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Northwest Georgia News

By: BG Podcast Network
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  • Bringing you the latest news from the Rome News-Tribune, Polk Standard Journal, and Calhoun Times.
    2024 BG Podcast Network
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Episodes
  • Two New Catoosa County Commissioners Coming in 2025

    Two New Catoosa County Commissioners Coming in 2025
    Jun 22 2024
    COMMERCIAL: From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard. Today is Saturday, June 22nd and happy heavenly birthday to NBA player Pete Maravich. ***06.22.24 – BIRTHDAY – PETE MARAVICH*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Two New Catoosa County Commissioners Coming in 2025Several Gordon County Construction Projects Wrapping UpFuture of Rome's Travel Gymnastics Program at Risk. What We Know. These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE STORY 1: Two New Catoosa County Commissioners Coming in 2025 In Catoosa County, Steven Henry secured victory in the Republican runoff for Board of Commissioners chairman, defeating incumbent Larry Black by 187 votes. Henry, a former chairman, will face Democrat Greg Bentley in the November election. Similarly, in District 3, Richard Tharpe won the Republican runoff against incumbent Vanita Hullander by 77 votes and will compete against Democrat Alex Brady in November. Despite significant local interest and controversy, voter turnout remained low, with only 4,013 voters participating in the chair race out of 45,000 registered and 1,331 in District 3 out of 11,830. Candidates like Henry and Tharpe aim to prioritize unity and effective governance, hoping to move past prior disputes and focus on improving the county. STORY 2: Several Gordon County Construction Projects Wrapping Up Gordon County Government has been actively advancing multiple construction projects recently. Completed projects include renovations at the Administration Building, Records Retention Building, and Evidence Building. Nearing completion are the new Public Works Building and upgrades at Brookshire Park, including a boat ramp and recreational facilities. The Public Works Building, replacing an older structure, is expected to finish in August under Momon Construction. Renovations at the historic Administration Building, funded by SPLOST, involved restoring its slate roof and completing interior repairs. The Records Retention Building expanded with SPLOST funds aims to meet future needs, while Brookshire Park enhancements, partly funded by grants, will add recreational amenities by month's end. STORY 3: Future of Rome’s Travel Gymnastics Program at Risk. What We Know. The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Department is reviewing the viability of its travel gymnastics program due to declining participation and rising costs. Last year, the program incurred over $34,000 in expenses while only attracting 39 gymnasts, down from over 100 a decade ago. The program no longer covers its costs, and attracting top coaches to enhance the program would require substantial fee increases that might alienate current participants. The department's advisory board is considering options, including surveying parents about their willingness to accept higher fees to sustain the program, which has been subsidized at $860 per gymnast annually. The discussion follows the departure of the head coach, prompting a reevaluation of the program's long-term sustainability. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Back in a moment Commercial: INGLES 1 STORY 4: Hall County Solicitor General Indicted In Fraud Scheme Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard has been indicted on charges including 11 counts of theft by taking and 34 counts of false statements and writings. The indictment alleges she unlawfully acquired funds from Hall County and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia for personal expenses not related to her official duties. It also accuses her of fraudulent reimbursement claims for travel expenses she either already submitted or didn't actually incur. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr emphasized the importance of integrity in public office, stating that such actions undermine the legal system. The alleged offenses spanned from July 2018 to September 2022, and the indictment follows a presentation of evidence to a Hall County grand jury by the attorney general’s Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit. STORY 5: Calhoun Farm Awarded Labor Stabilization Grant Rise ‘N Shine Organic Farm in Calhoun has secured a $200,000 federal grant under the USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of the U.S. food chain by supporting small and mid-sized farms in hiring and retaining workers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted that these grants will bolster rural communities and farm competitiveness. Rise ‘N Shine plans to use the funds to improve worker recruitment and retention through initiatives ...
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    10 mins
  • Justin Ross Harris Freed from State Prison, Now Held in Cobb Jail

