Turning first to our local weather, expect a soggy day across Gordon County. The National Weather Service is calling for widespread showers and thunderstorms today, with a high reaching the upper 70s. Rain chances are sitting at a heavy 90 percent, so you will definitely need the umbrella handy.
While there is currently no active Flash Flood Watch for our area, a Hazardous Weather Outlook remains in effect. Forecasters warn that these storms can produce torrential downpours of 2 to 3 inches of rain per hour, bringing an elevated risk of isolated flash flooding, especially in low-lying, urban, and poor-drainage areas. Tonight, conditions remain mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of continued showers and a low dropping to the upper 60s.
Runoff Election & Live Interview Preview
Early voting officially kicks off today for the June 16th General Primary Runoff Election. At the local level, voters will decide the tight race for the Gordon County Schools Board At-Large Post 7 seat. This runoff pits Judy Miller Craig against Dakota Adison Grogan after neither candidate secured a majority in the May primary. And a quick reminder for our listeners: candidate Judy Craig will be joining us live right here on the show just after 7:30 this morning to share her vision for our schools.
In addition to local decisions, your ballot will include several high-stakes state and federal runoff races. Statewide, voters will be deciding party nominations for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the U.S. Senate.
For voters here in the 11th Congressional District, the Republican runoff for U.S. House features Dr. John Cowan facing off against Rob Adkerson. Be sure to tune in later this week, as John Cowan will be joining us live on Thursday morning to discuss his campaign.
If you want to beat the Election Day lines, the Gordon County Board of Elections has extended their hours for this week. You can cast your ballot in person at the elections office at the courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day through Friday, June 12th.
Calhoun City Council Tonight
The Calhoun City Council will meet tonight for both a work session and a regular meeting, featuring several key community developments. Highlighting the agenda is the second public hearing for the City’s Annual Operating Budget and Capital Plan for both the city and Calhoun City Schools. This budget will be eligible for official adoption later this month on June 22nd.
Residents will also see public hearings on major updates to the city’s zoning ordinances, entertainment regulations, and the 2026 zoning map. Additional items on tonight’s docket include first readings for multiple annexation and zoning requests, updated government and utility fee resolutions, and a special event request from the Downtown Development Authority to host a weekly Cornhole Summer League in the Park Avenue parking lot starting this August.
Gordon County Planning Commission Tonight
If you are keeping an eye on local development, the Gordon County Planning Commission holds its public hearing tonight. The agenda features several significant land use decisions, including a major rezoning request from Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation. The company is seeking to rezone six parcels on Sugar Valley Road to Heavy Industrial, or I-2, to correct historical split-zoning and align the county map with their long-standing manufacturing operations.
Also on Sugar Valley Road, developers for Countryview Estates are requesting to rezone nearly 44 acres from agricultural to residential to pave the way for a new 16-lot single-family subdivision. Meanwhile, on Old Boone Ford Road, IJ Farm, LLC is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to expand their existing poultry operation by adding four new poultry houses.
The commission will also review multiple citizen variance and rezoning requests, ranging from property line setbacks and shared driveways to a request for an above-ground swimming pool in a front yard on Dews Pond Road. All recommendations from tonight’s meeting will go before the Board of Commissioners for final approval next week on June 16th.
Local Arrest Report
Here is a look at the latest local booking reports from law enforcement:
William Craig Whittenburg | 25 | Calhoun | GSP | Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (Felony) – Whittenburg was taken into custody by the Georgia State Patrol after attempting to elude officers in a felony pursuit.
Regional Roundup: Waterways & Pet Discounts
Outdoor enthusiasts have a great excuse to head out to our local waterways this week. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced that National Fishing and Boating Week is officially underway, running through Sunday, June 14. To celebrate, the state is hosting two Free Fishing Days. Georgia residents can fish any public waters without a fishing license, trout license, or Lands Pass on Saturday, June 13.
If you are looking to take care of your furry family members this week, we have some great news from the Animal Rescue League of Northwest Georgia. A generous donation has provided a $25 discount for the next 40 spay and neuter certificates. This reduces the cost to $50 for cats and $60 for dogs, and it applies to both male and female pets. Residents are encouraged to spread the word or stop by quickly to grab one of these discounted certificates before they run out.
State Health Warning
Finally, in state health news, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is urging livestock and pet owners to remain highly vigilant today. While there are no current detections of the New World Screwworm in Georgia, this warning comes on the heels of a recent, concerning detection of the parasite in Zavala County, Texas.
Officials state that owners must actively monitor their animals for signs of infestation, paying close attention to non-healing wounds, unusual discharge, or visible maggots. Any suspected cases should be reported immediately to the state’s Animal Health Division at 404-656-3667 or via email at [email protected].