(GA. NEWS NETWORK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
*A cafeteria worker at Rabun County High School is facing a number of child sex charges, according to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). Ashleigh Wilson, 26, Clayton, is charged with aggravated child molestation, child molestation, grooming of a minor, and sexual exploitation of a child.
*Augusta city leaders are weighing options on how to move forward with new data centers. The president of the development authority told WJBF this week that there needs to be clarity with new ordinances and zoning rules. This comes after some residents say they’ve been negatively impacted by the new Gordon Highway data center. A representative from the neighborhood group West Augusta 6 has suggested a moratorium.
*A Covington woman gets time in federal prison for stealing more than four-million dollars in Home Depot giftcards. The Northeast District US Attorney says 53-year-old Feleica Ingram of Covington was a Home Depot employee during the pandemic and while staffing was low, used her access to steal more than 8,300 giftcards and sold them on the black market. She was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by another three years of supervised release.
*Georgia Power claims it was necessary to cut down a 300-year-old live oak tree in Chatham County, despite its protected status. Residents gathered earlier this month to advocate for the tree on Little Neck Road in Chatham County. Reports show the city deemed it an “Exceptional Tree” by the Chatham County Land Disturbing Activities Ordinance. The owner of the property where the tree once stood says he was not made aware that the landmark would be removed. William Mock, region executive for Georgia Power, sent a statement to WSAV saying the company explored all options and, unfortunately, the tree must be removed in order to put in high-voltage transmission lines.