It’s fall in Walker County, and that means it’s a good time to review the rules around outdoor burning. If you live in unincorporated areas of the county, you can now burn yard waste—like twigs, leaves, brush, and grass clippings—without a permit, and that’s allowed through April 30. But remember, burning household garbage or anything man-made is illegal all year long. That includes items like tires, plastics, shingles, and treated lumber. If you’re inside the city limits of LaFayette, Rossville, Chickamauga, or Lookout Mountain, you still need a permit, and those are issued by the city. Fire officials urge residents to burn responsibly, keep fires attended, and make sure they’re fully out before walking away. For more information on safe burning, check with your local fire department or visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website.
Walker County’s tourism industry saw big gains in 2024. A new report shows visitors spent nearly 52 million dollars, up 19 percent from the year before. Spending was strong across lodging, food, and recreation, with the biggest jump in retail. Tourism supported 450 local jobs and brought in $3.6 million in state and local taxes — saving the average household $137. The growth helped Georgia hit another record-breaking year, ranking fifth nationally for overnight visitors.
Six felony arrests in Walker County on Wednesday. Among those booked, 35-year-old Daniel Eric Carden was charged with unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance. 30-year-old Christopher Dejuan Suttles and 30-year-old Quenton Devon Montgomery were booked on charges of terroristic threats and driving on a suspended or revoked license. 20-year-old Cameron Lee Sherlin and 24-year-old Myhala Lee Crane were arrested for providing contraband to an inmate. You can find the complete arrest report, updated daily, on our website at DiscoverWalker.com.
The regular meeting of the Walker County Development Authority for November has been rescheduled from Tuesday, November 11,to Monday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the Walker County Civic Center.
The LaFayette Ramblers are at home tonight to face the Heritage Generals. Kickoff is set for 7:30 and we’ve got all the action on Georgia 93-7 and online at DiscoverWalker.com.