Walker County has a new fleet manager, just weeks after a fire truck crash raised major concerns about vehicle oversight. Justin Luce has been appointed to the role following an incident where a county fire truck overturned and caught fire during a test drive. No one was hurt, but the truck was totaled—and investigators later found the mechanic behind the wheel didn’t have the proper license to drive it. That mechanic, along with his supervisor, was fired after the crash. It also came to light that the truck wasn’t fully insured, a decision tied to previous county leadership. At Thursday’s commission meeting, county officials approved a new policy to prevent similar incidents in the future. The policy requires Human Resources to verify driver licenses regularly and make sure only certified staff operate specialized vehicles. Commissioners also approved a financing plan for a new ladder truck to replace the one lost. The truck will cost nearly $1.5 million, with the Bank of Lafayette offering a 2.75% interest rate over five years. According to WTVC-TV county leaders did not clarify where the money to cover those payments will come from.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, today and tomorrow could be the perfect time to do it—for free. The Walker County Animal Shelter is waiving all adoption fees today, and tomorrow, as part of a national campaign from the ASPCA called The Rescue Effect. The goal? To help more animals find loving homes and raise awareness about pet adoption in local communities. The shelter, located at 5488 North Marble Top Road in Chickamauga, is inviting individuals and families to stop by, meet adoptable pets, and take one home—with no adoption fee during this two-day event. The promotion is part of a larger effort running through October, but this local free adoption event is only happening today and tomorrow. For more details, you can follow the Walker County Animal Shelter on social media or visit them in person.
In Catoosa County, 32 dogs have been rescued from an abandoned and hazardous property. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, investigators first visited the site on August 1st and found around 20 dogs living outside in filthy conditions. Several more were discovered inside a dangerously unsafe structure on the property. Four days later, officials returned with a search warrant and removed a total of 32 dogs from the scene. All of the animals were taken to a separate location for veterinary care and evaluation. So far, no charges have been filed, but authorities say charges could be pending.
The Restaurant Health Inspection Report for Walker County shows two perfect scores this week. Old South Grill in Rossville scored a 100. Round Pond Retreat in LaFayette also received a 100.