City of LaFayette and Walker County government offices will be closed today, in recognition of Independence Day. The Walker County Landfill is closed today and tomorrow. It will reopen on Monday.
Expect another hot one day. There is a chance of strong afternoon storms today. High temperatures will reach the upper 90s, with heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees. A few storms could produce damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Stay hydrated, limit time outdoors and keep a close eye on children and pets.
The Walker County Elections Office is warning residents about voter registration mailers arriving in local mailboxes. Officials say the notices were not sent by the county or the Georgia Secretary of State, but by a third-party group called Ready to Register Incorporated. If you’re already registered at your current address, no action is needed and the mailing can be discarded. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration through Georgia’s My Voter Page before the October 5th registration deadline for the November General Election.
A Georgia Environmental Protection Division consent order cites more than 100 wastewater permit violations at the McLemore Water Reclamation Facility in Rising Fawn and temporarily halts new development at the resort. State inspectors documented 112 violations over nearly four years and reported the treatment plant was short-circuiting because of heavy wastewater flow. McLemore must submit a new corrective action plan, while company officials say testing shows little long-term impact to nearby streams.
A new Georgia law that took effect July 1st will create a statewide online database of people charged with certain animal-related crimes. The public database, expected to launch by 2027, will include charges such as animal cruelty, aggravated cruelty, dogfighting and other qualifying offenses. Supporters say it will help animal shelters, rescue groups and the public identify offenders. State officials say repeat offenses will be added to an individual’s record, but it’s not yet known how long names will remain in the database.