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Counterfeit suspect arrested

CALHOUN, Ga. - Calhoun police arrested a 50-year-old Atlanta man Friday afternoon as he tried to pass two counterfeit $100 bills at a Walmart on Highway 53 in that city, a news release states.

Police Chief Garry Moss said the notes that Wayne G. Hills possessed when he was arrested at the Walmart at 450 W. Belmont Drive were "virtually identical" to several bills that had been passed in the city of Calhoun this month and in December 2013.

The chief said Hills, who has on address on Candlier Circle in Atlanta, is believed to be part of a larger group operating out of that city.

Route 65 closing for track repairs

JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. - On Wednesday, State Route 65 at the intersection with U.S. Highway 72 near Paint Rock in Jackson County will be closed for repairs to the Norfolk Southern railroad track.

Traffic will not be able to access State Route 65 to and from Highway 72 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Traffic will be rerouted during closure time and signs will be posted indicating detours via state routes 79 and 146 West, and via State Route 65 to State Route 146 East.

Tune to 1650 AM radio frequency for travel messages from Highway Advisory Radio. Motorists are advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Brush fire called contained

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - Authorities say a brush fire on the outskirts of Pigeon Forge has been contained.

Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Tony Watson told WBIR-TV that the blaze, which prompted the evacuations of at least 20 cabins and homes, caused minor damage to one cabin. No injuries were reported.

Fire officials said the blaze began around 1:30 p.m. Sunday and at one point was being driven by winds of up to 30 mph. After the winds decreased, firefighters were able to contain the blaze.

Watson said it affected about 50 acres of land.

Deal touts backing of 110 mayors

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal is touting the endorsement of some 110 mayors from across Georgia in his re-election campaign.

Deal made the announcement Monday during the Georgia Municipal Association's annual Mayors' Day Conference.

Deal says "Mayors for Deal" will play a pivotal role in his re-election bid this year. Also running in the Republican primary are state schools Superintendent John Barge and Dalton Mayor David Pennington.

In a statement, Pennington questioned mayors who would support Deal considering the ongoing investigation of the state Ethics Commission.

Democrat Jason Carter, a state senator and grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, is also running for governor.