A 16-year-old female student at Ridgeland High School faces charges for allegedly texting the phrase "blowing the school up" to other students on Thursday morning. The text spread quickly to other students and parents, according to Sheriff Steve Wilson. His department assigned two detectives and nine deputies to the school to investigate the reported hoax. The girl was charged with terroristic threats and acts and was released to her mother around 7 p.m. Thursday. Detectives believe the student's motive was to leave school early. She will appear in juvenile court, according to Wilson.

All across the country, state parks are inviting families to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living.  In Georgia, several state parks have planned guided hikes where families can connect with nature and each other.  Last year, more than 600 Georgians kicked off 2012 on these guided hikes — a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.

According to state park officials, winter is a particularly scenic time for hiking because the open canopy means people can see farther through the woods.

“In winter, you can appreciate the unusual and beautiful shapes of trees and their branches,” said Georgia State Parks Director Becky Kelley.  “You’ll notice moss-covered boulders and small waterfalls that are normally hidden behind by the forest.  Plus, it’s fun for families to look for deer and other wildlife.”

Kicking off the New Year with an invigorating hike fits into the mission of the Georgia State Parks “Tons of Fun Initiative” — to encourage citizens to lead healthier lifestyles through outdoor recreation.  The TonsofFun.org website includes exercise ideas, healthy recipes, nutritionist and personal trainer advice, and more.

A sampling of ranger-led hikes on New Year’s Day is listed below, and the entire calendar found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/firstdayhikes.  For guests who want to celebrate a reflective New Year’s Eve in nature, Georgia’s State Parks offer heated cabins, hotel-style lodge rooms, cozy yurts and modern campsites.  For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275 or book online at GeorgiaStateParks.org.

City of Menlo office will be closed on the following dates for Christmas and New Years:

 
•Monday, December 24, 2012 in observance of Christmas Eve 
•Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in observance of Christmas Day
•Tuesday, January, 1, 2013 in observance of New Year’s Day
 

The owner of a Villanow Horsesheing School will not face criminal charges in a case involving accusations by three young female students. Walker County Chief Magistrate Sheila Thompson ruled there was not cause to issue a criminal warrant against Ralph Casey. The young women, who attended the horseshoeing school alleged that the 69-year-old school master had acted abusively toward them, in various ways.

An armed robbery reported Thursday morning at a Ringgold Credit Union Office. Two masked men with guns entered the Catoosa Teacher Federal Credit Union on Gateway Drive near I-75. the GBI and local authorities are investigating. They believe they have a good description of the getaway vehicle. No one was hurt in the robbery which was reported just after 9 a.m.

A traffic fatality in Summerville Friday morning. Reports are incomplete but one person is dead after a one-vehicle accident on Highway 27 in front of Reece's tire just after 9 a.m. Friday. A white male reportedly was killed after he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. AM 1180 will have more information as it becomes available from the Georgia State Patrol.

Trion Mayor Johnny Ingle Thursday night opened the Trion Town Council meeting with a prayer as always. But last night, he included in that prayer condolences, thoughts and hope for the residents of Newtown Connecticut, where a shooting at an elementary school last week claimed the lives of 26 children and school faculty members.

In the work session prior to the meeting town Superintendent Eddy  Willingham opened bids for the demolition of the Park Avenue Apartments. Six companies submitted bids which ranged from a low of  almost $265,000 to a high of almost $438,000 for the base bids. There were also two alternate bids which consist of saving and cleaning up the brick that is removed; and additional backfill to provide drainage to the area. The bid is to be awarded in early January once the council has time to go over them.

The council also authorized Ingle to sign the agreement for the wording on the ballot of the SPLOST agreement which goes into effect next December.  It will be on the ballot in March.

The ballot has to include exactly how the SPLOST will be used. Ingle  said the tax will go for: expansion, improvement and renovation to the water system and waste water treatment plant facilities; work on roads, streets, sidewalks and bridges; acquisition, improvement and renovations to the town's recreation facilities, recreation equipment and fields. Ingle said there is a lot of work needed in the town. 

The  council decided to meet with the Trion Board of Education on January 10 to discuss bond sales for the new sports complex.

Lafayette's Austin Whitten is home and returned to school briefly before starting Christmas break.

The 6'5", 230 pound Rambler football, basketball and baseball player was injured in a swimming accident on June 9, just barely into summer break. He was 15.

Austin's mother, Angie,  recently told WRCB news about Austin's injuries, his recuperation and therapy after being paralyzed and his return to school. Lafayette High School is ADA compliant, a necessity for Austin and several other students in wheelchairs, according to Principal Mike Culberson.

Angie Whitten also  talked about how Austin's friends were there for him just hours after the accident, discussing how Trion High Schools football players and coaches showed up at the hospital showing signs of support.  Trion High School students, as well as many other groups and organizations also helped raise money for the Whitten family in their time of need.

A Calhoun woman was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Tuesday on drug charges stemming from a warrant that said she had more than 28 grams of methamphetamine on her, according to a Floyd County Jail report.

According to the report:

Viola Elizabeth Rendon, 43, of 161 Porch Loop Road, was found with the drugs in August while at the intersection of Ga. 53 and Ga. 140.

She was charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine and has an immigration hold.