[LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES]
[WEATHER: HEAT ADVISORY] The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Gordon County, taking effect from noon today through 8:00 PM Saturday. While actual temperatures will climb near 95 degrees, excessive humidity will push heat index values as high as 105 degrees this afternoon. To prevent heat-related illnesses, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, wear loose, light-colored clothing, and take regular shade breaks if working outside. Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston reached out this morning to remind everyone to check in on one another during this extreme heat, especially our elderly and vulnerable neighbors, family, and friends. Remember that heat exhaustion brings dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating, while heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with red hot skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness requiring immediate 911 care. As always, never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
[TAX APPEAL DEADLINE] Property owners in Gordon County have reached the final deadline to take action on their property assessments. Today, Friday, August 14th, is the absolute last day to file an appeal on your property tax valuations. Filing an appeal provides the opportunity to dispute property valuations, correct physical errors, and verify eligible tax exemptions—including homestead, senior, or agricultural savings—to help lower your tax bill. To submit an appeal or check your assessment status today, contact the Gordon County Tax Assessor’s Office at 706-629-6812, or visit the office at Government Plaza.
[PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES MEETING] In county government, the Gordon County Public Works and Facilities Committee met yesterday morning at the Administration Building, chaired by Commissioner Randy Abernathy:
Public Works: [ Insert comments on Public Works road projects and infrastructure updates ]
Fleet Management: [ Insert comments on vehicle maintenance and fleet operations ]
Building and Grounds: [ Insert comments on facility upkeep and county grounds projects ]
County Administrator Jim Ledbetter & Committee Chair: [ Insert remarks and administration updates from Administrator Ledbetter and Commissioner Abernathy ]
The Public Works and Facilities Committee is scheduled to hold its next meeting on November 12, 2026.
[COUNTY COMMISSION GUESTS] Continuing with county leadership, County Commissioners Steward and Owens join us live in the studio on the morning show today to discuss upcoming projects and address community questions. Listeners can submit questions anytime through DiscoverGordonCounty.com.
[ARREST REPORT] Taking a look at recent bookings into the Gordon County Jail:
Matthew Stephen Atwood, age 42 of Walker, arrested by CPD for Public Drunkenness.
Grady Allen Burns, age 60 of Rome, arrested by GCSO for a Probation Violation.
Corey Joseph Easterwood, age 38 of Resaca, arrested by GCSO for a Probation Violation.
Jose Apalbert Gomez Castellanos, age 39 of Calhoun, arrested by CPD for Failure to Stop at a Stop/Yield Sign, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude Police, and Driving with No License.
Noah Damien Howell, age 44 of Mineral Bluff, arrested by GCSO for Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Obstruction/Hindering of an Officer, Reckless Driving, Speeding, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Driving Too Fast for Conditions, Expired Tag, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Use Signal, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, Improper Transfer of License Plates, No Insurance, Passing in a No-Passing Zone, Passing on a Hill or Curve, Passing Within 100 Feet of an Intersection/Railroad, Suspended Registration, and Removing or Affixing a License Plate with Intent to Conceal.
Wilmer Alexander Rodriguez, age 38 of Calhoun, arrested by GCSO for Disorderly Conduct.
[SCHOOL NEWS: GEORGIA MILESTONES] Both Calhoun City and Gordon County schools are celebrating strong student academic growth on the newly released 2025–2026 Georgia Milestones assessments. Gordon County Schools outpaced state averages in multiple subjects, including eighth-grade social studies along with fifth and eighth-grade science. County math scores showed major strength, with third, fifth, sixth, and eighth grades—as well as Algebra I—beating statewide marks. Meanwhile, Calhoun City Schools posted consistent districtwide gains in mathematics, including a 3% increase in students achieving proficient and above. City students met or exceeded state benchmarks in six tested grade levels and courses, driven by the dedication of students, teachers, and local families.
[SCHOOL NEWS: GORDON COUNTY SCHOOLS HIRING] Qualified Staffing is hosting a Substitute Teacher Hiring Event for Gordon County Schools on Monday, August 17th. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Gordon County Schools Central Office, located at 7300 Fairmount Highway Southeast in Calhoun. To learn more about available positions, contact Qualified Staffing at 706-624-0086 or visit q-staffing.com.
[ECONOMIC, GAS & MARKET NEWS] Turning to economic updates, motorists continue to see volatility at the pump driven by supply chain pressures from the ongoing war in Iran. Local gas prices across Gordon County are averaging around $3.68 per gallon, though cash discounts remain available as low as $3.39. On the national front, the latest labor report pointed to cooling momentum as the economy lost 23,000 jobs, accompanied by downward revisions that erased 103,000 previously reported jobs for May and June. Additionally, financial markets are watching the CAPE ratio—or Shiller P/E metric—which has climbed past 41 into historic territory. The index tracks stock prices against 10-year inflation-adjusted earnings, where the long-term historical average sits near 17. Levels above 40 have previously only been recorded immediately prior to the 1929 stock market crash and the 1999 dot-com collapse.
[SPORTS: ATLANTA BRAVES] In sports, following yesterday’s league-wide off day, the Atlanta Braves return to action tonight to open a weekend home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Park. First pitch is set for 7:20 PM.