Four Gordon County firefighters received the Medal of Valor at last night’s Board of Commissioners meeting following a dramatic Sunday rescue. Battalion Chief Bo Nicholson, Lieutenant Zack Crow, Sergeant Jake Nicholson, and Probationary Firefighter Kevin Commancho pushed into a Plainville home that was 70% engulfed in flames to pull an elderly woman to safety. She remains in a burn unit in critical condition.
During that same meeting, the Commission accepted a Homeland Security grant of just under 50,000 dollars for fire equipment that will cost local taxpayers zero dollars. The Board also officially approved the state initiative for the rabies vaccine drop and is looking to pass the 2027 budget on June 16. No members of the public showed up to speak during the budget hearing. Additionally, it was noted that local sales tax collections are up; however, state economists point out that actual retail sales are flat or declining, meaning the revenue bump is a direct result of inflation raising consumer prices on goods.
Gordon County gas prices are dropping as low as $3.40 a gallon this morning, sitting well below the statewide average of $3.80. Keep in mind, the reinstated state motor fuel tax will hit the pumps as local stations reorder fuel. When that happens, expect an added 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gas and 37.4 cents on diesel.
A major automotive supplier in neighboring Bartow County has announced mass layoffs starting August 1st. According to a state WARN notice, Constellium Automotive USA in White is cutting 57 of its 99 positions. The permanent reduction hits all levels of the plant, which has produced lightweight aluminum car parts since 2017. No official local statement has been released regarding the sudden downsizing.
Early voting for the June 16 General Primary Runoff runs Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Elections office.
Leading the ballot locally, Judy M. Craig faces Dakota Grogan for Gordon County Board of Education Post 7, though City of Calhoun residents are not eligible to vote in this race. As a programming note, Judy Craig has joined us on the air multiple times to discuss her platform and reasons for running; opponent Dakota Grogan has not responded to multiple invitations to appear on the program.
Also on the ballot is the 11th Congressional District Republican runoff between Rob Adkerson and John Cowan, plus a U.S. Senate GOP runoff between Mike Collins and Derek Dooley. Statewide runoffs include Burt Jones and Rick Jackson for Governor, alongside races for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State School Superintendent. There is no Public Service Commission runoff, and as a final reminder, there is no runoff in the 54th Georgia Senate District.
Georgia Power bills are dropping slightly this month, saving the average household about $4.04 following a PSC settlement. This small relief comes after rate hikes added nearly $45 a month since 2024. To help offset costs, residents can access federal HEAR and HER grants for home efficiency upgrades. Local approved contractor Anderson Heating, Air & Insulation can help determine your qualifications at 706-629-0749.
Finally, the Voluntary Action Center is launching its Summer Fun Drive. Director Miranda Bentley says the VAC Kitchen desperately needs water bottles, variety pack chips, and bulk-sized canned vegetables this June. You can drop off donations directly at the VAC to help stock the pantry for local families this summer.
Community Events & Local Tourism Updates
We were joined on the air by Mayor Jimmy Palmer, Director of Tourism Jill Repp, and Downtown Development Authority Director Lacey Fuquea to discuss a vibrant lineup of local events and initiatives happening in our area. The conversation highlighted the highly anticipated Wings and Wheels showcase, the beautiful Lavender Days at the local lavender farms, and various other community-driven projects organized through the city and county. For more details on these initiatives or to contact the tourism office directly, you can reference the contact information provided in the file 0709826a-c92b-4a3c-b604-
In today’s community events, the Calhoun-Gordon County Library, located at 100 North Park Avenue, is hosting a Stretchband Workout with Nancy at 10:00 a.m. This class is open to all adults 18 and older.
Also, Christian Community Outreach is currently seeking sponsors for their upcoming Back to School Celebration Event. This local organization operates a free clothing closet out of World Harvest Church Calhoun at 2335 Red Bud Road Northeast and consistently provides free clothes and shoes for all ages. If you would like to sponsor the back-to-school drive, you can drop off donations on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. You can also get involved by contacting Sherry Turner at 678-767-0071 or by emailing [email protected].
Looking ahead to tomorrow, AdventHealth Murray will host a Community AngioScreen event from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This 10-minute vascular screening is designed to help identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke before symptoms occur. The complete screening costs $85 per person, and appointments are required. You can schedule your time by calling the AngioScreen office at 706-290-8008.
Moving into the weekend, the annual Calhoun Wings & Wheels Day at Tom B. David Airport has been rescheduled for this Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free community event features a variety of aircraft and classic cars on display, live take-off and landing demonstrations, and local food vendors.
For your weekend evening plans, the historic Gem Theatre will host a live performance by Confederate Railroad this Saturday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m.
If you are looking for even more live entertainment, KC and the Sunshine Band will be playing this Friday at the Forum in Rome. We are giving away tickets, and there are two ways to win: You can sign up in person at Tom & Hattie’s in Adairsville, or you can send a message to the Georgia 101.7 Facebook page—just type “send me” in the message.
Also, tickets are available now for the Calhoun Little Theatre’s upcoming production of Godspell at the Harris Arts Center. The musical, which is based on the Gospel according to Matthew, is set to run later this month from June 19th through June 27th.
As a quick reminder for local artists, the submission deadline for the 2026 Regional Art Show at the Harris Arts Center is coming up this Friday, June 5.
Finally, don’t miss out on the local outdoor activities planned for the Oostanaula River event taking place this Saturday.