On Monday, we celebrated a Walker tradition with our Memorial Day Parade. The weather could not have been better. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our great nation’s military. Our parade allows the community to come together and show their gratitude and respect for these fallen heroes. It is fitting that the annual parade is now held on Remembrance Road, as this day must be one of remembrance and reflection. The symbolism of holding our parade on Remembrance Road is one of the reasons why we moved the parade a few years ago. Additionally, the logistics of not having to close a major state roadway like Lake Michigan Drive has been significant. Lastly, the ability to be on grass or in the shade throughout the parade route makes for a more enjoyable time for families with young ones and even our seniors. I need to thank our community for coming out in what seems like record numbers year after year to help ensure the sacrifices of our military personnel are never forgotten. And as always, a round of applause to our City staff for organizing all of this, as well as the organizations that participated in the parade.

A few months back, we celebrated a major announcement of $25 million in funding for the replacement of the Fruit Ridge bridge over I-96. I continue to be asked when will it happen. While this has been years in the making, it is moving with expediency behind the scenes. As it stands now, we are on track for a start date of the 2025 construction season. Recently, crews did some critical repairs and maintenance on the bridge to help get us to that point. Looking ahead, 2025 will be tough because of the bridge replacement, as well as numerous other projects taking place in Walker. Someone coined the phrase “short-term pain for long-term gain.” That sums up the coming years and our need to invest in our roads and infrastructure.

Our 2023 Summer Concert Season kicks off next Thursday at 6:30 pm, with hometown favorite Brena. I would like to extend an invitation to all to come join our community for what I know will be another great concert. As our concertgoers continue to increase, so do the needs we have to make these events a more enjoyable experience. Look for several enhancements and adjustments that support this and we hope to see you there.

As always, thank you for choosing to call Walker home.

Mayor Gary Carey, Jr.

Income Tax Department Updates

Public Works Updates

Slow Down – Most accidents within construction zones involve at least one party driving too fast for the conditions.

Pay Attention to Speed Limit Changes – The posted speed limit will drop on entering a construction zone. Most are familiar with that.

Leave More Space – It’s vital that you leave more space than usual between vehicles when driving in road construction zones.

Be Vigilant – Distracted driving is reaching epidemic proportions. Keep your eyes on the road.

Plan Ahead – Several information sources are at your disposal today, so people should not be surprised by road construction.

Gas Up – A significant number of accidents in a construction zone are caused by someone running out of gas.

Drive Defensively, Not Offensively – Too many people think it's acceptable to drive offensively, using aggressive tactics to force their way around other drivers while disregarding the safety of others.

Information provided from Freedom National.

Fire Department Updates