Whitfield Connection

10/17/2024

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🩷FINDING STRENGTH IN THE FIGHT: ERIKA GONZALEZ’S STORY OF CANCER AND HOPE. Erika Gonzalez hesitated when her healthcare team said she’d need chemotherapy and radiation to beat her breast cancer diagnosis.

“I have to think about it,” she recalls saying.

She was only 28 years old, in the middle of a dental assistant program and facing a long and difficult road to recovery. But there were other worries, too.

“It was a big decision because I didn’t want to lose my hair,” said Gonzalez, now 30 years old and in remission after receiving treatment at Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI) at Hamilton Medical Center, part of Vitruvian Health. “But I guess I quickly came to my senses and decided this is what I have to do.”

In the United States, the average age of diagnosis is 62, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. But younger women — and men — can get cancer, too. Those younger than 45 make up 9 percent of new cases.

Gonzalez has had it twice. She was 26 at the first diagnosis and had just recovered from COVID-19 when she noticed drainage that led her to seek medical attention. Coincidentally, she was diagnosed in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After learning she had a type of breast cancer that affects the cells of the milk ducts, Gonzalez had a mastectomy in late 2020.

But two years later, she had a cancer recurrence in the same breast, this time HER-2 positive with a type of protein that encourages cancer cells to grow quickly. Her care team quickly created a plan for her to undergo general chemotherapy, targeted chemotherapy and radiation.

READ MORE: https://www.gordongazettega.com/post/finding-strength-in-the-fight-erika-gonzalez-s-story-of-cancer-and-hope

10/01/2024

09/30/2024

REPORT: CINCINNATI REDS LEGEND PETE ROSE DIES AT 83: Longtime MLB star Pete Rose died on Monday afternoon, his agent confirmed to various news outlets. He was 83.

Rose, a former league MVP, spent 24 years in Major League Baseball. He got his start with the Cincinnati Reds in 1963, and he won three World Series titles and earned 17 All-Star nods before his final season ended in 1986. Rose, who spent brief stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, returned to Cincinnati in 1984 to end his playing career.

READ MORE: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-mlb-hit-king-pete-rose-dies-at-83-231616652.html

09/23/2024

This Saturday in Resaca!

CIVIL WAR RELIC ID DAY TO BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 28: The Friends of the Resaca Battlefield will host the second free Civil War Relic Identification Day rain or shine at the pavilion at the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site adjacent to I-75 and GA Hwy. 136 West this Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.

Several local artifact historians and collectors will be there with displays and research materials to assist in identifying and valuing relics that you have found or collected around the battlefield around Resaca over the years.

The group will also provide you with information on how to preserve these relics, inspect any recovered cannon balls and other types of projectiles and assist them in the related safety measures needed to enjoy them.

So dust off you artifacts and bring them to the park this Saturday and learn a little more about what you have. If you are wanting to sell your artifacts we may also be of assistance.

The Friends of the Resaca Battlefield has been the driving force in preserving nearly 1,100 acres of historic sections of battlefield in Gordon County since 1997.

Information on how to join and be a part in identifying, protecting, preservation, or becoming a volunteer with the Friends of Resaca Battlefield our members will be happy to talk to you. We will have membership applications on hand at the event or you may visit www.resacabattlefield.org

09/11/2024

Coming to Calhoun, Ga on Saturday, Oct. 12th!

🎃 MEET & GREET WITH JASON VOORHEES AT ALL STAR HALLOWEEN ON OCT. 12TH: Join All Star Halloween on Saturday, October 12th for an exclusive Meet & Greet with James Stokes, the man behind the mask of Jason Voorhees!

Stokes credits include The Silent Natural, the international action film Adrenaline, and TV shows such as Snapped, Mark of a Killer and Stranger Things. He has recently taken on the role of Jason Voorhees in Voorhees.

🕛 12 p.m. -2 p.m.: Autograph session – $20
📸 2:30 p.m.: Photo ops in full costume - $40

Don’t miss your chance to capture the ultimate Halloween memory with the iconic slasher himself!

