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
  • Bipartisan Ga. Leaders Join Forces to Boost Trust in Elections

    Bipartisan Ga. Leaders Join Forces to Boost Trust in Elections
    Jun 26 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 26th and happy heavenly birthday to NBA HOF Willis Reed. ***06.26.24 – BIRTHDAY – WILLIS REED*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Bipartisan Ga. Leaders Join Forces to Boost Trust in ElectionsEagles and Journey Tribute Band to Perform at The GEM TheatreLawsuit Challenges New Law Limiting Charitable Bail 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: Bipartisan Ga. Leaders Join Forces to Boost Trust in Elections A new initiative called the Democracy Defense Project, led by bipartisan former elected officials including Govs. Nathan Deal and Roy Barnes, former Sen. Saxby Chambliss, and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, aims to combat election misinformation and restore public trust in the electoral system. Launched recently, the project seeks to counter ongoing efforts to undermine confidence in America's elections, especially prominent in Georgia where false claims about the 2020 presidential election persist. The initiative plans to use media and advocacy to address challenges to election integrity nationwide, coinciding with upcoming debates between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden at CNN’s Atlanta studios. STORY 2: Eagles and Journey Tribute Band to Perform at The GEM Theatre Don't miss Faithfully: An Eagles and Journey Experience at The GEM Theatre on June 29 at 7:30 p.m. This Nashville-based band has delighted audiences nationwide for over 11 years with their energetic performances. Faithfully will showcase the greatest hits from both The Eagles and Journey, spanning all eras of their music. Tickets range from $39 to $49, and reservations are recommended. Secure your seats online at calhoungemtheatre.org or by calling 706-625-3132. It promises to be a night filled with the best of two legendary rock bands. Top of Form STORY 3: Lawsuit Challenges New Law Limiting Charitable Bail A nonprofit, the Barred Business Foundation, along with two individuals represented by the ACLU of Georgia, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 63 in Georgia. This new law, passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, restricts charitable organizations from posting more than three cash bonds per year. The plaintiffs seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, arguing the law is unconstitutional and unfairly targets defendants unable to afford bail. Supporters claim SB63 enhances public safety amid rising crime, while opponents argue it unfairly penalizes individuals not yet convicted. A hearing is scheduled for June 28, just days before the law is set to take effect. 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 2 STORY 4: Race Bringing World-Class Athletes Back to Cedartown The 21st Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp & 5K is set for July 2, featuring 45 athletes from 12 countries including Spain, The Netherlands, Mexico, and Australia. Athletes will race along College Street, past Peek Park and Mundy’s Lake, with road closures from 5-8 p.m. A kid’s fun run precedes the 5K, followed by food trucks at Peek Park. The event, founded by Krige Schabort, celebrates community support and showcases small-town hospitality to international athletes. Donations for the event can be made via Able Sport’s Facebook page, with contributions also accepted for a Cedartown 5K Hall of Fame statue at City Hall. STORY 5: Investigation Continues into Barker Road Fatal Stabbing Floyd County police are investigating the homicide of David Charles Lorenz, 63, found stabbed to death in his driveway at 618 Barker Road in Coosa. Police responded after a neighbor reported discovering Lorenz's body on June 18. An autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is pending. Evidence suggests Lorenz may have been moved after his death. Police recovered meth and firearms from his residence, where neighbors reported seeing visitors the night before. Authorities seek information on anyone seen in the area between 10 p.m. Monday and 1 a.m. Tuesday. Contact Sgt. Amber Lopez with any relevant details or surveillance footage. Back in just a moment Commercial: DRAKE And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Laura Lynn Products ***Leah McGrath*** We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 3 Sign off-- Thanks again for hanging out with us on ...
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • 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 ...
    Show more Show less
    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...
    Show more Show less
    12 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