A Walker County firetruck crash that caused a $640,000 loss has led to two firings. Fleet Director Ricky Carr and mechanic John Pendergrass were both terminated after a test drive ended in the truck overturning and catching fire. Pendergrass, who didn’t have the proper license, claimed brake failure—but state troopers found evidence the brakes were applied too late. County Chair Angie Teems cited poor oversight and conflicting accounts in the decision, calling the incident a major safety and financial failure. You can find more details on this story over at DiscoverWalker.com.
Early voting is now underway in Walker County for the Democratic Special Primary Run-Off for Georgia’s Public Service Commission. Ballots can be cast this week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elections Office inside the county courthouse, through Friday, July 11. The run-off election takes place Tuesday, July 15. Due to low turnout in June, only one polling site will be open that day—the LaFayette Senior Center at 636 South Main Street. The Public Service Commission regulates utilities statewide, including power and gas.
The 4th of July holiday travel weekend started at 6pm on Thursday night. Between that time and 6am Sunday morning the Georgia State Patrol says they issued 859 seatbelt violations, 466 were cited for distracted driving, 414 people were charged with DUI. There were 165 crashes reported across the state resulting in 71 injuries and 6 fatalities.
The Walker County arrest report for Saturday shows four felony arrests. 49-year-old Johnny Lee Bankston was charged with felony threats and simple assault. 35-year-old Cory Quentel Foster was arrested and faces several charges. Including possession of cocaine and several drug related objects. Foster also faces several motor vehicle violations as well. You can find the complete arrest report on our website at DiscoverWalker.com.
A wave of perfect scores highlights the latest health inspections across Walker County. In LaFayette, the city pool, splash pad, and fountain all earned 100s, reflecting top-notch cleanliness. Restaurants also shined—The Grind, The Cottage, and Taco Bell in Rossville each scored perfect marks, while Huddle House earned a strong 92. The Chanticleer Inn pool on Lookout Mountain and Residences at Pin Oak in Rock Spring also received 100s.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is taking part in the nationwide “Empty the Shelters” adoption event starting today. Now through July 19, adoption fees are waived for pets over four months old, and just $25 for younger animals. The event, sponsored by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, aims to ease shelter overcrowding and find loving homes for cats and dogs. Since 2016, it’s helped more than 324,000 pets get adopted. For details, contact the Walker County Animal Shelter or visit their website.