Gordon County E-911 dispatchers and emergency personnel earned high praise from local officials following severe weather after quickly overcoming an unexpected equipment disruption.
During the worst of the storms, an AT&T equipment issue knocked out primary phone lines at the county dispatch center. 911 personnel responded immediately without missing a beat, routing administrative calls to cell phones while seamlessly transferring incoming emergency lines to Whitfield County E-911 with zero delay in service. Christina Byrd with Gordon County EMA worked directly on-site alongside GEMA and GECA to maintain active backup communications. Gordon County EMA Director Courtney Taylor commended the dedication of local crews across 911, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and public works, thanking Whitfield County for vital mutual aid during the storm.
In local law enforcement updates, area agencies reported several recent bookings:
Christy Ann Aziz, 45, Cartersville, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Burglary, Theft By Taking.
Stephen Matthew Hawkins, 41, Resaca, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Stephen Jarrod Washington, 36, Calhoun, Calhoun Police Department, Cruelty to Children – 3rd Degree (2 counts), Kidnapping (FVA).
Madelin Yanira Herrera Rodas, 22, Calhoun, Georgia State Patrol, Driving Without a Valid License, Following Too Closely.
Darrell Glenn Phillips, 65, Calhoun, Calhoun Police Department, Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children – 3rd Degree, Driving Under the Influence.
Gudmaro Enrique Roblero Mendez, 21, Georgetown, SC, Georgia State Patrol (Housed for Resaca P.D.), Driving While Unlicensed, Speeding (85/70), Use of Safety Belts in Passenger Vehicle.
Cynta Marie Stewart, 44, Resaca, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Driving Under the Influence.
Jonathan Lee Patterson, 36, Plainville, Calhoun Police Department, Bench Warrant (O/C: Obstruction), Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (Misdemeanor).
Eduardo Romo, 49, Maywood, IL, Georgia State Patrol, Driving Under the Influence, Driving With an Expired License, Failure to Maintain Lane, Open Container.
The Calhoun City Council convenes today, October 12, 2026, holding a noon work session followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Depot Community Room. Council members face a full agenda covering major capital projects and fiscal business:
2026 Millage Rates: The council is set to vote on establishing the City of Calhoun millage rate at 2.25 mills and the Calhoun City Schools rollback rate at 10.888 mills.
Infrastructure Investments: Action items include awarding a $3.97 million contract to SmithBuilt Construction Group for a new 2.25-million-gallon water storage tank on Fire Tower Road, approving $322,374 to Northwest Georgia Paving for annual LMIG street resurfacing, and a task order for EXP Engineering to oversee road improvements along Curtis Parkway.
Public Hearings: Hearings include a 52-square-foot floor area variance request for apartments at 400 Harlan Street, a 2.07-acre de-annexation petition on Doubletree Drive, and alcohol licenses for Casa Brasa Peruvian Restaurant and Samarthya Business LLC.
Community Events & Equipment: The council will consider moving Rocktober Fest to Saturday, October 24, following recent weather postponements, while Mayor Palmer confirmed the city’s Halloween schedule for October 30 and 31. Additionally, the Engineering Department has requested to surplus an unused plotter and donate it to the Calhoun High School Construction Department.
On the political front, we recently sat down with two candidates seeking to represent our area: Chris Harden, candidate for the 11th Congressional District, and Rasmus Jensen, candidate for Georgia State House District 5. Discussions centered on regional economic pressures, cost of living, business development, and infrastructure priorities across Northwest Georgia.
Voters interested in checking district assignments, review sample ballots, or viewing official election information can visit the Georgia My Voter Page (MVP) or consult the Georgia Secretary of State Elections Division.
In local sports, congratulations go out to Hunter Hamilton, who took 1st place overall at the Georgia Middle School Cross Country State Championship to bring home the individual state title.
You know, finding the right doctor isn’t always easy. We all want someone who looks past the clipboard and actually takes the time to get to know us. A little while ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Ted Bowers from Hamilton Health – Calhoun right here on the show. We had a fantastic conversation, and the thing that really stood out to me was his absolute dedication to building a true foundation of trust and personal care with every single person who walks through his doors. As a board-certified family physician, he treats folks of all ages right here in our community on Curtis Parkway. Don’t wait until you’re feeling under the weather to find a doctor you can rely on. Give his office a call at 762-268-4904 or head over to VitruvianHealth.com/Calhoun to get set up. Hamilton Health – Calhoun. Part of Vitruvian Health.