Gordon County Community Update: July 9, 2026
Distracted Driving & Child Safety: A Conversation with CPD
We were pleased to be joined on-air this morning by Captain Christy Nicholson of the Calhoun Police Department. Our discussion focused on the critical importance of road safety, specifically addressing the growing dangers of distracted driving. Captain Nicholson emphasized that no text or call is worth a life and urged drivers to keep their full attention on the road. The conversation also highlighted the necessity of comprehensive driver education and rigorous adherence to child seat safety protocols to ensure the youngest members of our community are protected while traveling.
Supporting Our Community: The VAC Food Drive
In a display of community spirit, the Calhoun Police Department is currently engaged in a friendly competition for a great cause: the Voluntary Action Center’s (VAC) “First to Respond, First to Serve” Food Drive. Our local first responders are actively collecting canned goods and water to stock the pantry and support neighbors in need.
How you can help:
Drop-off: You may drop off your donations directly at the Calhoun Police Department.
Pickup: If you are unable to drop off items, please call 706-629-1234, and a member of the department will arrange to pick up your donation.
Gordon County Arrest Report (July 8, 2026)
The following individuals were booked into the Gordon County Jail on July 8, 2026:
Julian Nigel Crosby, 32, Calhoun, GA, CPD, Theft by Taking.
Olivia Dawn Johnson, 34, Calhoun, GA, CPD, Theft by Taking.
Eddie Allen Schmitt, 61, Calhoun, GA (Homeless), CPD, Possession of Methamphetamine.
County Governance: Moratorium Extended
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners has officially voted to extend the temporary moratoriums on data centers and anaerobic digestion facilities through January 29, 2027. The Board approved the extension during their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 7, to allow staff and attorneys time to “develop thoughtful draft ordinances” that regulate these developments while protecting the county’s long-term interests. A town hall will be held during the process to gather public input, and the public hearing previously scheduled for the July 13th Planning & Zoning Commission meeting has been canceled.
City & County Governance
Council Approvals: Calhoun’s City Council recently approved a zoning request for a new Hindu temple off Red Bud Road and a variance for a new preschool at Calhoun First Baptist Church.
Tax Relief & Inflation: While LOST and SPLOST collections have seen an 8% increase, this is driven by rising costs rather than positive economic trends. Approximately $6 million in FLOST revenue has been collected over five months, with $4 million designated to offset Gordon County property tax bills, and additional funds supporting relief in Calhoun, Fairmount, and Plainville. Commissioner Chad Steward noted that approximately 40 percent of these funds are collected from non-residents traveling via I-75.
Fall Sports Registration
Calhoun Recreation Department: Registration is open for football, cheerleading, volleyball, soccer, and cross country at calhounrec.com or 700 West Line Street.
Gordon County Parks & Recreation: For youth sports information, contact 706-602-4435 or visit the office at 7494 Fairmount Highway SE.
Farmers Markets
Downtown Calhoun: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (City Park).
Resaca: Thursdays, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Economic Update: Fuel & Inflation
Local Gas Prices: The average price for regular unleaded in the Dalton area is $3.519 per gallon.
Inflation: Median one-year-ahead inflation expectations have risen to 3.7%, the highest level since September 2023.
Atlanta Braves Update
Yesterday’s Result: The Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 on Wednesday, July 8.
What’s Next: The series concludes today, July 9, at 12:35 PM EDT at PNC Park.