#WalkerCounty | AM 1180 Radio

September 13, 2026

Walker County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Active Jury Duty Scam

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about another active scam after multiple citizens reported receiving fraudulent calls from people pretending to be Sheriff’s Office employees.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the callers tell residents they have missed jury duty and now have a warrant for their arrest. The scammers then claim the supposed warrant or other legal issue can be resolved by paying money.

In some cases, victims are instructed to purchase Green Dot cards or use other methods to send payment.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office says the calls are fraudulent and emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office will not call residents and demand money to resolve a warrant or missed jury duty.

Officials are urging residents not to send money to anyone they do not know, regardless of how convincing or urgent the caller may sound.

Anyone receiving one of the calls who is uncertain whether it is legitimate can contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the information before taking any action.

The warning comes as law enforcement agencies continue to see scammers impersonating officers and government employees in an effort to frighten victims into making immediate payments.

September 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Museum Of LaFayette Seeks Local Cherokee Family Histories For New Exhibit

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The Museum of LaFayette is asking area residents to help document local Cherokee history as the museum prepares a new exhibit at the historic Chattooga Academy in LaFayette.

September 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Historic District Hill Cemetery Project Nears Completion In Walker County

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A decade-long effort to preserve and honor an important piece of African American history in Walker County is nearing completion, with a formal dedication ceremony now scheduled for next month.

August 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Some Walker County Residents Can Get 60% Reimbursement For Septic Repairs

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Some Walker County homeowners with failing septic systems may qualify to have 60% of the cost of repairs reimbursed through a new round of grant funding.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Receives Historic Preservation Grant For Third Survey Phase

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Walker County is one of six Georgia communities selected to receive federal funding for historic preservation work across the state.

August 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Friday Night High School Football Returns To WZQZ With Two Big Matchups

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Friday night lights are back, and WZQZ will be bringing local high school football fans coverage of two big matchups Friday, August 21, as the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs take the field.

The Chattooga Indians will host the LaFayette Ramblers at Chattooga High School, while the Trion Bulldogs will take on arch-rival Gordon Lee in one of Northwest Georgia’s longstanding rivalry games.

Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

WZQZ will provide coverage of both games live on the WZQZ Facebook Page, giving fans the opportunity to follow their favorite local team even if they can’t make it to the stadium.

Radio listeners can tune in to WZQZ 99.1 FM for live coverage of the Trion Bulldogs vs. Gordon Lee matchup.

The Trion-Gordon Lee rivalry has long been one of the most anticipated games on the local high school football calendar, while Chattooga will have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd as the Indians welcome LaFayette to Summerville.

Whether you’re in the stands, watching on Facebook or listening on 99.1 FM, WZQZ will have local football covered Friday night.

Good luck to the Chattooga Indians and Trion Bulldogs!

August 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Al Millard Memorial Walker County Toy Run Set For November 1

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Motorcycles, Christmas spirit and community support will come together this fall for the 2026 Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love Walker County Toy Run.

The annual event is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, with riders gathering at Ridgeland High School, 2478 Happy Valley Road in Rossville. Kickstands are scheduled to go up at 2 p.m.

The toy run benefits the Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love of Walker County, helping provide Christmas gifts for children in the community.

Organizers are asking participants and supporters to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation. All motorcycles and riding clubs are welcome to participate.

The event provides an opportunity for riders, clubs and community members to come together while helping make Christmas brighter for local children. Those who do not ride are also encouraged to support the effort through donations or by helping spread the word.

Organizers are hoping for a strong turnout in 2026 and are encouraging motorcycle clubs and riders from across Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas to take part.

A rain date of Sunday, November 15, 2026, has been scheduled in case weather prevents the event from being held November 1.

August 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Gas Prices Climb As Oil Markets React To Middle East Uncertainty

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Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump this week as rising crude oil prices and continued uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East put upward pressure on gasoline prices.

August 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Multi-Employer Job Fair Set for September 22 in Walker County

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Job seekers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to connect with multiple employers during an upcoming hiring event in Walker County.

WorkSource Georgia and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority will host a multi-employer job fair from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, at the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring.

Employers from Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties are expected to participate and will be recruiting for a variety of available positions.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to create an individual WorkSource Georgia account before the event at www.worksourcegaportal.com.

Job seekers should also bring multiple copies of their resumes so they can speak with several employers and apply for available opportunities during the fair.

The event provides residents from across the four-county region with a chance to meet directly with employers and learn more about current job openings throughout Northwest Georgia.