The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Brayden Whatley, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Dakota Bottomlee on Halloween night. The investigation into Bottomlee’s tragic death has led authorities to detain three individuals, but Whatley remains at large. Brayden Whatley, a 23-year-old black male, stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Authorities have classified Whatley as armed and dangerous, urging the public to remain vigilant. The Sheriff’s Office is working tirelessly to locate Whatley, and they are appealing to the community for assistance. If anyone has seen Whatley or has information regarding his whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

The Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) is collecting holiday gifts for the more than 1,300 older Georgians and adults with disabilities who are under guardianship as part of the annual Light Up the Holidays gift drive. These adults may be residents of long-term care communities, have low incomes, or no family or friends in their lives to celebrate the holidays with, and your generosity makes all the difference.

There are two ways to get involved:

• Buy items from our Amazon Gift List which contains a variety of requested wish list items.
• Reach out to the DAS Gift Drift Coordinator at dasgiftdrive@dhs.ga.gov to sponsor an individual wish list and learn more about how to donate.

Gifts are due by Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. To learn more about DAS’s Light Up the Holidays Gift Drive and the difference you can make in someone’s life this holiday season, please visit aging.georgia.gov/get-involved/sponsor-vulnerable-georgian.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture  has reached its initial goal of $1 million for Hurricane Relief, but with damages estimated at $6. 46 billion, more help is needed. They are now striving to raise $1. 5 million to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. All funds raised will go directly to farmers for recovery efforts. Farmer applications will open in November, with funds expected to be distributed between January and February 2025. To make a difference, you can donate, share, or host a fundraiser. Visit https://www. supportgeorgiafarmers.org/ for more information and to contribute. By supporting this cause, you can support Georgia farmers in rebuilding and thriving.

Each November, communities across the nation come together to observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition is leading the charge to elevate awareness about this critical health issue.

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The Georgia Supreme Court has suspended the law license of former state Court of Appeals judge and former state representative Christian Coomer for two years. The suspension will end in August of the following year. Coomer was removed from the Court of Appeals by the Supreme Court due to the state Judicial Qualifications Commission’s recommendation, citing misuse of campaign funds and inappropriate dealings with a client before becoming a judge.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

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The Trion Bulldogs are headed for the second round of GHSA Playoffs this Friday.  They will be making the nearly 4-hour drive to take on Telfair County after defeating Schley County last Friday night.  Dr. Phil Williams, Superintendent of Trion City Schools announced on Tuesday that school will be canceled this Friday, November 22, 2024.  Dr. Williams said that 29 teachers and coaches will be on the road on Friday, and the school system cannot secure enough substitute teachers.  WZQZ will have the broadcast of the Trion vs. Telfair County game coming up on Friday evening.  Good luck to the Trion Bulldogs.

A 46-year-old man, identified as Bhaveshikumar Dhanis Patel, was arrested on November 9th following a dangerous high-speed chase that ended with multiple charges, including DUI and reckless driving.

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AdventHealth Medical Group is pleased to announce that Lauren Rader, ACNPC-AG, CPAN, RNFA, has joined AdventHealth Medical Group Neurosurgery at Rome. Rader joins John A. Cowan, Jr., MD, FAANS; Jason Harrison, MD, PhD, FAANS; Alex Whitaker-Lea, MD; Daniel Webb, MD, and the care team at AdventHealth Medical Group Neurosurgery at Rome, which offers a wide range of medical services for its patients. The clinicians provide comprehensive services that help patients with conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

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A legislative study committee recently recommended that the state actively promote sustainable aviation fuel and mass timber construction to help the struggling timber industry in Georgia. Despite being the top state for forestry in the country, the industry is facing challenges due to shrinking demand and oversupply. Sustainable aviation fuel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, is seen as a promising market for the industry. The European Union has mandated the use of SAF in commercial aircraft by 2030. The committee also recommended supporting a Georgia-based research facility to develop innovative forestry markets, including SAF. Additionally, the use of mass timber in construction as an alternative to concrete and steel was suggested. The report also calls for a study to promote the pulp-and-paper industry and identify burdensome regulations hurting the timber industry. The recommendations will be considered by the full Senate in 2025.