The Georgia Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County. State officials say the producer reported increased flock deaths Sunday, with testing confirming H-P-A-I by Monday night. Federal labs verified the result Tuesday. It’s the first confirmed case of avian influenza in Georgia this year and the fourth involving a commercial operation since 2022. More than 71-thousand birds are impacted, and state response teams are now on site handling containment and cleanup efforts.
Several elected offices across Northwest Georgia are now vacant. The openings come after candidates qualified to run in the special election for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. Georgia’s “resign-to-run” law requires some officials to give up their current office when they seek another one. If there is less than a 30-day overlap between terms, the resignation is automatic. Among those stepping down is Clay Fuller. He vacated his position as district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties. Chief assistant district attorneys will handle the duties until the governor appoints a replacement. State Senator Colton Moore also resigned. His departure leaves Senate District 53 vacant. A special election to fill that seat will be scheduled soon. In Dalton, City Council member Nicky Lama has also resigned. A special election for that seat is set for March 10. The special election for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is also March 10.
A runoff will follow if no candidate wins a majority.
A runoff will follow if no candidate wins a majority.
Three candidates have already announced for Georgia’s 53rd State Senate seat. Republicans Blake Elsberry and Lanny Thomas are in the race, along with Democrat Jack Zibluk. The seat opened after Senator Colton Moore announced plans to run for Congress. District 53 includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and northern Floyd counties. More candidates are expected to enter the contest. Governor Brian Kemp has not yet called the special election, which will be scheduled once Moore’s resignation is official.
Walker County residents are being urged to prepare for a stretch of cold weather this week, with overnight temperatures expected to fall below freezing. The cold could impact homes, pets, and outdoor plants. Residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors, cover sensitive plants, and protect exposed water lines. Letting faucets drip and opening cabinet doors under sinks can help prevent frozen pipes. Now is also a good time to check heating systems and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Patrick Core has your full forecast all day on Georgia 93-7.
The City of LaFayette Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for Spring Sports. Sign-ups are open online at TeamSideline dot com slash LaFayette G-A, or you can register by phone at 706-639-1590. The deadline to register is February 14th at 5 p.m. Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to sign up early.