Voters across Walker County will head to the polls today for the General Primary Runoff Election. Several statewide races are on the ballot. Polling locations across the county will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Election officials remind voters that anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. Republican voters will decide nominees in key races, including U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State School Superintendent, and Public Service Commissioner. The Republican U.S. Senate runoff features Congressman Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. The winner will face incumbent U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff in November. The Republican governor’s runoff includes Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson. The winner will face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election. Democratic voters also have runoff contests, including races for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, and Labor Commissioner. Voters should verify their polling location and bring a valid photo ID. Results will begin coming in after polls close this evening.
The City of Chickamauga is working to clean up storm debris left behind by last weekends damaging winds that caused power outages and downed trees throughout the community. City crews are removing debris, but officials say the amount of cleanup is unusually high and collection could take several weeks. Residents are asked to cut downed trees into six-to-eight-foot sections and place debris neatly near the roadside in a safe, accessible location. After placing debris out for pickup, residents should contact Chickamauga City Hall at 706-375-3177 or 706-375-3178 to request a work order.
Walker County residents will have another opportunity to help shape the county’s future during the final stakeholder meeting for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The meeting is Thursday, June 25th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring. The open-house format will allow residents to review community survey results, hear preliminary findings, and provide feedback on issues including economic development, housing, transportation, land use, and community services. Officials encourage residents to attend and share their input before the plan moves forward. The Walker County Civic Center is located on Highway 27.
Drivers in Walker County are seeing some of the lowest gas prices in Georgia, with the Catoosa-Walker market currently averaging $3.57 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. According to AAA, the area has the lowest average gas price among Georgia’s metro markets, followed by Dalton at $3.61. Statewide, Georgia’s average gas price has dropped 8 cents over the past week and 25 cents over the past month. AAA says lower crude oil prices are helping push prices down, though future costs remain uncertain. The decline is providing some relief for local drivers as summer travel season gets underway.