Birthday Club Winner Announced
Congratulations to Jill Desmond, this week’s Georgia 101.7 Birthday Club winner! Jill will receive a special treat courtesy of World of Wings, proud sponsor of the Birthday Club. To celebrate someone special, you can sign up birthdays anytime at discovergordoncounty.com.
VAC Hosting SNAP Assistance Event Monday
The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) will host a special SNAP (food stamp) outreach event this Monday. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SNAP experts will be on hand to help residents determine eligibility, assist with applications, and answer questions. This event is open to the public and aims to help more families access vital food assistance.
Food Lion to ‘Fill the Truck’ for VAC
Food Lion is teaming up with the VAC for a one-day “Fill the Truck” food drive on Saturday, July 19. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all items going directly to help feed local families in need.
Animal Cruelty Arrest Sparks Community Outrage
James Claude Castle was taken into custody on June 29, 2025, after a warrant was issued by the Calhoun Police Department. The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office carried out the arrest. Castle is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities and animal advocates uncovered what they describe as a prolonged pattern of mistreatment.
The case has garnered significant public attention due in part to the advocacy group “Justice for Destiny,” which had been working for months to get medical care for a severely neglected animal named Destiny. According to the group, neighbors had made repeated reports about the situation over a two-year period, but no enforcement action was taken until recently. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger animal protection measures and faster intervention in cruelty cases.
Sheriff Ralston Issues Scam Alert
Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston is warning residents to be on guard following a wave of scam calls from individuals impersonating deputies. The callers are falsely claiming that residents owe fines or have missed jury duty, threatening arrest if payments aren’t made. Sheriff Ralston reminds the public that the Sheriff’s Office does not collect fines over the phone. All legitimate court business will be handled in person by a uniformed deputy in a marked patrol car. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to authorities.