Gordon County News & Community Update: Tax Bills Arrive, Local Events, and Free Health Screenings
Local Taxes & Revenue Property tax bills are officially arriving in Gordon County mailboxes this week. Most homeowners will see savings, though commercial and rental property owners are facing significant increases. On the county revenue side, local sales tax collections have flattened out because Gordon County has hit its maximum statutory collection limit on retail gas. For drivers, however, the state gas tax suspension remains in effect through November 30th.
National Economic Pressures These local economic pressures reflect a broader national squeeze, with inflation metrics climbing and economists projecting a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in December. In the corporate world, McDonald’s is rolling out new value bundles and permanent combo-meal price cuts to win back budget-conscious diners. The retail sector is also hurting, with The Children’s Place preparing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to an unsustainable debt load. Meanwhile, on Wall Street, the tech sector recently plunged into correction territory, erasing over $1 trillion in market value over fears of massive, unprofitable AI spending and new regulatory uncertainty.
County Government & Public Safety Back at home, the Board of Commissioners has approved over $227,000 for HVAC replacements at the Gordon County Jail and the Sonoraville Recreation Center. Gordon County Fire Rescue completed a successful live fire training exercise yesterday in Sugar Valley, giving crews critical hands-on experience. Additionally, the Emergency Management Department continues to operate on just half a percent of the county budget, successfully returning nearly $220,000 to the General Fund over the last nine years.
Recent Jail Bookings Over at the Gordon County Jail, recent bookings include:
Devin Matthew Harris, 31, Calhoun, CPD, driving under the influence, manufacture/sell/dispense/
Robert Lee Pack, 51, Ootlewah, GCSO, fugitive from justice, theft by bringing stolen property into state, theft by taking.
Tabitha Bradley Simmons, 39, Fairmount, CPD, simple battery.
Kyler Eric Wagner, 31, Calhoun, CPD, deposit account fraud, forgery – 4th degree, fraud-financial identity.
Community Updates & Events This morning on the air, we were thrilled to be joined by Claire Norman from the United Way of Gordon County, along with Emily Tarpley and Terri Blackstock from AdventHealth Gordon.
They highlighted an important upcoming health initiative: AdventHealth Gordon, in partnership with the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, is hosting a Free Lung Cancer Screening. The event is designed for patients without insurance coverage who qualify on National Lung Cancer Screening Day. The screenings will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the AdventHealth Harris Radiation Therapy Center. Limited space is available, and registration is required by calling 706-879-5850.
In other community news:
The Harris Arts Center is hosting a free First Friday Storytime for toddlers this morning at 10:30 a.m..
After school, kids can practice reading to therapy dogs at the Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library this afternoon at 4:00 p.m..
Looking ahead to next week, the Calhoun City Schools Veterans Day Parade is next Wednesday, November 11th.
Next Saturday, November 14th, Gordon County Schools will host a community food distribution event.
Finally, with Thanksgiving approaching, the Voluntary Action Center Community Kitchen needs donations of boxed stuffing, pasta noodles, and gravy to provide warm holiday meals for local families. Donations can be dropped off at their South Wall Street facility.