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 9th and happy heavenly birthday to John Lennon. ***10.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN LENNON*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. Cedartown marks completion of Turner Street Community Center 2. Rome Mother of 7 Sentenced To 10 Years For Child Abuse 3. Walker High Schools Surpass State Grad Rate Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on kombucha. 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 (Drake Realty (Northwest Georgia) STORY 1: Cedartown marks completion of Turner Street Community Center The new Turner Street Community Center in Cedartown marks the beginning of a revitalization effort for Turner Street Park. Officially opened on September 30, the center provides a space for community gatherings and events. Funded by the Polk County Quality of Life Fund and a local sales tax, the $645,240.10 facility replaces an older building and features a larger kitchen, outdoor area, and modern amenities. Plans for park enhancements, including a stage, splash pad, and multi-use field, were also unveiled. The project reflects community input and aims to enhance local quality of life. STORY 2: Rome Mother of 7 Sentenced To 10 Years For Child Abuse Amanda Sue Charles was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allowing her boyfriend, Gabriel Ragland, to abuse her seven children while living in motels in 2018 and 2019. Ragland, sentenced to 15 years last month, physically abused the children and misused their food stamps for drugs. Charles claimed she was also a victim of Ragland's abuse. The children, now adopted by a couple on a farm, endured severe trauma. During sentencing, the adoptive mother highlighted the lasting impact of the abuse, emphasizing the children's need for a stable family environment. STORY 3: Walker High Schools Surpass State Grad Rate Walker County Superintendent Damon Raines praised LaFayette and Ridgeland high schools for exceeding Georgia's state graduation rate, with LaFayette achieving 93.21% and Ridgeland 91.54%, compared to the state average of 85.4%. Raines highlighted the district's ongoing improvement in graduation rates, attributing success to the innovative efforts and dedication of school employees. He emphasized the district's commitment to achieving a 100% graduation rate, noting the consistent progress and success across all demographics. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Back in a moment Commercial: State Farm (08.15.24 STATE FARM - DEMOND BRYAN_FINAL_REV) STORY 4: CPD receives $5,000 Walmart Giving grant The Calhoun Police Department received a Walmart Giving grant to fund community education programs focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, speed awareness, and teen driving. The department emphasizes the importance of educating the youth in the community as a key concern. STORY 5: Riverside Buys Nissan Dealership 2 Years After Last Sale Andy Welborn celebrated his family's 50 years in auto sales by acquiring the Nissan dealership in Northwest Georgia from Shottenkirk, rebranding it as "Riverside." This acquisition adds to Riverside Auto Group's holdings, which include Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet, and GMC in Rome, and GMC and Cadillac in Cartersville. The dealership will undergo interior and exterior renovations over the next two years. Welborn emphasized the company's commitment to the region, highlighting the area's growth and development. He assured the Nissan staff of stability, stating, "We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay." Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (Ingles Table Magazine) 2 And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on kombucha. ***Leah McGrath Interview*** We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: Advent Health (08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL) Sign off-- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.northwestgeorgianews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to ...
