Calhoun Times
County seeks Ga. funds for corridor upgrades
Gordon County commissioners this week approved a request to state officials seeking help funding ongoing improvements along the corridor east of Interstate 75. During Tuesday night’s regular meeting, the board OK’d a draft letter asking for...
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Save lives one blood donation at a time
January is National Blood Donor Month. Donations and donors matter. Blood donations are lifesaving, from helping with transfusions following traumatic accidents to assisting with treatment for cancer patients. Winter in particular is a time when...
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Some things new amid the old under the Gold Dome in Atlanta
Georgia law‑ makers returning to Atlan‑ ta for the new legislative session found touches of the new in the chambers housing their weathered wooden desks. The carpeted floor offers a little more give and the old stains are gone. Instead of bending to...
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STEPHENS GYM GAINS HISTORIC DESIGNATION
One of Calhoun’s most notable athletic landmarks gained a local historic designation this week. With a unanimous vote by the City Council Monday night, the former Stephens High School gymnasium, located at McConnell Road and West Line Street, was...
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Miller Ferry industrial zoning OK’d by county
A vote this week by Gordon County’s Board of Commissioners has cleared a hurdle for an industrial development on Miller Ferry Road. Tuesday night, commissioners ap‑ proved a request to rezone a 173.51‑acre parcel off Highway 41 on the Gordon and...
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Gordon welcomes year’s first baby!
It didn’t take long into the new year to see Gordon County’s newest resident. At 9:31 a.m. on Jan. 1, Easton Michael Brown was born at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon as Calhoun and Gordon County’s first baby of 2026. Named after his pater‑ nal...
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Lawmaker proposes fee-free state parks on all federal holidays
State Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Powder Springs, is introducing legislation to make Georgia’s state parks free on any federal holiday recognized by the state, in response to recent changes to the National Park System from the Trump...
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Lifestyle Wellness opens its doors
Calhoun’s 401 Curtis Parkway, pre‑ vious home of the Firehouse Gym, completed the first stage of its reno‑ vations this week and as of Monday is now open under its new name: The Lifestyle Wellness. Owned and operated by Randy and Rosa Coker, The...
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GDOT awards $24.4M for EV stations
Georgia’s Department of Transportation recently announced approval by the State Transportation Board of Best Value Awards for a second round of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The move aims to advance the state’s efforts...
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City school board members sworn in
Three Calhoun City Board of Education members re‑ newed their oaths of office this week, ahead of the new year. During Monday night’s Calhoun City Council meet‑ ing, Mayor Jimmy Palmer swore in three school board members following each having won a...
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AREA HARDEE’S SITES ABRUPTLY CLOSE
Biscuit buyers across the area were greeted by an unwelcome no‑ tice this week as favorite breakfast spots closed abruptly. Hardee’s customers this week showed up to locked doors, a stripped drive through menu board, and messages on the locked doors...
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Heating assistance back with slashed funding
As temperatures continue to drop, Georgia’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has returned to help pay energy costs for those in need. However, the government shutdown, which ended in November, has diminished funding for the program and, if...
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NEW LIFE FOR HUDDLE HOUSE
An old restaurant building will soon have new life as a national smoothie and sandwich chain has a new Calhoun location in the works. Permits for the partial demolition of the old Huddle House location, 566 Highway 53, have been issued, according to...
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The Trail Where They Cried: Our Removal
They knew it was coming, they were warned, but when the local militia pounded into their way into their homes, the nightmare began. In the morning, Adsila heard unfamiliar voices and saw soldiers coming toward her village. Her home was located close...
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Study: Ports support 45K NWGA jobs
[email protected] According to recent economic data, the economy in Northwest Georgia is heavily reliable on activity though the state’s ports, including several thousand in Gordon County alone. An economic impact study from the University of...
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Feast and fellowship at community event
Over 1,000 people were served by 140 volunteers at the second-ever Feeding the Needy Calhoun event, says organizer Walter Harris. Held at First United Methodist Church, the day offered hot meals, clothing, take-home food, and fellowship. Harris thanks...
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Dana Patterson Merry Christmas Concert on hold until 2026
An annual holiday concert that honors the life and legacy of Gordon County native, Dana Patterson, is being put on hold this year with plans to continue in 2026. The concert is held every year in remembrance of Dana Patterson, a victim of domestic...
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Merry and Bright with holiday lights
Downtown was alive with holiday cheer Saturday night with the annual Merry and Bright event. Along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch, visitors enjoyed tree lightings, refreshments, late shopping and dining, music, movies, “sleigh”...
