Cleveland High School Students Showcase Skills at Welding Competition
Local family loses everything to duplex fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Early Friday evening, a local family lost everything when their duplex went up in flames, destroying all of their belongings.
At 4:36 PM, firefighters responded to a duplex in the 3200 block of Rosemont Drive off S. Seminole Drive.
The report stated that flames had been coming from the residential structure.
When the residents of the structure arrived home, they found the fire engulfing the first and second floors.
We were able to speak with the family about this incident, who say they lost everything.
Mike Blevins, the renter, recalls the events before the fire began. “We’d come home from work, and we went to the store for some groceries. We came back, and it was a blaze.”
Firefighters began attacking the fire with full force.
First responders say that downed, live power lines sparked and created dangers on the scene, so crews were removed from the structure, and defensive operations got underway.
Once the Chattanooga Fire Department was able to gain its way back inside, they began to fight the flames again.
However, when there was a partial collapse of the front porch, everyone was removed from the house.
Heavy equipment was brought out to aid in completely extinguishing the fire after several hours of CFD’s efforts.
The Blevins family carefully examined what was left of their home.
Blevins’ wife holds back tears as she says they lost so much in the fire, including their dog, Ziggy.
“My mother died here three years ago,” Blevins explains. “We were her caregivers for 10 years, her ashes and all her personal belongings, and my little dog. The priceless things you won’t get back. Everything else is material. It’s the stuff like that, it hurts.”
Kalia Daniel, a nearby neighbor, said that she watched first responders handle the fire.
“I’m down the hill, like on the ridge, and you can see a lot, a lot of smoke in here. It was really terrifying. It was really scary.”
No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Due to the events destroying so many essential items, along with their home, the family has set up a GoFundMe, where they’re asking for support from the community.
“I would hate it to happen to anybody else,” Blevins adds, “and we appreciate anybody that helps.”
You can donate by clicking here.
... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Sunday – January 26, 2025
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Overnight: Mostly Clear. Dry.
Lows: low 20’s. Winds: NNW @ 5 MPH.
Sunday: Sunny, mild; temperature near normal. Partly sunny into afternoon.
Highs: high 40’s to low 50’s. Winds: Near calm.
Overnight: Cloudy with scattered showers.
Lows: high 30’s. Winds: near calm.
Monday: Patchy fog, early showers, mostly cloudy. Clearing into PM.
Highs: near normal around 50. Winds: L&V
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Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
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“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
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“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”
Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program.
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“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
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Southeast Drought Summary
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
| ||||
Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”.
The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on. Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.
Who can participate?
This is a community project. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.
What will our volunteer observers be doing?
Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment). These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.
Who uses CoCoRaHS?
CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.
https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application
One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events. Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.
CPD’s graduation of its training academy cadets
Back-to-back local house fires
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Early yesterday evening, first responders responded to two structure fires that happened simultaneously.
Fire at the 3200 block of Rosemont Drive off S Seminole Drive:
At 4:36 PM firefighters responded to a duplex in the 3200 block of Rosemont Drive off S Seminole Drive.
The report stated that flames had been coming from the residential structure.
When the residents of the structure arrived home, they found the fire engulfing the first and second floors.
Firefighters began attacking the fire with full force.
First responders say that downed, live power lines sparked and created dangers on the scene, so crews were removed from the structure, and defensive operations got underway.
Once the Chattanooga Fire Department was able to gain its way back inside, they began to fight the flames again.
However, when there was a partial collapse of the front porch, everyone was removed from the house.
Heavy equipment was brought out to aid in completely extinguishing the fire, after several hours of CFD’s.
No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire at the 4600 block of Conner Street off S Moore Road:
At 5:56 pm the fire department would another house fire at the 4600 block of Conner Street off S Moore Road.
The garage fire damaged the apartment above it.
First responders were able to gain control of the flames and extinguished the fire.
They say that due to the neighbors alerting the residents about the fire, everyone was able to escape safely.
