#MenloGA | AM 1180 Radio

June 29, 2026

Menlo Accepts Town Clerk’s Resignation, Names Interim Clerk

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The Menlo City Council has officially accepted the resignation of Town Clerk Nicki Hoard and has appointed a former clerk to serve in the position while the search for a permanent replacement gets underway.

During last week’s meeting, Mayor Kris Willis informed the council that Hoard had submitted her resignation prior to the meeting. Willis thanked Hoard for her service to the city and said she left on good terms. The council unanimously voted to accept her resignation.

To help maintain day-to-day operations, the council approved the appointment of Julie Willingham, a former Menlo city clerk, as interim clerk. Willis said Willingham has agreed to assist the city during the transition and will serve on a part-time basis until a full-time clerk is hired.

An advertisement for the permanent town clerk position is expected to be published in the local newspaper, with applications anticipated to remain open for at least two weeks, or longer if needed, before the position is filled.

In other business, Willis announced a new leadership team for the Menlo Recreation Department. The board includes President Levi Robinson, Vice President Nick Stout, Treasurer Kelli Weaver, and board members Keith Lutz and Kevin Payton. The volunteers will serve one-year terms with the option for renewal.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Offices to Close July 3 for Independence Day Holiday

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Chattooga County transit services, administrative offices, and other county departments will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

County officials say the Chattooga County Transfer Station and county dump sites will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.

For emergencies or any issue requiring a county crew to be dispatched, residents should call 911.

County officials wished residents a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend and offered thanks to all who have served the country and those who continue working to protect America’s freedom.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hot And Mostly Dry Weather Continues Across Chattooga County

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Expect another hot and humid day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with only a limited chance for relief from scattered afternoon thunderstorms.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sheriff Warns Residents About Phone Scam Targeting Chattooga County

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents about a phone scam targeting local citizens.

According to Sheriff Schrader, the Sheriff’s Office received four reports in one day from residents who were contacted by scammers claiming money was owed for missed court dates, civil matters, or bond-related issues. In one case, a victim reportedly lost $2,000.

Sheriff Schrader emphasized that the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and other legitimate law enforcement agencies, will never call residents and demand payment over the telephone. Law enforcement will not ask anyone to put money on gift cards, prepaid cards, or any other type of card to resolve court issues or bond someone out of jail.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up and contact law enforcement directly using a verified phone number. Sheriff Schrader is asking the public to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Dangerous Heat Expected Across Northwest Georgia This Week

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A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values frequently reaching between 100 and 105 degrees.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Law Allows Consumer Fireworks, But Safety Should Come First

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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 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Scattered Storms Continue Through Weekend as Heat Builds Across Northwest Georgia

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Residents of Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today and Sunday, with a few storms capable of becoming strong to severe, according to the National Weather Service.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA: Record Number Of Americans Expected To Travel During Independence Day Holiday

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A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.

Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.

For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.

AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.