WQCH and Georgia 93.7 Local News Headlines 10-27-23

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Skeletal remains found in McMinn County on October 19 have been identified as those of a Fort Oglethorpe man, missing from 2016.  David Abbott was reported missing on June 23, 2016. His abandoned truck was recovered the next day in McMinn County, in a driveway on County Road 126 just off Highway 30, west of Athens.  Abbott’s partial skeletal remains were found by a group of hunters off Highway 30 west of Athens, in a wooded area near County Road 119, about 200 feet off the highway.

Family members said Abbott suffered from mental health issues, as well as numerous other health problems.  Investigators say that there is no evidence of foul play, thinking Abbott walked off into the wooded area and passed away shortly after leaving his truck on County Road 126. His body was located about ¾ mile from the location where his truck was found in 2016.

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission is updating their Regional Plan.  Your input is welcome on areas like Economic Development, Transportation and Natural Resources, Housing and Land Use.  There is a meeting planned for Monday from 4pm to 6pm.  The meeting will be held at the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Office in Dalton.

A federal judge ruled Thursday that some of Georgia’s congressional, state Senate and state House districts were drawn in a racially discriminatory manner, ordering the state to draw an additional Black-majority congressional district.  U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, in a 516-page order, also ordered the state to draw two new Black-majority districts in Georgia’s 56-member state Senate and five new Black-majority districts in its 180-member state House.  Jones ordered Georgia’s Republican majority General Assembly and governor to take action before Dec. 8, saying he wouldn’t permit 2024 elections to go forward under the current maps. That would require a special session, as lawmakers aren’t scheduled to meet again until January.

Congrats to LaFayette High School boys and girls cross country teams.  This marks the 4th year in a row that they have qualified for the GHSA State Meet.  This year the meet is held in Carrolton.  LaFayette football faces Coahulla Creek tonight.  You can hear the game on Georgia 93-7.  

It’s the annual Georgia/Florida game tomorrow.  Laren Smith has more on this weeks Bulldog Report.