More details have emerged on the accident this week that took the life of two LaFayette teens and left another hospitalized. A report from the Georgia Highway Patrol shows that Brennon Beavers, the driver of a Tacoma, steered left, hitting the front of Cassiddy Mitchell’s Renegade, which overturned. The driver of a Rouge, Allyson Mitchell, steered left to avoid collision but hit the driver-side rear of Beavers’ Tacoma. Allyson Mitchell’s passenger was Cooper Mitchell, Cassiddy’s brother, who was air-lifted and remains in ICU. Brennon Beavers, a junior at Lafayette High School, and Cassiddy Mitchell, a 2024 graduate of Lafayette High, tragically died in the crash.
LaFayette baseball will return to the field tonight for the first time since the passing of their teammate Brennen Beavers. The Ramblers will host Trion at Chris Jones Field at 5:30 this afternoon. Georgia 93-7 will broadcast today’s game live and will bring you all of the pre-game tributes as well. First pitch is set for 5:55pm. We invite you to join us later this afternoon. You can also stream the game on our website at DiscoverWalker.com.
A North Georgia man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following a violent incident that turned a Memorial Day celebration into a nightmare for one family. On January 30th, Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson sentenced Christopher Blake Stansell to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in confinement. The charges include four counts of aggravated assault, home invasion, burglary, and cruelty to children in the first degree. The case stems from an incident in May of 2023 when the Selimagic family hosted friends at their home in Chickamauga. After a verbal argument with guests, Stansell, who lived next door, began attacking the Lockhart family as they tried to leave. The altercation escalated when Stansell retrieved a 9mm handgun, walked over to the Selimagic home, and fired shots into the house while making threats. Stansell then attempted to break into the home but was confronted by Chickamauga Police Officer Charles Dunn. After a brief standoff, Officer Dunn used a Taser to subdue Stansell and take him into custody. District Attorney Clayton Fuller acknowledged the loss of Officer Dunn, who was recently killed in another act of violence in the area. Fuller commended the Chickamauga Police Department and Officer Dunn for their quick response and bravery during the standoff.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office booked four people on felony charges on Wednesday. Among those arrested…67-year-old Mark Anthony Williams was charged with Child Molestation, creating or possessing pictures or videos of minors in explicit sexual conduct. 33-year-old Sarah Francis Brewer was booked on aggravated assault, battery and two counts of cruelty to children. 39-year-old Preston Russell Harris was charged with aggravated stalking.
In observance of Good Friday, the City of LaFayette and Walker County Government offices will be closed today. This includes the county landfill. Walker County Sheriff’s Administrative Offices are closed today. Emergency services will continue to operate. Normal business hours resume on Monday.
Georgia’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.6% in March, holding firm from February’s revised rate. The state’s unemployment rate is still lower than the national average by six-tenths of a percentage point. In March, Georgia saw a net increase of 6,900 jobs, bringing the total to nearly 5 million. Over the past year, the state added 23,100 jobs. Significant job gains in Healthcare and social assistance, administrative and support services along with manufacturing. Transportation and warehousing saw a drop in jobs, hotels and food services are also down. Initial unemployment claims for March totaled more than 19-thousand, that’s down from February but up from last year. Local unemployment numbers for March will be available later in the month.
