A former prison officer at Hayes State Prison was sentenced on Tuesday. Nathan Grindle of Summerville was found guilty of conspiracy to possess meth with the intent to distribute and bribery. Grindle was a veteran and falsely claimed in court that while serving in Afghanistan he had been stabbed in the shoulder by a Taliban fighter and he killed the fighter with a pistol. A review Grindle’s military records along with letters from former members of his unit, showed that his claims were fake. The 32-year-old had been smuggling meth and other contraband to inmates for over a month in late 2023 and early 2024. A review of his financial records showed that he was receiving bribery payments from inmates to bring drugs and other contraband into the prison. Grindle was sentenced to 87 months of confinement and three years of supervised release.
The latest Consumer Price Index report says the price of groceries rose a half a percent last month. The report says that much of the inflation on groceries is centered around the price of meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Those categories saw an increase of 1.9% last month. The costs of eggs has jumped by more than 15% due to a growing bird flew pandemic. The average price for a dozen eggs is now $7. The Associated Press says in some areas people are paying over $10 per dozen especially for Organic or cage free eggs.
Surveys will be happening this week for the historic resource survey for the county. Please note those working on the survey will have the Ardurra logo on their vests. The survey will take place towards the Whitfield County line to the east. Then to the southern end of the county along the Gordon, Floyd and Chattooga County line and Armurchee Road to the west then north back to 136.
Chattooga County authorities have identified the man killed after being hit by a vehicle on Monday night. 56-year-old Andy Lamar Hines was hit by a vehicle on Highway 27 at Harrell Road. Hines is listed as homeless in Chattooga County. When the accident first happened on Monday, both northbound lanes of 27 were closed. Hines later died after he was airlifted to a local hospital.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is looking for volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to answer the phone, transport animals, walk dogs and entertain cats as well as help with other assignments. You can apply by visiting the Walker County website.
The LaFayette boys basketball team is headed back to the state tournament. The Ramblers won 69-66 in overtime to Gilmer last night. In a game you heard on Georgia 93-7. The Ramblers made a late free-throw to tie the game at 66 and force OT. Gilmer never scored in the overtime period, LaFayette made three free throws. Khalas Finley led the Ramblers with 21 points, Bryson Penson scored 15 and Isiah McKenzie added 12. The win secures LaFayette’s spot in the state tournament. The win also advances the Ramblers to Friday night’s Semi-Final game vs. Calhoun. Tip-off is set for 8:30pm. You can it on Georgia 93-7 and also on Discover Walker.com
