EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a four-part series looking back at the year 2024 in Chambers County. 

Jan. 4 

Coweta County deputy killed, hit by Lanett officer vehicle during high-speed chase pursuit

A multi-agency, high-speed chase on Interstate 85 Thursday morning resulted in the death of a Coweta County sheriff’s deputy after a Lanett Police Department officer in pursuit hit him with his patrol vehicle. 

 

Jan. 9

West Point council swears in new council member

The West Point City Council has a new face. Kevin Patrick took his seat on the West Point City Council at Monday night’s meeting. Patrick, council incumbents Gerald Ledbetter and Sandra Thornton, City Attorney Alex Dixon, and Mayor Steve Tramell were sworn into office in front of a packed crowd at West Point City Hall. 

 

Jan. 12

One year later: Standing Rock family rebuilds after tornado destroys home

Amber Williamson will never forget Jan. 12, 2023, a day where just seconds might’ve been the difference in life and death. It started as a normal day, one spent going back and forth between patients’ homes as a traveling, mobile nurse, that quickly turned sour as the skies turned black.

 

Jan. 18

Key to success: Springwood senior goes to Miss America’s Teen

Miss Georgia Teen Charlie Key was a finalist at the Miss American Teen competition placing 11th out of 51 contestants. The LaGrange native, and Springwood School student, was named Miss Georgia Teen last year and will continue her duties until her successor is named at the next competition this June. 

 

Jan. 19

Superintendent says consolidation is moving forward

WEST POINT — Chambers County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Casey Chambley talked about what comes next with school consolidation at Thursday’s noon-hour meeting of the West Point Rotary Club. The fact that school consolidation will be taking place and that a new countrywide high school will be built in Valley are settled issues.

 

Jan. 23

LaFayette police chief announces retirement

The LaFayette City Council discussed the retirement of LaFayette Police Chief George Rampey during Monday’s council meeting. Rampey announced he would be retiring from the police force in March of this year after 30 years in law enforcement in the county.

 

Jan. 26

Humane Society’s unique fundraiser brings in thousands

Screams of delight and excitement echoed through the kennels of the Chattahoochee Humane Society on Thursday. Kris Rotonda, founder of Jordan’s Way, came out to the humane shelter for a 3-hour live fundraising extravaganza. While there, the Chattahoochee Humane Shelter raised almost $11,000 of donations in three hours. 

 

Feb. 13

Chambers County High School: CCSD unveils mascot, colors of new school

The long wait is over. On Tuesday night, Chambers County High School was presented to the community. Chambers County School District Superintendent Casey Chambley and members of the planning and architect teams spoke about the new school’s design and unveiled its mascot — a Fighting Falcon. 

 

Feb. 22

West Point Says Goodbye to Edmondson

The late Mayor Willie T. Edmondson was laid to rest on Wednesday at Shadowlawn Cemetery in the heart of LaGrange. The fitting final resting place comes at the end of a nearly daylong celebration of the former minister, mayor, longtime councilman and mentor.

 

Feb. 24

City, county officials join for CCHS groundbreaking ceremony

Ground was officially broken on the new Chambers County High School on Friday, at a ceremonial groundbreaking held beside Rams Stadium in Valley. 

 

Feb. 27

EAMC-Lanier received highest amount in its history last year

Greg Nichols, the Hospital Administrator for East Alabama Medical Center Lanier, gave an update to the Chambers County Commission on the progress of the hospital. He began with the fiscal bullet points of the hospital in the last year. For the 2023 fiscal year, the hospital has received $1,785,870.18, the highest amount in the hospital’s history. 

 

Mar 6

Weldon wins superintendent primary race

Chambers County has spoken. Sharon Weldon won the Republican candidate for the primary superintendent race on Tuesday night. Weldon won by 61 percent against incumbent Casey Chambley’s 38.7 percent. 

 

Mar 6

Citizens voice concerns about green waste site at commission meeting

The Chambers County Commission chambers were packed on Monday night. Around 20 individuals came to discuss the green waste site located on US-431 North, near LaFayette. 

 

Mar 10

Search continues for missing kayaker, toddler dies

The search for a missing kayaker continues on Sunday morning. Troup County 911 got a call on Saturday about a father and child who went on a kayak trip down Flat Shoals Creek and did not return. 

 

Mar 15

Coca-Cola leaves West Point

Coca-Cola has left the building. Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. broke ground on a new sales center in Auburn earlier this week. The facility will employ around 75 people, and be completed by 2025. 

 

Mar 21

Hitting the brakes: CCSD halts consolidation decisions until new administration takes over

The CCSD board went into executive session to discuss the litigation on the consolidated school. Afterward, the superintendent gave a recommendation to put a pause on decision-making for consolidation until the new administration takes office in January 2025, which the board approved unanimously.

 

Mar 27

REBUILDING WEST POINT: Reflecting one year after tornado

A crumpled brick building leveled by the roof of a neighboring house. That’s all Ed Kelley could see of his church on Sunday morning after the storm in the early mornings of March 26, 2023. Kelley, treasurer of Bethel Baptist Church, said he and Pastor Chris Hendricks were the first to arrive.