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 23rd and happy birthday to Weird Al Yankovic. ***10.23.24 – BIRTHDAY – WEIRD AL YANKOVIC*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. Early Voting Sets First Day Records in Gordon County 2. GNTC’s Adult Ed Program Changes Graduate’s Outlook 3. Rome Prepares for the 51st Peach State Marching Festival Plus, the conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes 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: Early Voting Sets First Day Records in Gordon County Gordon County experienced a record-breaking start to early voting, with over 310,000 Georgians casting ballots on the first day, significantly surpassing previous years. Statewide, over a million ballots were cast in the first four days. Local turnout was strong, with 6,506 votes cast in the first week at the Gordon County Board of Elections. Early voting continues through Oct. 25 and Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, with Saturday voting on Oct. 26. Absentee ballot applications are due by Oct. 25. Election day is Nov. 5, with voting at assigned precincts. Voter information is available online or at the local elections office. STORY 2: GNTC’s Adult Ed Program Changes Graduate’s Outlook Elizabeth Foldes, a Sylvania resident, transformed her educational outlook after earning her High School Equivalency (HSE) at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Frequent relocations and personal challenges, including her mother's passing, led her to leave public high school for homeschooling. The supportive environment at GNTC's Adult Education program helped her overcome test anxiety and build confidence. Foldes, known for her kindness and humor, formed strong friendships and inspired others. Now in her first semester at East Georgia State College, she plans to transfer to Georgia Southern University, considering careers as a veterinary technician or in creative writing. STORY 3: Rome Prepares for the 51st Peach State Marching Festival The Rome High School Marching Band is hosting the 51st Peach State Marching Festival, featuring 27 bands from Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The event takes place Saturday at Barron Stadium, starting at 9 a.m., with Rome High performing at 8:40 p.m. but not competing. Over 3,500 band members are expected, with performances judged on various criteria. Rome Middle School and Jacksonville State University will also perform, with JSU returning for the first time since 2018. The festival faces logistical challenges due to the large number of participants, and attendees are advised to park at the Third Avenue Parking Deck. 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 (08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL) STORY 4: Cedartown High School Homecoming This Week Cedartown High School is celebrating its 2024 Homecoming this week, culminating in the crowning of the homecoming queen during halftime at Friday's football game against Woodland at Doc Ayers Field. The homecoming court, featuring representatives from each class, will be presented at halftime, with the queen chosen from the senior representatives. The traditional homecoming parade takes place Thursday at 5 p.m. in downtown Cedartown, featuring school and community groups, court members, and class floats. STORY 5: Model High Student To Become Honorary State Trooper For A Day Model High School student Grant Minton, an avid fan of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), will experience a thrilling day as an honorary trooper. Grant, who is autistic, will participate in a mock adventure organized by the GSP, including a car chase, helicopter ride, and meeting with the governor. The day starts with breakfast and a tour of Post 58, followed by tracking down illegal hunters, a helicopter ride to the State Capitol, and lunch with GSP SWAT. The day concludes with a car chase and arrest demonstration, ending with a ceremony honoring Grant's "heroic acts." This event, involving 19 law enforcement agencies, aims to create lasting memories for Grant. Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (Quick Meal Foods) 6 And now here Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on diabetes ***Leah McGrath Interview***INGLES 2 DIABETES (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 ...
