Local News Headlines

Walker County Commissioners are expected to vote Thursday on purchasing a new ladder truck for the fire department—at a cost of nearly $1.5 million—after a previous truck was totaled during a test drive.  According to reporting from WTVC-TV, the damaged vehicle was only covered... Read More.

A Walker County firetruck crash that caused a $640,000 loss has led to two firings. Fleet Director Ricky Carr and mechanic John Pendergrass were both terminated after a test drive ended in the truck overturning and catching fire. Pendergrass, who didn’t have the proper... Read More.

Walker County is launching a new way for residents to get involved in local decision-making through a partnership with FlashVote—a public research firm that specializes in fast, easy community feedback.  The goal is to build a panel of residents who will take short, anonymous... Read More.

New details are out about last week’s firetruck crash in Walker County. A Georgia State Patrol report, obtained by WTVC-TV, says the driver, John Pendergrass, was heading south on Old LaFayette Road when he tried to stop at a stop sign—but the brakes failed.... Read More.

In Walker County, arrest warrants are out for Ronald and Melissa Jackson after authorities found three dead dogs and five others neglected inside a McFarland Avenue business.  Deputies say the animals were left without food, water, or ventilation — one puppy died shortly after... Read More.

Only one felony arrests in Walker County on Saturday.  Whitney Celeste Barrett, 36-year-old female was booked on charges of criminal damage to property and simple assault.  The full arrest report is online at DiscoverWalker.com.  It's updated daily. A wave of new laws goes into effect... Read More.

Walker County's unemployment rate ticked up in May, rising to 3.2 percent, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. That’s up from 2.8 percent in April. Similar increases were seen across the region. Catoosa County reported a 2.9 percent jobless rate, while Dade County came... Read More.

A Chickamauga man has been sentenced to life in prison for a deadly road rage shooting outside a Dollar General store.  Jeremy Dewayne McCrary, 44, will be eligible for parole after 35 years, plus he’ll serve an extra five for aggravated assault.  McCrary was... Read More.

A dangerous heat wave continues today. The high will reach 97 degrees, with a heat index of 105, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor activity.  Limit time outside during peak heat, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks.  Scattered afternoon and evening storms are possible, some... Read More.

Walker County is under a Heat Advisory through 8 p.m. Wednesday as dangerously hot conditions move into the area.  The National Weather Service says heat index values could reach up to 107 degrees, making it feel much hotter than the actual temperature.  The advisory began at... Read More.

Dangerously high temperatures are expected this week, with daytime highs likely reaching the triple digits — particularly on Wednesday, which is forecast to be the hottest day of the week.  Heat index values will also climb into the triple digits, significantly increasing the risk... Read More.

Four schools in the Walker County School System are being honored for academic excellence. Cherokee Ridge Elementary, Fairyland Elementary, Naomi Elementary, and LaFayette High School have earned the “Beating the Odds” designation from Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. The award recognizes schools that outperform... Read More.