A man accused of blocking a Catoosa County school bus from its route on Monday evening has been charged. The incident happened around 4:30pm in the area of Stewart Road at Smith Chapel Road. Catoosa County officials say an investigation shows that 55-year-old Roger O’Neal Barrett stopped a Catoosa County Public Schools bus using his truck to block it. Barrett claimed a student on the bus flashed an obscene hand gesture at his wife and child, prompting him to block the bus in an attempt to get the student’s information. Barrett turned himself in at the Catoosa County Jail on Tuesday morning. He was charged with Disruption or Interference with Operation of Public Schools and released on a $1,000 bond.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Yesterday community members planted pin wheels in front of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services building in Rock Spring to raise awareness about child abuse. You can report child abuse or neglect by calling 1-855-GA-Child. That’s 1-855-422-4453.
A Monday morning crash in Murray County claimed the life of one man. The Georgia State Patrol is investigating. The accident happened at 4:25am Monday morning at Fuller Chapel Road and Georgia 286. A tow truck and a Dodge Ram 2500 were involved in the crash. Both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames. The driver of the Dodge, Kenneth Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tow truck was taken by Life Force to Erlanger.
Congratulations to the Lafayette Boys and Girls golf team. Both have qualified for the State Championships. The girls team is headed back to the state for the second time over and the first since 2019. The Lady Ramblers finished 3rd in the area tournament. The boys finished 2nd in the area championship. This marks the 10th straight year the boys team has reached the state championship. The championships take place in Columbus on May 22nd and 23rd. Good luck to the Ramblers.
