Walker County residents will have an opportunity to pick up free mulch next week as the county brings back its Mulch Madness event at the Walker County Landfill.
AdventHealth Redmond has recognized William Stephens as its Q2 2026 Sunflower Award recipient, honoring him for his positive attitude, servant heart and commitment to patients, visitors and fellow team members.
The Summerville City Council will meet today, Monday, August 10, for its regular called meeting, with several purchases, personnel matters and city projects scheduled for discussion and possible action.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The agenda lists Mayor Rickey Hughes along with council members Simone Adams, Dana W. Mosley, Jeff Martin, Joe Money Jr. and Zachary Martin.
Mayor Hughes’ comments will include announcements and a proclamation for Terry Money. The council will also consider approval of minutes from its July 13 regular called meeting.
Several items are included on the consent agenda. The council is being asked to authorize the city manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Mountain Education and the City of Summerville. Proposed amendments to city policies concerning employee concerns, disciplinary actions and terminations are also listed.
Council members will consider several sign requests along with a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority resolution concerning a loan modification. The agenda also calls for approval of a $6,400 NyHart service agreement for actuarial valuation work and the purchase of various-sized Hymax couplings from Ferguson Waterworks for $18,569.70.
Under new business, the council is scheduled to discuss and possibly take action on a resolution reinstating the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding buildings and building regulations. Council members will also consider a pay increase for the Public Safety Director due to additional duties and approve pay for the interim Water Treatment Plant supervisor.
Another major item involves the proposed purchase of two police vehicles from Prater Ford. The agenda lists a cost not to exceed $45,331.76 for each base vehicle, along with $11,918 per vehicle to install emergency equipment through Coosa Valley Communications and additional costs for vehicle lettering through Hi-Tech Signs & Graphs.
The council will also consider quotes for a metal maintenance shop and a concrete pad for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. An executive session concerning personnel is also on the agenda.
Here is the complete agenda for the meeting:
The Walker County Board of Education plans to adopt a full rollback millage rate of 14.013 mills during its meeting on Monday, August 17.
According to information released by Walker County Schools, the rollback rate is calculated using the previous year’s millage rate minus the millage equivalent of the total net assessed value added through property reassessments.
A public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate will be held at 6 p.m. on August 17 in the boardroom of the Walker County Department of Education, located at 301 N. Cherokee Street in LaFayette.
School district officials say they continue to work to balance the growing needs of students with efforts to keep local taxes as low as possible while also maximizing state funding.
Walker County Schools noted that over the past six years, the district has either lowered or maintained its millage rate. In 2019, the rate stood at 17.404 mills. For 2026, the district plans to adopt the full rollback rate of 14.013 mills.
All concerned citizens are invited to attend the public hearing.
The Summerville City Council will meet tomorrow evening for its regular called meeting, with several personnel, public safety and infrastructure matters on the agenda.
Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is helping spread the word about an upcoming transportation opportunity for Chattooga County pet owners seeking affordable spay and neuter services through My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Services.
A new statewide poll conducted by Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health found that one in three Georgia families with children experience food insecurity, meaning they do not always have reliable access to enough nutritious food.
The survey found that 33% of Georgia families with children reported low or very low food security, while 18% said they had skipped meals, gone hungry or eaten less because they could not afford enough food. Researchers also found that many parents are sacrificing their own meals to ensure their children have enough to eat.
Food insecurity was found to be especially severe in rural parts of the state. According to the poll, 43% of rural Georgia families with children reported food insecurity, compared with 31% of families in urban and suburban areas.
Researchers warned the problem could worsen as changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect, potentially making it more difficult for some families to qualify for benefits and increasing administrative costs for the state.
The poll surveyed 1,002 Georgia parents and highlights growing concerns about rising grocery prices, access to food assistance and the impact food insecurity can have on children’s physical health, mental well-being and academic performance.
Trion High School will begin selling reserved seats and season tickets for the upcoming football season on Monday, August 10.
From Monday through Wednesday, August 10–12, fans who purchased reserved seats last season will have the first opportunity to buy those same seats for the new season.
The cost is $110, which includes both the reserved seat and a season ticket.
Beginning Thursday, August 13, first-time purchasers may buy any reserved seats that remain available.
Fans who do not need a reserved seat may purchase a season ticket for $50.
A small bridge on Spring Creek Road near Trion is expected to reopen by the end of August following an emergency replacement project prompted by safety concerns.
The Trion Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help coach youth sports this season and is currently seeking coaches for several teams.
The department needs:
- 2 coaches for 6U Soccer
- 1 coach for 8U Soccer
- 1 coach for 10U Volleyball
Officials say coaching is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young athletes by teaching teamwork, building character and having fun.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the Trion Recreation Department for more information about becoming a coach.