Comprehensive General Primary Runoff Election Coverage
Good morning, Gordon County. Today is Election Day for the General Primary Runoff, and polls are officially open from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. tonight. We are providing full, comprehensive coverage of today’s crucial matchups, including local Gordon County Board of Education (GCBE) runoff races and the 11th Congressional District runoff.
Heading into today’s vote, our listeners have heard firsthand from GCBE candidates Judy Craig and Dakota Grogan, and we have also spoken with 11th Congressional District candidates Rob Arkerson and John Cowan to break down where they stand on the issues.
While 1,960 early in-person and received absentee ballots have already been cast, the rest of the community heads to the precincts today. A critical reminder for voters in the 849-B City of Calhoun precinct: your voting location has relocated to Belmont Baptist Church on West Belmont Drive due to the demolition at the recreation department. You can verify your polling status online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. Be sure to keep it locked right here to WJTH for updates, and Dakota Grogan will join us live at 7:30 A.M. tomorrow morning to break down all the final incoming numbers.
Education News: New Assistant Principal at Gordon Central
In local education news, the Board of Education announced last night that Mr. Jonathan Fuller is the newest assistant principal at Gordon Central High School. A 2005 Gordon Central graduate and United States Navy veteran, Fuller is returning to his alma mater. He brings a decade of experience within Gordon County Schools, most recently serving in the history department and as head girls’ soccer coach at Sonoraville High School. Fuller says he is honored and excited to return home to the Warrior family.
Tonight: Gordon County Board of Commissioners Meeting & Zoning Hearings
In local government news, the Gordon County Board of Commissioners meets tonight to tackle major county business and hold public hearings on several key zoning requests.
Among the specific zoning items up for review tonight is a conditional use permit for a four-house poultry expansion located on Old Boone Ford Road. Commissioners will also hear a 43-acre rezoning request for a 16-lot residential subdivision submitted by Countryview Estates.
In addition to these property hearings, the board is scheduled to vote on the formal adoption of the FY2027 Budget, appoint key county leadership roles, and review the Mountain Area Transit System operating agreement, which requires a local funding match of just under $170,000.
Local Economic Update
Turning to the local economy, area households are continuing to feel a financial pinch. While the overall inflation rate for the Atlanta metro area is sitting at 2.9%—which is cooler than the national average—the daily cost of living tells a different story.
Food and beverage prices are up 5% over the last year, meaning groceries are taking a significantly bigger bite out of local paychecks. Even with Georgia gas prices holding steady below the national average at $3.76 a gallon, the compounding costs of food, housing, and utilities continue to leave many local families feeling financially squeezed.
Community Events
If you are looking to shop local this morning, the Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market is open today from 8:00 A.M. until noon.
Also in the community, a massive congratulations to the Calhoun Recreation Department’s 8U Black Jackets on their District 5 Championship! Over the course of four nights, the athletes battled through seven games, showing heart, determination, and teamwork. Their bats stayed hot all week as they put up an astounding 95 runs. The District 5 Champions now head to the State Championship in Statesboro next week, ready to compete against the best teams in Georgia.