Daily News

The Georgia State Patrol and Towns County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a pedestrian fatality that occurred overnight Saturday on Highway 76 in Hiawawssee. At approximately 11:30PM a 22 year old female formerly of Hayesville North Carolina was struck by a vehicle traveling west on US HWY 76 in front of the Sand Bar & Grille. Details about the individual who was struck and killed are pending notification of family members. Towns county coroner Tamela Cooper, who was at the scene, tells WJUL WJRB that she has long been concerned about that section of Highway 76 where lighting and visibility is poor. And that the five lane highway is not intended for pedestrians to walk across which has has been a concern from day one. Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith believes visits to Hiawassee, Towns County and the surrounding areas are growing, and he has the data to back it up. At the June meeting of the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, the Board voted to reopen their monthly meetings to the press and members.