Today is Election Day across Georgia. Voters in Walker County will head to the polls to cast ballots in local and statewide races. Statewide, Georgians will choose two members of the Public Service Commission, which oversees electricity, gas, and phone rates. In Walker County, voters will also decide on a countywide SPLOST, and residents in LaFayette, Chickamauga, and Rossville will take part in municipal elections. All precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Today. Voters must go to their assigned polling place and bring a valid photo ID.
Walker County officials say they’re working to be more transparent with public funds after a state review raised concerns about how tourism tax money is reported. The Georgia Hotel-Motel Tax Review Board looked into claims that the county used those funds to benefit the McLemore Golf Resort. The board found no laws were broken but noted issues with the county’s reporting and transparency. County officials today WTVC-TV they’re reviewing the board’s recommendations and considering ways to strengthen financial accountability.
The Catoosa County Health Department will hold a drive-through flu shot clinic on Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the health department on Catoosa Circle in Ringgold. Flu shots will be available by appointment, and everyone six months and older is encouraged to get vaccinated. Both regular and high-dose vaccines will be offered, with the higher dose recommended for adults 65 and older. Most insurance plans cover the cost, but for those paying out of pocket, the price is $35 for a regular vaccine and $55 for the high-dose version. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 706-406-2000.
Walker County residents can get rid of old tires for free during Retire Your Tires Amnesty Day on Saturday. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walker County Landfill on North Marble Top Road in Chickamauga. Car, light truck, and ATV tires will be accepted, but they must be dismounted, dry, and free of debris. Large truck and tractor tires, or those with rims, won’t be accepted. The event is open to Walker County residents only, with a limit of 15 tires per vehicle. A satellite drop-off site will also be open at the Rossville Public Works building. The program is supported through a state grant that helps recycle old tires into useful materials like fuel and playground mulch.