Red Cross Blood Drive Friday at The Bank of LaFayette

The Bank of LaFayette will host a community blood drive with Blood Assurance on Friday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 W. Patton Street in LaFayette.

Community members are encouraged to give local and help save local lives. All donors between February 1–14 will receive a special “Donor for Life” tattoo shirt as a thank-you gift.

To prepare for donation, donors are asked to eat a good meal, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks, and bring a valid ID.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.bloodassurance.org/bankla or by calling 1-800-962-0628.

Georgia Gas Prices Hold Steady as February Begins, Offering Relief for Local Drivers

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Georgia drivers are seeing familiar numbers at the pump this week, as the state’s average gas price remains unchanged from last week. As of Monday, the average is holding at $2.66 per gallon, though motorists could still see minor day-to-day fluctuations depending on location and timing.

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

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.

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Fire Danger and Warmer Days Ahead for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are heading into a stretch of dry, breezy weather that could elevate fire danger this weekend, followed by a noticeable warm-up as next week begins.

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Four Candidates Qualify for Senate District 53 Special Election After Colton Moore Resigns

Voters across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will have four names to choose from in the Georgia State Senate District 53 special election on March 10, after qualifying ended Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m.

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LaFayette Man Sentenced to 65 Years After Conviction on Child Molestation and Privacy Charges

A Walker County jury has convicted Michael Forker, a 74-year-old man from LaFayette, on charges of Child Molestation, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Following the verdict on December 3, 2025, Forker was sentenced by Lookout Mountain Superior Court Chief Judge Brian House to 65 years in prison, with 58 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

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Georgia Gas Prices Ease Again as Statewide Average Drops to $2.66

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Gas prices across Georgia eased over the weekend, supported by strong in-state fuel supplies and softer regional demand, even as the national average moved higher. As of Monday, the statewide average for regular unleaded is $2.66 per gallon, though minor day-to-day fluctuations are still possible.

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Chickamauga City Council Postpones Mayor Deck Hearing After Crowd Exceeds Meeting Space

The Chickamauga City Council issued a prepared statement Saturday night, Jan. 31, following Friday’s public hearing that had been scheduled regarding Mayor Trey Deck.

City officials apologized for what they called a lack of space to accommodate the public at the special-called meeting on Jan. 30, saying the turnout was so large that many people were unable to enter the venue. The council said it unanimously voted to postpone the hearing until a larger, more suitable location can be arranged.

The statement also says the city is following legal guidance on what information can be released publicly to protect the mayor’s right to a fair hearing. The council noted that the mayor’s attorney received notice and evidence of the allegations on Jan. 15, and that one of the allegations involves a human resources matter requiring discretion. The city says details and evidence will be presented during the rescheduled public hearing, where the mayor will have the opportunity to respond.

Qualifying Underway for Georgia Senate District 53 Special Election

Qualifying is now underway for the District 53 seat in the Georgia State Senate. The Special Election will be held on March 10 in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and a portion of Floyd Counties to fill the vacancy created by Senator Colton Moore’s qualifying for the special election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District for the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Light Snow Showers Expected in Northwest Georgia, Dangerous Cold and Wind Chills Follow

Snow at Cloudland (5AM) Saturday morning (Photo Credit: Wendy Brown)

While the heaviest snowfall is expected to remain east of our area, Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties in Northwest Georgia will see light snow showers this morning, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.

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