ELECTION WATCH
Early voting for the May 19 Primary enters its second week today at the Gordon County Courthouse. Balloting is available at the Main Court House on Wall Street Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with an additional Saturday session scheduled for this Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Notably, Gordon County is lagging significantly behind a noted surge in participation across Georgia. While the state is seeing record-breaking midterm primary turnout, local participation remains low with only 700 ballots cast so far, trailing the local 2022 pace by 40%.
LOCAL ARRESTS
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office processed two weekend bookings. Raymond Rex Beckholt, age 54 of Brosely, Missouri, was arrested by Gordon County Sheriff’s Deputies and charged with two counts of Sex Offender Registry Violation.
Also in custody is 80-year-old Dennis Keith Darrow of Sugar Valley, who was arrested by Gordon County Sheriff’s Deputies and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. Darrow is currently being held with no bond.
BURN BAN & CITATION
Brandi Owczarz reports the summer outdoor burn ban is strictly in effect through September. Local enforcement is underway, and resident Reshard Hamilton was recently issued a citation for an illegal burn violation occurring on April 24 at 911 Franklin Road.
[TRAFFIC ALERT: MOUNT OLIVE UPDATE]
Commuters should plan for delays as Mount Olive Church Road is closed once again for emergency repairs. Gordon County Assistant Administrator Keith King clarified that this closure is to correct a water line compaction mistake made by a contractor.
The road had been reopened from December until today, though it has already undergone various work as issues with the initial repairs were discovered shortly after that December reopening. This follows a previous closure that lasted more than five years. King notes that once this compaction mistake is finally corrected, Gordon County plans to repave the entire road.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
In business news, Mohawk Industries is reporting $117 million in Q1 earnings. Although stock prices saw a 5.3% dip on Friday, the company continues its restructuring efforts to stabilize its long-term financial outlook.
GAS PRICES
Finally, local gas prices in Calhoun are holding steady at an average of $3.79 per gallon. Motorists continue to see relief from the state tax freeze, which has kept local prices stable despite regional fluctuations.