*Tickets can be purchased the day of the event in-store, card and cash are accepted.

All Star Halloween is located at 976 Rome Rd SW in Calhoun.

09/05/2024

Erin Brockovich to attend local Town Hall meetings.

ERIN BROCKOVICH TO BE AT PFAS GEORGIA TOWN HALL MEETING IN CALHOUN CONCERNING PFAS ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 21: The public is invited to a Town Hall Meeting hosted by PFAS Georgia, featuring Erin Brockovich, on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at The Spot 365 beginning at 10 a.m. The Spot 365 is located at 365 S Industrial Blvd in Calhoun.

Brockovich is a consumer advocate and environmental activist who was instrumental in building a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) involving groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California for attorney Ed Masry in 1993. Their successful lawsuit was the subject of the Oscar-winning film, Erin Brockovich (2000), starring Julia Roberts as Brockovich and Albert Finney as Masry.

PFAS Georgia formed when Georgia attorney Ben Finley learned of the widespread use and discharge by the carpet industry of the family of PFAS chemicals in and around Northwest Georgia, he knew he needed to act. In short order, Ben pulled together a comprehensive team to help Georgia residents get justice for this contamination. The team includes a set of experienced litigators, along with Consumer and Environmental Advocate Erin Brockovich and water expert Bob Bowcock.

On Saturday, Sept. 21st, you are invited to come learn how Northwest Georgia has become contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals and what you can do about it. You’ll hear from PFAS Georgia's lawyers, their water expert Bob Bowcock and from environmental advocate Erin Brockovich. In addition to the Calhoun Town Hall, there will be a Town Hall held in Chatsworth on Friday, Sept. 20th. For more information on PFAS Georgia or the Town Halls, visit www.pfasgeorgia.com

If you can't attend the meeting, it is set to be live streamed on PFAS Georgia's social media pages; you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561338124124

In addition, PFAS Georgia has opened an office in Dalton, which is expected to be open the next several years according to officials with the organization. The office is located at 517 Benjamin Way #406, Dalton, GA 30721. The contact number for the office is 762-231-0094.

As the Gazette has previously reported, the City of Calhoun has been sued in both Superior Court and in Federal Court this year due to alleged PFAS contamination in the water supply through the dumping of sludge on various properties throughout Gordon County. You can read more about that on the Gazette's FREE CONTENT page, Calhoun Water, at https://www.gordongazettega.com/calhoun-water

08/28/2024

UPDATE (FRIDAY, AUGUST. 30, 2024) - GBI, MURRAY COUNTY SO MAKE ADDITIONAL ARRESTS IN SUNDAY'S DEADLY SHOOTING: According to a release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the GBI and the Murray County Sheriff’s office have made three additional arrests in connection with Sunday's deadly shooting in Murray County.

The GBI and Murray County Sheriff's Office have arrested and charged TyKel Keshawn Hutchinson, age 19, pictured left, of Rome, and a 16-year-old from Rome, with Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder for the shooting death of Jeffery Tyler Ray, age 18, of Rydal, that occurred Sunday, August 25, 2024, in Murray County. The GBI also arrested and charged Keano Nestor, age 17, of Rome, with Tampering with Evidence.

As the Gordon Gazette reported on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, the GBI and the Murray County Sheriff’s office arrested and charged Anthony Wilkinson, age 25, pictured right, of Calhoun, with Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder for the shooting death of Ray.

On August 25, 2024, the GBI was requested by the Murray County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a shooting that occurred at an outdoor party at a home off Sexton Road in Resaca, Murray County, GA. Murray County Deputies responded to the shooting, and discovered that Ray had been shot. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Another victim was shot in the face and was treated for his injuries.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at 706-624-1424. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

ORIGINAL-GBI ARRESTS CALHOUN MAN IN DEADLY MURRAY COUNTY (RESACA) SHOOTING: The GBI has arrested a Calhoun man in connection to a deadly shooting in Murray County that the Gazette originally reported on Sunday.

