Walker County has pulled $12 million out of its longtime account at the Bank of LaFayette and moved the funds to a higher-interest account with Regions Bank. That update came during a packed Board of Commissioners meeting last week, where the board tackled a full agenda — including policy updates, land-use decisions, and progress on transparency initiatives. Chairwoman Angie Teems says a public-facing financial software portal is set to launch in 2026, letting residents track county spending in real time. Other highlights: the county approved construction of a new storage building at the Ag Center, ratified a culvert repair at Naomi Elementary School. The county is paying for half the work, the school board is paying for the other half. Animal Services also reported early success in its revamped spay-and-neuter program, with over 250 animals altered in just four months.
The Lofton Lane bridge has officially reopened after emergency repairs were completed ahead of schedule. The bridge was shut down in May 2024 following a safety inspection by GDOT, which was prompted by a citizen concern. The county partnered with CTI Engineers and awarded a $382,000 contract to Hasbun Construction. The project wrapped up in just five months — restoring a key route for daily traffic and emergency response.
Two people are dead after a house fire in Trion early Saturday. The blaze broke out in the 1200 block of Ridgeway Drive. Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney says both victims will be sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Atlanta for identification and further examination. Crews from Trion, Summerville, Hayes Correctional, Atrium-Floyd EMS, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Catoosa County Fire Department has announced that the county-wide burn ban has been lifted. Residents can now begin outdoor burning without a permit for hand-piled leaves and limbs. A permit is still required for larger controlled burns, machine-piled debris, and land clearing. Burning must follow guidelines according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
Congratulations to Pastor James Brown Sr.. He delivered his last sermon at the Cove Road Church of God yesterday morning. Brown has been preaching at the LaFayette church for 30 years. Brown is also a retiree from the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta, where he lives with his wife.