Good morning, and welcome to your 6:30 morning news update. Let’s dive right into our top local headlines.
NGEMC Power Outages & Storm Summary: North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation crews are making progress this morning following a cluster of overnight thunderstorms that brought heavy downpours and gusty winds to Northwest Georgia. Active outages across Gordon County have dropped to 774, affecting about 4% of local meters, as work continues to get everyone back online.
Today’s NWS Outlook: The National Weather Service and Severe Weather Team 2 report that the remaining overnight showers will taper off this morning. Expect a mostly sunny day with highs in the lower 90s and a slight 20% chance of isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Coming Up Later This Morning: We’ll be joined by Bruce Potts to discuss Monday night’s city council meeting.
State Consumer Alert: The Georgia Department of Agriculture has issued a formal consumer alert regarding a fraudulent event being promoted online. The fake “2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor & Artisan Market,” slated for August 21–23 at the Atlanta State Farmers’ Market, is completely illegitimate. Officials warn everyone not to provide payment or personal and business information to solicitors. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper emphasizes that if an online offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. A cease-and-desist letter has already been sent to the organizer.
Wild Scene at US-41 and I-75: Sheriff Mitch Ralston reports that a man was quickly apprehended yesterday afternoon after crashing his passenger car into a Gordon Fire Department engine stopped in traffic. The driver, 31-year-old Jacob Alan Razo of Calhoun, fled the scene with a passenger trying to get out of the vehicle. A fire officer tracked the heavily damaged car to a nearby apartment complex. Calhoun Police and deputies arrived to find Razo appearing inebriated, referring to officers as “bros,” and claiming he “was paying for it.” He was arrested and charged with DUI, leaving the scene, and other offenses, with the State Patrol investigating the crash.
Public Works Building Dedicated to Steve Parris: Yesterday, August 20th—which would have been his 62nd birthday—Gordon County officials and staff gathered to unveil a plaque dedicating the Public Works building in honor and memory of longtime Director Steve Parris. Parris dedicated 42 years of service to Gordon County, leading the Public Works department from 2017 until his passing in June 2025 at the age of 60.
Gas Prices and Middle-Class Pressures: Middle-class families across Gordon County continue to feel the pinch at the pump and checkout counters. Driven by ongoing global energy shocks, regular unleaded across Georgia is averaging around $3.82 a gallon, though savvy local drivers can find cash deals as low as $3.39. Elevated fuel costs and lingering everyday inflation are outpacing wage growth, leaving household budgets stretched thin. Homeowners are pulling back on discretionary projects in favor of essential maintenance, while consumers increasingly hold out for major sales to navigate rising living costs.
Local Gridiron Action & Season Openers:
Gordon Central played on Thursday night due to a statewide shortage of referees. They fought hard in their opener, putting points on the board with around a minute left in the game, but it wasn’t enough as Southeast pulled away to defeat the Warriors 42-28. We will keep you updated on any schedule changes for all of our area teams.
Calhoun High School returns home to host Jefferson right here in Calhoun for their season opener tonight.
Sonoraville High School is also playing at home tonight, hosting Adairsville to start their year.
Braves Update: The Braves shut out the Chicago White Sox 2–0, powered by a stellar start from Grant Holmes and Austin Riley hitting both an RBI double and a single.