Walker County Newsletter Issue #2

March 13, 2017

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Walker County Newsletter Issue #2

Every edition of the Walker County Newsletter recaps recent developments you may have missed. We also feature updates on ongoing initiatives, animals in need of adoption and upcoming events. This issue covers topics ranging from tiny homes and rate changes at the landfill, to our partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections to train firefighters. If there's something you'd like to see featured in an upcoming issue, send us an e-mail. Also, if you have friends who would enjoy reading this publication, ask them to opt in here.

Next Walker County Commissioner's Meeting: Thursday March 23rd at 6:30 pm
Commissioner's Office • 101 South Duke Street • LaFayette, Georgia 30728

Ongoing Initiatives

Since January 1st, our litter crew has picked up over 12 tons of trash along the side of our roads. It's not all plastic bottles, fast food bags and candy wrappers. The crew has found things like mattresses, a television and a sink! They've also collected over 200 tires.

Our litter crew has been picking up trash in the following areas: Schmidt Rd., Fields Rd., Thacker Rd., Kensington Rd., Patten Ln., Rock Creek Rd., West Valley Rd., Old Grand Center Rd., Happy Valley Rd., Wilson Rd., Lytle Rd., Jenkins Rd, Virginia Ave., Park City Rd., Lake Howard Rd., Veeler Rd., Five Points, Old Ringgold Rd., Hurtt Rd., Vittetoe Rd., Carolyn Dr. among others.

Before & After

Here's an issue we recently addressed. A citizen alerted us to a manhole sticking out on Diamond Circle. The Road Department patched it up and leveled out the surface.

New Landfill Rates

Several new rate changes took effect at the landfill on March 1st. Household garbage now costs $40.00 per ton, up from $38.50. A $6.00 minimum charge covers the first 300 lbs. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste also increased to $30.00 per ton, from $25.50.

The landfill has been losing about $500,000.00 a year. Commissioner Shannon Whitfield hopes these new rates, along with some operational changes, will help the landfill achieve a break even status.

Moratoriums

Commissioner Whitfield issued several moratoriums in February, putting a 180 day hold on accepting applications for cargo container homes, tiny houses under 500 square feet, hydraulic fracking and commercial deep well drilling. The move gives our Planning & Zoning Committee time to develop proper guidelines and ordinances for public safety and to protect property owners.

Our New Firefighters

Walker County Emergency Services welcomed 8 new firefighters to the ranks in February. The latest recruitment class includes 6 firefighters who were assigned to WCES duty stations and 2 that are assigned to Company 8 at Walker State Prison.

Heroes and Helpers

When our firefighters weren't battling smoke and flames, they were in the community finding other ways to help. Crews performed free blood pressure checks, handed out fire safety material, and visited with school children to show them what it means to be a firefighter.

Firefighters also helped sort bags for the Chickamauga Active Living Center's monthly produce delivery. They bagged onions, carrots and grapes to give to Seniors in the community.

What are you doing for lunch this Friday? Drop by La Familia in Rossville, check out one of their daily lunch specials and visit with Commissioner Shannon Whitfield as he supports Georgia Small Business Week.

Lunch Conversation with the Commissioner:
Friday March 17th from 11:45am to 1:45pm
La Familia • 516 Chickamauga Avenue • Rossville, Georgia 30741

Did you see our first Walker County Profile video? You can watch it on facebook or Youtube. This story highlights the unique partnership between Walker County, Georgia and the Walker State Prison Fire Department, a Georgia Department of Corrections facility. We extend thanks to Northwest Georgia Scanner Prayers For Matthew and Walker County Emergency Services for their contributions.

Next Walker County Development Authority Meeting:
Tuesday March 14th at 10:00am
Walker County Civic Center • 10052 N Highway 27 • Rock Spring, Georgia 30739

Help End Petlessness

Meet Madame Bleu. She's an older blue domestic shorthair cat. Madame Bleu has two special talents. She's great at head bumping and making biscuits! We think she must have played soccer and kneaded dough in a bread factory during 2 of her 9 lives. For adoption information, contact the Walker County Animal Shelter at 706-375-2100 between 10:00am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday or 8:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday.

Coming next issue: Enforcing our Codes

The Walker County Board of Elections & Registration recently voted to change the polling location for residents in the Center Post Precinct. The new polling location will be the Walnut Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The move will reduce the travel time for the bulk of voters who live in this precinct. The Board also voted to change the name of the Center Post Precinct to the Walnut Grove Precinct. Voters who live in the blue area pictured will receive new voter registration cards. The first election utilizing this new polling location will be in 2018.