Cohutta Council reinstates police after mayor’s mass firing

The town of Cohutta is working to restore order after a week that saw its entire police department dissolved by a unilateral order from the mayor. In an emergency meeting, the Cohutta Town Council voted to reinstate the force, declaring the mayor's actions a violation of the town charter. The crisis began when Mayor Ron Shinnick abruptly dissolved the agency and fired all officers. The move left the town of 850 people relying entirely on the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office for protection.