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‘MERRY AND BRIGHT’ EVENT SATURDAY
Locals will have an early opportunity to get into the holiday spirit this weekend with events in downtown Calhoun. Hosted by the Downtown Development Authority Main Street Program, a “Merry and Bright” Weekend event kicks off Saturday evening and...
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County BOE recognizes Lady Phoenix softball team
The Gordon County Board of Education met on Monday night for their monthly board meeting, which kicked off with a recognition of the Lady Phoenix softball team. The members of Lady Phoenix were honored for their extraordinary 2025 season, and their...
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POTTS AND BRANNON WIN COUNCIL SEATS
With two local council seats up for grabs in Gordon County, Tuesday’s election ended with one incumbent unseated and the other winning another term. Meanwhile, three ballot referendums were passed by local voters with one continuation of a sales tax,...
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Main Street Trick or Treat!
Families flocked to Downtown Calhoun last Friday evening, for the annual Main Street Trick-or-Treat event! There was plenty of candy, costumes, and fun to go around.
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Project uncovers original Calhoun Depot foundation
During work to renovate the Calhoun Depot exterior plaza area, removal of the old wooden decking has uncovered the building’s original foundation. Built in the early 1850s, the depot is nearly as old as the city itself and remains as one of Gordon...
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City BOE honors late chair Eddie Reeves
The Calhoun City Schools Board of Education held their monthly meeting Monday night, and spent the evening honoring the life and legacy of Eddie Reeves. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Camo Crocodiles and Brown Bears from...
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Fields of Faith at The Reeve
Students from schools across Gordon County gathered at Calhoun’s Phil Reeve Stadium Wednesday night for the annual Calhoun Gordon County Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fields of Faith event. Part of a nationwide movement, the event included music,...
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‘No Kings’ protests held Saturday
Dozens of people gathered in front of the Gordon County Courthouse Saturday morning for a local “No Kings” protest. Other similar gatherings were held in surrounding cities including Rome, Cartersville, Canton, Summerville, and Chattanooga. Beginning...
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Young Farmers hay bales around town
Students from Gordon County Young Farmers spent some time recently helping to get downtown Calhoun decorated for fall with their annual hay bale fundraiser. Donated bales were sponsored by local companies and organizations and placed around the city.
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Downtown Calhoun Rocktober Fest
Downtown was rockin’ all day on Saturday, with this year’s Rocktober fest in full swing. Attendees had the opportunity to browse pop-up shops, grab food and drinks from different vendors and food trucks, and listen to plenty of live music throughout...
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EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY
The voter registration deadline has passed, and early voting is set to kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 14, ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. Local early voting will take place in the Gordon County Board of Elections and Voter Registration office,...
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Depot plaza renovation work underway
Afacelift for one of Gordon County’s most historic landmarks is now underway with crews on site at the Calhoun Depot for demolition of the plaza area ahead of a near total renovation. Carrollton-based RaLin was awarded the $798,614 bid in August that...
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James W. Lay House at Oakleigh dedicated
One of Gordon County’s most historic landmarks now bears the name of one of its best known citizens. The Historical Society Thursday officially dedicated its headquarters at 335 S. Wall St., the “James W. Lay House at Oakleigh.” Lay called the house...
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Shining a light on breast cancer
When Cohutta resident Sonya Suttles lights her porch pink this October, it will be the first time she’s doing so as a breast cancer survivor. “Last year, I passed out the pink lightbulbs,” she said. This year, the 58-year-old will be participating in...
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Gordon County Agricultural Center work underway
Foundation work is underway for the multi-purpose agricultural facility at the fairgrounds off Liberty road. A 2018 voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax item, Calhoun-based Momon Construction has charge of the $4,433,147 project that...
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Lifestyle Wellness to Curtis Parkway
With renovations already underway, new life is coming to Calhoun’s 401 Curtis Parkway, the previous home of the Firehouse Gym. The Lifestyle Wellness, to be owned and operated by Randy and Rosa Coker, will be a full gym with equipment, group fitness...
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GBI dedicates new Calhoun facility
State and local officials gathered in Calhoun Friday for the dedication of a new Georgia Bureau of Investigation facility. “This building is a symbol of strength, service, and commitment to public safety in the community we serve,” GBI Division...
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Ranger Community Center work well underway
Work on the new Ranger Community Center is progressing quickly, with the building now dried in. County officials expect the project to be completed within the next two months. Playground equipment has shipped and should be delivered soon. Above: Under...
