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, October 30th and happy 79th birthday to Henry Winkler ***10.30.24 - BIRTHDAY – HENRY WINKLER*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. Calhoun Police K-9s Get Donated Safety Gear 2. Catoosa Early Voting Outpacing State 3. 64th Annual Pancake Breakfast Returns Nov. 23. What to Know Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers 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: Calhoun Police K-9s Get Donated Safety Gear The Georgia Police K-9 Foundation has donated 148 Heat Alarms and 76 Kennel Inserts to support K-9 units across Georgia, including K-9 Logan, Ellie, and Krackle from the Calhoun Police Department. These donations, valued at $9,500, enhance safety by providing temperature monitoring systems and secure transport areas for K-9s. The Ace K-9 Heat Alarm alerts handlers if vehicle temperatures become unsafe, crucial in Georgia's heat. The foundation, a volunteer non-profit, aims to protect K-9 officers with equipment like bullet-proof vests and heat alarms, and supports retired K-9s. They have assisted over 4,500 K-9s statewide. STORY 2: Catoosa Early Voting Outpacing State As of Monday afternoon, 40% of Georgia's active voters had cast their ballots. Catoosa County surpassed this with 44.9% voter turnout by Saturday, with 20,692 of its 46,047 active voters participating, mostly in person. Walker County saw 27.5% turnout, with 10,983 voting in person and 1,110 absentee, out of 43,966 active voters. Both counties have several inactive voters, which can be resolved by contacting local voter registration offices. Catoosa's office can be reached at 706-935-3990, and Walker's at 706-638-4349. STORY 3: 64th Annual Pancake Breakfast Returns Nov. 23. What to Know The Noon Optimist Club of Rome's 64th Annual Pancake Breakfast returns on November 23 at the Rome Civic Center from 6 to 11 a.m. This all-you-can-eat event is the club's sole fundraiser, supporting local youth programs. Tickets are $8 in advance or $9 at the door, with drive-through service available. Optimist sausage is also sold for $6 per pound. Advance tickets can be purchased from club members or the Rome Welcome Center. Community sponsorships range from $100 to $5,000, including breakfast tickets. For more information, contact club president Mike Elliott at 770-331-9870. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Back in a moment Commercial: 08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL STORY 4: Gratuities Clause Called Obstacle To Disaster Relief For Farmers In Cedartown, Georgia lawmakers were urged to consider a constitutional amendment allowing direct financial aid to farmers hit by Hurricane Helene. The state's gratuities clause currently prevents such aid without taxpayer benefit. Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, highlighted the storm's $6.46 billion impact on agriculture, stressing the need for swift state action due to slow federal relief. He suggested exempting disaster payments from state taxes, as done post-Hurricane Michael. While controversial, Senate leaders see the amendment as crucial for supporting Georgia's top industry. Recommendations will be made before the 2025 legislative session. STORY 5: Rome City Commission Debates Alcohol Variances The Rome City Commission is considering eliminating certain liquor permit variances, as advised by the Alcohol Control Commission. Proposed amendments include removing variances to the 50/50 food-to-drink sales ratio for venues serving distilled spirits and banning mobile food truck sales to meet this ratio. Existing variances for non-food items like tobacco and gun sales are specific to businesses, not properties. Commissioner Craig McDaniel supports the change to prevent fraud, while Commissioner Bill Collins questions the fairness of variances not transferring with property ownership. Additionally, a resident opposed a new liquor store project, but it meets location requirements. The commission will discuss these issues further, with a decision on amendments possible at their November 12 meeting. Back in just a moment Commercial: INGLES 8 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers ***Leah McGrath Interview***INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER)*** We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: 08.15.24 STATE FARM - DEMOND BRYAN_FINAL_REV Sign off-- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast....
