The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving callers pretending to be “Lieutenant Gilleland.” Officials say the scammer claims the victim missed a court date and now has a warrant, hoping to scare people into giving personal information or money. Deputies stress they will never call to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request sensitive information. Residents who receive such a call should hang up immediately and share the warning with others. Anyone with questions or who believes they were targeted should contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office directly.
A Chattooga County woman died Tuesday morning in a house fire on Maryland Drive — the county’s fourth fire fatality of the year. The Coroner’s Office was notified just before 11 a.m. after a neighbor reported the blaze and said someone might be trapped inside. Firefighters from Summerville, Trion, and Hays State Prison arrived within minutes, searched the home, and cut into the structure to reach the victim. Despite rapid efforts by crews and Atrium Floyd EMS, she did not survive. The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating, but foul play is not suspected. The victim has been identified as 43 year old Bobbie Marie Blackmon, according to the Chattooga County Coroner.
Georgia school districts are receiving major new support for student needs, thanks to more than $15 million for economically disadvantaged students and $19.6 million for mental health services in the FY26 state budget. State Superintendent Richard Woods says the funding will help schools expand counseling, offer academic interventions, and remove barriers to learning. Districts began receiving the money in September. Schools are using it to hire mental health professionals, partner with telehealth providers, expand tutoring and afterschool programs, and support intervention services.
AAA says this Thanksgiving could be the busiest ever for Georgia, with more than 2.3 million residents expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1. That’s up 1.4 percent from last year and sets a new state record. Nearly 2.2 million Georgians will drive, with gas prices expected to be close to last year’s average of $2.91. More than 152,000 people are flying, despite concerns about delays. Bus, train, and cruise travel is also rising. AAA warns of heavy traffic Tuesday and Wednesday, and again on Sunday the 30th. Travelers are urged to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving.
The Georgia Public Library Service is preparing to move its eRead Kids digital collection to a new platform. Starting December 3, all children’s ebooks and audiobooks will shift from the Boundless app to The Palace Project app. Patrons won’t be able to check out new eRead Kids titles in Boundless after November 18, but any current checkouts will remain available until they expire. Library officials say existing holds will not transfer, so families may need to place new holds once the move is complete. The Georgia Public Library Service apologizes for the inconvenience and encourages families to download The Palace Project app now. More details are available at georgialibraries.org/ereadkids.