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 by liability insurance, meaning taxpayers will bear the full cost of the replacement. The crash occurred when a county employee, who was not properly licensed to drive the truck, lost control during a test run. He and his supervisor were both terminated following the incident. WTVC reports that a review of county policy revealed the previous administration did not carry full coverage on vehicles more than five years old. Current officials say they are now reassessing that practice. The totaled truck had an estimated value of $650,000. Whether the county will use its financial reserves to cover the cost of the new truck remains unclear. The commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. Other agenda items include a public hearing on the 2026 budget, zoning matters, and approval of opioid response training funds for the sheriff’s office.
Drivers in northwest Georgia are getting the best gas prices in the state. According to AAA, Catoosa, Dade, and Walker Counties are averaging just $2.72 a gallon for regular unleaded. Statewide, prices are down four cents from last week, now averaging $2.90. That’s about 42 cents cheaper than this time last year. Dalton and Rome are also seeing low prices, just under $2.80 a gallon, while Savannah tops the state at nearly $3.00. Nationally, gas is averaging $3.14, and EV charging rates remain unchanged.
The Georgia Dream Peach Advantage Loan Program is now live. Launched July 1st, it offers down payment assistance from 2 to 5 percent, plus a zero percent option with reduced mortgage rates for qualifying homebuyers. Part of the Georgia Dream initiative, the program aims to make homeownership more affordable across the state. Income and home price limits vary by county. To learn more, visit dca.georgia.gov or email [email protected].
Legal proceedings are back on against Chattanooga’s Zentell Communications. The company is accused of receiving over $330,000 in taxpayer funds for a broadband project in Menlo that was never completed. Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry approved the contract and later joined Zentell as a senior VP. Despite promises, no service was delivered to residents. County officials say the case involves fraud and misuse of public funds, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is actively investigating. The county is seeking full repayment plus damages.