Northwest Georgia News By cover art

Northwest Georgia News

By: BG Podcast Network
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Bringing you the latest news from the Rome News-Tribune, Polk Standard Journal, and Calhoun Times.
    2024 BG Podcast Network
    Show more Show less
activate_primeday_promo_in_buybox_DT
Episodes
  • Audit Underway for Northwest Ga. Housing Authority Finances

    Audit Underway for Northwest Ga. Housing Authority Finances
    Jul 27 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, July 27th and happy 49th birthday to MLB player Alex Rodriguez. ***07.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – ALEX RODRIGUEZ*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Audit Underway for Northwest Ga. Housing Authority FinancesCalhoun Non-Profit to Host Annual Back to School CelebrationCatoosa Schools Proposing 30% Property Tax Hike 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: Audit Underway For Northwest Ga. Housing Authority Finances The Northwest Georgia Housing Authority's new director, Justin Jones, has initiated efforts to address financial discrepancies within the agency by hiring an outside accountant, Shango Oseitutu. Concerns over cash flow issues and misallocated funds were raised during a recent board meeting. Jones acknowledged problems stemming from an improperly set up financial reporting system implemented several years ago. These issues involve ensuring funds designated for specific projects are properly allocated. Board Chair Lee Hight emphasized the need for accurate financial reporting and rectifying misallocated payments before the upcoming annual audit deadline of Sept. 30. Newly appointed board member Jamie Palmer, with a personal connection to the authority, expressed commitment to addressing these challenges. STORY 2: Calhoun Non-Profit to Host Annual Back to School Celebration The Christian Community Outreach Ministry will host its eighth annual Back to School Celebration on Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Calhoun Recreation Department. The event provides free backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and shoes to local school children. Last year’s event was well-attended, drawing hundreds of families and community organizations. Activities include music, games, and free food for the whole family. Families are advised to arrive early to line up for supplies. The CCO Ministry operates out of World Harvest Church and offers support throughout the week. For more information, contact Sherry Turner at 678-767-0071 or visit christian-community-outreach.com. STORY 3: Catoosa Schools Proposing 30% Property Tax Hike The Catoosa County school board has proposed a 30.14% property tax increase for 2024, maintaining the current millage rate of 15.040 mills. The increase is attributed to rising costs, particularly in state-mandated employee insurance. Although the millage rate remains unchanged, state law requires advertising it as a tax increase due to the "rollback rate" calculation. Three public hearings are scheduled in August at the board's offices in Ringgold to gather citizen input. Last year, the board increased property taxes by 18.65%. The majority of property taxes in the county are levied by the school board compared to county and city governments. Back in a moment Commercial: INGLES 1 STORY 4: PSD High Schools Going Cashless For Athletic Events Cedartown and Rockmart high schools are transitioning to a fully digital ticketing system for all home athletic events starting this school year. Cash and paper tickets will no longer be accepted at the gate. Instead, fans must use the GoFan platform via website or app to purchase tickets. School staff will assist with digital purchases using debit or credit cards at the gate. Cash transactions will still be available at concession stands. Advantages touted include convenience, speed, and enhanced security. This change aims to streamline entry, eliminate cash handling, and reduce wait times. The system debuts during preseason scrimmages on Aug. 2, with tickets priced at $10 each. STORY 5: Soaring To New Heights: The Coosa Eagles Marching Band Coosa High School's marching band celebrated the conclusion of their band camp with music and laughter at the school's newly installed football field turf. The camp, held over two weeks with daily practices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., focused on preparing for the upcoming season. Band director Cody Bray commended the students for exceeding expectations by completing their full show opener titled "Infinite Sky," themed around soaring to new heights. Featuring the school's fight song and alma mater, the show aims to highlight each band section with energetic music and solos. Back in just a moment Commercial: DRAKE STORY 6: Locals React: Strong Feelings on Biden Passing the Torch Reaction to President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection as the Democratic Party’s nominee varied widely among local political figures on Monday, July 22. Vinny Olsziewski, a Democratic Party leader in Georgia, expressed strong support for Biden's endorsed ...
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Rome Allocates $150K In Opioid Settlement Funds

    Rome Allocates $150K In Opioid Settlement Funds
    Jul 24 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, July 24th and happy 60th birthday to MLB player Barry Bonds. ***07.24.24 – BIRTHDAY – BARRY BONDS*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Rome Allocates $150K In Opioid Settlement FundsHarris Arts Center Unveils Cherokee Creators ExhibitEntrepreneur seeks degree at GNTC Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn products. 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: A Place To Heal: Rome Allocates $150K In Opioid Settlement Funds Rome has received a significant boost from national opioid settlement funds, with the City Commission approving a $150,000 grant for Brother’s Place. This facility, spearheaded by Claudia and TK Hamilton, aims to support men recovering from addiction or incarceration. Located on Maple Ave., Brother’s Place will bridge the gap between crisis shelters and comprehensive rehabilitation, focusing on empowerment and reintegration into society. The project addresses critical needs like housing, employment, and trauma recovery, crucial for men rebuilding their lives. Supported by community partnerships, including unexpected collaborations with Floyd County Prison, the initiative seeks to provide a supportive environment where men can heal and regain stability over a 12 to 15-month program. STORY 2: HAC Opens Honoring Cherokee Creators Exhibit The Harris Arts Center in Calhoun launched its latest exhibition, "Honoring Cherokee Creators," on July 22. Curated by Dr. Alice Taylor-Colbert, an expert in Southern and Cherokee Studies, the exhibit showcases a collection of arts, crafts, and artifacts from the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Taylor-Colbert will lead a guided gallery walkthrough on August 4 from 3-4:30 p.m., offering insights into the pieces and their historical significance. Admission is free, and the exhibit will be open to the public during regular hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Harris Arts Center located at 212 S. Wall St. STORY 3: Entrepreneur seeks degree at GNTC Amanda Chadwell, a Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) student, is pursuing a Business Technology degree over two decades after earning her high school equivalency through the college. Raised in a challenging environment with family instability, she embarked on her educational journey while becoming a young mother. After navigating personal and professional challenges, including owning her own company, Amanda returned to GNTC driven by a desire to earn a degree and set an example for her family. She chose GNTC for its affordability and relevant coursework in business technology, aligning with her career experience. With supportive instructors and a clear goal, Amanda aims to complete her degree, continue her education, and explore new professional opportunities. 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: Cedartown Library Preparing for Major Renovations The Cedartown Library is undergoing a comprehensive interior renovation, long awaited after securing state capital outlay grants. Scheduled to start soon, the project by Caliber 1 Construction will cost $1.66 million and includes new carpet, layout changes, updated HVAC, and a new children’s castle play area. The library will temporarily relocate to the Cedartown Performing Arts Center for two weeks starting July 29, reopening on August 12. Despite the closure, computer services will be available, and patrons can access books through the PINES system. The renovation aims to modernize the library, adding study rooms and enhancing community amenities. STORY 5: Floyd County Commission Clears Public Safety Pay Hikes The Floyd County Commission approved a 2024 millage rate increase aimed at funding higher public safety pay and cost of living adjustments for all employees. The adopted maintenance and operations rate of 9.164 mills is slightly lower than the advertised rate but higher than 2023's rate. The decision includes reallocating $3 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover pay raises, starting in September. The move comes after recognizing the need to address underpaid public safety personnel compared to neighboring departments, which has led to retention challenges. Commissioners emphasized the necessity to support and retain county employees amidst budget challenges and increased costs expected this year. Back in just a moment Commercial: DRAKE And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ ...
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen on July 25

    Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen on July 25
    Jul 20 2024
    COMMERCIAL: GON :30 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, July 20th and happy 77th birthday to musician Carlos Santana. ***07.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – CARLOS SANTANA*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen on July 2510 Graduate from GNTC's Electrical Lineworker ProgramThe Colors of Music: Rome High’s Marching Band Up and Ready 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 NWGA STORY 1: Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen on July 25 Dairy Queen of Calhoun is teaming up with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for Miracle Treat Day on July 25. This initiative, part of American Dairy Queen Corporation’s efforts with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, encourages patrons to purchase Blizzard® Treats, with $1 or more from each purchase donated to CMN Hospitals. Over 40 years, Dairy Queen has raised $180 million for local children’s hospitals. Kenneth Abernathy, operator of Dairy Queen of Calhoun, aims to raise $10,000 this year alone, building on past efforts that have already contributed over $35,000 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. STORY 2: 10 Graduate From GNTC's Electrical Lineworker Program Ten students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program on July 17 at the Polk County Campus in Rockmart. The rigorous 10-week training included donated equipment like trucks and poles, hands-on instruction from GNTC faculty, and resulted in four certificates: Electrical Lineworker, CDL Class A license, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and an overall completion certificate for 395 training hours. This summer 2024 cohort marks the program’s fifth since its fall 2022 inception, aiming to prepare graduates for utility industry roles. The program continues to expand, supported by industry partnerships and recent equipment donations. The next cohort starts August 26, with enrollment still open. STORY 3: The Colors Of Music: Rome High’s Marching Band Up And Ready The Rome High School marching band is gearing up for their annual show titled "Chroma," themed around colors. Directed by Tab Brown, the show will feature music from bands like Queen, Soundgarden, and Led Zeppelin, performed during football games and competitions in the upcoming semester. Each segment of "Chroma" corresponds to a color — red for the introduction, blue for the opener, yellow for the ballad, and green for the closer. The band's preparations include intense practices and choreography sessions, culminating in a preview performance on July 26 at the school's main gym, showcasing their hard work to the community. Back in a moment Commercial: GON :60 STORY 4: Gordon County Adopts New Fee Schedule Gordon County's Board of Commissioners recently approved a new fee schedule for county services during their Tuesday night meeting. Updates include raising the daily fee for recreational vehicle camping spots at Salacoa Creek Park from $18 to $28 due to recent upgrades, and implementing a $10-per-hour rental fee for the park's waterside event pavilion. Fees associated with the county's geographic information system were reduced. Commissioner Kurt Sutherland suggested reducing the RV fee from $35 to $28 to enhance competitiveness. Additionally, the board approved contracts for overseeing the Mt. Olive Church Road dam replacement, adopted software agreements, surplus requests for vehicles and IT equipment, and approved a zoning request for a parcel on Miller Ferry Road. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Gordon County Judicial Building, open to the public. STORY 5: GNTC Establishes Parson Scholarship Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has introduced the Huston "Buck" Parson Scholarship in honor of Huston Parson, supported by his widow Mary Parson. Huston, known for his work at Carpet Center of Dalton and passion for agriculture, inspired this scholarship to benefit students from Murray or Whitfield County. Mary, a former elementary school teacher, aims to create a lasting legacy for her husband by aiding students in need. The scholarship will award $2,500 in spring 2025, with a potential second award in 2026 if the recipient maintains good standing. GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham expressed gratitude for Mary Parson's contribution, emphasizing its impact on student success at the Whitfield Murray County campus. Back in just a moment Commercial: INGLES 9 STORY 6: Officials Revive Discussion on Homelessness Issue in Rome A meeting in Rome reignited discussions on addressing homelessness, involving city, county, state officials, ...
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
Politics & Government
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Northwest Georgia News

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available