I-75 lane closes in Whitfield and other news from the areas around Chattanooga

I-75 lane closes in Whitfield

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. - One southbound lane of Interstate 75 will be closed today between exits 328 and 326 in Whitfield County, Ga., according to a news release.

Mohamed Arafa, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Transportation, said the lane will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. so workers can repair deteriorated asphalt on the highway.

Motorists are asked to slow down and drive carefully when workers are present.

Travelers in Georgia are invited to call 511 for updates on this and other GDOT maintenance and construction projects, to report incidents or to request assistance.


Walking man dies on beach

CLINTON, Tenn. - Deputies say a Tennessee man collapsed while walking in rough surf along Panama City Beach and later died at a hospital.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office identified the man as Ronald Anderson, 68, of Clinton, Tenn. They said he was walking in the surf Tuesday when he fell face first into the water.

The News Herald of Panama City reported witnesses helped pull Anderson to shore when he didn't get up.

Sheriff's officials said double red flags were posted at the beach Tuesday because of hazardous swimming conditions.


Court issues stay in killing retrial

KNOXVILLE - A state appellate court has issued a temporary stay in the retrial of three men convicted in the kidnapping and torture killing of a young Knoxville couple.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals is requiring defense attorneys to respond by Monday.

Special Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood ordered new trials for Lemaricus Davidson, Letalvis Cobbins and George Thomas in the January 2007 slayings of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom.

The stay follows an appeal by the state attorney general's office of Blackwood's refusal to step down from hearing the cases.

New trials were ordered after the drug addiction of the trial judge in the cases was revealed.


THP taking cadet applications

NASHVILLE The Tennessee Highway Patrol began Wednesday taking online applications for men and women who are interested in the agency's trooper cadet class that begins next March.

The applications will be accepted for one week only and are available at http://www.tn.gov/dohr/employment/applicant.shtml.

Individuals applying for the position of state trooper must be at least 21, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The application process was changed this year to incorporate an interview that tests applicants' knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies.

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