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 ...
