A tragic house fire in Walker County yesterday morning has claimed the life of LaFayette High School teacher John Millican the Third. His wife and two young children were seriously injured. Fire Marshal Scott Forrest says crews were dispatched just before 7:40 a.m. to 127 Ridgewood Circle, where firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Heather Millican and the couple’s children, ages 3 and 8, were able to escape before crews arrived. Firefighters entered the home to search for John Millican, who was found unconscious in a back bedroom and rescued. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. An autopsy is planned. Heather Millican, a social studies teacher at LaFayette Middle School, and the children were transferred to the Vanderbilt Burn Center in Nashville. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials say the home is a total loss.
The Walker County Commission met last week, covering financial updates and community services. County officials reported about $12,000 in annual savings from a recent payroll audit, and reminded residents that county offices will be closed for upcoming holidays. Including tomorrow for Veteran’s Day. Commissioners reviewed the recently approved SPLOST, expected to raise $26.9 million over five years, with the possibility of reaching over $33 million if revenues stay strong. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank reported serving 190,000 people, including 47,000 children, across the region last year. The board also approved two property variances, a road maintenance agreement, and the replacement of an HVAC system before adjourning.
The Georgia Department of Human Services says Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be issued at reduced levels for November, following new federal directives. SNAP recipients whose distribution dates have already passed will receive their partial benefits by Tuesday, November 11, while all others will receive benefits on the normal schedule. Most households will receive up to 65 percent of their usual monthly amount, depending on income and other factors. Officials are reminding recipients to lock their EBT cards between purchases to prevent fraud. Cards can be locked or unlocked using the ConnectEBT app or website. For the latest updates, visit dhs.georgia.gov.
The City of LaFayette will close all municipal offices tomorrow, in observance of Veterans Day. Because of the holiday, Tuesday’s residential garbage route will be collected on Wednesday, along with the regular Wednesday pickups. Residents are encouraged to have their carts at the curb early to ensure timely service.
The Walker County Board of Education has named Tobin Davidson as the system’s new Assistant Superintendent. Davidson brings more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. Davidson has served in multiple teaching and leadership roles, including Principal at Sale Creek, where the football stadium was named in his honor. He joined Walker County Schools in 2020 as Assistant Principal at Rossville Middle. His start date has not yet been announced.
The Walker County Development Authority has adjusted its November meeting schedule. The meeting, originally planned for tomorrow, has been rescheduled to today at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Walker County Civic Center on North Highway 27 in Rock Spring. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, a review of financial reports, and updates on ongoing development projects in the county. Time may also be allotted for presentations, and an executive session could be held if needed under Georgia law. The meeting is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend.