Recent Gordon County arrests include Tyler Jermaine Higginbotham, 36, Calhoun, GCSO, charged with driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving under the influence, open container, and probation violation – commit new offense o/c: possession of marijuana. Also booked was Trenton Robert Jones, 17, Calhoun, PRS, charged with probation violation – technical violation o/c: poss of handgun under age of 18.
Beyond the daily blotter, today marks September 11, a solemn morning where we pause as a community to honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the extraordinary courage of first responders. In a world often marked by division, this anniversary stands as an enduring reminder of our shared resilience, unity, and strength. Please join me for a brief moment of silence as we remember, reflect, and reaffirm that we will never forget.
Looking toward the weekend, the excitement kicked off following a studio visit yesterday from Bud Owens and Keith King to discuss the Northwest Georgia Fair opening tonight at 5:00 PM at the Agricultural and Event Center. The festivities continue with the annual Fair Parade tomorrow at 11:00 AM, featuring a special tribute honoring our local veterans and first responders.
In municipal business, the Calhoun City Council will convene this coming Monday for a noon work session and a 7:00 PM regular meeting. The council agenda includes plans to name a contractor for Curtis Parkway and Dews Pond Road and the likely introduction of a new police chief. Following Monday’s meeting, we expect to have a city and city schools millage rate to report on Tuesday. Over at the county courthouse, the Gordon County Board of Commissioners continues addressing a legal notice advertising a 14.4% property tax increase. Because the proposed 7.70 millage rate sits higher than the state-mandated 6.728 rollback rate, Georgia law requires it to be labeled an increase. While residential properties could see a $618 drop in their tax bills due to offsetting state relief, commercial properties will absorb the full weight of the hike on their newly reassessed values. In local law enforcement, the Calhoun Police Department is hosting K-9 training alongside the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA), featuring exercises coordinated with Georgia State Patrol Aviation.
On the economic front, local manufacturers are navigating international turbulence as Canada slaps new retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on Northwest Georgia’s flooring exports. Domestic borrowing remains tight with 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering at 6.71%. Financial markets are heavily focused on today’s release of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. Adding to the financial strain, the newly released Producer Price Index (PPI) report signaled an unhealthy trend for consumers, showing that wholesale inflation rose 5.4% annually in August. This surge was heavily driven by a 24.1% spike in diesel fuel prices, putting severe upward pressure on final demand. The broader economic squeeze remains painfully visible at the grocery store, where food prices have surged nearly 30% over recent years. While cattlemen note that imported beef is depressing U.S. cattle markets without lowering retail prices for consumers, over 25% of working-age Americans are charging their groceries on credit cards with 22% interest rates. Crushing inflation is worsened at the pump; regular gas is flirting with $4 and diesel is edging toward $6 as warfare in Iran chokes off the Strait of Hormuz. These skyrocketing diesel prices are forcing steep freight surcharges, ensuring high transportation costs remain baked into everyday consumer goods.
Turning to sports, Friday night lights shine bright as Gordon Central faces Butler for Homecoming tonight at the Ratner, with Foxx and Lorenzo providing full coverage. At the major league level, the Atlanta Braves secured a 3-1 victory yesterday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays. While the Braves did not hit a single double during the game, the offense broke through late in the eighth inning with a string of singles to lock down the win. Up next, the Philadelphia Phillies come to town for a critical weekend series at Truist Park, with the first pitch scheduled for tonight at 7:15 PM.