No injuries have been reported.
The Red Cross will be assisting the fire victims.
This fire is also under investigation.
We will keep you updated as we learn more about what started these two fires.
... Continue Reading
Celebration of life held for Dr. Carol Berz
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last month, the city of Chattanooga lost councilwoman Dr. Carol Ber.
Tonight, many across the city of Chattanooga came to pay their respects at a celebration of life.
The legacy of Dr. Berz was honored by family, friends, and colleagues at the Dr. Carol Berz Family Justice Center.
Her son, Rob Berz, said, “Carol knew that from early on that justice was a fundamental tenet of being human. Mom surrounded us all with beautiful art and she always showed us that taking action and being just is what it means to be human.”
One thing many pointed out was the fierce tenacity she brought to every aspect of her life.
Chattanooga City Council clerk, Nicole Gwyn, said, “Why do you have so many degrees?”, and Dr. Berz said, “Because I can. Because I did it for every man who told me I couldn’t!”
Her enduring legacy will be at the Family Justice Center, which is being renamed in her honor as the Dr. Carol Berz Family Justice Center.
The center’s executive director, Regina McDevitt, said, “She just always had such a vision for helping women in particular. She wanted to have a place for victims where they could come.”
From her time as city councilwoman, to professor, to family mediator, to mother, everyone who spoke said it was a life well lived.
Chief of Staff for Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Jermaine Freeman, said, “Her legacy is not just about her accomplishments in this community, although there are many, her legacy is about the generations she has shaped. I can so clearly see her influence in their ambition and how they carry themselves. It is a testament who Dr. Berz was, not just as a leader and a policy maker, but as a grandmother, mother, and human being. “
The Family Justice Center will be holding a separate ceremony in the coming weeks to begin a new era, named after Dr. Berz.
7th Annual Statewide Women’s Policy Conference in Chattanooga
Weather Update: Friday – January 24, 2025
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Friday: More Clouds Early. Then Mostly Sunny. Dry.
Highs: low 40’s. Winds: W @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly Clear. Dry.
Lows: low 20’s. Winds: NNW @ 5 MPH.
Saturday: Sunny, mild; temperature near normal.
Highs: low 50’s.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”
Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program.
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
Southeast Drought Summary
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
| ||||
Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”.
The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on. Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.
Who can participate?
This is a community project. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.
What will our volunteer observers be doing?
Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment). These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.
Who uses CoCoRaHS?
CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.
https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application
One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events. Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.
Preventing Frozen Pipes in Freezing Weather
New Development Project for Glass Street
Doris Collier Energizes Scenic City Women’s Network at January Luncheon
Chattanooga Future Fund to give thousands of Hamilton County students college savings accounts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- According to the Educational Data Initiative, post-secondary tuition costs have skyrocketed over 180% percent over the past 20 years.
This as over 70 percent of jobs in the Chattanooga area are projected to require some sort of post-high school education in the years to come.
The Chattanooga Future Fund is looking to address this as less than 60 percent of all Hamilton County School go to and finish post-secondary education.
It was announced Thursday, and will give each student in a Hamilton County elementary or middle school $150 to open a college and career savings account.
It is a result of a partnership led by Chattanooga 2.0, city and county government, and other private partners.
Chattanooga 2.0 executive director Dr. Keri Randolph said, “Other communities have used these kinds of college and career savings accounts for years. We know that even having a few hundred dollars at the time of graduation increases the chance of postsecondary education by five fold.”
This will be a 529 tax savings account, designed to allow parents and other benefactors to help raise money for a student’s future.
This will work in conjunction with the Tennessee Investments Preparing Scholars program, in which the state provides a four to one matching contribution for a TN Stars 529 college savings account.
Hamilton County superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson said, “That’s the whole intent. Early investments that go through interest and grow into something substantial, but again, I think this speaks to the belief that we have in our kids.”
