Walker County Government offices will close at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3 for an employee Holiday luncheon and reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4. This includes the landfill. The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed on Wednesday. The shelter will be back open to the public both Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, but will be closed for an additional event on Saturday.
Just a reminder, the LaFayette Christmas Parade is set for Friday evening. The parade starts at 6pm.
New laws taking effect January 1st will bring a wide range of changes across Georgia. A major measure, the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, adds new rules for litigation financing to increase transparency for consumers. Georgia Act 285 says HVAC warranties will now transfer automatically when a home is sold, starting with systems sold on January 2nd. Act 259 updates solid waste rules, removing old definitions and requiring landfill and waste-facility projects to show they meet local zoning laws. Court hearings can be digitally recorded under Act 23, and a sweeping elections bill — Act 293 — changes campaign reporting, restricts pre-election investigations, and requires PACs to register and file detailed financial reports. Oversight of mental-health and drug-treatment programs moves to the Department of Behavioral Health under Act 44. Homeowners will now get 60-days notice when insurance isn’t renewed, and health insurers must offer callback scheduling and reduce prior authorization requirements under Act 303. Other new laws affect temporary car tags, teledentistry, CPA licensing, and film-industry tax credits. All measures take effect January 1st unless noted otherwise.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger spoke to the Dalton Rotary Club Tuesday, outlining what to expect in the upcoming special election to replace resigning Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Raffensperger highlighted priorities he says are essential for the state’s success, including strong education, business growth, and secure, efficient elections. He said North Georgia voters will see that efficiency firsthand as preparations begin for the district’s special election. While the Governor will set the official election date, Raffensperger said his office is already getting ready so candidates will have enough time to organize their campaigns and the state can administer the vote smoothly. An announcement on the special election timeline is expected once the Governor issues the call.
LaFayette High School Basketball is back in action after the Thanksgiving break on Friday. The Ramblers will host Ridgeland inside Dan Priest Arena. JV action begins at 4pm with the boy and girls both in action. Varsity play starts at 6pm.