A 16-year-old student from Ridgeland High School has been arrested after making a threatening post on social media. According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, the post, which was made on Snapchat, referenced the school and was deemed a credible threat. The incident occurred on Sunday. The teenager has been charged with misdemeanor Terroristic Threats and is currently being held at a juvenile detention center. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and additional details have not yet been released. School officials and law enforcement are reminding students and the community to report any concerning behavior to ensure safety on campus.
Chattooga County officials are investigating potential financial misconduct under the previous administration. Commissioner Andy Allen says an audit, launched in January 2025, uncovered several irregularities, including payments for services never rendered and overpayments. The county turned over the findings to the Sheriff’s Office, and on February 24th, a list of nine vendors flagged for suspicious activity was sent to law enforcement. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case. Commissioner Allen says the investigation is ongoing and is committed to restoring public trust.
If you’re planning to hit the road this summer, you’re not alone — and good news, you might not feel as much pain at the pump. A new forecast from GasBuddy predicts gas prices will drop just in time for the summer travel season. Experts say this could be the cheapest summer to fill up in years. Instead of cutting back on travel, many Americans are getting smarter with their spending. Drivers are using fuel-saving apps, comparing prices along their routes, and even taking a few extra miles to save on gas. And while everyone’s travel plans may look a little different this year, road trips are still on the table. Many families are planning multiple trips, with some hitting the road for five hours or more to get to their destinations. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day are expected to be especially busy.
Catoosa County officials are investigating a deadly house fire in Ringgold that occurred Monday afternoon. The Catoosa County Fire Department has confirmed the victim’s identity as 67-year-old Wily L. Dicks. Firefighters responded to the scene on Lillian Drive just before 3:00 p.m. Monday, after receiving a call about smoke coming from the house. Crews were able to put out the fire within minutes. The cause of the fire, as well as the circumstances surrounding Dicks’ death, are still under investigation.