According to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the GBI and the Murray County Sheriff’s office arrested and charged Anthony Wilkinson, pictured, age 25, of Calhoun, with Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder on Sunday, August 25, 2024, for the shooting death of Jeffery Tyler Ray, age 18, of Rydal, GA.

On August 25, 2024, the GBI was requested by the Murray County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a shooting that occurred at an outdoor party at a home off Sexton Road in Resaca, Murray County, GA. Murray County Deputies responded to the shooting, and discovered that Ray had been shot. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Another victim was shot in the face and was treated for his injuries.

Ray’s body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at 706-624-1424. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

08/25/2024

WCSO, GBI INVESTIGATING SHOOTING, FOUR DEAD IN DALTON: On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at approximately 11:14 p.m., the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to Pleasant Grove Park, off Hwy 71, in reference to shots fired. Upon the Deputies arrival on scene, four deceased Hispanic males were found.

The Sheriff's Office is currently looking for a SUV type vehicle and a dark brown color hatchback vehicle. The vehicles are likely to have sustained gun shots.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available Anyone with information it requested to contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office or the GBI.

Sheriff's Office Tip Line: 706-278-1233 GBI Tip Line: 800-597-8477

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is assisting in the investigation.

08/20/2024

🎃OPEN FOR ALL OF YOUR HALLOWEEN NEEDS!!! Make sure you check out All Star Halloween, Calhoun’s year-round store dedicated to all things spooky, at 976 Highway 53 W/SW Spur.

👻All Star Halloween offers:
•Halloween décor (indoor and outdoor)
•Hundreds of Masks
•Thousands of Costumes
•Animatronics
•Makeup
•Party Supplies
•Lighting
•Smoke Machines
•Fog Fluid
•Any and All Haunted House Needs
•So Much More!!!

Store hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday. In September, store will be open on Sundays as well.

08/18/2024

WEATHER UPDATE FROM THE NWS: Residual outflow from yesterday's storms along with support of an advancing cold front will lead to another potential for strong to severe storms this afternoon & evening, especially along the I-20 corridors and areas southward. Storms may initially be patchy/discrete through the early afternoon before congealing into a broken line of storms later in the evening. Damaging wind gusts will be the main hazard.

08/12/2024

🎡 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL FAIR TO BE HELD SEPT. 6-14: The annual Northwest Georgia Regional Fair will be held in Calhoun from Friday, Sept. 6 - Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Northwest Georgia Regional Fairgrounds, located off Hwy 53/Rome Road in Calhoun.

🎢Gates open at 5 p.m. each night and Peachtree Rides will have all of your favorite family and thrill rides for all ages!

Unlimited Ride Specials Nightly, along with:
🎸Nightly Concerts
🐮Livestock Show
👑Pageants
🎺School Band Performances
🐫All American Animals Exhibit
🤡Lew-e's Comedy Circus
🎪 Circus Incredible Thrill Show
🪄Magical Adventures Show

🥁The Grand Parade will be held in Downtown Calhoun on Saturday, Sept. 7 beginning at 11 a.m.!

For more, visit http://www.northwestgeorgiaregionalfair.com/

08/09/2024

UPDATE (FRIDAY, 8/9/24) - ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED ROME HIGH SCHOOL BUS TO OVERTURN: According to Atlanta News First, an arrest was made after several Rome High School students and staff members were taken to the hospital in a bus crash Thursday night.

Rome City Schools said the school bus crashed on Ga. Hwy. 101 at Doc Moates Road in Polk County.

Firefighters say the bus rolled over and another car was involved. Two people were in the car - an adult and a minor. The Georgia State Patrol says the driver of the Nissan was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest.

The school district said the bus was returning from a football scrimmage in Rockmart.

GSP says just before 11 p.m., the Nissan was going around a curve on Ga. Hwy. 101 when the driver failed to maintain her lane and struck the driver-side rear wheel of the school bus. After impact, GSP says the school bus went off the road and overturned, striking and damaging a power pole.