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Public officials talk growth, taxes, cooperation at chamber breakfast
Public officials and local business leaders gathered late last week to hear presentations about the state of local government in Calhoun and Gordon County. At the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 State of the City and County breakfast event, a...
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Society shares music, culture
When Sam Burrell Jr. moved back to his hometown in Northwest Georgia, he had a vision to share his love of jazz music with the community. Some 30 years ago, the Rome native started the Northwest Georgia Jazz and Cultural Society with the intent of...
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Calhoun Rec hosts Bark in the Park
The crowd of dogs and dog owners, mingling after their walk around the trail. The Calhoun Rec. Department held their fifth annual Bark in the Park Saturday, inviting dog owners and lovers from across the county to visit, meet other pups, and...
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Stow Group plans local investment of $36M
A major industrial investment planned for Gordon County was announced this week, one expected to bring up to 200 jobs to the area. Utilizing part of an already existing industrial property on south Highway 41 at the Bartow County line, Belgium-based...
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City voting precinct to be moved
City of Calhoun voters will cast ballots at a different location temporarily in November due to demolition and construction at the Recreation Department. The Gordon County Board of Elections and Voter Registration met briefly Tuesday morning, where...
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Gordon County 4-H hosts open house
Gordon County 4-H recently hosted an open house event at its 1282 Highway 53 Spur campus, giving local kids an opportunity to get an up close look at all the opportunities the organization offers. Those interested in learning more about 4-H should...
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City awards depot plaza bid
A facelift for one of Gordon County’s most historic landmarks moved one step closer to reality this week, as the City Council awarded a bid for an overhaul of the plaza around the Calhoun Depot. “This is something we’ve been looking forward to for a...
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Comcast celebrates Gordon expansion
Community members gathered at the Boys & Girls Club Tuesday (July 29) for a celebration and recognition of Comcast expanding their internet services in the county. The Boys & Girls Club of Calhoun, as part of the celebration, was announced as a Lift...
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Back to school event serves over 1,100
Christian Community Outreach Ministry’s annual Back to School Celebration served over 1,100 local students at the Calhoun Recreation Department Saturday. Each year, the free event distributes hundreds of backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and shoes...
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HAC hosts Georgia Clay Council exhibit
T he Harris Arts Center currently has a new exhibit on display, The Georgia Clay Council, including over 150 pieces of pottery, as well as cash and carry bowls that allow you to claim an item you love and take it home that very same day.
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Bear causes stir in downtown Calhoun
Ablack bear caused quite a stir around Calhoun Monday evening, spotted around town before settling in a magnolia tree on the west side of City Park off North Wall Street between Trammel and Line streets. A large crowd of onlookers was eventually...
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INTERSECTION PLAN MOVES FORWARD
A plan to rework a busy Gordon County intersection moved a small step closer to reality this week, as commissioners approved funds for a required traffic study at the site. Commissioners Tuesday night approved a request from Public Works to approve a...
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Camp New Adventure goes fishin’ at The Fountains
Camp New Adventure made a stop at The Fountains on Monday, for a morning full of fishing, friends, and fun. Camp New Adventure runs for four weeks each summer, and is a program that allows special needs children in Gordon County to gather together for...
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Bald eagle population soars
While the well-known story that Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird may be exaggerated, it is true that the founding father praised the wild gobbler’s virtues in a tongue-in-cheek letter to his daughter. “For in Truth the...
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Local reality TV star charged with manslaughter
An embattled former reality TV star from Northwest Georgia was arrested Monday and charged with involuntary manslaughter after she was accused of supplying drugs to an East Rome man who overdosed on Feb. 16, reports state. Whitney Blake Purvis, 33, of...
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Gordon County celebrates American independence
Gordon County citizens took part in a host of events capped by fireworks displays across the area to celebrate this year’s Independence Day holiday with crowds gathering at planned events throughout the week, and more planned this weekend.
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New state laws now in effect
On Tuesday, Georgians began reaping what their state lawmakers sowed when a slew of new laws took effect, from divisive limits on transgender student athletes to a broadly popular guarantee to keep in vitro fertilization legal. In addition to keeping...
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Beating the heat!
S corching temperatures this week attracted a steady crowd of youngsters at the Gordon County Parks and Recreation splash pad in Sonoraville, keeping kids cool while having plenty of fun. See more inside on
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June’s Summer in the City Block Party
The second night of this year’s Downtown Calhoun Summer in the City Block Party is in the books! Park Avenue was once again packed with a full crowd on Friday night, as everyone settled in to enjoy food and drinks from several local vendors, live music...
