Walker County officials have identified the man killed Tuesday morning in a flash fire as 38-year-old Michael James Carney. Walker County Fire Rescue responded to Alton Terrace Spur around 8:25 Tuesday morning and found heavy flames coming from a small outbuilding. Carney was found inside. Fire Marshal Jason Cruise says the fire was accidental, caused by spray foam insulation being applied in a small, poorly ventilated space. Flammable vapors accumulated and ignited from an unconfirmed heat source. Cruise says it was a flash fire, not an explosion. An autopsy will determine Carney’s exact cause of death.
The City of LaFayette has relocated its Business License, Codes and Permitting services to City Hall as part of an effort to make city services more convenient. The services are now located at City Hall, creating a one-stop location for residents and businesses. The move brings together services including utility accounts, permits, business licenses and other city-related needs. City officials say the change is designed to streamline services and reduce the need to visit multiple locations. Existing phone numbers remain unchanged.
The Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office is notifying property owners that some who purchased property after January first may not receive their 2026 property tax statement in their name yet. Tax statements are issued to the owner of record as of January first. The office is working to update ownership records, but properties purchased after September may not appear on the updated list. Property taxes can still be searched and paid online at Walker County Tax dot com.
Early voting is continuing this week. Walker County currently ranks last in the state in voter turnout. According to the Walker County Election Office 2,695 have voted early so far. You can vote today and tomorrow at the election office in LaFayette from 9am to 5pm. The polls will be open on Saturday as well.
The LaFayette Lady Ramblers are headed to the Elite Eight of the GHSA Class AAA Volleyball State Tournament. LaFayette defeated Lumpkin County three sets to none Wednesday night in the Sweet Sixteen, winning all three sets by identical scores of 25-to-18. The Lady Ramblers now advance to the Elite Eight, with their next match set for Saturday at 1 p.m. More details on the location and opponent are expected Thursday.
Kayak rentals are now available at Queen City Lake in LaFayette. Walker Rocks has installed a self-serve kayak kiosk on the lake shore in partnership with the City of LaFayette. The kiosk is located at 303 Lakeview Drive and is available daily from dawn to dusk. Rentals are self-serve using a credit card. For more information about outdoor recreation in the area, visit the Outpost on West Villanow Street.