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, November 16th and happy birthday to Meredith Burgess ***11.14.24 - BIRTHDAY – BURGESS MEREDITH*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. GNTC Graduates Cohort of Electrical Lineworkers 2. Truck Driver Who Caused Fatal Wreck on Calhoun Highway Sentenced 3. University System Sets Enrollment Record 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 Realty (Northwest Georgia) STORY 1: GNTC Graduates Cohort of Electrical Lineworkers Thirteen students graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College's electrical lineworker program at the Polk County campus. They received certificates in Electrical Lineworker, a restricted Class A commercial truck driving license, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and a certificate for 395 training hours. This marks the sixth cohort since the program's inception in fall 2022, with 87 graduates now in the field. The program, offered through GNTC’s Office of Economic Development, is expanding, with a new CDL driving range opened recently. The next cohort begins January 6, with enrollment still open. STORY 2: Truck Driver Who Caused Fatal Wreck on Calhoun Highway Sentenced Parvinder Singh, 47, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 18 years probation after pleading guilty to first-degree homicide by vehicle for killing Letha Lamb in a wrong-way crash on Ga. 53. Singh, driving with a blood-alcohol level nearly double the legal limit, collided with Lamb's vehicle as she drove her daughter, Patience, to visit her boyfriend. Despite Singh's remorse and plea for leniency, Judge William Sparks emphasized the severity of driving a commercial vehicle under such conditions. Singh expressed regret and offered to help the victim's family, acknowledging the impact on his own family in India. STORY 3: University System Sets Enrollment Record The University System of Georgia reached a record high enrollment this fall with nearly 365,000 students, a 5.9% increase from last year. Out-of-state enrollment surged by 27% since 2020, attributed to factors like favorable weather and Georgia's openness during the pandemic. Dual enrollment rose by 53.5%, and the system's diversity increased, with Latino and Asian student numbers growing. The Board of Regents approved policy changes focusing on merit-based admissions and hiring, eliminating diversity statements. Additionally, a $25 million renovation of Georgia Tech's basketball facilities was authorized, funded by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. Commercial: STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County? God Loving Angels will host its 16th annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Nov. 16 in Rockmart, offering free meals, toys, clothes, and blankets. Eastside Elementary School celebrates its 50th anniversary on Nov. 18 with a luncheon. A free community meal is available at Goodyear Civic Center from Nov. 18-22. The American Legion's Empty Stocking Fund Drive is ongoing, with applications for assistance open until Dec. 1. The Cedartown-Polk County Humane Society dedicates The Winn Clinic on Nov. 21. A Red Cross blood drive is on Nov. 21 in Rockmart. Pictures with the Grinch are available on Nov. 30 in Cedartown. Various ongoing community support activities include free groceries, meals, and worship services. STORY 5: Full Hearts And Full Bellies Mark 21st Empty Bowls Event The Rome Civic Center hosted the popular Empty Bowls event, where hundreds gathered for a meal and fellowship, with proceeds benefiting Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries. Attendees received a handmade bowl, with all food donated by local businesses, ensuring all funds raised support the cause. This year's event was special with the attendance of William DuPre, grandson of the late Tesa DuPre, who introduced the event to Rome 21 years ago. William expressed pride in his grandmother's legacy of fostering community spirit and support. The event featured contributions from local potters and food providers, enhancing its community impact. Commercial: STORY 6: Calhoun Chick-fil-A to be Demolished and Rebuilt in 2025 Calhoun's Chick-fil-A on Highway 53 will close in late winter or early spring 2025 for demolition and reconstruction of a new building on the same site. The Calhoun City Council approved a variance for a retaining wall, facilitating the project. The rebuild, expected to take 90 to 120 days, will feature an enhanced drive-through configuration similar to recent constructions in Cartersville and Dalton. This comes just two years after a major remodel in 2023. The new design aims to ...
