Health & Community
AdventHealth Gordon is hosting a community blood drive on Wednesday, August 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their main campus at 1035 Red Bud Road. Health officials emphasize a critical need for blood amid severe summer shortages, urging eligible donors to schedule appointments in advance through Blood Assurance.
Agriculture & Pest Alert
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper reports that Georgia’s Plant Protection team has successfully eradicated 12 yellow-legged hornet nests in just the last two weeks. These invasive hornets are voracious predators that target honey bees and native pollinators by hovering at hive entrances. Their aggressive predation can devastate bee colonies and severely threaten the agricultural crop yields that rely on them for pollination. Residents are urged to report any suspected sightings with photos to yellow.legged.hornet@agr.
County Government & Commission Actions
During the August 18 Board of Commissioners meeting, the board unanimously voted to deny an off-premises alcohol license application for BP Food Mart on Shope Lake Road after finding the business continued selling regulated products after its license expired. Store owner Noorjahan S. Porbunderwalla was arrested following the meeting and booked into the Gordon County Jail on misdemeanor charges.
In other business, commissioners approved three Agricultural-to-Residential rezoning requests with unanimous 5-0 recommendations from the Planning Commission for properties on Craigtown Road, Timms Loop, and Newtown Loop Creek. The board also reviewed a Community Development reorganization plan, FY27 budget amendments, a disaster debris monitoring contract with DebrisTech, and Board of Education items alongside Administrator Jim Ledbetter’s scheduled report.
Economy & Fuel
Georgia’s average for regular unleaded has climbed to about $3.81 per gallon, driven upward by global energy market shocks and supply disruptions stemming from the war in Iran. While broader market pressures and elevated pump prices persist, local drivers in Gordon County can still find relief with cash transactions available as low as $3.39 per gallon.
Special Studio Guests & Local Sports
We were joined on air today by Starr Matthews and Mark Gouge to discuss expert savings strategies, insurance needs, and best practices for cutting costs. Starr Matthews can be reached directly at 706-629-4441.
In local sports, high school football is back on the air as the Gordon Central Warriors open their season against Southeast tomorrow night (August 21). Tune in tomorrow morning when Ken Fox joins us in studio with a full preview. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves recently dropped a 6-4 decision to the Minnesota Twins to complete a sweep, but because they hit a double during the game, fans can score a free McDouble in the McDonald’s app. The Braves face the Chicago White Sox today, followed by a series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 21.
Upcoming Northwest Georgia Community Events
Support Group Lunch Volunteer Opportunity: August 25, 2026 – Seeking individuals, groups, or churches to provide lunch for about 15 women participating in a weekly healing and empowerment support group.
Calhoun Recreation Department Fall Sports Opening Tailgate: September 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Calhoun Recreation Football Field – Kicking off the fall sports season with an evening of music, games, drinks, snacks, family fun, and school spirit.
First Responders Pickleball Cup 2026: August 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Calhoun Recreation Center – A friendly tournament bringing together first responders, community members, and local businesses to raise money for children and families in need in Gordon County during the holidays.
Annual Northwest Georgia Fair: September 11 – September 19, 2026 (Gates open at 5:00 PM nightly) at the Fairgrounds on Liberty Road off Hwy 53 West/Rome Rd, Calhoun – A multi-day fair featuring nightly concerts, pageants, livestock shows, thrill rides, and a grand parade on Wall Street.
Georgia DNR Hunter Education Course: September 23 & 24, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM at Sonoraville High School (7340 Fairmount Highway SE, Calhoun) – An in-person hunter education course taught by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Bettye Butler 33rd Annual Memorial Unity Run 5K: September 24, 2026, in Downtown Calhoun – A circus-themed (“Under the Big Top”) 5K run and walk featuring festive costumes, food trucks, and family activities to support the United Way of Gordon County.
Wesley Chapel Fall Festival: September 26, 2026.
GCYF Hay Bale Animals Pre-Order: Ongoing pre-order for fall advertisement hay bale animals created by the Gordon County Young Farmers to decorate downtown businesses and organizations.
Weather
Skies will be mostly sunny and hot today with a high near 97 degrees and a slight chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms.