An investigation by WTVC-TV in Chattanooga has uncovered that Walker County School’s knew about a Ridgeland teacher’s suspension from Hamilton County Schools before they hired him. An open records request reveals that Walker County had a suspension letter on file for Nathan Dawson dating back to early August. That letter came from Hamilton County Schools and detailed Dawson’s alleged misconduct, including dishonesty during an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a former student at Central High School. Late last month, WTVC first reported on a notarized statement from that former student, who claims she was the victim of an inappropriate relationship with Dawson while he taught at Chattanooga Central. Hamilton County chose not to renew Dawson’s contract as a result of those allegations. Despite that, Dawson was later hired by Walker County Schools. In his job application, Dawson stated he left Hamilton County because his “position was dissolved.” But documents show otherwise. Also in Dawson’s personnel file: a past reprimand from his time in Whitfield County, where he was cited for exchanging over 60 text messages with a student in just one hour. The Walker County School District has not commented on Dawson’s current employment status.
Drivers in Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties continue to see some of the lowest gas prices in Georgia — just $2.73 a gallon. That’s below the statewide average of $2.87, as prices continue to dip heading into fall. AAA reports regular unleaded is now 2 cents cheaper than last week and 3 cents less than a month ago. Nationwide, gas demand has hit a four-month low, and experts say prices could keep falling as we move into the winter-grade fuel season.
Georgia’s firearms deer hunting season opens this Saturday and runs through January 2026. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the state’s deer population remains strong, with more than 220,000 deer harvested last year. Hunters can take up to 12 deer this season and must report their harvest through Georgia’s Game Check system. Public lands are open, and new efforts like “Hunters for the Hungry” are helping provide venison to families in need. Get licenses, rules, and more at GeorgiaWildlife.com.
LaFayette High School is hosting two state playoff games on Wednesday. The Ramblers volleyball team will face Gilmer at 5pm. The softball team will face Bainbridge in a doubleheader. The first game is set for 5pm. If a third game is needed in softball, that game will be played at noon on Thursday. Tickets for the softball doubleheader are $12. Volleyball tickets are $10. All parking is free.