declining fuel prices, Georgia motorists are seeing a slight increase at the pump as higher crude oil prices and strong summer travel demand begin to push gasoline prices upward.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

American Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage, Urges Donors to Give Now

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The American Red Cross is asking donors to roll up their sleeves after declaring an emergency blood shortage caused by a sharp decline in donations during June. The organization says its blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent, creating a growing gap between available blood and hospital demand. The shortage is especially critical for platelets, O-positive blood, and B-negative blood.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Resident Reports Vehicle Keyed While Away From Home

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A Summerville man reported that his vehicle was intentionally damaged while it was parked outside his apartment, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.

Police responded to 50 Saratoga Way, Apartment A20, at approximately 8:19 p.m. on June 29 after Garry Lovingood, 63, requested to file a report about his vehicle being keyed.

According to the incident report, Lovingood told Officer J. Pledger he discovered the damage after returning from out of town and believes it occurred while his 2011 white Nissan Murano was parked in the apartment complex parking lot. He said he did not know who may have been responsible and declined to identify any possible suspects because he was uncertain.

Officer Pledger documented the damage, photographed the vehicle, and noted in the report that the scratch appeared to be fresh. Police also advised Lovingood that officers would conduct extra patrols in the area.

The incident was documented as non-criminal damage to a vehicle, and no suspects have been identified.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Monday – July 13, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 13, 2026:

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

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The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

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A Summerville man is expected to face an animal cruelty charge following an investigation into reports that a dog was being kept without adequate food, water or shelter during hot weather, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a complaint about a dog allegedly being neglected. According to the incident report, the complainant identified the dog’s owner as Dakota Marks and reported seeing the dog tied to a tree with a ratchet strap.

When officers arrived, they found a large dog secured by a ratchet strap with one end attached to the animal and the other fastened to a tree. The report states the immediate area contained no shelter from the heat, no accessible food, and the only water container had a crack in the bottom, preventing it from serving as a reliable water source. Officers also noted the area was heavily littered with trash and that the restraint was not long enough for the dog to reach a nearby camper.

The responding officer photographed the scene and requested assistance from Animal Control. Attempts to locate Marks at the location were unsuccessful.

According to the report, a warrant was issued for Dakota Marks on a charge of Cruelty to Animals.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Resident Reports Handgun Missing After Parking Vehicle

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A Summerville man has reported a handgun missing after discovering it was no longer inside his vehicle, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say James Parker contacted dispatch on June 28, 2026, to report that his Taurus G3 9mm handgun was missing. Parker told officers he believes someone stole the firearm while his vehicle was parked on Hawkins Drive.

According to the incident report, Parker last saw the handgun at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 27 and discovered it missing around 1:30 a.m. on June 28. The firearm was identified by its serial number in the report.

The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department, and no suspects have been identified.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Thursday – July 9, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 9, 2026:

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Drivers Encouraged to Add Emergency Contact to Driver’s License Records

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The Georgia Department of Driver Services is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes to add emergency contact information to their driver’s license or state ID records—a free update that could prove invaluable during an emergency.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana, Suspended License Charges

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A 34-year-old man was arrested following an early morning traffic stop in Chattooga County after a deputy reported finding suspected marijuana inside his vehicle.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Deputy Adam Dawson was parked on Highway 27 at approximately 4:04 a.m. on July 2 when he observed a gray Honda Accord traveling without functioning taillights. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.

The driver was identified as Patrick Lamar Davis, 34. According to the report, deputies searched the vehicle and found a mason jar containing two bags of suspected marijuana beneath the driver’s seat, along with a suspected marijuana grinder and a THC gummy.

Investigators also determined Davis was driving with a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant from Floyd County. He was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended or revoked and possession of marijuana (less than one ounce) before being transported to the Chattooga County Jail.