“My Furry Valentine” Speed Petting Event Coming to Walker County

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Find a valentine for all seasons during the Walker County Animal Shelter‘s My Furry Valentine event on Saturday, February 9th.

The shelter will be offering speed petting, giving visitors a chance to flip through a photo album and select a potential valentine. The staff will then hook you up with four of your furry favorites.  You’ll then spend four minutes together, in hopes of making a match.

Adoption fees will be reduced during this event to $10 for cats and $20 for dogs.  The price includes spay/neuter, rabies and core vaccination.  Those making a match during this event will also receive a new pet owner starter pack, which includes toys, food, a leash and collar.

Human and doggy snacks will be available at the shelter during My Furry Valentine, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road in Chickamauga.

Walker Fire Rescue & American Red Cross Plan Smoke Alarm Blitz

Posted on by Joe Legge

Rossville, GA – Walker County Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia will be going door to door on February 2nd to improve fire safety in the Chattanooga Valley community.  Teams will be canvassing the Dry Valley Road area to install smoke alarms at no charge, conduct a home safety survey and identify potential hazards in the home.

Four people died in two unrelated fire incidents on Dry Valley Road last year.  Fire investigators did not find working smoke alarms in either home.

“Our greatest obstacle with our free smoke alarm program is getting people to sign up,” said Chief Blake Hodge.  “In my 25 year career, I have not worked a residential structure fire that resulted in serious injury or death, when there were operating smoke alarms present.  Smoke alarms save lives!”

Walker County launched a public service campaign last year that resulted in firefighters installing 228 smoke alarms.  Only 21 smoke alarms were installed in 2017.  “With over 68,000 residents, it’s important to diversify our communication efforts and approach, so this information gets to all our citizens,” added Chief Hodge.  “We hope by adding this one-day blitz, we can increase participation.”

Volunteer opportunities are available for community members who would like to be part of this home fire preparedness campaign.  To learn more or to register, contact the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia at 706-728-3424 or email Carla Maton at carla.maton@redcross.org.

Any Walker County resident in need of free smoke alarms should contact Walker County Fire Rescue at 706-539-1255.

Eighth Community Forum Added to February Calendar

Posted on by Joe Legge

Lookout Mountain, GA – Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield added an additional community forum to next month’s calendar.  This brings the number of public outreach events in February to eight.

The additional community forum will take place at the Mountain Pleasant Community Center, 5270 GA-157 in Rising Fawn, on Monday, February 25th.

All eight forums will take place in different communities across the county, so residents can attend the one that is most convenient for them.  Each session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and feature a brief introduction, but the majority of each event will consist of public comment and discussion about what’s working well today, along with goals and opportunities for the future.

Community forums will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Monday, February 4 at Cedar Grove Community Center (5395 W Cove Road, Chickamauga)
  • Tuesday, February 5 at Rossville Civic Center (400 McFarland Avenue, Rossville)
  • Monday, February 11 at Armuchee Valley Community Center (11471 GA-136, LaFayette)
  • Monday, February 18 at LaFayette-Walker County Library (305 S Duke Street, LaFayette)
  • Tuesday, February 19 at Center Post Community Center (8125 GA-337, LaFayette)
  • Thursday, February 21 at Fairyland Elementary School (1306 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain)
  • Monday, February 25 at Mountain Pleasant Community Center (5270 GA-157, Rising Fawn)
  • Tuesday, February 26 at Chickamauga Civic Center (1817 Lee Clarkson Road, Chickamauga)

 

Related Post: Whitfield to Hold Seven Community Forums in February

Walker County Extension Plans Egg, Chicken & Beef Events in February

Posted on by Joe Legge

LaFayette, GA – February will be a busy month for Extension Agents in Walker County.  The local UGA Extension office will play host to several classes and demonstrations for those interested in learning more about the growing and marketing process of chickens and cattle.

The events begin on February 12th with a Meat Fabrication Demonstration at the Walker County Ag Center on the Civic Center Campus.  Hailey Robinson will explain the different cuts of beef for wholesale and retail and show those in attendance how to cut those portions.  The cost for this class is $15.  This demonstration is part of a larger series of classes on Marketing Your Beef Locally.  For more information, call 706-278-8207.

On February 13th at the Walker County Ag Center, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will present an Egg Candling Class.  If you have a backyard flock and want to sell your eggs, you need an egg candling certificate.  This class will put you on that path.

