Georgia State Patrol troopers are investigating a deadly crash on State Route 151, also known as Alabama Highway. It happened just after 4 p.m. on Monday, November 10. Troopers say a young female driver with a learner’s permit drifted off the roadway and overcorrected in a curve. Her car spun into oncoming traffic and was hit on the passenger side by an SUV. A front-seat passenger in the juvenile’s car, 50-year-old Dawn Payne, died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Five felony arrests Tuesday in Walker County. Among those booked, 60-year-old Stephen Warren Davis faces charges of 1st degree burglary, possession of schedule two and theft of a motor vehicle. 48-year-old Shannon Freeman was arrested on 1st degree burglary and theft of a motor vehicle charges. Megan Lasha Johnson faces charges of burglary, theft by taking and 3rd degree cruelty to children. You can view the complete arrest report online at DiscoverWalker.com.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is easing Thanksgiving travel by suspending construction-related lane closures on interstates, major highways, and roads near shopping areas. The suspension runs from 5 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, through 10 p.m. Sunday, November 30. GDOT warns that crews may still be working near highways, some long-term closures will stay in place, and emergency closures can happen at any time. Drivers should stay alert, especially near work zones. Traffic in metro Atlanta is expected to build Monday afternoon, with the heaviest congestion on Wednesday. Lighter traffic is likely on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, with post-holiday delays returning Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. For real-time updates, visit the GDOT website or use the 511GA app.
LaFayette’s girls basketball program swept Dade County with wins in both the varsity and JV games Tuesday night. The varsity Ramblers took a 43–30 victory despite foul trouble, relying on strong defense and balanced scoring. Sophomore Erin Grant led with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Ava Kelley added 12 points, hitting three three-pointers, and senior Tamra Yancy posted another double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The JV team also picked up a win in their season opener. LaFayette is back on the court Friday, hosting Southeast Whitfield.