Woman trapped in store restroom
SUMMERVILLE, Ga. - A Lyerly, Ga., woman was trapped for about 40 minutes Tuesday in a Dollar General store restroom after the door's lock failed, according to a news report.
When she discovered she was trapped, Kristi Beach called the store number on her cellphone, according to the website of Chattooga County Radio AM 1180. A store clerk who initially thought the call was a joke was convinced after a second call from Beach, and employees tried to free her but failed.
She eventually was freed when a local contractor, Gomer Newton of Gomer's Home Improvement, in Summerville, removed the lock, the radio station reported.
Marion-Franklin border bill passes
NASHVILLE - Legislation altering the boundary line between Marion and Franklin counties in Tennessee is on its way to Gov. Bill Haslam after the House took final action on the bill Wednesday.
The measure, previously approved by the Senate, passed 97-0.
Rep. David Alexander, R-Winchester, said the change would bring 56 parcels of South Pittsburg Mountain property, now part of Franklin County, into Marion County.
The reason, Alexander said, is a development on mountainous terrain that includes property in both counties. The private developers had built a road to the property on the Marion County side, and it is inaccessible from Franklin County.
Both Marion and Franklin counties' commissions have approved the boundary change, said Alexander, who didn't recall the name of the mountain involved nor the total acreage of property.
Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, asked whether the change in any way "opens up access to the Tennessee River from any bordering states."
"Absolutely not, sir," Alexander told Dean.
Georgia, which borders Tennessee in Marion County, long has sought access to the river to address its water needs.
Student's death was drug overdose
ATHENS, Ga. - University of Georgia police say they've determined that a student found dead in his dorm room in January died of an accidental drug overdose.
UGA police said in a statement Wednesday that toxicology reports show 21-year-old David Peacock Braun of Marietta ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl, a narcotic pain reliever. Police said many areas around the nation have seen an upswing in fentanyl-related overdoses.
Rail network forums planned
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation is hosting a series of public meetings, including one in Dalton, on a rail network plan.
Department officials say the plan will spell out Georgia's vision for a freight and passenger rail network, its economic impact and more. The long-range plan covers a time period through 2040, and the department also will consult railroad and port officials, shippers, transit agencies and others.
The department is hosting a meeting in Dalton on Tuesday, one in Atlanta on Wednesday and one in Valdosta on April 17. Each meeting runs from 5-7 p.m.
Officials say the department will host a second set of meetings on the subject this fall.