Early Voting Turnout Remains Low Ahead of Primary Election

Gordon County is continuing to see historically low voter participation as the primary election approaches. Out of 40,159 active registered voters, only 2,496 early ballots have been cast so far, representing a turnout rate of just 6.2%.

Early voting officially ends today at 5 p.m. at the county’s main precinct location.

Election officials are also reminding residents that voters who normally cast ballots at the Calhoun Recreation Department will instead vote at Belmont Baptist Church on Election Day, Tuesday, May 19, while the recreation center remains closed for reconstruction.

Gordon County Sheriff’s Office Reports Arrest

The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office processed an emergency booking Thursday evening following a domestic investigation.

Authorities say 45-year-old Jason Lee Young of Ranger was arrested around 6:35 p.m. Young faces a charge of Aggravated Stalking under the Family Violence Act and remains held at the Gordon County Jail.

Families Scramble After Daycare Closure

Local families are facing a sudden childcare crisis following the closure and sale of Brighter Tomorrows Daycare Center to the local Head Start agency.

Because Head Start operates primarily as an educational program rather than a full-day childcare provider, many working families are now searching for alternative arrangements before the May 22 deadline.

Families needing assistance are encouraged to visit Discover Gordon County and review the United Way Resource Guide for available childcare and support resources.

Infrastructure & County Projects

GDOT Denies Emergency Road Funding Request

Gordon County officials say the Georgia Department of Transportation has denied the county’s request for emergency Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding.

The announcement came during Thursday’s Public Works and Facilities Committee meeting chaired by Commissioner Kurt Sutherland.

County leaders say formal media inquiries sent to Senator Chuck Payne and Representative Matt Barton regarding the denial have not yet received responses.

Active County Construction Projects Continue

Despite funding concerns, county officials say several major projects remain on schedule:

• Right-of-way acquisition work is nearing completion on Lovers Lane and Dews Pond Road.
• Drainage mitigation work at the Gordon County Community Events Center has been completed.
• Crews are replacing damaged asphalt on McDaniel Station Road.
• Paving on Mount Olive Church Road is expected to begin between July and August.
• Construction on the new county morgue remains on track for a July ribbon-cutting.
• The deteriorating skate park at the Sonoraville Recreation Complex will be demolished and replaced with upgraded amenities.
• New playground equipment is being delivered to Harold “Ooky” Faith Memorial Park.

Sugar Valley Fire Station Project Delayed

Completed architectural plans have now been delivered for the proposed Sugar Valley Fire Station and Community Center complex.

However, county commissioners have temporarily paused construction while reviewing budget allocations.

A public preservation meeting regarding the historic Sugar Valley school building is scheduled for May 21 at 6 p.m. at Sugar Valley Baptist Church.

Economic & Financial Outlook

County Chert Mine Revenue Drops Sharply

Gordon County officials report a significant decline in revenue at the county-owned chert mine in Sugar Valley as commercial construction activity slows.

The decline represents a 55% drop in ticket sale revenue.

Economic Pressures Impact Local Industry

National inflation currently sits at 3.8%, and analysts expect interest rates to remain elevated heading into the next Federal Reserve meeting.

Local impacts continue to be felt across the construction and housing sectors, with reduced demand affecting renovation and flooring markets.

Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries closed Thursday at $98.74 per share, down 31% from its 52-week high.

Gas Prices Could Rise Next Week

Motorists could soon see a significant increase at the pump as Georgia’s gas tax suspension nears expiration.

The average local fuel price currently sits at $3.94 per gallon, but prices could jump by approximately 33 cents per gallon if the suspension is not extended.

Governor Brian Kemp has not yet announced whether the tax relief measure will continue.

Sports Roundup

Calhoun Baseball Season Ends in State Semifinals

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets saw its postseason run come to an end Thursday in the GHSA Class AAA State Semifinals.

Calhoun fell to the Pickens Dragons in a doubleheader, losing Game 1 by a score of 4-2 and Game 2 by 11-5.

The Yellow Jackets finish the season with an impressive 31-8 overall record and a region championship.

Braves Open Series Against Red Sox Tonight

The Atlanta Braves return to Truist Park tonight to begin a home series against the Boston Red Sox.

Atlanta enters the game at 30-14 after being shut out 2-0 by the Chicago Cubs Thursday night.

Pitching matchup:

• Spencer Strider (Atlanta)
• Connelly Early (Boston)

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., followed by a postgame fireworks show.

Community Events & Public Notices

Cledus T. Judd Concert Rescheduled

The Cledus T. Judd comedy concert originally scheduled for tonight at the GEM Theatre has been postponed until July because of a scheduling conflict.

All previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library Events — Friday, May 15

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church Hosting Free Movie Night

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church will host a free Family Movie Night tonight at 279 Wesley Chapel Road SE in Calhoun.

The event will include complimentary refreshments and is open to the public.

“Faith On Display” Opens at Harris Arts Center

Harris Arts Center will host “Faith On Display” tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.

The production combines performances by the Calhoun Community Chorus with visual art exhibits. Local performer Shyloh Chavez is scheduled to appear as a featured soloist.

Upcoming Community Events

• Community Snack Festival — Saturday, May 16 at McConnell Civic Center
• Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market Opening Day — Saturday, May 23 at City Park
• Paw Angels Rescue Meet & Greet — Tuesday, May 26 at the public library
• Wings & Wheels Showcase — Saturday, May 30 at Tom B. David Airport
• AdventHealth Gordon Mammogram Screenings — Available throughout May for $30

Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees

Calhoun Animal Control says the shelter is currently at full capacity.

Officials have waived all adoption fees in an effort to quickly place dogs into permanent homes.