#PublicSafety | AM 1180 Radio

July 25, 2026

Storm Causes Flooding In Downtown Summerville, Lightning Damages County Communications Tower

Local News, Local News Items #BryantAndSonsLumber, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyEMS, #ChattoogaCountyFireRescue, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommerceStreet, #Flooding, #Lightning, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SevereWeather, #summervillega, #WeatherDamage, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

A strong thunderstorm Friday afternoon caused flooding in downtown Summerville and damaged Chattooga County’s emergency communications system after lightning struck the county’s communications tower on Taylor’s Ridge.

Summerville City Manager Jason Winters told WZQZ News that the primary flooding occurred along Commerce Street in front of Bryant and Sons Lumber Company. Winters said the flooding was likely caused by a drainage tile beneath the state-owned railroad tracks becoming clogged with debris. He said the city has contacted the state and will work to have the tile cleared.

Meanwhile, Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that a lightning strike shortly after 5 p.m. caused major damage to the communications tower used by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, county fire departments and EMS. Allen said service was partially restored by 6 p.m. and was expected to be fully restored before nightfall. He said permanent repairs to the tower are expected to be costly but should be covered by the county’s insurance.

Press Release:

From Chattooga County Government, EMA/E-911

A lightning strike associated with a severe storm this (Friday) afternoon impacted the Chattooga County Public Safety Communications Building, affecting portions of the county’s communications infrastructure.

Emergency communications remain operational, and dispatch services continue to support public safety agencies throughout the county. Personnel are actively working to restore all systems to full functionality.

Currently, there are no unmet public safety needs, and emergency services continue to respond to calls for service.

The public is encouraged to use 911 for emergencies as normal. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to complete repairs.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Teloga Volunteer Fire Department Reminds Residents 2026 Membership Dues Are Due

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #CommunitySupport, #FireSafety, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #Teloga, #TelogaVolunteerFireDepartment, #VolunteerFireDepartment, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The Teloga Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents that 2026 membership dues are now due and encouraging community members to continue supporting the department’s mission of protecting the Teloga community.

Current members can conveniently pay their dues by placing their payment in the drop box located at the fire department or by stopping by the station on Monday nights after 6 p.m. to meet the firefighters and pay in person.

Residents who are not yet members are encouraged to join. The cost is $150 for the first year, with annual renewals of $50 each year after that.

Volunteer fire departments rely on community support to help provide emergency fire protection and other emergency services. Department officials say every membership helps keep the Teloga community safe.

July 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 24, 2026

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #Friday, #FridayJuly242026, #LawEnforcement, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia 0

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 24, 2026:

July 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Launches New PSA Encouraging Public To Report Human Trafficking

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaInfo, #CrimePrevention, #GRACECommission, #HumanTrafficking, #MartyKemp, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SeeSomethingSendSomething, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, GBI, georgia 0

Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey have released a new public service announcement encouraging Georgians to help combat human trafficking by using the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

July 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Requires Registration of AED Locations With Chattooga County 911

Local News, Local News Items #AED, #CardiacEmergency, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCounty911, #ChattoogaCountyEMA, #ChattoogaInfo, #CPR, #EmergencyManagement, #GeorgiaLaw, #MasonSellsAEDCoordinationAct, #PamelaVaughn, #PublicSafety, #SB399, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Businesses, schools, churches, government agencies and other organizations in Chattooga County that own an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are now required to register the device’s location with Chattooga County EMA/E-911 under a new state law that took effect July 1.

July 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Former Bartow County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged Following Child Abuse Investigation

Local News, Local News Items #BartowCountyGA, #BartowCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #CherokeeJudicialCircuit, #ChildAbuseInvestigation, #DFCS, #GeorgiaCrime, #LawEnforcement, #PublicSafety, #TaylorsvilleGA, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, GBI 0

A former Bartow County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations of child abuse.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Sunday – July 19, 2026

Local News, Local News Items #arrestreport, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountySheriffsOffice, #ChattoogaInfo, #LawEnforcement, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #summervillega, #SundayJuly192026, #trionga, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, July 19, 2026:

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Cherokee County Alabama Lieutenant Appointed Secretary of National School Resource Officer Association

Local News, Local News Items #alabamanews, #ChattoogaInfo, #CherokeeCountyAL, #CherokeeCountyAlabama, #CherokeeCountySheriffsOffice, #JordanKelley, #LawEnforcement, #NASRO, #NortheastAlabama, #PublicSafety, #SchoolResourceOfficers, #SchoolSafety, #StudentSafety, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jordan Kelley has been appointed secretary of the National Association of School Resource Officers, giving the local agency representation in a national school-safety leadership role.

July 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook