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 ...
