Tropical Storm Arthur Remnants
Following a briefing yesterday with the National Weather Service, Gordon County EMA Director Courtney Taylor is warning residents about the potential for severe weather over the next few days as the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur track across the region.
The system is expected to move through beginning today and continuing overnight into Friday. Current forecasts project a southern track, bringing an estimated 1 to 1.5 inches of rain to Gordon County. However, Taylor emphasizes that the highest impact threat is flash flooding. Localized storms could drop rain at extreme rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, which can quickly overwhelm drainage systems.
While excessive rainfall is the main concern, widespread thunderstorms are expected today into Friday. Damaging winds and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out, though they are not currently forecast as a high risk.
Public Safety Directives:
Gordon County public safety officials encourage everyone to receive warnings through multiple channels, including NOAA weather radios, the HyperReach system, or mobile apps.
Never drive through water-covered roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a car away. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown!
Gordon County Arrest Report
Larry Douglas Reid, 71, Resaca, Gordon County Sheriff’s Deputies, Child Molestation, Cruelty to Children – 1st Degree
Rhonda Octavia Robletto, 44, Sugar Valley, CPD, Hold for Other Agency
Alexandrea Lynn Russell, 30, Calhoun, CPD, Terroristic Threats and Acts (FVA)
Georgia’s November 2026 Statewide Ballot & Local Updates
The November 2026 general election ballot is now officially set for Georgia following the recent primary runoffs. Here is a look at the candidates running for the state’s top executive offices, along with a key update for our local schools:
Governor: Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms will face Republican Rick Jackson. Jackson secured his spot on the ballot after defeating Burt Jones in the Republican primary runoff.
Lieutenant Governor: The race for this open seat will be a contest between Democrat Josh McLaurin and Republican Greg Dolezal. Dolezal advanced by winning the Republican runoff against John Kennedy.
Secretary of State: Republican Tim Fleming and Democrat Penny Brown Reynolds will face off in November. Both candidates won their respective primary runoffs by wide margins.
Attorney General: Two state lawmakers are competing to be the state’s top prosecutor: Democratic State Representative Tanya Miller and Republican State Senator Brian Strickland.
Insurance Commissioner: Incumbent Republican John King is running to keep his position. He will be challenged by Democrat Keisha Sean Waites, who recently defeated DeAndre Mathis in the Democratic primary runoff.
Gordon County Board of Education: Locally, Judy Miller Craig is officially joining the board after campaigning for the At-large Post 7 seat.
Georgia Politics: Special Legislative Session
Governor Brian Kemp has officially called for a special legislative session for the Georgia General Assembly. The governor stated that the session is necessary to address pressing issues ahead of looming deadlines and the November General Election, aiming to resolve these matters legislatively rather than in a courtroom. Kemp noted his belief that Georgia’s current districts are unconstitutional following a recent Supreme Court decision, and initially called the session expressly to redraw new maps without delay.
However, officials have confirmed that redistricting will not be part of the gathering. House Speaker Jon Burns explained the decision to halt the redistricting effort, stating, “Changes to our district maps have the potential to impact every voter in Georgia, and they deserve the same thoughtful, fact-driven process that has always guided the House.” Burns further cited the need for public input, pending litigation over existing districts, and a desire to focus the expedited session on economic matters rather than rushing through new maps.
Instead, the special session is expected to focus on other key agenda items. Lawmakers will address property tax relief, vote to ratify a recent gas tax suspension, and tackle an overhaul of the state’s voting system to meet a deadline to remove QR codes from election ballots. The session will also handle local legislation implementing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).