Patients with Cigna insurance can breathe easier. Cigna Healthcare and CommonSpirit Health — formerly known locally as CHI Memorial — have reached a new contract agreement. That means CommonSpirit hospitals and facilities will remain in-network for Cigna members. The agreement is retroactive to February first, 2026. According to Tennessee Partners for Health, patients can continue receiving care without interruption in Chattanooga, Hixson, and Fort Oglethorpe. Anyone with questions about coverage should call the customer service number on their Cigna insurance card.
Early voting continues in Walker County ahead of the March 10 election. Voters can cast ballots today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walker County Election Office on South Main. Early voting will also run Monday through Friday next week during the same hours. Saturday voting is set for tomorrow from 9 to 5 at the Election Office, as well as locations in Rock Spring, Rossville, Chickamauga, and Fairyland. On Election Day, all 11 Walker County precincts will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting March 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex in LaFayette. The agenda includes reports from Chairwoman Angie Teems and CFO Christian Roach, along with committee and department updates. Several zoning requests will be heard, including proposed rezones on South Highway 27, South Dicks Creek Road and West Rogers Road in LaFayette, and a variance request on West Highway 136 in Rising Fawn. The Planning Commission has recommended approval for all requests. Commissioners will also consider consent items, budget amendments, and contracts for construction, facility repairs, and right-of-way weed control.
The state of Georgia has passed a bill requiring public schools to install weapon detection systems for students entering campus. Walker County Schools Superintendent Damon Raines told WTVC-TV he’s encouraged by grant funding to help districts cover the cost. State Representative Mike Cameron voted yes on a plan providing fifty-thousand dollars for the equipment, saying it gives parents added peace of mind. Georgia Association of Educators President Lisa Morgan says rural schools will especially benefit. The bill now moves to the Georgia State Senate and, if approved, would head to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.