Starting today anyone making calls to or from a 423 area code will need to dial all 10 digits—including the area code—for the call to go through. This change affects callers in East Tennessee. It also applies to North Georgia residents who have a cell phone with a 423 number—you’ll need to dial all 10 digits, even for local calls. If you’re outside the 423 area and calling into it, you’ll need to dial the full 10-digit number as well. There’s no change to your existing phone number, and emergency numbers like 911 will still work as usual. And starting September 5th, new phone numbers in the 423 region may be assigned the new 729 area code, once 423 numbers run out. For more details, check with your phone provider.
Walker County Animal Control and LaFayette Police are trying to track down the owner of a pig found roaming near Highway 27 and Grant Street, not far from the post office in LaFayette. The pig was safely picked up and is now being held at the Walker County Animal Shelter. Officials have placed it on a stray hold through August 8, giving the owner a few more days to claim it. If you recognize the pig or know who it belongs to, you’re urged to contact the Walker County Animal Shelter.
The son of legendary Georgia Bulldogs head coach Vince Dooley is making a run for the U.S. Senate. Derek Dooley, a former Tennessee football coach, has officially entered Georgia’s 2026 Senate race. He filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend and is seeking the Republican nomination. Dooley spent three seasons as head coach at Tennessee, ending his tenure in 2012 with a 15–21 record. He has never held public office. He joins a growing field of GOP challengers looking to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Congressman Mike Collins has also announced his candidacy.
LaFayette High School girls’ volleyball and softball are back in action today. Volleyball will host Christian Heritage in a scrimmage while softball travels to Dade County. Both games begin at 5:30pm.