According to ANF, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center confirmed they received 11 patients - two adults and nine minors - all with minor injuries.

The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate.

PHOTO CREDIT: COOSA VALLEY NEWS.

08/07/2024

GCSO SEEKS PUBLIC’S HELP LOCATING RUNAWAY JUVENILE: The Gordon County Sheriff's Office seeks the public’s help in locating runaway juvenile SAMUEL NUNEZ, JR., who left his residence in Franklin Road sometime between Aug. 2-6, 2024 to go to his mother’s home in Whitfield County. He left with an unknown friend on Aug. 5, 2024. Additional information in attached flyer. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call Gordon County 911 at 706-629-0911.

07/28/2024

DPD, DFD RESPOND TO POSSIBLE DROWNING AT HAIG MILL LAKE PARK: The Dalton Police and Fire Departments are on scene at Haig Mill Lake Park responding to a report of a possible drowning. Personnel and water craft from the Department of Natural Resources and Gordon County Fire Rescue and the Georgia State Patrol Dive Team are also responding to assist with a search for the victim.

Preliminary information from the investigation indicates that the victim, a 26-year-old male, was with his brother-in-law using kayaks on the water. The victim had apparently taken off his life jacket while near a dock on the lake near the northern dam. For reasons that aren’t yet fully clear, at some point the victim swam out into the lake, possibly trying to retrieve a kayak that had drifted away. The victim reportedly became tired and began calling for help. He eventually fell beneath the surface of the water. A person who was fishing on the other side of the lake made a 911 call at 7:02 p.m. to call for help. When first responders from the the Dalton Fire Department’s nearby Station 3 arrived there was no sign of the victim.

Personnel are still on scene searching for the victim. Haig Mill Lake Park is currently closed to the public to make way for the search and will remain closed on Sunday, July 28th.

There is no indication of any foul play in this incident.

07/21/2024

AP NEWS - BIDEN DROPS OUT OF 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RACE: President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.

READ MORE: https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6

07/12/2024

UPDATE (10:45 A.M. SATURDAY, JULY 13): The Georgia State Patrol has released their preliminary findings on a fatal Friday night wreck on I-75.

According to the GSP, on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 6:56 p.m., Troopers responded to I-75 SB MM 322 in reference to a single vehicle crash. The investigation determined that a green Ford Explorer was traveling northbound on I-75 in the left lane of travel when the right rear tire of the Explorer experienced a blowout, causing the driver to lose control. The Explorer traveled into the center grass median, rotated clockwise, and struck the guardrail. The vehicle then overturned, crossing into the southbound lanes of travel. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle came to final rest on its passenger side in the center lane of I-75 southbound. The Gordon County Coroner pronounced the passenger deceased on scene. The southbound lanes of I-75 were shut down for approximately an hour while traffic was diverted around the crash using the right emergency lane.

UPDATE (8:40 P.M.): The Gordon Gazette has learned that a single-vehicle rollover accident on I-75 earlier this evening has resulted in one fatality.

According to Gordon County Deputy Coroner Jonathan Pressley, a Ford Explorer with out-of-state tags was traveling in the Northbound lane of I-75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Ford traveled through the guardrail and across the median of I-75, flipping as it eventually came to a stop in the center lane of I-75 South around the 323.

The passenger of the Ford was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was transported by ground ambulance to Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

It is believed that both men in the vehicle were from out of state. Identities are being held pending notification of next-of-kin.

⚠️TRAFFIC ALERT - I75 LANES BLOCKED: Crash on Interstate 75 Southbound near 323. All lanes blocked. First responders on scene. Rollover involved. Unknown injuries. Seek alternate route. Gordon County Sheriff's Office

05/23/2024

TRAFFIC ALERT: Overturned tractor trailer on I-75 Southbound at mile marker 330. According to witnesses, all three lanes southbound are blocked. Seek alternate route.

05/09/2024

FROM DPD: Due to the severe weather, there are several roadways with heavy flooding. If you don’t have to drive please avoid traveling on the roadways at this time.