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 12th and happy birthday to singer Sam Moore. ***10.12.24 – BIRTHDAY – SAM MOORE*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. GNTC to Host Open House Events at All Campuses 2. Trial Starts for Cherokee County Woman Accused of Husband's Murder 3. Calhoun Police Department Awarded New Grants 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 (Geoff) STORY 1: GNTC to Host Open House Events at All Campuses Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is hosting an open house on Thursday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across all six campuses. This event offers prospective students a chance to explore programs, tour facilities, and meet faculty and staff. Attendees can receive information on admissions, advising, career guidance, and financial aid, with the admission application fee waived for participants. Dean Legare Price encourages visitors to take this opportunity to start their college journey. GNTC giveaways will be available. For more details, contact admissions@gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682. STORY 2: Trial Starts for Cherokee County Woman Accused of Husband's Murder The trial for the 2018 death of attorney Gary Farris, whose remains were found burned on his property in Cherokee County, Georgia, is underway. Gary's wife, Melody Farris, is charged with his murder, having pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege she shot and burned him, with evidence including a .380 bullet found in the remains and blood trails in the home. Melody was arrested in 2019, and her alleged affair with Rusty Barton adds complexity to the case. The defense argues investigative bias and points to family tensions, including financial disputes and Scott Farris' involvement. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks. STORY 3: Calhoun Police Department Awarded New Grants The City of Calhoun Police Department has received two significant grants from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The first is a $31,157 traffic enforcement grant, recognizing the department's role in the Mountain Area Traffic Enforcement Network, which spans 10 counties. This grant supports efforts to combat dangerous driving behaviors. The second is a $45,819 High Visibility Enforcement grant, aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities through proactive law enforcement and public education. These grants will aid in ongoing safety initiatives like DUI and seatbelt campaigns. For more details, contact Captain Nicholson or visit gahighwaysafety.org. Back in a moment Commercial: Advent Health (08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL) STORY 4: Walker County to Open 'Adventure' Park in Spring Walker County is developing Adventure Acres, its first signature park, on an eight-acre site near Rossville. Funded by a $2.2 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, the park will feature a nature-themed playground, splash pad, pavilion with restrooms, walking trail, and green space. Designed with Barge Design Solutions, the park offers various adventures, including a treehouse experience with over 60 play features and a water odyssey with a splash pad. Amenities are provided by Gametime, with Pillar Construction managing development. The park is set to open by Memorial Day 2025, aiming to be a community landmark. STORY 5: Floyd County Man Accused Of Choking Woman During Attack A Floyd County man, Christopher Jackson Hooper, 22, faces multiple charges after allegedly attacking his girlfriend at their home on Edenbury Court. The incident involved choking her unconscious twice, hitting her with a beer can, and kicking her in the head. Hooper is charged with four counts of felony aggravated assault, two counts of false imprisonment, felony criminal damage to property, making terroristic threats, and six counts of misdemeanor battery. He also obstructed her from making an emergency call by taking her phone and car keys. Hooper remains in jail without bond. Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (Laura Lynn Products) 3 STORY 6: Both Local School Systems Post High Graduation Rates Local school systems are celebrating near-perfect graduation rates, with Georgia's high school seniors achieving a record 85.4% graduation rate, up from 84.4% in 2023. Gordon County Schools reported a 96.8% rate, while Calhoun City Schools boasted a 98.9% rate, both significantly above the state average. This success reflects the dedication of educators, families, and communities, especially given the challenges faced by the Class of 2024 during the pandemic. Statewide, 115 ...
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