The Walker County Animal Shelter is temporarily closed after a stray dog tested positive for parvovirus. Shelter staff say the juvenile stray was brought in less than a week ago and later showed signs of the highly contagious virus. While all animals are vaccinated upon intake, the shelter is an open-intake facility — meaning unvaccinated strays can sometimes bring in illnesses. Complicating matters, the shelter doesn’t have a quarantine area, making it harder to isolate sick animals. The facility will remain closed until October 6th for deep cleaning and health monitoring. During that time, staff will sanitize the shelter inside and out and closely watch all animals for symptoms. Officials say they’re working closely with local veterinarians and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to protect the animals in their care. Despite the closure, Walker County Animal Control will continue normal field operations.
A motorcycle rider was airlifted to the hospital Tuesday morning after a serious crash on Highway 136. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the accident happened shortly after 7 a.m., when the rider attempted to pass another vehicle — and also tried to pass a Ford F-450 pulling a trailer that was turning left into a private driveway. Troopers say the rider laid the bike down and slid underneath the truck, striking its undercarriage. The impact left the motorcyclist wedged beneath the vehicle. Emergency crews responded quickly, and the rider was flown to Erlanger Medical Center. Their name and condition has not been released. No one else was injured, and the investigation is still ongoing.
The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is expressing its gratitude as Special Agent in Charge Joe Montgomery retires after more than 40 years with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Montgomery began his GBI career in 1984 and transferred to the Calhoun region in 1994. For the past 31 years, he has served the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, becoming a trusted leader and key figure in countless investigations. Over his 41-year career, Montgomery helped bring justice to many victims and families and was instrumental in securing numerous major convictions across Northwest Georgia. The District Attorney’s Office praised his dedication and the lasting impact he has had on law enforcement in the community.
The LaFayette High School volleyball teams wrapped up region play last night with some strong performances. On Tuesday night, the varsity team dropped a tough match to top-ranked Calhoun, falling in two sets — 25-19 and 25-22. But the Lady Ramblers bounced back with a solid win against Adairsville, taking both sets 25-12 and 25-10. The Junior Varsity also had a big night, earning two wins over Calhoun and Adairsville. Looking ahead, LaFayette’s JV team will face Ringgold in a best-of-three match this Thursday at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity facing the Tigers in a best-of-five match at 6 p.m. The JV season wraps up this Saturday at the St. Pius JV Tournament.