Heavy rain is expected today across Walker County, increasing tonight and continuing into early Saturday. Rainfall totals could reach two to four inches, with higher amounts possible, raising the risk for localized flooding—especially in flood-prone areas. Winds will range from 10 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 25, and a few isolated stronger gusts possible. The tornado threat remains very low. Chief Meteorologist Patrick Core has updates all day on Georgia 93-7.
A long-vacant fire hall in Walker County is finally set for renovations. County leaders approved new contracts last night to restart work on the Hinkle Fire Hall, which has been empty since 2015. Officials say earlier renovation plans stalled after costs exceeded the budget and contractor bids came in too high. The project will now be funded using 2020 SPLOST dollars. County leaders hope completing the fire hall will help attract more volunteer firefighters. The renovation is expected to cost just over 447-thousand dollars.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a stolen truck. Authorities say a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 with Georgia tag PAWZ was taken from a home on Sequatchie Trail in LaFayette sometime late January 4 or early January 5. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Walter Hensley at 706-670-1938 or email [email protected].
A Ringgold man has admitted to stealing thousands of dollars in taxpayer money while working for the National Park Service. Federal prosecutors say 48-year-old Donny Campbell, a former maintenance employee at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, pleaded guilty to theft of government funds. Investigators say Campbell submitted false overtime claims between 2017 and 2019, resulting in nearly 40-thousand dollars in improper payments. Campbell will be sentenced January 23rd and has agreed to repay the money and never seek federal employment again.
Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services is facing an 85-million-dollar budget shortfall, leading to service cuts and a near-halt on new foster care placements by private providers. State officials say rising costs, inflation, and reduced federal funding are to blame—even as Georgia reports a 14-billion-dollar budget surplus. DFACS has suspended contracts and reduced support for foster families, drawing criticism from providers and lawmakers. Advocates warn children with special needs could be most affected.
LaFayette Rambler basketball returns to Georgia 93-7 tonight. Tune in at 6:50 this evening as the Ramblers get set to face Northwest Whitfield. Tip for the girls game is set for 7pm. The boys game will follow.