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August 1, 2026

Walker County Considers Tax Increase, Higher Safety Fee to Fund Additional Firefighters

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Walker County commissioners are considering several options to fund nine additional firefighter positions, including a potential property tax increase or higher public safety fees. The discussion took place during a special called meeting as county leaders continue work on the fiscal year 2027 budget.

County officials say adding nine firefighters would allow each fire engine to respond with a minimum of three firefighters, improving staffing levels and emergency response. To pay for the positions, one option discussed would increase the county millage rate by about 9% in unincorporated areas and 11% in incorporated areas. Another proposal would increase the county’s public safety fee, including eliminating the current $600 annual cap for larger homes.

Commissioners also discussed reducing the number of new positions, using reserve funds, or combining several funding options. Officials noted that although Walker County’s property tax digest has grown significantly over the past several years, repeated millage rate rollbacks have kept county property tax revenue relatively flat.

No decision has been made. Any increase in the millage rate would require public hearings before commissioners could take a final vote. The next Walker County Commission meeting is scheduled for August 6.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Friday – July 31, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 31, 2026:

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Stormy Weekend Ahead as Heavy Rain, Strong Storms Return to Northwest Georgia

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After a welcome break from the heat and humidity, Northwest Georgia will see one more day of pleasant weather before an active weekend weather pattern moves into the area.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Community Rallying to Help Chattooga High Band Purchase New Equipment Trailer

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A community fundraising effort is underway to help the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band replace its equipment trailer after the current trailer was deemed unsafe for travel.

The fundraiser, organized by band supporter and alumna Celia Greene Holt, aims to raise money to purchase a new trailer that will safely transport the band’s instruments and equipment to football games, competitions and other events.

In a social media post, Holt said the Chattooga High School band has been a source of pride for generations of students, families, alumni and the community. Now, as the grandmother of a current band member, she said helping preserve that tradition has become deeply personal.

Holt encouraged anyone who has enjoyed the band’s performances or cherishes memories of Friday night football games to consider making a donation or sharing the fundraiser with others.

As of this week, the online fundraiser had raised a portion of its $2,800 goal.

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep Chattooga Band Rolling with a New Trailer.”

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Approves 180-Day Moratorium On Cargo Container Homes And Other Non-Traditional Developments

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has approved a 180-day moratorium on certain non-traditional residential developments while the county reviews and updates its land-use regulations.

The resolution places a temporary halt on accepting permit applications for cargo container homes and structures, tiny home developments, multi-service community developments, mixed-use developments, and other non-traditional residential projects not specifically addressed in the county’s current ordinances.

According to the resolution, the county believes the pause is necessary to study the health and safety implications of these types of developments, including structural standards, impacts on existing neighborhoods, property values, public health, and community welfare. The document also states the county has recently become aware of multiple non-traditional building styles and development projects that are not adequately covered under current regulations.

The moratorium will remain in effect for 180 days, although the resolution allows it to be renewed or extended if county officials determine additional time is needed to complete the review process.

The resolution became effective immediately upon approval by Sole Commissioner Andy Allen.

Commissioner Allen has emphasized throughout the process that the moratorium is intended to provide time to develop appropriate regulations and is not a permanent ban on these types of developments.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GEMA/HS Names Kirk Smith Deputy Director Of Homeland Security Division

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The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has appointed Kirk Smith as the new Deputy Director of its Homeland Security Division.

Smith most recently served as GEMA/HS Homeland Security Operations Manager. In his new role, he will oversee Homeland Security Operations, Intelligence, and Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, helping coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen preparedness, security and resilience.

Before joining GEMA/HS, Smith spent nearly 18 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served in several roles, including field agent, child abuse specialist, crime scene specialist and field training agent. He also served as a civilian law enforcement advisor with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb praised Smith’s leadership and experience, saying his commitment to preparedness and coordination will help strengthen the agency’s mission of protecting Georgia communities from natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.

As part of the Governor’s Office, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal partners to coordinate disaster response, emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts throughout Georgia.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

United Way’s 211 Service Connects Residents To Help With Just Three Digits

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When families face financial hardship or unexpected challenges, knowing where to turn for help can be one of the biggest obstacles. United Way of Floyd, Polk & Chattooga Counties is working to remove that barrier by connecting residents with assistance through the 211 helpline.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Department Of Corrections Recruiting Employees, Including At Hays State Prison

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The Georgia Department of Corrections is continuing to recruit new employees across the state, including at Hays State Prison in Trion, where several positions are currently available.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Curtain Call Presents Newsies Jr. Today And Tomorrow

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Chattooga Curtain Call will bring the Broadway musical Newsies Jr. to the stage today and tomorrow, continuing its tradition of giving local students opportunities to perform and develop their talents in the performing arts.

The production features a cast of area students who have spent the summer rehearsing the high-energy musical, which is based on the true story of the 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The family-friendly show follows a group of young newspaper sellers who join together to demand fair treatment while learning lessons about courage, friendship and teamwork.

Chattooga Curtain Call is a local nonprofit organization that has provided theater experiences for students throughout Chattooga County and surrounding communities for more than a decade. The organization helps young performers build skills in acting, singing and stage performance while supporting the performing arts locally.

Performances are scheduled for today at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Connect City Church.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through Venmo at @Chattooga-Curtain-Call. Buyers will receive confirmation and their tickets will be held at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Inmate Charged After Altercation With Officers At Chattooga County Jail

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An inmate at the Chattooga County Jail is facing additional charges following an incident that deputies say involved resisting officers and assaulting a detention officer.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Martin Roberson, 37, was charged following an incident on July 23 inside the jail. Deputies reported Roberson had been damaging a jail-issued tablet with a glass screen and also damaging a jail cell window when officers responded to restrain him.

The incident report states Roberson refused repeated commands to get off a table inside a cell block. Officers deployed a Taser after he allegedly resisted efforts to remove him from the table. Deputies reported the Taser was effective, and Roberson was then secured in a restraint chair.

Afterward, a detention officer reported that Roberson spit on him, with saliva striking the officer’s right hand. The officer requested that charges be filed.

Roberson was charged with Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (Misdemeanor) and Simple Battery Against a Law Enforcement/Detention Officer.