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May 1, 2026

Walker County Receives Statewide Award For Animal Welfare Program

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Walker County has received a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award from ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, for innovation in county government.

The county was recognized for its spay and neuter voucher initiative, a program designed to reduce unwanted litters and improve animal welfare across Walker County.

The program provides up to 40 free vouchers each month for companion animals. Each voucher is valued at $200 and covers spay or neuter services, microchipping, and a rabies vaccination.

During the first eight months, Walker County Animal Shelter staff issued about 190 vouchers, resulting in 61 female cats, 36 male cats, 44 female dogs, and 49 male dogs being altered.

County officials say the program is already making an impact. Compared to 2024, the shelter saw a 64% decrease in owner surrenders during September, October, and November. Surrenders of kitten and puppy litters dropped by nearly 80% during that same period.

The program is funded entirely through donations, and more than 500 people are currently on the waiting list for a voucher.

Walker County was one of six counties recognized statewide for programs that improve their communities.

April 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Floyd County Tax Commissioner And Assessor Offices Resume Full Operations

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The Floyd County Tax Commissioner’s Office has resumed full operations as of Monday, March 30, following last week’s fire at the historic courthouse.

March 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sharon Evans Appointed Walker County Tax Commissioner Following Retirement

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Sharon Evans has been appointed to serve as the new Walker County Tax Commissioner, following the retirement of longtime commissioner Carolyn Walker, who stepped down last week after more than 25 years of service to focus on her health.

March 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Approves Five-Year Water Rate Increase

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Chattooga County residents will soon see changes to their water bills after Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen approved a plan to gradually increase rates over the next five years.

March 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Reviewing Bids for new Sheriff’s Office Roof in Trion

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen says he and Sheriff Mark Schrader will be reviewing bids for a new roof at the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Underwood Dairy Road in Trion.

March 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Former Commissioner Responds to Audit Concerns as County Works to Reconcile Finances

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Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry is responding to recent online discussions about findings from the ongoing 2024 audit of Chattooga County finances, offering context about accounting discrepancies identified during that time.

March 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Commissioner Releases 2026 State of the County Statement

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen released a statement Wednesday evening outlining the county’s progress, financial challenges and plans for the future in what he described as a “2026 State of Chattooga County” update to residents.

March 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Commissioners To Consider Rezoning Requests, Major Contracts March 5

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex III in LaFayette.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Environmental Hazards Found in Walker County Courthouse, Officials Briefed on Mold, Asbestos, Lead Concerns

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Walker County Commissioners were told Thursday that a recent walkthrough and structural review of the Walker County Courthouse revealed multiple environmental hazards inside the aging facility.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Becky Duke Honored for 50 Years of Service to Chattooga County

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Becky Duke was honored this past week for an extraordinary milestone — 50 years of service to Chattooga County.