Advanced Voting Underway for May 19 General Primary
Early voting for the upcoming General Primary officially commenced yesterday, Monday, April 27. The Gordon County Board of Elections and Registration reported a steady turnout for the first day, with 149 residents casting their ballots in person.
Advanced voting is held at the Gordon County Courthouse, located at 100 S. Wall Street, Suite 1, Calhoun, Georgia. The current schedule is as follows:
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Voting Period |
Days |
Hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
April 27 – May 15 |
Monday – Friday |
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|
Saturday Voting |
May 2 & May 9 |
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Legal Update: Life Sentence Handed Down in Sexual Offense Case
In a significant ruling at the Gordon County Superior Court, Christopher Allan Summers of Resaca has been sentenced to life in prison. The sentencing follows a March 27 trial where a Gordon County jury found Summers guilty of 16 sexual offenses against a female juvenile.
On April 16, Superior Court Judge Rosemary M. Greene ordered Summers to serve the first 30 years of his life sentence in prison. The prosecution was led by District Attorney Earl Newton and Assistant District Attorney Sharon Bratcher. Public officials have acknowledged the service of the jury and the court in reaching this verdict.
City of Calhoun Implements 90-Day Data Center Moratorium
The Calhoun City Council voted Monday evening to place a 90-day moratorium on the development of new data centers within city limits. This temporary suspension is intended to allow city officials time to draft more restrictive and protective local ordinances for the community.
The move comes after an exclusive report by the Gordon Gazette revealed that the city had previously identified a potential site for a data center in communication with a developer. Once new ordinances are proposed, the city plans to hold public hearings to gather citizen input on future developments.
Infrastructure: $12.4 Million Bridge Replacement Project
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has awarded a $12.4 million contract for the replacement of the State Route 156 / Red Bud Road bridge over Salacoa Creek. This project is a critical component of local infrastructure maintenance.
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Start Date: Summer 2026
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Estimated Completion: March 31, 2028
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Scope: Complete rebuild of the existing span to meet current safety and traffic standards.
Public Safety: Gordon County Burn Ban in Effect
Due to ongoing drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfires, Gordon County officials have implemented a total burn ban on all outdoor burning. This includes yard debris, leaves, limbs, and the use of fire pits. Outdoor cooking is permitted only in approved grills and must be supervised at all times.
This local restriction is set to transition into the annual federal burn ban, which begins May 1 and covers more than 50 counties in Georgia, including Gordon. The ban is expected to remain in place through September 30.
Community Support: GoFundMe Established for Local Dispatcher
A community fundraising effort has been launched to support Christina Maness, a dedicated dispatcher at Gordon E9-1-1, following the unexpected passing of her daughter, Angela. The GoFundMe campaign aims to assist with funeral expenses and provide support for the family during this difficult time. Community members are encouraged to share the link and offer support.