Voters in the LaFayette Precinct will see a change at the polls beginning with upcoming elections. Walker County election officials say the polling location has been moved from the LaFayette Senior Center on South Main Street to the Walker County Elections Office, also on South Main Street, in downtown LaFayette. All voters assigned to the LaFayette Precinct will cast their ballots at the Elections Office at 311 South Main Street for all future elections unless otherwise notified. The next election for the precinct is a special election scheduled for March 10th. Polls on Election Day will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Early voting for the special election begins February 16th and will also take place at the Walker County Elections Office, with early voting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An arrest has been made following a financial investigation involving Chattooga County funds. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested 52-year-old Jonathan Wesley Allen of Chattanooga. The arrest comes after officials discovered suspicious financial activity involving several county accounts. Allen is connected to Zentell Communications, LLC, a company Chattooga County filed a lawsuit against in April of last year. According to that lawsuit, the county alleges more than 333-thousand dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funds were paid for work that was not completed. Sheriff Schrader says he requested the GBI’s assistance on March 17th of 2025 after consulting with the county auditor. The GBI arrested Allen Friday, January 9th, charging him with one felony count of theft by taking. Allen was booked into the Chattooga County Jail and is awaiting a bond hearing. Sheriff Schrader says the GBI and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office have completed their investigation and do not expect any additional arrests.
New numbers from the Georgia Department of Public Health show a mixed picture for this year’s flu season. Flu-related hospitalizations in Georgia dropped 18 percent during the week ending January 3rd. However, year-over-year numbers show a significant increase. At this time last year, the state reported zero flu-related deaths, 169 hospitalizations, and just two major outbreaks. This year, hospitalizations are up nearly 55 percent, and the number of flu outbreaks has increased by 500 percent. Since October 4th, Georgia has recorded 46 flu-related deaths, 85 outbreaks, and more than 2-thousand hospitalizations statewide. Health officials say flu season typically begins in early October and can last as late as May. They continue to encourage vaccinations and preventative measures to reduce the spread.
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park will begin a new chapter in 2026. IB Parks and Entertainment has announced a long-term commitment to operate the historic park, with a focus on preserving its heritage while ensuring continued success for future generations. Owner and CEO Gene Staples says the goal is to honor what makes Lake Winnie special, noting guests can expect the same familiar experiences, character, and commitment to family fun that the park has offered for generations. Officials say visitors and season passholders will see no changes during the transition. All 2026 season passes will remain valid, with benefits, pricing, and perks unchanged. The upcoming season will also mark a milestone for the park, celebrating the 110th anniversary of Lake Winnie’s Antique Carousel.