At about 8:15pm on Friday night, deputy sheriffs were requested to assist Calhoun Police in a vehicle pursuit of an individual wanted for Attempted Murder in Tennessee. The pursuit began in Calhoun and progressed east on SR 156 (Red Bud Road). The suspect, identified as Larry Nichols, driving a truck, was traveling at speeds in excess on 90 miles per hour, and recklessly into oncoming traffic, willfully creating an extremely treacherous situation. Just east of Red Bud, a deputy sheriff executed a PIT maneuver, forcing the dangerous fugitive from the roadway. His truck crashed down an embankment and he was apprehended without further resistance. The criminal investigation is being led by Calhoun Police in conjunction with Tennessee authorities. There are no other suspects at large, and no further danger to the public.
Flu activity in Georgia is currently increasing as we move into the peak of the winter season.
While specific city-level data for Calhoun isn’t public, the Northwest Georgia (District 1) and surrounding regions are seeing a rise in influenza-like illness (ILI). As of mid-to-late December 2025, statewide activity is trending upward, with Influenza A (specifically the H3N2 strain) being the dominant virus currently circulating.
Current Georgia Flu Trends (Dec 2025)
* Activity Level: The state is currently categorized as having moderate to high activity.
* Dominant Strain: Over 90% of confirmed cases are Influenza A.
* Peak Timing: Historically, Georgia sees its highest flu rates between late December and early March, making the current window the most critical for prevention.
Best Practices for Prevention
Since the H3N2 strain can sometimes be more severe for older adults and young children, health officials emphasize a multi-layered approach:
1. Vaccination
* It’s Not Too Late: It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
* Trivalent Formulation: The 2025-2026 vaccine is a trivalent formula designed to protect against the specific H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria strains currently in circulation.
2. Everyday Hygiene
* Handwashing: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
* Avoid Touching Your Face: Germs often enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Disinfect Surfaces: Focus on “high-touch” areas like doorknobs, light switches, and phones, especially if someone in the house is feeling unwell.
3. Behavioral Changes
* Stay Home: The CDC recommends staying home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
* Physical Distance: Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing.
* Masking: In crowded indoor spaces (like grocery stores or pharmacies), wearing a well-fitted mask can significantly reduce the risk of inhalation.
4. Early Treatment
* If you develop symptoms (sudden high fever, body aches, dry cough), contact a doctor within 48 hours. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu are most effective when started early to shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
Would you like me to find the nearest locations in Calhoun where you can still get a flu shot?
