A Chattooga County Public Works truck overturned while hauling a load of chert on Monday morning. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen told WZQZ News that the driver was making the turn off Highway 48 onto Mahan Road when the loaded truck overturned in a ditch. The commissioner said that the driver was transported to AdventHealth Redmond via ambulance to be checked out, but there were no serious injuries reported in connection with the single vehicle accident.
Coroner Jeremy McElhaney has identified the victim of a devastating house fire that occurred on Turner Street in Summerville on Sunday morning. The deceased has been named as 44-year-old Misty Thompson. Emergency services, including the Summerville, Trion, and Hays Correctional Fire Departments, responded swiftly to the scene before 10 AM. Eyewitnesses reported that thick smoke from the fire could be seen from over a mile away, indicating the severity of the situation. As part of routine procedures following such tragic incidents, Thompson’s body will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy, which will help determine the cause of death. The investigation into the fire is being conducted collaboratively by multiple agencies, including the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. As of now, the cause of the fire remains undisclosed, and authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Rocking S Farm, LLC has filed a petition in the Superior Court of Chattooga County against Commissioner Andy Allen, claiming he plans to unlawfully revoke a building permit for four chicken houses on their property. This permit was issued by former commissioner Blake Elsberry in October 2024, and Rocking S Farm relied on it to start construction and acquire federal loans. After receiving the permit, the farm prepared by hiring a grading company and contracting construction firms. On January 17, 2025, attorney Holly Strawn-Gilliland informed the farm that Commissioner Allen deemed the permit improperly issued and intends to revoke it during a public hearing on January 27. The farm states there have been no formal objections to the construction before this letter. Rocking S Farm claims the commissioner’s actions lack grounds and due process. A hearing is set for February 10, 2025, and until then, the permit revocation is postponed. The farm seeks a judgment to clarify its rights, an injunction against the revocation, and damages.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported a case of measles involving an unvaccinated person in metro Atlanta. This individual contracted the virus while traveling in the U. S. and was contagious between January 19 and January 24, 2025.
The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2025 season with the release of their Spring Training schedule and the exciting addition of right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham to their roster. Fans can look forward to 32 games as the team kicks off their preseason on February 22 with an away game against the Minnesota Twins. Among these games, the Braves will host 15 home contests at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, while also hitting the road for 17 games.
A 21-year-old man, identified as Kamdyn Jaxx Harris, was arrested this past Saturday, during a traffic safety checkpoint by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol. He was charged with DUI (drugs), possession of marijuana, and a windshield violation after officers noticed signs of impairment. The arrest happened around 10:10 PM on Back Berryton Road. Officers saw Harris driving a blue Honda CRV with a broken windshield and smelled marijuana coming from the car. He had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag of what was believed to be marijuana. Harris admitted to smoking marijuana three hours before the stop. Harris consented to field sobriety tests, which showed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and agreed to a blood draw. Harris faces charges of DUI/drugs, a windshield violation, and possession of marijuana under one ounce.
The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announced today the successful conviction of Samantha Shea Leamon, a resident of 122 Ann Drive, Rossville, Catoosa County, Georgia, for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. This landmark conviction comes amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the Lookout Mountain region and nationwide.
Walker County Chairwoman Angie Teems has announced new key administrative staff members: Aleksandra Jagiella-Litts as compliance officer, Lisa Richardson as county clerk, and Hugh Delacruz as human resources director. Teems believes these roles are crucial for the county’s government and aims to enhance services for citizens and employees. Jagiella-Litts has over 20 years of legal experience, handling code violations, collaborating on policy issues, and supporting grant applications. Richardson brings extensive organizational experience and will manage records for the Board of Commissioners while preparing meeting minutes. Delacruz, a former Sergeant in the Sheriff’s Office, will focus on recruitment and retention programs, enhancing employee well-being and career growth, drawing on lessons from his Army service.
The Georgia Department of Education has launched a CTAE Advantage Dashboard to provide accessible and clear data on Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) at state and district levels, as announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. The dashboard highlights the positive effects of Georgia’s CTAE programs on literacy, graduation, and postsecondary placement rates.
