Northwest Georgia News

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  • Bringing you the latest news from the Rome News-Tribune, Polk Standard Journal, and Calhoun Times.
    2024 BG Podcast Network
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Cedartown Native Turns Cancer Survivor Story into Advocacy

    Cedartown Native Turns Cancer Survivor Story into Advocacy
    Nov 2 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, November 2nd and happy birthday to David Schwinmmer ***11.02.24 -BIRTHDAY – DAVID SCHWHIMMER*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. Cedartown Native Turns Cancer Survivor Story into Advocacy A Wildlife Corridor In Polk County Is For The Birds, Bats And More Funeral Home Owner Arrested After Discovery of Bodies 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: Cedartown Native Turns Cancer Survivor Story into Advocacy In 2008, Kelly McKelvey from Cedartown discovered a breast lump and quickly became the first "Know in 24" patient at The Breast Center at Floyd, receiving rapid diagnostics and a biopsy within hours. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 34, she faced a challenging journey through treatment but was supported by a dedicated care team. Her early diagnosis allowed her to witness her children's graduations, a milestone she once feared missing. Now an educational interventionist and three-time educator of the year, McKelvey has impacted nearly 800 students and advocates for breast health, inspiring others with her story. STORY 2: A Wildlife Corridor In Polk County Is For The Birds, Bats And More The development of wildlife corridors in Georgia, such as the Dugdown Corridor and Paulding Forest WMA, is crucial for connecting habitats and supporting biodiversity. These corridors, built through strategic land acquisitions and conservation efforts, allow animals like bears, bats, and at-risk fish to move safely between habitats. The initiative has seen over $90 million invested in creating a 32,000-acre preserve for hunting, fishing, and nature activities. Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) guide these efforts, identifying key conservation areas and securing funding to protect and connect vital ecosystems across the state. STORY 3: Funeral Home Owner Arrested After Discovery of Bodies Chris Johnson, a funeral home owner in Coffee County, was arrested after 18 decomposing bodies were found at his business. Charged with 17 counts of abuse of a dead body, Johnson was taken into custody on October 27 following the discovery by deputies serving an eviction notice. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, with more charges anticipated. The public is urged to provide any information to the authorities, and the case will be forwarded to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution once the investigation concludes. Back in a moment Commercial: 08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL STORY 4: Calhoun City Schools Celebrates Coach Diane Smith The Calhoun City Schools Board of Education meeting celebrated student achievements and honored Coach Diane Ralston-Smith for her 52 years of service, including 39 years as head softball coach. Smith, the winningest coach in school and Georgia state softball history, was recognized for her contributions to the community. The meeting also announced Red Ribbon Week poster winners from each school and covered light business, including personnel approvals, a financial report, and six field trip approvals. The next board meeting is scheduled for November 18. STORY 5: Community Rally Kicks Off Effort To End Gun Violence A community cleanup initiative, "Let’s Squash This," aims to provide youth with alternatives to violence, starting with a rally at Willingham Gymnasium. Organized by Rome City Commissioner Elaina Beeman, the event included a gun buyback program to encourage ending gun violence. A second rally will involve local churches to build a supportive program for youth, offering activities like basketball, movie nights, and counseling. The initiative partners with organizations like NAMI Rome and Rome City Schools, seeking private support to foster a safer community. The effort emphasizes collaboration to create positive change and reduce fear in the community. Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (What To Add To Diets) 9 STORY 6: Three Convicted, Sentenced to Life for 2021 Murder in Fort Oglethorpe Three individuals, Keishann Rowe, Keonte Ragland, and Deonna Ragland, have been sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 murder of 19-year-old Jaylon Eberhardt in Fort Oglethorpe. A fourth suspect, Malachi Housley, previously pleaded guilty and received the same sentence. The group used social media to lure Eberhardt to a playground, where he was ambushed and shot by Housley. The murder stemmed from minor disagreements between Keonte Ragland and Eberhardt. Digital ...
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    9 mins
  • Calhoun Police K-9s Get Donated Safety Gear

    Calhoun Police K-9s Get Donated Safety Gear
    Oct 30 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, 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....
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    12 mins
  • Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know

    Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know
    Oct 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 Saturday, October 26th and happy birthday to Pat Sajak ***10.26.24 – BIRTHDAY – PAT SAJAK*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know 2. Gordon County DFCS Looking for Secret Santa Sponsors 3. Recent Dog Attacks Highlight Stray Animal Problem in Floyd County 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: Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know Early voting for the general election in Catoosa and Walker counties began on October 15 and runs through November 1. Voters can find information on when and where to vote, what's on their ballots, and read Q&As with candidates in key local races. In Catoosa County, resources include details on voting locations, ballot contents, and interviews with candidates for the County Commission Chairman and District 3 positions. Walker County voters can access similar information, including Q&As with candidates for the School Board District 3 and Georgia House District 1. STORY 2: Gordon County DFCS Looking for Secret Santa Sponsors The Gordon County Division of Family & Children Services is seeking support for its Christmas Secret Santa program to benefit 180 foster children, many of whom are placed outside the county due to a shortage of local foster homes. Community members can contribute by making monetary donations to the Secret Santa Fund or by shopping for a child's wish list, which includes personal details like age and favorite items. Those interested in fostering or adopting can also attend informational sessions. For more information, contact Jody Sanderson at 706-802-2995 or via email. STORY 3: Recent Dog Attacks Highlight Stray Animal Problem in Floyd County Anthony Ponto narrowly survived a dog attack in Shannon on September 19 while trying to help another victim. As he attempted to distract the dogs, they turned on him, with one dog attempting to bite his throat but missing. Ponto managed to reach his friend's house, where his friend shot the attacking dog to save him. Emergency responders quickly assisted Ponto, and animal control captured the remaining dogs. Floyd County has seen a slight increase in dog bites this year, prompting discussions on mandatory spay and neuter ordinances to control the stray population. Ponto hopes to raise awareness about stray dogs and the need for more animal control resources. Back in a moment Commercial: 08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County? The Fourth Annual Run for the Nuns is on October 26 in Cedartown, supporting local ministries. God Loving Angels hosts a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on November 16 in Rockmart, offering free meals and goods. Polk County EMA seeks volunteers for disaster response training. Free groceries are available monthly at Worldview Baptist Church and the Good Neighbor Center Food Pantry. Cross Factor Church offers a free monthly meal and clothing. Various local churches invite community worship, and the Sons of the American Legion hosts a monthly spaghetti supper. STORY 5: Ga. Supreme Court Denies Bid to Reinstate Election Rule Changes The Georgia Supreme Court denied an expedited appeal to reinstate election law changes invalidated by a Fulton County Superior Court ruling. This decision means the contested rules won't apply for the November 5 elections. The lawsuit, filed by Eternal Vigilance Action, challenged changes like requiring hand-counting ballots and allowing delays in certifying results for fraud inquiries. The State Election Board's Republican members argued these changes would restore electoral confidence, but opponents claimed they could cause chaos and delay results. The ruling is seen as a victory for voting rights advocates, ensuring independent elections. Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (Roasting Vegetables) 7 STORY 6: New Echota Your State Parks Day 2024 Nov. 11 New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site and Friends of New Echota are hosting Your State Parks Day on November 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event invites the public to participate in various work projects like trail maintenance and cleaning historic buildings, led by rangers. It's open to all ages, and Scout Troops and groups are encouraged to register by calling 706-624-1321. Participants can learn about volunteer opportunities with the Friends organization. Volunteers will enjoy free admission to the site and can enter a raffle for Georgia State Parks merchandise. STORY 7: FCS ...
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    9 mins

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