A Walker County man has been convicted on multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of child family members.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a series of budget work sessions next week as county leaders begin reviewing and discussing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
Georgia drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall across the state.
According to AAA, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is now $3.85 per gallon. That is 14 cents lower than last week, but still 10 cents higher than last month and 96 cents higher than this time last year.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said lower crude oil prices, tied in part to reported Iran peace talks, are helping bring prices down. However, she cautioned that global uncertainty could cause prices to shift quickly.
For drivers filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the current state average means a cost of about $57.75.
Nationally, the average price for gasoline has dropped to $4.33 per gallon, down 18 cents from a week ago.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Macon at $3.94, Atlanta at $3.90, and Athens at $3.87. The least expensive metro markets are Dalton at $3.71, Albany at $3.63, and Brunswick at $3.60.
Locally, Chattooga County is averaging $3.78 per gallon. Nearby averages include Walker, Floyd, and Gordon counties at $3.72. Across the state line in Alabama, DeKalb County is averaging $3.93, while Cherokee County is at $3.88.
Drivers are encouraged to compare prices, plan trips, combine errands, and use fuel-saving habits as summer travel increases.
Several events are happening today, Saturday, May 30, giving families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia a variety of ways to spend the day.
A Walker County couple is facing multiple serious felony charges following an investigation into alleged child abuse and trafficking.
According to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began May 15 after deputies received a tip concerning possible abuse involving a child.
Investigators later obtained warrants charging 60-year-old David Rutherford and 43-year-old Heather Rutherford, both of Flintstone, with trafficking, rape, and aggravated sodomy.
Deputies executed a search warrant May 22 at a residence on Nancy Lane in Flintstone as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say the couple had already been taken into custody in Rhea County, Tennessee before the search warrant was carried out.
Officials stated the arrests were made without incident and involved coordination between the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.
Northwest Georgia will get a little break from the heavier coverage of showers and storms today and Thursday, but the rainy pattern is far from over.
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat And Strong Storms Continue Across Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for several more days of wet and stormy weather as an active weather pattern continues to bring repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the region.
The annual LaFayette Honeybee Festival is set for Saturday, May 30, 2026, in downtown LaFayette, Georgia, bringing a full day of entertainment, educational activities, food, and family fun to Northwest Georgia.
The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.















