Smokey the Bear is now able to carry extra protection on public lands.

On Monday, October 8 the Calhoun City Council updated the city ordinance on carrying a handgun in places like parks, historic sites and recreational areas.

“What we did was change our ordinance to match the state law,” Mayor Jimmy Palmer said.

The Georgia Senate recently passed Senate Bill 308 of the 2011 session and changed Code Section 16-11-126G to read: any person with a valid weapons carry license may carry a weapon in all parks, historic sites, or recreational areas, including all publicly owned buildings located in such parks, historic sites, and recreational areas, in wildlife management areas, and on public transportation; provided, however, that a person shall not carry a handgun into a place where it is prohibited by federal law.

Calhoun City Police are not worried that this will lead to any major mishaps, and feel rather safe allowing people to carry their handguns in these areas.

“Most of the people who go through the process of obtaining the permits carry these weapons as protection and not to cause harm to others,” Calhoun City Lt. Detective Tony Pyle said.

To obtain a firearms permit contact the Gordon County Probate Court Office in the Gordon County Courthouse, first floor, 100 South Wall Street Calhoun, GA 30701.

The Probate Court office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. For more information: 706-629-7314.