Gordon County Update: Public Safety, Development, and Commission Actions
Welcome to our comprehensive look at the latest news, community events, and county government actions across Gordon County. From urgent public safety updates to major decisions made during the latest Board of Commissioners meeting, here is everything you need to know.
Public Safety & Community Updates
Missing Juvenile Search
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate Hallie Michelle Bryant, a runaway juvenile who was last seen leaving her home on Greeson Road. Bryant is described as a white female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with hazel eyes and red-black hair. She was last seen wearing green shorts and a black top. Authorities confirm that she left willingly with a male individual, and investigators emphasize there is no evidence of kidnapping or foul play. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
If you or someone you know is facing a personal crisis or emotional distress, free, confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Recent Jail Bookings
Local law enforcement activity resulted in several recent bookings at the Gordon County jail, including:
Julie Boggs, age 50 of Calhoun, arrested by CPD on charges including Criminal Attempt: Theft by Taking, Forgery in the 4th Degree, Identity Theft Fraud, and Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers.
Jerry Mitchell Howren, age 57 of Cartersville, arrested by GCSO for Probation Violation on a new offense charge of Trafficking Methamphetamine.
Steve Paris Building Renaming Ceremony
Community members are invited to join Gordon County Public Works this Thursday at 3:30 p.m. as they officially rename their building in honor of the late Steve Paris, who served as the longtime Public Works Director before passing away earlier this year.
Spotlight on Veteran Support: Hero Agriculture
Earlier today, our morning broadcast welcomed Mike Reynolds, founder of Hero Agriculture (heroag.com), to discuss the vital work his organization does to support veterans through agriculture and community engagement.
Economic Development & Joint Development Authority
The Gordon-Floyd Joint Development Authority meets today at 2:00 p.m. at the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. Discussions center around strong developer interest in a major project slated for the Dodd Avenue industrial area, following prior meetings between county leadership and prospective developers.
Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights
BP Food Mart License Denial & Owner Arrest
At the August 18 Board of Commissioners meeting, the board officially denied the off-premises alcohol license application for BP Food Mart (SV 786, LLC) on Shope Lake Road. The denial followed findings that the business continued selling alcohol, tobacco, and vape products after its 2025 license expired. During the hearing, a company spokesman attempted to shift blame to an employee, but County Administrator Jim Ledbetter pushed back, noting that ownership was well aware that new inventory was actively being ordered and sold.
Following the meeting, store owner Noorjahan S. Porbunderwalla (age 60 of Lawrenceville) was arrested by Calhoun Police (Officer Craig #47) and booked into the Gordon County jail on misdemeanor charges for unlawful sales and licensing violations regarding tobacco and vape products.
Additional Alcohol Licensing Approvals
MAPCO 3608 (973 Rome Road): The board approved the change of responsible party application to Yvette Lee Laney. This administrative item corrected an earlier advertising date clerical error from August 4.
Calhoun City Mart & Deli (1219 Hwy 41 Ste A): Commissioners approved a new off-premises beer and wine license for Calhoun City Mart LLC, submitted by applicant Katherine Prudhomme and property owner Qader Ali Mohammed.
Mille Rate & Tax Bill Timeline
County officials announced the official schedule for setting the millage rate, featuring a new lower rate to be unveiled in early September. Three public hearings are scheduled:
September 15 at Noon
September 15 at 6:00 p.m.
October 6 at 6:00 p.m. (followed immediately by formal Board adoption) Property tax bills are anticipated to be mailed out by the Tax Commissioner in mid-to-late October.
Community Development Department Reorganization
The board formally adopted the organizational reorganization plan for the Community Development Department under Director Daren Brown. This milestone formalizes the unification of planning and zoning, building inspection, soil and erosion, code enforcement, and permits under a single umbrella—a vision initially discussed on local airwaves last year.
GCBC & GCBE Real Property Exchange
The board finalized a land swap agreement with the Gordon County Board of Education. The county exchanged a tract of land on the backside of the Sonoraville Recreation Department (designated for school parking) for a school-owned tract at the old Liberty school site adjacent to the new agricultural and events center. A mandatory public hearing held prior to the vote drew no public opposition.
FY27 Budget Internal Adjustments
Commissioners approved General Fund budget adjustments representing internal financial swaps rather than new spending. These reallocations balance projected building permit revenues and shift internal funds to support Building & Grounds maintenance, Magistrate Court legal fees, County Clerk equipment, and Building Inspection personnel within the reorganized department.
SPLOST Fire Engine Allocation
The board adjusted 2024 SPLOST allocations by $1,676,166—reducing funds closing into the fund balance—to fully fund a previously awarded fire engine arriving for Fire Rescue during the current fiscal year, bringing total machinery and equipment budgeting for the item to $2,045,252.
Debris Monitoring Agreement Renewal
Commissioners approved a three-year renewal of the disaster debris monitoring agreement with DebrisTech, LLC. The contract operates at absolute zero cost to the county, ensuring the vendor is only compensated if services are actively rendered.
Planning & Zoning Approvals
All three zoning and land-use applications passed unanimously (5-0) as recommended by the planning commission:
RZ-26-45 (Craigtown Road): Approved rezoning 4.94 acres at 504 Craigtown Rd NE from Agricultural (A-1) to Residential (R-1) for Manuel Vega to facilitate a family residential subdivision.
RZ-26-46 (Timms Loop): Approved rezoning 0.786 acres at 192 Timms Loop SE from A-1 to R-1 for Andrew Jones to resolve existing setback nonconformities.
RZ-26-47 (Newtown Loop): Approved rezoning 5.82 acres at 346 Newtown Loop NE from A-1 to R-1 for Bron Stanley to allow multi-lot residential development within the Emerging Suburban character area.
Stay tuned to WJTH for ongoing coverage and updates on these developing stories throughout the week.