Early voting in Walker County is underway. If you’re headed to the polls, know there are some proposed amendments to the state constitution and a few referendums on the ballot. One proposed amendment focuses on the homestead exemption. This measure is to create a uniform system across counties for assessing property taxes. The goal is that assessments align with the previous year’s inflation rate. Another proposal calls for establishing a statewide tax court. This would move tax disputes out of the superior courts. There is also a statewide referendum that calls for an increase to the property tax exemption for tangible personal property from $7,500 to $20,000. It would allow businesses with more flexibility regarding taxes on essential equipment. You can visit the Secretary of State’s website for more clarification before to head to vote.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) will host a Free Application Month throughout November. The school will waive the $25 application fee for all incoming students. The special runs from November 1st through November 30th. Applicants should enter the code FREEAPP24 (all capital letters) to waive the fee. The admissions deadline for the spring semester is December 3rd. Classes for the spring semester start January 6th.
Three felony arrests in Walker County on Tuesday. 40-year-old Laurie Ann Guido was charged with felony aggravated assault.
Big Lots is closing two stores in the area. The locations are on a list of store set to close as part of the discount retailer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company is closing 45 locations in 27 states. The Cartersville Big Lots is set to close along with the Gunbarrel Road location in Chattanooga. Big Lots last month filed for bankruptcy protection from its debts, saying it intended to sell what remained of its business to a private equity firm.
