Calhoun Times
Carr talks crime, data centers
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr told local leaders in Northwest Georgia that public safety, transparency in government and emerging issues, such as data centers and artificial intelligence, are among the key challenges facing communities across the...
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HAC’s Spring Basket Fundraiser
The Harris Arts Center is currently hosting its 12th annual Spring Basket Fundraiser, now through March 31. More than 30 donors — businesses, board members and individuals — have created “baskets” brimming with treasures and gift certificates. The...
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Bestowing an honor
The Gordon County Board of Education held their monthly meeting Monday night, during which they announced the dedication and renaming of the school system’s board room after Mr. Bobby Hall. “A familiar and welcome presence at sporting events,...
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Calhoun Recreation Department gym demolition underway
Demolition is now underway at the Billy Bearden Recreation Center on South River Street to make way for a new, larger SPLOST-funded complex on the same site. Crews began work this week to demolish the gym and old maintenance facility, while the pool...
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Steven Duncan takes chamber board reins
Thursday, the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce welcomed over 250 guests at its 66th annual meeting and welcomed a new board chair. Taking the reins of the chamber board for the year ahead is Steven Duncan. “I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Duncan...
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A health reckoning
DALTON, Ga. — In 2006, the carpet industry and Dalton Utilities faced a new dilemma. University of Georgia researchers were testing the Conasauga for PFAS, and early results seen by carpet companies showed high levels. Shaw Industries began conducting...
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A cozy relationship
Inside the Dalton headquarters of the Carpet and Rug Institute, industry executives and the local water utility conferred in 2004 about EPA’s growing scrutiny. For several months, EPA representatives had negotiated with Dalton Utilities and the carpet...
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The creek ran blood red
Lisa Martin watched the creek beside the Mohawk Industries mill run red with carpet dye. It was one of her first days as a planning manager at Mohawk in 2005, and she tried to hide her unease as the dye runoff turned the water into what looked like...
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Pointing fingers in a company town
Bob Shaw glared at the executives from the chemical giant 3M across the table from him. He held up a carpet sample and pointed at the logo for Scotchgard on the back. “That’s not a logo,” fumed Shaw, CEO of the world’s largest carpet company, one...
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Pair faces drug, gun charges in Gordon County explosives case
A Calhoun man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after what authorities called a “suspicious device” was removed from Buck Boulevard. According to Gordon County Sheriff’s Office and Jail reports: Around noon Tuesday, local deputies, along with officers...
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City of Calhoun earns ‘clean’ financial audit
Following a full annual audit, the City of Calhoun has received another clean financial bill of health. “I’m very pleased with this year’s audit,” City Administrator Paul Worley said during the Calhoun City Council’s regular meeting Monday night. “I...
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County creates events center department
Gordon County government will have a new department going forward, after commissioners gave their stamp of approval this week as work progresses on a new facility. During Tuesday night’s regular Board of Commissioners meeting, a resolution...
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Firefighters train with rec. gym demolition
Before heavy equipment had a chance to descend on the defunct Calhoun Recreation Department gym, another crew began demolition at the site last week. City firefighters used the empty, soon-tobe demolished Billy Bearden Recreation Center, 601 S....
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Harris Arts Center hosts A Collection of Southern Artists
ow through Feb. 13, Harris Arts Center has A Collection of Southern Artists on display featuring southern artists Leroy Almon, Jody Harris, John Lane, Billy Smith, and Ruby C. Williams, along with a special piece on display from New Jersey-born Jacob...
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GCF&R hosts Awards Banquet
Gordon County Fire and Rescue held their annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, Jan. 22, with Chief Heath Derryberry honoring the department’s achievements. The awards banquet was held at the Antioch Baptist Church Life Center, with members of Gordon...
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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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