Qualifying has officially ended for the 2026 election cycle for several local offices, and the list of candidates who have qualified to run has now been released.
For County Commissioner, District 2, three candidates qualified:
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George Kenneth Hayes, Jr. (R)
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Chad Steward, Incumbent (R)
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Joshua L. Boling (D)
For County Commissioner, District 4, the candidates are:
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Justin Henderson (R)
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Johnny Martin (R)
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Kurt Sutherland, Incumbent (R)
For County Board of Education, Post 1, the only candidate to qualify was:
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Charles “Charlie” Walraven, Incumbent (R)
For County Board of Education, Post 3:
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Steven Proper (R)
For County Board of Education, Post 5:
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Mericia Henderson (R)
For County Board of Education, Post 7, three candidates qualified:
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Judy M. Craig (R)
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Dakota Grogan (R)
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Sheila Wheat (R)
The Gordon Gazette and Georgia 101.7 plan to invite all candidates to appear on Coffee, Country & Great Conversation – Brent & Brandi in the Morning on Georgia 101.7. Interview dates will be announced on social media.
Firefighters Respond to Two Weekend Fires
Local firefighters responded to two separate fires over the weekend.
On Saturday, Gordon County Fire Rescue responded to a residential fire on Trimble Hollow Road. Gordon County Fire Rescue Chief Heath Derryberry said the structure sustained significant damage, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.
On Sunday evening, Calhoun Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on Union Grove at the Bypass near Buc-ee’s. The fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
State School Superintendent Visits Local Schools
Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Gordon County on Friday, making stops at Red Bud Middle School and Calhoun Middle School to recognize academic achievements.
During the visit to Red Bud Middle School, Superintendent Woods presented Tolbert Elementary School with a Literacy Leader banner and added updated recognition to Red Bud Middle School’s Math Leader banner.
At Calhoun Middle School, Woods formally recognized the school as a Math Leader School, highlighting strong achievement and growth in mathematics.