A Walker County man convicted of sexually abusing three young children will spend decades behind bars. 26-year-old Josiah Matthew Backus has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated child molestation and child molestation. He won’t be eligible for parole for 35 years. Backus admitted last year to a friend that he had been molesting two young girls—ages six and eight—and a five-year-old boy. The confession prompted an investigation. According to Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney Clayton Fuller, all three children “bravely disclosed the horrific abuse” during interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center. Backus later confessed again during a police interview. His conviction came late last month, and sentencing followed shortly after.
Some good news for Walker County residents—cleaner, safer water is now flowing, thanks to a major upgrade. The Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority has officially brought its new Water Treatment Plant filtration system online. The switch from mobile filtration trucks to the new state-of-the-art facility happened last week. The plant features cutting-edge membrane microfiltration technology, using ultra-fine hollow fibers to remove viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. Officials say the system achieves what’s called “four-log removal”—eliminating 99.99% of contaminants. Currently, the plant produces about six million gallons of clean drinking water each day, but it’s built to handle up to 12 million—and can expand to 15 million gallons in the future.
Drivers in Northwest Georgia are seeing some relief at the pump this week. Here in Walker County, gas prices are among the lowest in the state, with regular unleaded averaging $2.82 a gallon. That’s seven cents cheaper than the state average, which sits at $2.89 per gallon as of Monday. Across Georgia, prices are 2 cents lower than a week ago, and nearly 8 cents cheaper than this time last year. It now costs the average Georgia driver about $43 to fill up a 15-gallon tank—nearly $2 less than a year ago. AAA spokesperson Montrae Waiters says the drop in prices is largely due to lower seasonal demand and the switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce. Nationally, the average price at the pump has dipped to $3.17, and experts say the supply of crude oil remains strong, helping keep prices stable—at least in most regions.
The LaFayette Lady Ramblers kept the momentum rolling last night with a 6-1 win over Calhoun on the diamond. Marlie Day was dominant in the circle once again—giving up just one earned run and striking out six. At the plate, the bats were hot. Tamra Yancy crushed a two-run homer and added a double, going 2-for-2. The Lady Ramblers are back in action tomorrow at 5:30, when they host Heritage. First pitch is at 5:30pm.
Thursday night is the Homecoming Parade starting at 7pm followed by a bonfire at Ross Abney. The Homecoming Pep Rally is at LHS on Friday. It’s expected to get underway about 2:45pm. The Ramblers face Adairsville Friday night.