Dalton teacher who fired a gun in classroom sentenced to prison

Here’s a look at what’s happening in other parts of North Georgia:

DALTON — A Dalton High School teacher who fired a gun through a window in his classroom in February was sentenced to two years in prison followed by eight years of probation on Tuesday in Whitfield County Superior Court.

Randal Davidson pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal damage to property and carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, both felonies, and to disrupting the operation of a public school, which is a misdemeanor.

Davidson spoke briefly before Judge Cindy Morris expressing remorse for his actions and apologizing for them

He said he went to school that day contemplating suicide in a place where he felt loved. He was alone in the classroom and no one was injured.

District Attorney Bert Poston said his office had a series of meetings at Dalton High School with staff, faculty and parents.

“The consensus of that group was that two years in prison would be appropriate,” he said. “We did want him to serve some time in prison, but we also thought it was important to get out and get mental health treatment.” Charles Oliver, Dalton Daily Citizen

Sheriff investigating death of woman, infant at Cherokee home

CANTON — A 31-year-old woman and an infant were found dead inside a home Tuesday at 2978 Cedar Mill Crossing, Acworth, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

A 2-year-old girl was also in the home unharmed, according to Sgt. Lauren Denson of the sheriff’s office.

Deputies were dispatched just before 10:30 a.m. to the home when family members could not contact Holly Whitley, the woman whose body was found at the home. Foul play is not suspected at this time, though the case remains under investigation, Denson said.

Investigators are not releasing information on the identity of the infant, or relationship of the people in the house.

“The deceased individuals have gone to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy and we will not have any more information until we receive the results,” Denson said Tuesday afternoon via email. Cherokee Tribune

20th annual Youth Summerfest coming up next Saturday

CEDARTOWN — The last chance for fun and games before the start of the school year at the Polk School District is coming up, and local organizers have one more event to help youth get ready.

This year marks the 20th annual Youth Summerfest Olympics, which is just around the corner next Saturday, July 28, at Bert Woods Youth Athletic Complex Park in Cedartown.

Participants can come take part in the Youth Summerfest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This will be a day of fun, food, sports and fellowship,” organizers said in a press release. “The Youth Summerfest encourages the youth to stay in school by giving them the school supplies necessary to begin the school year right.”

Not only is the Summerfest for youth, but also has fun for all ages.

“The youth will participate in Olympic-style games while the adults and the elderly participate in less strenuous games,” the release stated. “Medals are provided to those who compete and win.”