    Justin Ross Harris Freed from State Prison, Now Held in Cobb Jail
    Jun 19 2024
    COMMERCIAL: From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard. Today is Wednesday, June 19th and happy heavenly birthday to MLBHOF Lou Gehrig. ***06.19.24 – BIRTHDAY – LOU GEHRIG*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Justin Ross Harris Freed from State Prison, Now Held in Cobb JailShawn Harris Wins Runoff to Face Greene in NW Ga.14th Congressional District RaceCalhoun Man Charged with Trafficking Meth and Punching Firefighter Plus, Bruce Jenkin’s conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on brown eggs. These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE STORY 1: Justin Ross Harris Freed from State Prison, Now Held in Cobb Jail Justin Ross Harris, initially convicted of murdering his toddler son in a notorious "hot car" case in 2014, has left prison after his murder conviction was overturned in 2022 by the Georgia Supreme Court. Harris, now 43, was transferred to Cobb County Jail to serve the remainder of a 12-year sentence for unrelated sex crimes. His original conviction stemmed from leaving his son in a hot car for hours while he went to work, resulting in the child's death. Despite the overturned murder conviction, the possibility of a retrial remains pending review by the incoming Cobb County District Attorney. STORY 2: Shawn Harris Wins Runoff to Face Greene in NW Ga. 14th Congressional District Race Shawn Harris, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and cattle farmer from Rockmart, won the Democratic nomination for Georgia's 14th Congressional District after defeating Clarence Blalock in the runoff. Harris secured a decisive victory with 7,208 votes to Blalock's 3,242 across the district's 10 counties. Despite Blalock's initial lead in the primary, Harris rallied strong support in the runoff, winning counties like Polk and Floyd with substantial margins. He now faces Republican incumbent Marjorie Taylor Greene in the November 5 general election, which will be a significant contest in the district, among few competitive races locally. Top of Form STORY 3: Calhoun Man Charged with Trafficking Meth, Punching Firefighter Michael Hunter Garrett, a 30-year-old from Calhoun, faces serious charges after being discovered unconscious behind the wheel of a wrecked vehicle near Kingston. Police found 57.2 grams of methamphetamine on Garrett following the incident at Kerce Road and Fulton Road. He is charged with felony trafficking of meth, possession of meth with intent to distribute, misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement, and obstruction for resisting assistance from a firefighter. Garrett also faces charges of misdemeanor DUI and failure to maintain a lane. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Back in a moment Commercial: INGLES 10 STORY 4: Election 2024: Challengers Take 2 County Commission Seats in Runoff In Polk County's runoff election for county commission, Michael Gravett and John Paschal emerged victorious according to unofficial results. Gravett, former public works director, defeated Jordan Hubbard for the District 1 seat with 1,416 votes to 773. Retired firefighter Paschal won District 2, defeating incumbent Ray "Slugger" Carter with 1,597 votes to 571. Both candidates secured Republican nominations without Democratic opposition for the November general election. The turnout was 10.64%, with early voting playing a significant role in the results, which await official certification by the board of elections. STORY 5: City of Calhoun Passes Budget, Increases Water Rate Calhoun's City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating budget during their recent meeting, totaling $23,262,889 for general government operations. This includes allocations for Police, Public Works, Fire, Administration, and various community services. The budget also includes new positions such as a school resource officer and additional personnel in Fire, Recreation, Waste Water Construction, and Water Treatment. The Calhoun City Schools' portion of $47.2 million includes funding for additional teachers, paraprofessionals, and a bus driver. Additionally, the council approved changes to 2024 fee schedules, encompassing utility rate increases, new fees, and adjustments to various service and permit fees. They also greenlit a Veterans Day parade request and authorized the donation of patrol vehicles to local institutions. Back in just a moment Commercial: DRAKE And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on brown eggs. ***Leah McGrath Interview*** We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 1...
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    12 mins
  • After 'Tens of Thousands' of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds

    After 'Tens of Thousands' of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds
    Jun 15 2024
    COMMERCIAL: From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard. Today is Saturday, June 15th and happy 68th birthday to MLB HOF Wade Boggs. ***06.15.24 – BIRTHDAY – WADE BOGGS*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. After 'Tens of Thousands' of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at FairgroundsUniversity of West Georgia President Leaving for ArkansasNewton sworn in as District Attorney These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: DRAKE STORY 1: After ‘Tens of Thousands’ of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds Georgia's Department of Public Health is discontinuing free COVID testing at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds by June 30, redirecting individuals to other free kiosk sites like AdventHealth Gordon. This decision follows the provision of tens of thousands of tests at the fairgrounds during the pandemic. A vendor took over testing in January 2022, conducting over 2,700 tests. Meanwhile, kiosk kits at Calhoun Hospital offer nasal swabs for COVID and flu A and B tests. As COVID cases decrease, Public Health is adjusting services, with the fairgrounds closure being the latest change. Despite progress, Northwest Georgia has seen significant COVID cases and fatalities, with over 1,500 deaths and thousands of cases reported across counties. STORY 2: University of West Georgia President Leaving for Arkansas University of West Georgia President Brendan Kelly is stepping down to become the president of the Arkansas State University System. Since joining UWG in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly has overseen significant achievements, including record-breaking student retention, fundraising, and degrees conferred. Under his leadership, West Georgia transitioned its athletic program to NCAA Division I and established two new colleges and one new school. Kelly expressed gratitude for his time at UWG, calling it a privilege and highlighting the collaborative efforts during his tenure. His departure date is expected to be before October 1, and an interim president for UWG has yet to be named. STORY 3: Newton Sworn in as District Attorney Erle Newton was officially sworn in as Cherokee Judicial Circuit District Attorney by Governor Brian Kemp, removing the "acting" tag. Newton, running unopposed, aims to complete the term of Samir Patel until December 31. He represents both Gordon and Bartow counties and seeks a full four-year term in the upcoming November election. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Back in a moment Commercial: INGLES 9 STORY 4: Walker County Hosting Community Meeting on Digital Connectivity Walker County government is hosting a community engagement session to gather input on internet access challenges. Scheduled for June 17 at the Walker County Civic Center, the meeting aims to address issues such as basic broadband access, affordability, and digital skills. Chairman Shannon Whitfield highlighted the county's Digital Connectivity Plan, aiming to bring broadband to underserved areas. Once implemented, the plan will qualify the county for the "Broadband Ready Community" status, making it eligible for state and federal grants, including Georgia's recent $1.3 billion grant from the NTIA BEAD program to support broadband initiatives statewide. STORY 5: Services for Former CHS Principal To Be Held Monday David Rhoades, a dedicated educator who served Polk and Floyd counties for nearly 25 years, passed away at the age of 86. He served as principal of Cedartown High School for 13 years before leading East Rome High School until its consolidation with West Rome High School in 1992. Following his tenure as principal, Rhoades spent seven years in leadership roles within Rome City Schools. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome, followed by a graveside service and reception. Rhoades, remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, earned degrees from Carson-Newman College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Georgia. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, preceded in death by his wife, Jean. Back in just a moment Commercial: DRAKE STORY 6: Board Decision Changes Up Graduation Schedule: What We Know The Polk County Board of Education has approved a revised school calendar for 2024-2025, shifting the last day of classes to Thursday, May 22, 2025. This change allows both Cedartown High School and Rockmart High School to hold their graduations on Friday, May 23, which will now be a staff planning day. Cedartown's ceremony will be in the morning, and Rockmart's will be ...
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    9 mins
Politics & Government
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