The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 61-year-old Deta Joy Ratledge after a deadly multi-vehicle accident on January 24, 2025. Ratledge, age 61 of LaFayette, was arrested by Deputy Kevin Phillips on February 18 and charged with Following Too Closely and DUI/Drugs/Less Safe. The accident caused the death of 28-year-old Travis Bailey from Summerville. Ratledge was released on bond the same day her booking report was made public on February 19. Preliminary information from the Georgia State Patrol indicated that the crash happened around 6:50 PM on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane. A red Chevrolet S-10 truck had broken down, blocking the southbound lanes. A grey Nissan Sentra stopped to avoid hitting the truck, but a silver Toyota Corolla, following too closely behind, crashed into it from behind. After the collision, the driver of the Toyota stepped out to talk to witnesses. Meanwhile, a blue Jeep Compass approached the scene and failed to stop, hitting the Toyota and its driver, Travis Bailey. Bailey sadly died from his injuries at the scene. Drug paraphernalia and prescription medications were found in the Jeep, and Ratledge, the driver, was impaired and agreed to a blood test. The Georgia State Patrol State Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the incident.

In a late-night incident on February 14, 2025, Brandon James Alexander, a 25-year-old male, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding on Highway 114. The arresting officer, Deputy Jonathon Reynolds, initiated a traffic stop around 10:15 PM after clocking Alexander’s motorcycle traveling at 70 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. According to the incident report, Deputy Reynolds observed the suspect make a right-hand turn onto Charlie Street after failing to stop at the initial signal. The motorcycle ultimately came to a halt at a residential driveway on Charlie Street, where the officer approached the driver. Upon inspection, Deputy Reynolds noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Alexander, who initially denied consuming any alcoholic beverages. Deputy Reynolds proceeded to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to assess Alexander’s level of impairment. The results of the tests indicated several signs of intoxication, including difficulties in balance and coordination. Notably, during the one-leg stand test, Alexander struggled to maintain his balance and used his arms for support, raising significant concerns about his ability to operate a vehicle safely. Despite being given the opportunity to take a Portable Breath Test, Alexander refused, leading to his arrest for DUI. After being placed in handcuffs and transported to Chattooga County Jail, he once again declined a blood draw and maintained his claim of sobriety. Alexander is currently facing charges of DUI and speeding.

Authorities in Piedmont, Alabama have confirmed the death of Steven Kyle Satterfield, a 51-year-old man from Piedmont, found under a vehicle on his property. Initial reports suggest he may have been attacked by his own pigs, which had escaped their enclosure. Emergency responders arrived on Bramlet Road, discovering Satterfield’s body with visible injuries caused by the hogs. It seems he sought shelter under the vehicle where he eventually died from his injuries. The Piedmont Police Department and Piedmont Rescue are investigating the incident and gathering more evidence. They have contacted Satterfield’s family and ask the community to respect their privacy. The police expressed their condolences to his friends and family. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be shared as new information comes in.

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden reported on the fifth week of the Georgia General Assembly starting February 10th. The House passed several bills, including HB 61 for separate license plates for ambulances and hearses, and HB 199 for judges’ safety. Other bills include HB 216 for semiconductor workforce education, HB 81 for school psychologists’ licensing, and HB 105, which increases compensation for fallen educators to $150,000. Additional bills addressed banking laws and guardianship. The House will meet again on February 18th and invites constituents to share their concerns.

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From Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Helie:

Chattooga County is set to undergo a significant transformation with the announcement of a $1,000,000 financial grant awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission. This generous funding will spearhead renovations at the historic Tooga Theater, enhancing not only its aesthetic appeal but also its functionality for the community.

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Northwest Georgia residents should get ready for a weekend of unstable weather as a storm system arrives, bringing possible scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain.

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Berry College President Steve Briggs was honored with the Daniel T. Dutcher Meritorious Service Award at the 2025 NCAA National Convention.

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On Friday afternoon, Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announced that Fullerton Road, Lyerly is now closed due to the bridge is washed out. There is standing water over the location where the bridge should be, do not attempt to cross over this area. Drivers were being asked to detour around the area. The commissioner says that due to the level of water over the area of the bridge there will not be any repairs attempted until Monday, February 17, 2025.