One example showed what could happen to a kindergartener’s account if there was consistent investment into that account.
Dr. Randolph explained, “A kindergarten student, she has claimed her $150, her parents/guardian goes on and does that right now… It’s not hard to imagine that when Avery goes on to be a meteorologist, she’ll have $10,000 or more in that account.”
The $7.5 million investment over the next five years leaders hope turn into over a billion in new earnings.
Dr. Randolph said, “$150 for every student now, leading to one billion dollars in new earnings that lift our community in the years ahead? I’m a teacher in my heart, not a businessperson, but that sounds like a really terrific ROI to me.”
Parents can go ahead and sign up now for their students to access these accounts.
The link to do so is here.
Why More Families Are Turning to Online Education: The Flexibility and Support of Tennessee Connections Academy
Local reaction to Nashville school shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing local reaction to Wednesday’s deadly school shooting in Nashville.
Nashville police say 17 year old Solomon Henderson, a student at Antioch High School, opened fire inside of the school’s cafeteria, killing 16 year old Josselin Escalante and injuring another female student.
It is the second deadly school shooting in Nashville within the past two years, the other one being the Covenant School Shooting in March 2023.
That shooting led to the legislation being passed in Tennessee requiring every school to have a designated school resource officer.
Hamilton County School superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson said, “We pay attention to school safety all the time, and our thoughts go out to Nashville all the time, and we’ll continue to make sure that we take the proper steps to keep our kids safe, and ask our community to help us do the same.”
Hamilton County already staffs each public school with a deputy.
... Continue Reading
Hamilton County 9-1-1 using AI to assist telecommunicators
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District (HC911) has introduced Evelyn, a new AI-powered assistant.
Evelyn is designed to handle non-emergency calls on the 7-digit lines.
This innovative tool aims to enhance efficiency and ensure that 9-1-1 telecommunicators can focus on higher-priority, emergency calls.
All emergency 9-1-1 calls will continue to be handled exclusively by live call-takers.
“Evelyn is under the supervision of a dedicated telecommunicator who monitors all the calls being taken. That ensures that the correct actions have been implemented.”
–Jeff Carney, Executive Director of the Hamilton County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District.
According to HC911, the same personnel manage both emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency inquiries on the 7-digit lines.
Evelyn will redirect routine calls to departments such as records, courts, and utilities.
The AI assistant will also handle tasks like processing requests for burn permits, watch lists, vehicle repossessions, and private property tow requests.
“This is a prudent step to make use of current technology. It enables us to more efficiently utilize our personnel in the most effective manner while continuing to provide this vital service to the public,” stated Carney.
Dr. Richard Brown, Chairman of the 9-1-1 Board of Directors, reassured the public that the implementation of Evelyn does not compromise service quality.
“If there are any calls that Evelyn is not handling yet, or if there is any indication of an emergency, the call will immediately be transferred to a live call-taker,” Brown explained.
For optimal assistance, the public is encouraged to follow these simple guidelines when interacting with Evelyn:
- Speak naturally: Maintain a normal tone and speed; there’s no need to speak louder or slower.
- Be specific: Provide two or three sentences explaining your request to help Evelyn determine the best course of action.
For example:
- Optimal: “I need a copy of a police report completed by [Name the Agency].”
- Less effective: “Report.”
Hamilton County Health Dept. announces closure of Soddy Daisy clinic
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Health Department has announced that the Soddy-Daisy clinic will close permanently Monday, June 30th.
This decision comes as part of a strategic effort to expand healthcare access across the county.
In place of the Soddy-Daisy location, the Health Department will introduce a mobile health unit.
This unit will bring essential health services directly to underserved areas.
This innovative model is to ensure that all Hamilton County residents continue to receive vital healthcare services.
