The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the deadly plane crash in Lafayette this past March. According to the NTSB, 52-year-old Steven Boyd Powell, a licensed pilot, took off from Rome, Georgia, before picking up 48-year-old Russell Edward Jones, an instructor helping Powell upgrade his license. The plane crashed just 170 feet from the runway. The NTSB says there were no mechanical issues and confirms that the aircraft’s fuel tanks were filled prior to the flight. A final report could take up to two years to complete.
There were three felony arrests in Walker County on Saturday. Two were on drug related charges. 34-year-old Austin Nathaniel Devries was booked on possession of meth and tampering with evidence charges. 52-year-old Timonthy James Gramble was charged with possession of meth and cocaine.
The latest restaurant health inspection scores. In Chickamauga, Wendy’s received a 99. Dominos got a 95. In Rossville, Snack Shack got a 99. In LaFayette, El Trio got a 95. Wendy’s received a 100.
Two firefighters were injured while battling a blaze at a commercial building in Whitfield County on Saturday morning. The fire broke out just before 9 a.m. on Atlantic Drive. The Whitfield County Fire Department reports the firefighters suffered chemical burns but have since been released from the hospital. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.