Egg Candling is the process of examining an egg with light in a dark room to detect germ development.  This class is free and will be held four times: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.  To register, call 770-535-5955.

In the case of these classes, the egg comes before the chicken.  Walker County Extension will host a Backyard Flock Management Class on February 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ag Center.  The class will review poultry breeds, feeds, needs, housing and other items of interest to be successful.  Call 706-638-2548 to register.

Whitfield to Hold Seven Community Forums in Walker County in February

Posted on by Joe Legge

LaFayette, GA – Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield invites residents to share their ideas to start the New Year.  Whitfield will host a series of community forums in February to discuss what’s working well today, along with goals and opportunities for the future.

The forums will take place in seven different communities across the county, so residents can attend the one that is most convenient for them.  Each session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and feature a brief introduction, but the majority of each event will consist of public comment and discussion.

“Over the past two years, community input has led to enhancements in fire protection, updates to ordinances regulating animals and alcohol, safety upgrades on Nickajack Road, clean-up of blighted property and our annual tire amnesty day, among other improvements,” said Whitfield.  “I look forward to hearing about the topics important to folks in Walker County and their thoughts on how we can improve county services.”

Community forums will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Monday, February 4 at Cedar Grove Community Center (5395 W Cove Road, Chickamauga)
  • Tuesday, February 5 at Rossville Civic Center (400 McFarland Avenue, Rossville)
  • Monday, February 11 at Armuchee Valley Community Center (11471 GA-136, LaFayette)
  • Monday, February 18 at LaFayette-Walker County Library (305 S Duke Street, LaFayette)
  • Tuesday, February 19 at Center Post Community Center (8125 GA-337, LaFayette)
  • Thursday, February 21 at Fairyland Elementary School (1306 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain)
  • Tuesday, February 26 at Chickamauga Civic Center (1817 Lee Clarkson Road, Chickamauga)

Walker County Animal Shelter Plans Christmas Adoption Event

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Frodo, Bixby, Baxter and nearly 80 other dogs and cats at the Walker County Animal Shelter hope they’ll be part of a Christmas to remember.

Families thinking about adding a pet as a holiday gift are encouraged to drop by the shelter this Saturday for a special Christmas Adoption Event between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

In addition to extended hours, the shelter will offer discounted adoption pricing on Saturday, December 15.  Dogs will be $25, while cats will be $15.  Regular adoption fees run $65 for dogs and $30 for cats.  Animals adopted from the Walker County Animal Shelter will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated for rabies at no additional charge.

Community members are encouraged to drop by the shelter throughout the day for a host of fun activities, including police K9 demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to Noon and pictures with Santa from Noon until 4:00 p.m.  Visitors are also invited to tour the shelter during the event, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and register for a host of door prizes.

Visitors who aren’t sure if they want to adopt, but know they want to help the pet population, can bring a donation with them.  The shelter always needs bleach, blankets, puppy food, canned foot, treats and toys.

The Walker County Animal Shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga.  For more information, call 706-375-2100 or visit us on facebook.

Walker County & City of LaFayette Recognized for Tourism Efforts

Posted on by Joe Legge

Cartersville, GA – Walker County’s growing reputation as an outdoor adventure destination just received a boost from regional travel industry professionals.  Northwest Georgia’s Historic High Country Travel Association (HHCTA) recognized Walker Rocks with the 2018 Award for Association Excellence for Best Marketing Campaign.

Walker Rocks, a partnership between the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and Walker County Government, highlights the scenic and stunning destinations available in the county for rock climbing, caving, kayaking, hiking, biking and other outdoor experiences.  The campaign launched with the creation of videos highlighting local attractions, a start-up grant competition to encourage business growth in the tourism industry and the introduction of walkerrocks.com and several social media platforms, among other efforts.

“It’s thrilling to know that others in the region are taking note of what we have to offer here in Walker County,” said Lacey Wilson, President of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.  “The Chamber is proud to be part of the collaborative team working to showcase and share the assets of this community with the rest of the world.”

Robert Wardlaw, Economic & Community Development Director for Walker County Government, said “This validates the valuable role tourism plays in our community.  Six months in and we’re already seeing an increase in sales tax revenue and a boost in occupancy at area accommodations.”  Wardlaw added, “Walker Rocks is fun, but Walker Rocks is also an economic initiative to help bring equity to our tax base, which in turn helps our citizens.”