“The Soddy-Daisy Clinic faced several challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a notable decline in client numbers that have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close this location. Staff members from the Soddy-Daisy clinic will be retained and reassigned to other branches within the Health Department. We sincerely thank the Soddy-Daisy community for their trust and partnership over the years. While this chapter is coming to an end, our commitment to improving the health and well-being of Hamilton County remains stronger than ever”
-Sonia Calvin, Interim Administrator for the Health Department.
WIC clients in Soddy-Daisy will still have access to secure benefits through other Health Department clinics.
Services such as family planning and immunizations will also be available at alternative locations:
- Birchwood Clinic: 5625 Highway 60, Birchwood TN 37308 | (423) 209-5540
- Main Campus: 921 E. 3rd Street, Chattanooga TN 37403 | (423) 209-8050
- Ooltewah Clinic: 5520 High Street, Ooltewah TN 37363 | (423) 209-5440
Clients are encouraged to contact these locations for continued care or visit the Health Department’s website for more information.
The Soddy-Daisy location faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a decline in client visits that has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
“The closure of the Soddy-Daisy clinic ultimately comes down to the most effective use of funding while ensuring the availability of healthcare. When we evaluated the cost of operating the clinic versus the number of patients served, it clarified what is a difficult decision. Transitioning to a mobile model and the analysis of the placement of other health care providers in the area has allowed us to feel confident in the ability to meet the needs of the Soddy-Daisy area and ensure continued access to health services.”
-David Roddy, Chief Operating Officer for Hamilton County
All staff from the Soddy-Daisy clinic will be reassigned to other branches.
... Continue Reading
CDOT reports multiple water main breaks around the Chattanooga area
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — CDOT is reporting multiple water main breaks around the Chattanooga area.
One water main break is located at King Street at E ML King Boulevard.
Crews with Tennessee American Water (TAW) crews are on the scene and attempting to shut off the water and begin the repair process.
CDOT announced this will require an expanded closure.
TAW found the break in the middle of the intersection.
CDOT states that the following restrictions until further notice:
- King Street will be closed between E 10th Street and E ML King Boulevard.
- E ML King Blvd will be closed between Houston Street and Foster Street.
- All traffic will detour onto Houston Street, E 10th Street, and Douglas Street
Another water main break was located at Broad Street and 12th Street.
The break was in the intersection, and has required the closure of northbound Broad Street between W 13th Street and W 12th Street.
Crews with Tennessee American Water stopped the leak and are beginning repairs.
CDOT also reported a water main break on Woodhill Drive.
This break is causing a lot of water to travel down Shady Circle and into all lanes of Hixson Pike.
Chattanooga Public Works salted Hixson Pike to prevent the water from freezing overnight.
Woodhill Circle is closed to traffic at 1320 Woodhill Drive while repairs are being made.
CDOT urges drivers to use caution on the Hixson Pike and Shady Circle until the leak can be contained.
Multiple water leaks have been detected at 502-846 Barton Avenue, between McFarland Avenue and Hixson Pike.
Tennessee American Water and City of Chattanooga Public Works have been made aware of the leaks.
According to CDOT, these leaks are suspected to be service lines and not main pipes.
Public works crews will salt these areas, as water is expected to freeze overnight.
Tennessee American Water plans to address these leaks, which may require northbound Barton Avenue to be shifted into the center turn lane.
CDOT provides a map of events and road closures that can be viewed here.
Cherokee County woman sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine
MURPHY, NC – A woman in Cherokee County has been found guilty on multiple drugs charged, and has been sentenced to time in prison.
On September 28, 2023, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Peachtree Produce Stand in Murphy.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Jessica Shaye Walker unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a red Ford Focus hatchback.
The hatchback was still running and in reverse gear.
Emergency medical personnel transported Walker to a nearby hospital for treatment.
During the response, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight within the vehicle.
Deputies prompted a search, and found methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Walker later admitted she had obtained the methamphetamine.
She was found guilty of the following:
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch, Walker was ordered to serve a prison term ranging from a minimum of 70 months to a maximum of 93 months.