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OVERHAUL PL ANNED FOR DEPOT PLAZA
The area around one of Gordon County’s most historic landmarks is set to get a significant facelift, according to City of Calhoun officials. Only two years younger than the city itself, the 1854 Calhoun Depot has served the community in one capacity...
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Colbert Cemetery historic designation is celebrated
A crowd gathered Saturday morning at Colbert Cemetery to celebrate its recent historic district designation by the City of Calhoun, and to unveil plans for a Walter Lee “June” Printup Jr. Veterans’ Memorial Garden on the property. For more photos, see
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New Calhoun rec. gym out to bid
With preliminary design work complete, and the project currently out to bid, work is set to begin soon on a new Calhoun Recreation Department gym complex. The current Billy Bearden Center, 601 S. River St., that opened in 1975 is set to be demolished...
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Calhoun holds final ’25 budget hearing
A pair of budget presentations this week were the last ahead of a probable adoption date for Calhoun’s City Government and City Schools. Monday night, Superintendent Dr. Michele Taylor, and Administrator Paul Worley delivered 2025-26 budget...
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Downtown Calhoun Farmer’s Market in full swing
The Downtown Farmer’s Market kicked off June 3, with dozens of vendors and a large crowd at City Park. The market is every Tuesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Sept 13, with local produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, flowers and...
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State urges reporting of invasive hornet nests
State agriculture officials are urging Georgia residents to report sightings of an invasive insect to help stop the spread. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is asking Georgians to report sightings of yellow-legged hornets, whose primary...
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Harris Arts Center 2025 regional art show
The Harris Arts Center is currently hosting an exhibition of art featuring 45 local artists, each showcasing up to three original works across a variety of styles and mediums. The display is open now, available through June 27. There will also be a...
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Local AA looking for new meeting space
A local support group is on the hunt for a new meeting space, with the demolition of their current home appearing eminent. Calhoun’s Alcoholics Anonymous group currently meets at the County-owned 318 N. River St. building on the hill adjacent to the...
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TORNADO DOWNS TREES, POWER LINES
A line of strong storms passed through the area Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, leaving some damage, but no loss of life. Officials have since confirmed the system included a local tornado. In the 11:00 p.m. hour, a radarindicated tornado...
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Carry The Load hosts Calhoun memorial walk
Carry The Load, a non-profit that aims to honor fallen military and first responders, hosted a walk from the Recreation Department to City Park Monday. Since 2011, CTL’s mission has been to “restore the true meaning of Memorial Day.”
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Sheriff’s Office marks 175 years of service
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, a crowd gathered in front of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office to celebrate the organization’s 175 years of service. Along with comments from Sheriff Mitch Ralston and other GCSO leadership, descendants of Sheriff Noah...
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Three killed in fiery I-75 crash
[email protected] A fiery crash in Gordon County Tuesday morning led to the deaths of three people, according to authorities. According to Georgia State Patrol reports, a tractor-trailer traveling north on Interstate 75 near mile marker 308...
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‘Correctional Officer Week’ proclaimed
Several jail officers were on hand at this week’s Gordon County Board of Commissioners meeting as “National Correctional Officer Week” was declared locally. “These professionals showcase remarkable skill and professionalism, expertly managing...
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Gov. Brian Kemp won’t run for U.S. Senate
Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Monday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, a decision that could have a ripple effect on the re-election campaign for Sen. Jon Ossoff. The Georgia governor announced via social media that he would no longer...
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$90 million industrial park proposed
Developers have their sights set on another large industrial project in southern Gordon County, with the proposal currently in the regional impact study process. Currently tabbed the “BPG Logistics Park,” the proposed project is targeting a 94-acre...
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Crowds flock to BBQ and Boogie downtown
Arainy start to the event Friday night didn’t keep crowds away from the 2025 BBQ and Boogie Festival Saturday, as thousands gathered downtown for plenty of music, food, and fun for all ages.
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Elections Office hosts high school ‘Adulting Day’
The Gordon County Board of Elections and Voter Registration opened their doors last week to classes of high school seniors for Adulting Day. Seniors were given the opportunity to learn about the voting process, register to vote, and practice voting...
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BBQ and Boogie Festival happening this weekend
A popular annual event filled with plenty of food, fun, and tunes will take over downtown Calhoun this weekend. The annual BBQ and Boogie Festival will take place Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, with live music, arts and crafts, food...
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CARTER COMES TO CALHOUN
Traditionally each year, a United States president had marked Easter Sunday — usually near the nation’s capital — and in 1977 a sitting commander in chief made his way to Calhoun. Georgia’s only president passed away at the end of last year, but...
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