HHCTA, which is comprised of travel industry professionals from a 17-county area, also honored one of Walker County’s cities for its tourism efforts.  HHCTA named the City of LaFayette’s Honeybee Festival as Best Event and LaFayette Mayor Andy Arnold as Tourism Advocate of the Year.

Lunch Conversation with the Commissioner Returns November 1st

Posted on by Joe Legge

Flintstone, GA – Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield invites you to join him for lunch on Thursday, November 1st.

Whitfield will hold the latest Lunch Conversation with the Commissioner event on November 1st from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Susan’s Diner, located at 3551 Chattanooga Valley Road in Flintstone. The public is encouraged to drop by, purchase a meal and enjoy some friendly conversation about Walker County as Commissioner Whitfield visits your table.

The event provides residents who can’t attend Commissioner Meetings in LaFayette with a daytime opportunity to ask questions and share their comments and concerns.

Susan Hays opened Susan’s Diner in 2012, bringing some of her family’s favorite dishes to the restaurant menu. The family owned diner serves soups, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, and meat and veggie plates during lunch. Susan’s Diner also offers an extensive breakfast menu and features a daily special.

Fire Prevention Week in Walker County is October 7-13

Posted on by Joe Legge

Chickamauga, GA – Commissioner Whitfield recently signed a proclamation designating October 7-13 as Fire Prevention Week in Walker County.

Walker County Emergency Services (WCES) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ­to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The campaign will focus on educating the public about basic, but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.

“Working in the fire service for many years, we know that people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” said Chief Blake Hodge. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference of escape planning and practice.”

This year’s “Look. Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:

  • Look for places fire could start
  • Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm
  • Learn 2 ways out of every room

Sparky the Fire Dog and a FriendWhile WCES and the NFPA are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply virtually anywhere. “Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Chief Hodge. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

WCES will host a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including visits to local schools to reinforce the message with our children.

Smoke Alarm InstallationAlso, if you need a smoke alarm for your home, call or email Regina Dorsey at 706-539-1255 ext 111. She will schedule a time for a firefighter to come to your home and install an alarm for free. WCES does this as a community service with our partner, American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia.

Walker Rocks with Full Weekend of Fall Events

Posted on by Joe Legge

Walker County will be buzzing with activity this weekend, as the county plays host to a variety of memory making events.

The activities begin with the BRAG (Bike Ride Across Georgia) tour on Friday. This three-day bicycle ride begins in Chattanooga and ends in Atlanta, after rolling through the Chattanooga Valley, Chickamauga, Rock Spring and LaFayette. Georgia recently joined the U.S. Bicycle Route System by designating a system of roads and trails as US Bike Route 21. The route will showcase some of the scenic and stunning valley and mountain vistas available for outdoor enthusiasts in Walker County. Click here to see the BRAG route

Ag Festival4H students, farmers and the agriculture community step into the action Saturday at the 2nd annual Walker County Ag Festival. The one-day event takes place rain or shine from 9am to 5pm at the Ag Center on the Civic Center Campus in Rock Spring. Along with rabbit, goat and poultry shows, residents will compete to earn blue ribbons for baking, growing fruits and vegetables, gardening, quilting and other talents. Inflatables, music, a Georgia grown cooking class, beekeepers, arts and craft vendors and other events highlight the festival. Walker County Emergency Services will also be on hand to register residents to receive a free smoke alarm, which they will install. Click here to see the schedule of events

Blowing Springs FarmOther events Saturday add to the excitement. (Now opening Sunday due to wet conditions) See Rock City, Inc.’s Blowing Springs Farm opens will an all-new corn maze design, plus super-sized board games, hayrides, duck races, pedal carts and more. The attraction is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday – Sunday through October 28th. (This attraction is now opening Sunday due to wet conditions)

The Rock Spring Show and Sell Arts & Craft Show at Rock Spring United Methodist Church and Georgia’s “Your State Park” Day are also Saturday.

Sunday brings the return of Ironman. Competitors from around the world will pedal their way through Walker County for the bike portion of the triathlon. Chickamauga serves as a main staging spot for spectators to watch athletes as they cycle through town. Gordon Street will be closed, but many downtown merchants will be open and several food vendors will set up shop for the day. Spectators can line up and down Cove Road and Lee Avenue to experience the action. The 116-mile bike portion of the race begins in Chattanooga and the first athletes are expected in Chickamauga around 10:00 a.m.