The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory across Gordon County and Northwest Georgia through 8:00 PM EDT this evening, Thursday, September 3, with afternoon highs in the mid-90s pushing heat index readings between 105 and 107 degrees; local emergency officials urge everyone to stay hydrated, take frequent indoor shade breaks, and check on vulnerable neighbors, children, and pets.
Local property owners are positioned for notable financial relief as the Gordon County Board of Commissioners formally recommends rolling back the county maintenance and operations tax rate to 7.7 mills for 2026. If approved, this will mark the lowest county millage rate since 2002, falling from 9.042 mills over the last two years. The reduction is anchored by the voter-approved one-percent Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), which brought in $4,087,386 during its first five months to fund dedicated property tax rollback reserves. Factoring in state property tax relief and expected school system rollbacks, the owner of a typical $250,000 homestead will see property taxes drop by approximately $618 compared to last year. County leaders noted that the rate is structured to ensure future staffing funds remain in place for the planned Sugar Valley Fire Station to improve rural insurance ratings. County Administrator Jim Ledbetter announced that public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, followed by a third hearing and final vote at the first commission meeting in October before tax bills mail late next month.
In the latest Gordon County Jail media report, local law enforcement processed the following bookings:
Ashley Sherree Kelley, 41, of Resaca, arrested by the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, charged with disorderly conduct and probation violation (commit new offense: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects).
Terry Lovelace, Jr., 41, of Calhoun, arrested by the Calhoun Police Department, charged with battery.
Allyssa Lynn Lyles, 18, of Calhoun, arrested by the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, charged with simple battery.
On the local medical front, AdventHealth Gordon is conducting a full-scale hazardous materials (Hazmat) preparedness drill today, Thursday, September 3, from approximately 9:00 AM to noon in partnership with city and county public safety agencies. The routine training exercise takes place on the AdventHealth Gordon hospital campus, involving local fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. Area residents and drivers will notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles—including fire apparatus, police units, and ambulances—around the facility. Hospital officials stress that the public should not be alarmed, as normal hospital operations and patient care will continue without disruption while first responders test emergency response procedures and inter-agency coordination.
Meanwhile in regional healthcare, AdventHealth broke ground yesterday on its new $185,000-square-foot hospital campus in Chatsworth, featuring keynote remarks from Governor Brian Kemp. The 42-bed facility is slated to open in 2028, incorporating local stone construction and adding expanded emergency department rooms, surgical suites, intensive care beds, and a cardiac catheterization lab.
Broader economic headwinds continue as crude oil prices hover near multi-month highs, with Brent crude trading above $95 a barrel and WTI topping $90 amid military tensions in the Persian Gulf. Elevated diesel prices are driving up transportation costs along Interstate 75 and raising polymer resin input costs for area synthetic yarn and flooring mills. The energy spike has also reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a restrictive policy stance at its September 15–16 meeting, keeping area home loan rates locked between 6% and 7%. Meanwhile, the Northwest Georgia carpet and flooring sector prepares for Canadian retaliatory tariffs taking effect September 8, imposing 25% duties on carpet and 50% on non-nylon synthetics and PVC floor products, on top of ongoing global duties and a 50% U.S. tariff on Canadian core wood materials.
Turning to local community events:
Calhoun Rec Fall Sports Opening Tailgate & Picture Day: Takes place tonight, Thursday, September 3, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Calhoun Recreation Football Field, featuring fall sports athlete recognition, official team picture sessions, and youth sports apparel vendors.
Northwest Georgia Fair: Opens Friday, September 11, and runs through September 19 at the Northwest Georgia Agricultural and Event Center on Liberty Road. Gates open at 5:00 PM daily ($8 admission, ages 5 and under free), featuring carnival midway rides, the All American Animal Petting Zoo, Agri-Golf, bubble shows, magic performances, high school band nights, and 4-H/FFA livestock shows. The Fair Patriots Parade steps off downtown on Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 AM.
Georgia DNR Hunter Safety Course: An in-person certification class will take place September 23 and 24 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Sonoraville High School.
Bettye Butler Memorial Unity Run 5K: Registration is open for United Way of Gordon County’s circus-themed “Under the Big Top” 5K and walk in Downtown Calhoun.
Gordon County Young Farmers: Pre-orders continue for custom decorative hay bale animals for local business displays.
In Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves shut out the Washington Nationals 9–0 yesterday afternoon, and yes, the Braves did hit a double. Because a double was hit, fans can claim a free McDonald’s McDouble today with any purchase in the McDonald’s app. The Braves are off today before opening a road series against the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow night at 6:40 PM EDT.