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

Jan. 2
Houston Group charged with Racketeering

Police have charged a woman and two men from Houston with racketeering for allegedly taking credit cards from vehicles in LaGrange and using them to buy a large number of gift cards. 

Jan. 5
Deputy Killed in High-Speed Chase

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. 10
Developers planning up to a 2 million-square-foot industrial complex

Developers purchased 134 acres off of Pegasus Parkway and Old Hutchinson Mill Road to construct an industrial park, which will be called the Lafayette Logistics Park

Jan. 11
Retaking their seats

Incumbent council members Mitchell, Childs and Boddie were sworn in for a new term after earning re-election in November. 

Jan. 11
Kelsey says goodbye 

Meg Kelsey attended her final regular city council meeting as the city manager of LaGrange. She served the city in multiple capacities for over 27 years, taking over as city manager in 2016. Kelsey took a job with the city of Newnan. 

Jan. 13
One year ago: Residents reflect on the day when two tornados hit Troup County

More than 100 homes in the city received some type of damage leaving many in our community picking up debris, calling insurance companies and trying to overcome the unexpected fury of Mother Nature.

Jan. 13
LaGrange becomes host for an inland port 

The city of LaGrange will be the site of the West Georgia Inland Port. The ‘dry port’ will be a distribution point for cargo coming from traditional ports. The project is predicted to have a ‘profound’ impact. 

Jan. 26
Let it be Heard – Housing Authority named Small Business of the Year

Director Zsa Zsa Heard has led the LaGrange Housing Authority to new heights, including building more low-income housing developments, implementing new projects and raising money. 

Feb. 3
Shumate announced plans to retire

Troup County Schools Superintendent, Brian Shumate, announced he planned to retire in June. Shumate had taken the role in July of 2019. 

Feb. 10
Prayers for Edmondson

City officials confirmed on Feb. 9 that LaGrange mayor, Willie T. Edmondson, had been hospitalized. A prayer vigil was quickly organized for the mayor and longtime West Point pastor. 

Feb. 14
Bowie named city manager

Patrick Bowie, the Utilities Director and Interim city manager, was named the sole finalist for the city manager job. Bowie took over for Meg Kelsey. 

Feb. 16 (online)
LaGrange Mayor Willie Edmondson has passed away

The city of LaGrange confirmed that Mayor Edmondson died after being hospitalized the previous week. Edmondson had taken office in March of 2023 and was the city’s first Black mayor. 

Feb. 21
Too Soon?

A special called council meeting called for a special mayor election on May, 21 to replace the late Willie T. Edmondson. The meeting was contentious as members of the crowd questioned the holding of the meeting so soon after Edmondson’s passing. The call for a special election must be done at least 90 days before the election, meaning the council had to vote on Feb. 21 for the election to be on the May ballot. 

Feb. 22
LaGrange remembers Edmondson

Troup County filled Bethlehem Baptist Church, where Edmondson preached, to say their goodbyes to the beloved LaGrange Mayor. Edmondson was laid to rest after a funeral procession from Lakes Dunson Funeral Home, which he owned and operated, to Bethlehem in West Point. 

Feb. 27
LC holds anti-gun violence walk

LaGrange College held an anti-gun violence walk to honor the former football captain and student. Students, staff a faculty walked to Callaway stadium in memory of LaKevin Ralpheal Debruce, who lost his life to gun violence when he was shot in West Birmingham over the Thanksgiving Break. 

March 1
EMS crew saves Hogansville man

Longtime Hogansville resident and city employee, John Wagner was saved by the quick actions of his son-in-law and daughter’s AMR coworkers during his cardiac arrest. 

March 19
Local minister charged in child molestation investigation

Police arrest local pastor, Russell Jon Tusing II for sexual battery and child molestation. Tusing was the pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of LaGrange. The charges stemmed back to a report with allegations dating back to 2022 regarding a 13-year-old female victim. 

March 20
Commission reflects on drownings and drag racing deaths

County Commissioners addressed the recent string of tragic deaths in Troup County. A car crash, which was the result of illegal street drag racing on Antioch Road, led to two deaths. There were also several drownings in and around West Point Lake. 

March 21
Officer arrested on Meth charges

A Troup County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer was arrested on methamphetamine charges, crossing the guard line with drugs, among other charges. Tyler Carson had been receiving payments from inmates to bring contraband inside the facility.

March 30
Simpson named TCSS TOTY

Quinshada Simpson was named the 2024-2025 System Teacher of the Year. Simpson is a third-grade ELA teacher at Ethel W. Kight Elementary School.