A petition has been created against a proposed rock quarry in Walker County. The proposed quarry would sit on 700 acres surrounded by Ridgeway, Oakton and Lee Wilson Roads. The area is roughly a five minute drive from Highway 27 and Highway 337. Residents have voiced their concerns over the quarry, including potential pollution to Cane Creek and Chattooga Creek. The petition has already gained over 600 signatures.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office has invested in a full body scanner. The funding for the scanner comes from a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. The scanner can detect both metallic and non-metallic threats including weapons, drugs, cell phones and other contraband. The scanner also features a thermal temperature senor. That will help reduce contraband entering the facility and by also mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Last week a Chattooga County jury found a 43-year old man guilty of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of meth with the intent to distribute. A jury deliberated less than 20 minutes. Judge Don Thompson sentenced Brice Restan Ware to 15 years in jail with 30-years on probation. Ware was discovered after a person he had just sold an illegal substance to was pulled over in a traffic stop. The woman showed officers the house where the purchase was made. Authorities obtained a search warrant. Ware was found to be in possession of more than 60-grams of meth.
A Ringgold man tried to escape capture after deputies clocked him speeding on Interstate 24 Monday night. Jeremiah Johnson of Ringgold was seen speeding on I-24 about 11:00pm, heading toward Marion County, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office. When deputies turned on their patrol vehicles’ lights and siren, they saw Johnson speed up to 120-125mph, and tried to take the Haletown exit. Johnson’s vehicle hit the guardrail at the end of the exit ramp which deployed the vehicle’s airbags. DCSO said that Johnson got out of his vehicle, ran across the interstate and ran into the woods. They also say Johnson left a firearm and an extended magazine (clip) behind on the driver’s floorboard. Deputies launched their new drone, armed with a thermal camera, to search for Johnson. He was located after about 15-20 minutes, trying to swim across a body of water. He was arrested shortly after being found. Johnson has active warrants out of Hamilton County, TN for aggravated assault, and active warrants out of Catoosa County, GA for drug trafficking. He will also face additional charges in the incident.
