'County to decide on bankruptcy' and more region news

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga.

Three charged with kidnapping

A Ringgold man and his parents were arrested this weekend on charges of kidnapping the man's girlfriend, then leaving her beaten up on the side of the road.

Authorities say Christopher Peppers, 20, forced his pregnant 17-year-old girlfriend into his parents' car Saturday, hit her several times on the face and left her lying on the ground.

Catoosa County sheriff's deputies arrested Peppers; his father, Kevin; and mother, Gloria, several hours later on Clara Street, an incident report states.

Christopher Peppers was charged with kidnapping, battery and outstanding warrants for theft by taking and entering an auto, the report states. His parents each were charged with kidnapping.

Christopher Peppers showed up at the girl's house earlier Saturday and became angry, the deputies' report states.

He then grabbed the girl, tore her clothes and forced her into the car, the report states.

She walked through the woods back to her house and a neighbor saw her and called 911, the report states.


FOLKSTON, Ga.

Tourists return to Okefenokee

Fires still are burning in the Okefenokee Swamp, but tourists are returning to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge began admitting visitors again Saturday. They had been kept out since June 13 as the huge Honey Prairie fire spread within refuge boundaries near the Georgia-Florida state line.

Up to 4 inches of rain fell Friday over parts of the fire, which continues to burn mostly in the northwestern side of the 400,000-plus-acre refuge.


BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

County to decide on bankruptcy

Leaders in Alabama's most populous county are expected to decide this week whether to file the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

The Jefferson County Commission will meet Thursday in Birmingham to decide whether to continue trying to make a deal with creditors or file bankruptcy over sewer system debt of more than $3 billion.

The county has submitted a repayment plan to creditors including JPMorgan Chase to eliminate almost $1.3 billion of the debt, but it has yet to receive a response.


LOUDON, Tenn.

Heat tough on livestock

Hot weather is affecting not only people but livestock.

Some farmers are feeding their stock an electrolyte formula, much like a sports drink, to keep them hydrated, according to WBIR-TV in Knoxville. Producers also are shearing sheep early to help keep them cooler.

Dairy farmer Steve Harrison is sprinkling his cattle with water every 12 minutes to cool them. He said it pays off because heat-stressed cows produce less milk.

Farmers also are trying not to move their animals until evening or early in the day.

-- Staff and Wire Reports

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