Gordon County Schools return today, Friday, August 7, embracing this year’s district theme to “Grow, Connect, Succeed.” With students heading back to the classroom, increased traffic and school buses are back on local roadways. Drivers should watch carefully for students boarding and leaving buses this morning and afternoon, and everyone is encouraged to plan a few extra minutes into their commute as drivers and students adjust to routes and stops. Motorists are urged to keep safety top of mind: always stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights, allow extra stopping distance, and slow down in active school zones. With new teen drivers on the road, parents and commuters should emphasize minimizing distractions, putting down cell phones, adhering strictly to posted speed limits, and remaining extra vigilant around crosswalks and neighborhood drop-off points.
Local News Update: Calhoun And Gordon County
The Calhoun Police Department released an official statement regarding a series of gang-related arrests tied to an ongoing joint investigation into recent local incidents. Seven individuals—Aiden Rian Genovese, Adonijai Ramikio McConnell, Anson Jace Moseley, Victor Manuel Munoz Arcos, Ze’Bryion Jamar Porter, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, and Joshua Garrett Moreland—were taken into custody on charges including Gang Activities, Burglary 1st Degree, Affray, and Theft by Taking. Police confirmed that the arrests follow a July 14 fight at the Calhoun Recreation Department and a connected city burglary. Detectives note the investigation remains active and ongoing, with additional charges and arrests anticipated.
Meanwhile, investigators continue examining an online transaction that escalated into a shootout last week at 113 Derby Lane in Devonwood. Police arrested 20-year-old Diego Escutia-Cruz in Rome on warrants for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Reckless Conduct. The property itself is facing intense public scrutiny after being illegally converted into four unlicensed apartments without city permits.
Joining us on air this morning are Bruce Potts and Jackie Palazollo, who will discuss the agenda for the Calhoun City Council’s regular meeting coming up this Monday, including key updates on infrastructure demands, proposed data center ordinances, and local tax policy.
At the county level, the Gordon County Board of Commissioners reviewed a year-end financial update showing SPLOST revenues reached $15.82 million and LOST collections hit $9.65 million, driven largely by inflation. Additionally, $7.81 million in FLOST collections has accumulated to help lower homesteaded property tax burdens. However, because sales taxes automatically rise with inflation, higher everyday prices cost the average taxpayer nearly $3,000 per year—potentially equaling or exceeding the property tax relief saved by most homeowners. In formal business, commissioners approved $236,640 for five 2027 Ford Explorers for the Sheriff’s Office, awarded $213,340 for engineering a proposed roundabout at Dews Pond Road and Lovers Lane, and finalized the sale of the last tract in King Industrial Park, returning $565,332 back to the county.
On the diamond, the Atlanta Braves extended their winning streak to eight games with an 11-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday night. Yes, the Braves did hit a double, led by Austin Riley’s RBI ground-rule double alongside an offensive explosion featuring two home runs from Ronald Acuña Jr. and a blast from Matt Olson. Sitting at 70-45 with a firm division lead in the NL East, the Braves now head to New York to open a three-game interleague series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium starting tonight.