#PropertyDamage | AM 1180 Radio

July 2, 2026

AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day

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As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.

AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.

April 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mailbox Removed During Demolition Prompts Police Report In Summerville

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #CommunityNews, #GDOT, #GeorgiaDOT, #georgianews, #HintonStreet, #LocalNews, #MailboxTheft, #northwestgeorgia, #PropertyDamage, #PublicWorks, #summervillega, #SummervillePolice, #wzqznews 0

Summerville Police responded to a complaint on April 8th regarding a missing mailbox at a property on Hinton Street.

According to the report, the complainant told officers that the mailbox had been removed around March 30th by a contractor working with the Georgia Department of Transportation. The resident also reported that some mail was missing.

The complainant stated he lives in a residence behind the former 180 Hinton Street location and had been sharing the mailbox with that property. He said the home at that address was recently purchased and demolished, and during that process, both the mailbox and the water line to his residence were affected.

The resident told officers he has attempted to contact GDOT about the situation but has not received a response. He requested a report be filed to document the incident.

April 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Information Sought In Burglary, Theft At Saddle Ridge School During Spring Break

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help as detectives investigate a burglary and theft at Saddle Ridge Elementary-Middle School in Rock Spring.

According to investigators, the incident happened sometime between March 27, 2026, and April 6, 2026, during spring break for Walker County Schools.

Authorities said someone entered the Forest Kindergarten building, located about 300 yards in front of the school, by removing a door hasp.

Once inside, the suspect or suspects reportedly destroyed or stole several items, including a ninja obstacle course, zip line, hammocks, cargo nets, and camping chairs.

The total value of the damaged and stolen property is estimated at $2,330.

Anyone with information is asked to send tips through the Walker County Sheriff’s Office website or call 706-638-1909.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Man Arrested on Criminal Trespass Damage Charge

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Summerville Police responded to a reported break-in and property damage call on Friday, February 20, 2026, at a home on Cleghorn Street, according to an incident report.

The victim told officers the suspect forced open the front door and caused damage inside the residence, including overturning a bed. A witness also reported seeing the suspect leave the scene and “peel out” of the yard.

Police say the suspect, Jeffrey Garner, age 56, was later located at his residence on West Halls Valley Road at around 9:00 p.m. and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

In the report, the suspect reportedly admitted entering the home and overturning the bed, saying he went to the residence to confront the victim and she was not home.

Garner was charged with Criminal Trespass and booked into the Chattooga County Jail.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Vehicle Damages Fence at Summerville Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Summerville Police are investigating an incident involving property damage at the city’s wastewater treatment plant after a vehicle reportedly struck a commercial chain link fence.

February 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Vehicle Damages Commercial Fence and Gate; Police Document Property Damage

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Summerville Police documented a property damage incident on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a vehicle reportedly drove through and damaged commercial chain-link fencing and an adjacent gate along Red Oak Road. Investigators noted the impact knocked a major support pole loose and caused visible damage to the gate. Officers also reported finding broken tempered glass at the scene—consistent with a truck window—and photographs of the damage were included with the incident report.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Vehicle Vandalized in Summerville, Criminal Trespass Investigation Ongoing

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Police are investigating a case of criminal trespass and property damage after a vehicle was vandalized at a Summerville residence.

February 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion Man Arrested After Alleged Illegal Dumping on Sikes Story Road

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A Trion man was arrested in Floyd County after authorities say he illegally dumped a large amount of debris along Sikes Story Road.

January 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Named in Reported Attempted Break-In and Church Vandalism Case on Highway 114

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A 28-year-old Summerville man, Codie Mac Creekmore, is listed as the suspect in a reported attempted break-in and vandalism incident at United By Faith Baptist Church, located at 1794 Highway 114 in Summerville.

December 31, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Police Investigate Property Damage Incident on Wood Street

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Summerville Police responded to a report of property damage at a residence on Wood Street following an incident that reportedly occurred earlier in the week, according to a police report.