Walker County officials are working to clear up confusion surrounding a recent land sale in Rossville that’s sparked online speculation about a possible data center. The four-acre Bulldog Drive property behind Peerless Mill was purchased by Chattanooga-based technology company BridgTRK. County leaders say the sale is not affected by Walker County’s data center moratorium because that temporary ban applies only to unincorporated areas. Rossville, like other cities, controls its own development decisions. The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority says BridgTRK plans to build a compact access node connecting customers to EPB’s quantum computing resources in Chattanooga—not a large-scale data center. Company officials say the facility won’t require water for cooling and will operate using standard electrical service. The site will include two 40-foot containers housing communications equipment and storage. BridgTRK says the four-acre property is far too small for the type of massive data centers operated by companies like Amazon or Google, and the company says it is committed to being a good neighbor as it relocates its operations from Wisconsin to Rossville.
Rock City is inviting the public to weigh in on its proposed gondola transportation project during a series of community listening sessions next month. The company will host six open house-style meetings on August 17th, 18th and 19th in Lookout Mountain, Flintstone and Chattanooga. Residents will be able to review project information, ask questions and share feedback. Rock City says it’s increasing transparency by releasing studies on traffic, noise, safety, environmental impacts and sewer infrastructure before the meetings. A summary of public comments will be released after the sessions conclude. The proposed gondola remains controversial. Earlier this year, the Lookout Mountain Planning Commission recommended denying the project on a 5-to-2 vote. The final decision now rests with the Lookout Mountain City Council.
Fort Oglethorpe Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man involved in a suspicious damage-to-property investigation. Police say the man entered the Donut Palace on Battlefield Parkway and dyed his hair inside the restaurant, leaving behind a mess. Chief Keith Sewell says there’s no indication the suspect is connected to any other criminal activity, but investigators consider the unusual incident suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department. You can view a picture of the suspect at DiscoverWalker.com.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is still dealing with crowding issues after taking in 73 animals since the beginning of July, and officials say adoptions are needed to make room for more pets. The shelter joins neighboring Catoosa County, where the animal shelter is also over capacity and unable to accept additional animals. Animal welfare officials say summer is one of the busiest times of the year because warmer weather leads to more dogs and cats breeding, resulting in a spike in stray animals across Northwest Georgia. They encourage residents to adopt or foster if they’re able.