From January through July, the Walker County Codes Enforcement team opened 436 new cases and completed over 1,600 inspections and follow-ups. As a result, 54 properties were brought into compliance. Officials say efforts are ongoing to streamline the blighted property cleanup process, with several problem areas currently being addressed. Three more are expected to be cleaned up within the next month.
The LaFayette City Council meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. to discuss several key items, including road closures for upcoming events, park improvements at Greenway Park, and utility upgrades—such as a new mini excavator, utility truck, and GIS mapping updates. Council will also hear from Honeybee Festival sponsors and consider a new ordinance for City Lake. An executive session will follow to discuss real estate, litigation, and personnel matters. The meeting is open to the public.
Two felony arrests in Walker County on Saturday. 27-year-old Ryan Anthony Gordon was booked on a charge of statutory rape. 77-year-old Wanda Sue Hamlett was booked on a suspended license charge.
In Chattooga County, an undercover sting operation targeting illegal vape sales has led to multiple arrests. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Summerville Police, and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force say they conducted compliance checks at several stores using underage operatives. Four businesses were caught selling nicotine vaping products to minors, including Quick Food Mart, Golden Package, George’s Kwik Service, and Hi-Tech/Community Shop in Gore. Five individuals are now facing charges under Georgia law for the unlawful sale of vapor products to anyone under 21. Those charged include residents from Summerville, Cartersville, and Rome. Authorities say this effort is part of a broader push to address rising concerns about youth vaping. More compliance checks are planned, and businesses are being warned — selling to minors will not be tolerated.