The Walker County Election Commission has announced some dates you’ll want to keep in mind. Early voting for the November elections will take place at the Walker County Courthouse October 15th through November 1st, 8am until 5pm during the week…and two Saturdays, the 19th and 26th of October, 9am until 5pm each Saturday. Early voting will be conducted at satellite locations including Rock Spring, Rossville, Chickamauga and Fairyland Saturday, October 26th from 9am until 5pm and October 28th through November 1st from 8am until 5pm each day. Absentee ballots will be mailed out beginning Monday, October 7th for those who have requested them. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 25th. All absentee ballots must be returned by 7pm on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5th. For reference, we will have all this information posted on our website at discoverwalker.com.
In Chattanooga, around 200 employees at the Volkswagen plant will be furloughed after a recall of the ID.4, VW’s all electric vehicle. In a statement from VW officials, they say that production of the vehicle has been temporarily suspended following the recall, causing a disruption. The employees who are affected will still receive 80 percent of their base pay through state unemployment and will also remain covered by current benefits. Local 3 News reports the furloughs go into effect on September 23rd.
Officials announced yesterday that the historic Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga will be closed for 18 months for a major renovation beginning in March of 2025. This is the first time the bridge will shut down for an extended renovation period in 30 years. Officials say the bridge is in need of renovations to ensure pedestrian safety due to corrosion of the steel structure and wear and tear on the bridge’s wooden walkway. Electrical improvements and better visibility are two other concerns. At this week’s Chattanooga City Council meeting, public works there announced the renovations will cost around $35-million.
Some happy news from Ft. Oglethorpe. This week, the city’s public works department, along with Catoosa County Fire Department officials rescued a family pet from a storm drain. The dog had apparently become trapped in the drain, located in Gilbert Stephenson Park. Lucy was reunited with her family after being freed by officials.
The Ramblers are on the road tomorrow night. LaFayette heads to Adairsville for region football action. Airtime tomorrow night here on WQCH will be around 7:15 with a 7:30 kick-off. Around the area, Gordon Lee is on the road at Christian Heritage, Ridgeland is at home against Heritage, and Ft. Oglethorpe will be at Ringgold for a region contest.
