WQCH and Georgia 93.7 Local News Headlines 12-27-23

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A quick update on a story from yesterday.  Deputies in Chattooga County shot and killed a man suspected in the murder of a Summerville woman after authorities say he pulled a knife on them late Christmas Eve.  It all began with the discovery of a woman’s body on Johnson Cemetery Road.  Investigators later identified the victim as 50-year-old Sherrie Leigh Little of Summerville.  Detectives went to her home, and they discovered evidence Little was murdered at her home, and her body dumped elsewhere. By the end of the day, deputies determined they had enough evidence to charge 44-year-old John Wayne Siffles in Little’s death.  On Christmas Eve at about 10:30 p.m., several agencies served an arrest warrant for Siffles near Highland Avenue in Summerville.  But deputies say Siffles refused to surrender. and after trying several non-lethal measures to subdue him, he pulled a knife on officers.  Deputies shot him, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.   As with all law enforcement related shootings, the GBI is investigating.  We’ll have more on this story when it becomes available.

According to AAA gas prices in the state of Georgia jumped just before Christmas.  The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $3.08.  The price is up 5-cents from last week and 22-cents from last month.  Catoosa, Dade and Walker Counties continue to have the cheapest gas in the state.  Locally you can expect to pay around $2.86 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas.  Dalton averages slightly higher at $2.92 per gallon.

Walker County remains in a severe drought.  Forecasters say the local drought conditions should improve over the next three months.  Walker County should be out of drought conditions by March.

The Peach Drop has been a New Year’s Eve tradition for more than three decades, but unlike in years past, this year’s celebration will be held inside.

The city announced earlier this week that they would not fund the free event, which usually attracts tens of thousands of people to Underground Atlanta and usually costs around a million dollars.  Atlanta police said the property owners failed to hire enough security to host the event outside.  According to WSB TV organizers of a new event are hoping to keep the party going, calling it “Atlanta Peach Fest.”  Promotors said partygoers can expect to be entertained by live music, art and plenty of drinks and food, but it won’t be free. Tickets are now on sale ranging in price from $20 to $1,200. The organizers of the new event told WSB in a statement that they have hired plenty of security and off-duty officers to make a safe and fun event. They also said they have sold more than 2,000 tickets and plan on selling more before New Year’s Eve.