Northwest Georgia voters will return to the polls April 7th after no candidate received a majority in Tuesday’s special election to fill the congressional seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Democrat Shawn Harris led the race with 37 percent of the vote, while Republican Clay Fuller finished close behind with 35 percent. The two will now meet in a runoff election. The only other candidate to reach double digits was Colton Moore. Meanwhile, Moore’s State Senate seat in District 53 is also headed to a runoff. Republican Lanny Thomas received 39 percent of the vote, followed by Democrat Jack Zibluk with 27 percent. In Walker County, more than 10,300 ballots were cast.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on Monday on charges of Child Molestation. 45-year-old Wesley Aaron Holland was booked on charges of Child Molestation and sexual battery. 41-year-old Gregory Eugene Taylor faces three counts of child molestation. We’re working to bring you more information on these arrests.
A jury in Chattooga County has sentenced a man to life in prison after convicting him of repeatedly abusing children in his care. Timmy Glenn was found guilty of rape, aggravated sexual battery, child molestation, and multiple counts of cruelty to children following a five-day trial before Judge Melissa Hise. He was sentenced to life in prison, with the first 30 years to be served without the possibility of parole. Forensic interviews revealed repeated physical abuse involving the children. Officials say the victims’ courage in coming forward helped investigators secure the conviction,
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen lost a barn during storms Monday night after a lightning strike sparked a fire on his property. Allen says lightning hit a fence charger, igniting the blaze that destroyed the barn. The structure was ruled a total loss. In a social media post, Allen and his wife Whitney thanked the Gore Fire Department and crews from Hays State Prison for their quick response and professionalism. No injuries were reported.
Walker County’s Solid Waste and Public Works departments are turning excess landfill mulch into a hands-on lesson for local students. About 65 tons of mulch from the county’s mulch program have been delivered to agriculture programs at Chattanooga Valley Middle, Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle, and Rock Spring Elementary schools. Students will use it in class projects, garden beds, planters, and greenhouses on campus.