The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing the use of taxpayer dollars by a former Chattooga County Commissioner. GBI agents are looking into financial activities involving Blake Elsberry, who served as the county’s sole commissioner. The investigation follows allegations surrounding a payment of more than $333,000 to a Chattanooga company, Zentell Communication, for internet services that were reportedly never provided. Officials with the GBI confirmed the inquiry to Local 3 News yesterday. No charges have been announced at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
Trenton State Senator Colton Moore is considering a run for the United States Senate. Moore, who represents northwest Georgia, says if elected, he would be one of the most conservative voices in Washington. So far, Governor Brian Kemp and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have announced they will not seek the Republican nomination. The Republican field already includes Congressman Buddy Carter and State Fire Commissioner John King, both aiming to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff.
A Chattanooga man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after he admitted to sending sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old in Ringgold. Brandon James McGarvey-Rogers pled guilty Wednesday in Catoosa County. McGarvey-Rogers will serve seven years without the chance of parole. After release he will have to register as a sex offender. Authorities say McGarvey-Rogers used the Snapchat app to send explicit messages and images to the child.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is reaching out to the public about a planned bridge replacement on County Road 382, also known as Boynton Drive, over I-75 in Catoosa County. GDOT has launched a virtual Public Information Open House to share details about the project, including the reasons behind it, the plans, and the possible timeline. Residents are encouraged to visit the online event to learn more and provide feedback or questions directly to project officials. Construction on the new bridge is scheduled to begin in 2028. During that time, the existing bridge will be removed, and an off-site detour will be in place. The detour is expected to last no longer than nine months and will only add about six-tenths of a mile to typical commutes. Comments will be accepted on the open house website through June 23rd. For more information, visit the GDOT website.