The LaFayette Middle School community is grieving the loss of one of its own. Seventh grader Jeremiah Love, who had been battling cancer since 2020, has passed away. Family members of Jeremiah shared on Facebook yesterday that he “is finally cancer-free this morning with Jesus,” . In response to this tragic loss, LaFayette Middle School announced that counselors and support staff will be available for students and faculty who may need help processing their grief.
Five felony arrests on Wednesday in Walker County. 30-year-old Samantha McAfee was arrested on charges of obstruction, tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana and meth, two counts of child endangerment and traffic violations. 60-year-old Linda Gail Hardin was booked on possession of meth and marijuana charges. You can view the entire arrest report on our website at DiscoverWalker.com.
A Hamilton County man has been convicted on multiple charges related to child abuse and domestic violence. Forty-three-year-old Stefon Smith was found guilty by a Catoosa County jury on March 18, 2025, after a two-day trial. Smith faced charges of cruelty to children, false imprisonment, and family violence battery following a violent incident on May 10, 2023. Authorities say Smith became enraged after a disagreement at the dinner table with the mother of his young children. When she attempted to separate herself and her children from the situation, Smith broke into the bedroom, assaulted the children’s mother, and threw a 5-year-old boy across the room. The abuse did not stop there. Smith pushed the mother onto the floor while she was holding their 9-month-old daughter, refusing to let them leave the room. He even held a firearm to his own head, demanding that the mother shoot him. Smith left the residence the following day, and the mother reported the abuse to authorities. A hospital examination revealed that Smith’s 9-month-old daughter had tested positive for cocaine. Smith later admitted to using the drug and exposing the child to it. Following his conviction, Smith was sentenced to fifty years in prison, with the first thirty years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Catoosa County authorities continue to work on ensuring the safety of the victims involved in this tragic case.
The latest restaurant health inspection scores in Walker County. In LaFayette, Wolfe’s Den Coffee scored a 100. It’s a 93 for Subway and a 96 for Pizza Hut. On Lookout Mountain, Cafe 7 got a 84. It’s a 92 for Starbucks.