The three individuals killed in a fiery crash on I-75 between Calhoun and Adairsville on Tuesday have been identified. 50-year-old William West of LaFayette and 23-year-old Christopher Powell of Florida were identified on Tuesday evening. Yesterday the Gordon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 68-year-old Manuel Mijango of McDonough Georgia was the third victim in the wreck. The crash involved six vehicles. A northbound tractor-trailer collided with a Hyundai Sonata, crossing into oncoming traffic. The semi then collided head on with two other trucks and two passenger vehicles. The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate.
There were 9 felony arrests in Walker County on Wednesday. Among those arrested 21-year-old Michael Levi Franklin was charged with two counts of child molestation. 38-year-old Thomas Jason Byers and 29-year-old Ashley Brooke White were arrested on charges of possession of meth. 42-year-old Stanley David Tilley was booked on an aggravated assault charge. 31-year-old Christian Lee Lemons was charged with aggravated assault. Ivan Kelly Cousin, 54-years-old was booked on robbery, first degree burglary and criminal trespassing.
If you have plans to travel around Walker County on Sunday, be aware, the Ironman race is returning. That means you can expect delays along several roads in the area, including Highway 193, West Cove Road, Andrews Lane, Hog Jowl Road, and Chickamauga Road/Hwy 341. Triathletes will begin the bike course around 7:15 a.m. and will be exiting the course between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Plan accordingly and avoid these routes if possible to prevent delays.
The Walker County Health Department is offering free screenings this Friday, May 16th, for children and teens ages 3 to 18. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., drop by for check-ups covering hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition, along with 3300 Forms for school enrollment. The event will be held at the Health Department, located at 603 East Villanow Street in LaFayette.
Gordon Lee’s baseball team defeated Vidalia yesterday 3-1 to punch their ticket to the state finals. The Trojans will take on Pepperell in a best of three series starting Monday. The games will take place at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome. The trip to the state championship is Gordon Lee’s first since 2021. They will be seeking their fifth state championship. Their first since 2019.