Walker County Unveils Proposed FY2027 Budget Following More than $10 Million in Expense Reductions

Posted on by Joe Legge
Several people sit around a table talking about a budget

LaFayette, GA (June 26, 2026) – The Walker County Board of Commissioners received a $40-million budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 today during a special called meeting. CFO Christian Roach presented a high-level overview of the county’s financial position to the Board, along with what it will take to fund county operations next fiscal year. … Continue reading Walker County Unveils Proposed FY2027 Budget Following More than $10 Million in Expense Reductions

Prescribed Burn Today on Pocket Road at the entrance to John’s Mountain and Keown Falls

Posted on by Joe Legge
a graphic stating it is a prescribed fire notice

From the Conasauga Ranger District: A 562-acre prescribed fire will occur today four-miles south of Villanow, GA, along Pocket Road on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Walker County. Smoke may be visible in Walker and Whitfield Counties. The burn unit is located in the Armuchee Unit of the Conasauga Ranger District. Map: https://arcg.is/0X9mG80 This low-intensity, … Continue reading Prescribed Burn Today on Pocket Road at the entrance to John’s Mountain and Keown Falls

Board Elects Vice-Chair; Sets Meeting Dates, Times & Qualifying Fees for 2026

Posted on by Joe Legge

The Walker County Board of Commissioners acted on several housekeeping items at its first meeting of the new year, electing a vice chair and revising their meeting schedule. The Board unanimously selected District 2 Commissioner Mark Askew to continue to serve as vice chair for 2026. Askew previously served in this position in 2021, 2024 … Continue reading Board Elects Vice-Chair; Sets Meeting Dates, Times & Qualifying Fees for 2026

LaFayette High Teacher Killed in Morning House Fire

Posted on by Joe Legge
An image of a home destroyed by a fire

Chickamauga, GA (November 9, 2025) - A house fire Sunday morning near Chickamauga claimed the life of a Walker County teacher and left his wife and two children suffering from serious injuries. Walker County Fire Marshal Scott Forrest says dispatchers received a call at 7:38 this morning concerning smoke inside a home at 127 Ridgewood … Continue reading LaFayette High Teacher Killed in Morning House Fire

2026 SPLOST Programs – Fire Rescue Improvements

Posted on by Joe Legge
several copper pennies with the words 2026 SPLOST on top

2026 SPLOST feature:  Over the coming days, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the projects that would be funded in UNINCORPORATED Walker County, if voters choose to continue a special purpose local option sales tax, also known as SPLOST. Nearly $14,500,000 would fund improvements for Fire Rescue. Fire Chief Blake Hodge … Continue reading 2026 SPLOST Programs – Fire Rescue Improvements

Walker County Homeowners to Continue to Benefit from Renewed 3/3Y ISO Rating

Posted on by Joe Legge

Walker County maintained a 3/3Y ISO rating following a rigorous review of fire services in the unincorporated areas of the county and city of Chickamauga. The 3/3Y classification by the Insurance Service Office will continue to benefit homeowners and business owners. Insurance companies use ISO ratings in their calculations to determine insurance rates in a … Continue reading Walker County Homeowners to Continue to Benefit from Renewed 3/3Y ISO Rating

Walker County to Ask Voters to Renew the SPLOST

Posted on by Joe Legge
several copper pennies with the words 2026 SPLOST on top

The Walker County Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution calling for a referendum on the special purpose local option sales tax, commonly referred to as SPLOST. On November 4th, voters will be requested to renew the SPLOST for a new six-year cycle. The 2026 SPLOST would not begin until the 2020 SPLOST expires on … Continue reading Walker County to Ask Voters to Renew the SPLOST

Brush Fires Now Contained in Walker County

Posted on by Joe Legge
A U.S. Forest Service white truck is parked and several firefighters are in front of the truck having a discussion.

(March 12, 2025 - Rossville, GA) As of early this morning, the brush fires in northern Walker County are contained. There will still be fires and smoke within the containment zone. Fire officials expect this will continue through tomorrow and residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors. Georgia Forestry, Rossville Fire and Walker … Continue reading Brush Fires Now Contained in Walker County

Firefighters Battle Multiple Brush Fires in Walker County

Posted on by Joe Legge
Smoke from a brush fire near several homes

Rossville, GA (March 11, 2025) – Walker County Fire Rescue crews continue to work multiple brush fires that were sparked along a four-mile stretch from Rossville to near Chickamauga. The fires appear to have been started by sparks from a train that ignited combustible material near the tracks. Firefighters staging on Chris Lane saved more … Continue reading Firefighters Battle Multiple Brush Fires in Walker County

Walker County Fire Marshal Investigates Fatal Fire Near Chickamauga

Posted on by Joe Legge

A house fire in Walker County claimed the life of a 64-year old man this evening. Walker County Fire Rescue responded to 52 Liberty Drive, outside of Chickamauga, around 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they found smoke showing from the home. Once inside, they discovered the body of the victim in the living room. Investigators have … Continue reading Walker County Fire Marshal Investigates Fatal Fire Near Chickamauga