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September 12, 2026

Walker County Approves $39.9 Million Budget With No Tax Increase

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Walker County commissioners have approved a $39.9 million budget for fiscal year 2027 without increasing the county’s tax rate, following several months of discussion over rising expenses and how to balance the spending plan.

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved the budget during its September 3 meeting. The new fiscal year begins October 1 and runs through September 30, 2027.

The final budget includes funding for three additional firefighters and does not add any other new county positions. County employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment.

Getting to the final spending plan took several months. When the budget process began this summer, county departments had submitted requests totaling more than $50 million. Chairwoman Angie Teems and county staff worked with department heads to reduce those requests by more than $10 million.

As recently as August, commissioners were still facing a projected $1.9 million gap between revenues and expenses, prompting the board to delay a budget vote while members considered additional changes. Among the pressures on the budget were inflation, state-mandated expenses, a new ambulance service contract, firefighter staffing and employee compensation.

The final $39.9 million spending plan was adopted without a tax increase.

For comparison, Walker County’s FY2026 General Fund budget was approximately $37.25 million.

September 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

25 Years Later: America Remembers September 11, 2001

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Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a day that changed the United States forever and claimed the lives of 2,977 people.

September 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Council Approves $5-Per-Hour Pay Increase For Firefighters

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The Trion Town Council has approved a significant pay increase for firefighters, a move aimed at improving compensation and helping retain fire personnel.

During the council’s August 27 meeting, Mayor Mickey McGraw made a motion to increase firefighter pay by $5 per hour. The motion was seconded and received unanimous approval from the council.

Under an ongoing cost-sharing arrangement between the town and Mount Vernon Mills, the company will pay half of the increase, or $2.50 per hour.

The increase represents an effort by town officials to improve compensation for the firefighters who provide emergency response and fire protection services to the Trion community.

The unanimous vote puts the higher hourly pay in place with the cost of the increase shared equally between the Town of Trion and Mount Vernon Mills.

August 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Announces Logan’s List To Help First Responders Assist Residents With Special Needs

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Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is preparing to implement a new voluntary program designed to give emergency responders important information before they arrive at the home of a resident who may have special needs.

August 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Public Safety Training Center Opens Registration For Fire Inspector Course

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The Georgia Public Safety Training Center is now accepting registrations for a two-week Fire Inspector course scheduled for September 14 through September 25, 2026.

The course is being offered through the Fire and Emergency Services Section, and successful completion will result in NPQ Fire Inspector certification.

GPSTC says prerequisite courses are being waived for this offering because the National Fire Academy’s online platform is not currently operational.

Students are encouraged to have completed a Life Safety Code class, although it is not required to attend the course.

For those seeking state certification as a Fire Inspector, Hazardous Materials Awareness is required under the applicable NFPA standard. However, GPSTC says that certification is not required simply to attend this class.

The September course will also mark the final offering of the curriculum developed under NFPA 1031. GPSTC says it is awaiting finalization of a new curriculum based on the revised NFPA 1030 standard.

Registration is now open through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s student access portal.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Free Back-To-School Bash July 11

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The Lyerly Fire Department is inviting families from across Chattooga County to kick off the new school year at its annual Free Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, July 11.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lyerly Park and is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying a day of family fun.

Children attending the event will receive free book bags and free school supplies while supplies last. Families can also enjoy free hot dogs, free icees, a waterslide, and a dunk tank, where participants will have the chance to dunk a firefighter.

The Lyerly Fire Department will also have one of its fire trucks on display, giving children an opportunity to get an up-close look at the equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

Organizers say the event is free and open to the public and encourages families to arrive early, as some giveaway items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Back-To-School Bash has become a popular annual tradition, bringing together first responders, community volunteers, and local families while helping students start the school year with the supplies they need.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Fire under Investigation at Sloppy Floyd Lake Road Residence

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Firefighters responded Monday to a structure fire at 251 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. Summerville, Hays Correctional and Gore fire departments all responded to the scene.

Fire officials told WZQZ News the fire is believed to have started at the front of the residence, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Firefighters say suppression efforts were complicated by a large amount of material in and around the front of the home, which added fuel to the fire.

Officials said this was the second structure fire reported on the property this year.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

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Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.

The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.

First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.

Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.

All first responders are welcome to attend.