Annual Calhoun Times Year in Review 2017
in July revoked the bond of Gordon County Board of Education member Ricky E. Smith, 45, returning him to jail. According to a motion filed by the District Attorney’s office on Thursday, July 6, 2017, a new arrest of Smith on June 19, 2017 on charges of possession of Schedule IV and Schedule V controlled substances violated a bond from Aug. 16, 2016, which was granted on various felony charges Smith faced concerning financial transaction card theft, identity fraud, theft by taking, criminal trespass and influencing a witness. A few days later, on July 10, Smith resigned from his position on the Gordon County Board of Education. On Monday, Aug. 14, Smith pleaded guilty on several felony financial transaction card theft charges, theft by taking, criminal trespass and influencing a witness; he accepted a plea deal as a first time offender. He was sentenced to 10 years with two years to serve; the remaining eight years will be served on probation.
County approves changes to application process for new chicken houses, how nuisance issues handled
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners at their most recent meeting on Tuesday, June 11 voted 4-1 in favor of the Amendment to the Unified Land Development Code for Dry Litter Poultry Operations, changing the application process for the building of mega chicken houses in Gordon County and how nuisance issues with the houses are handled. The amendment to the ordinance involves a stricter application requirement for DLPOs, including requirements for development and design plan, nutrient/ waste management plan, water supply and usage plan, land owner notice requirements for adjacent property owners; buffer zone; setbacks and other various requirements including stricter odor control, impact of the character of surrounding neighborhoods and traffic nuisances.
County recognizes Leonard’s achievement
Gordon County Finance Department Director Al Leonard was recognized at the Tuesday, July 18 meeting of the Gordon County Board of Commissioners for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by Government Finance Officers Association