Chickamauga Mayor Trey Deck has been removed from office following a City Council vote after an internal investigation detailed allegations of sexual, inappropriate, and offensive conduct. The council voted four to one to remove Deck after hearing findings from an investigation involving complaints by city employees. According to those findings, multiple employees described sexually suggestive comments, unwanted physical contact, and language they said made them uncomfortable. Investigators also cited a voice recording containing racist slurs and aggressive remarks, which was played for council members. Employees told investigators the mayor frequently asserted his authority, allegedly telling staff he was untouchable. Deck did not attend the hearing, citing safety concerns after his office reported a threat of violence ahead of the meeting. His attorney, Jeremy Penland, appeared on his behalf and strongly disputed the findings, arguing the investigation violated the mayor’s due process rights. Despite those objections, the council moved forward with the vote, officially removing Trey Deck as mayor of Chickamauga.
With elections coming up, Walker County voters are reminded of an important change. The Walker County Elections and Registration Office has moved. It’s now located at three-eleven South Main Street in LaFayette. That’s the former Family Dollar building. This also means a new polling place for LaFayette precinct voters. All future elections will be held at the new Elections Office, unless notified otherwise. The next election is March tenth. Polls will be open from seven a.m. to seven p.m. Early voting begins next Monday. For more information, call the Walker County Elections Office.
Looking for a new Valentine this week? The Walker County Animal Shelter is hosting a Valentine’s Day adoption event with deeply discounted prices. The Long-Term Commitment Adoption Event runs through Saturday, the fourteenth. Adult pets, four months and older, can be adopted for just two dollars. Puppies and kittens under four months old are fourteen dollars. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from ten a.m. to four p.m. It’s located on North Marble Top Road in Chickamauga.
It’s the regular season finale for LaFayette basketball tonight. The Ramblers host Gilmer. The girls will tip off at 6. The boys game will follow. You can hear it on Georgia 93-7. The region tournament is coming up. The Lady Ramblers will host Calhoun on Saturday at 2 in tournament play in game.