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 19th and happy 79th birthday to actor John Lithgow. ***10.19.24 –BIRTHDAY – JOHN LITHGOW*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 1. Rome Schools Go Big for Hispanic Heritage Month 2. Catoosa Democrats Gaining Momentum, Bentley Says 3. Turning Waste into Business: Synthica Breaks Ground in Floyd 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: Rome Schools Go Big for Hispanic Heritage Month Rome City Schools celebrated Hispanic cultures throughout the month with decorations, themed classes, and festivals, culminating in the Hispanic Heritage Fair at Ridge Ferry Park. The event, organized by Marores Perry and RCS administration, highlights the significant Hispanic student population, which is about 40%. The fair, themed "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," features music, food trucks, games, and student performances representing various Hispanic countries. The celebration aims to recognize and share the diverse Hispanic cultures within the school community, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural connection for all students and families. STORY 2: Catoosa Democrats Gaining Momentum, Bentley Says Greg Bentley, a Democratic candidate for the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners chair, highlights a Democratic resurgence in the county, with himself and Alex Brady running for office. Bentley, a former city council member, advocates for non-partisan local governance focused on shared goals like low taxes and good infrastructure. He differs from his Republican opponent, Steven Henry, on issues like citizen comments at meetings and building growth management. Democrats are actively promoting their candidates through various media. Early voting began on October 15, with election day on November 5. More voting details are available online. STORY 3: Turning Waste Into Business: Synthica Breaks Ground In Floyd Synthica Energy is transforming waste beer and other organic byproducts into renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestion. This process not only recycles waste but also prevents it from ending up in landfills. The company recently broke ground on a new facility in Floyd County, Georgia, with an investment potentially reaching $68.25 million and creating 19 jobs. Once operational in 2026, the plant will divert 250,000 tons of waste annually. The location offers ideal infrastructure and community support, facilitated by local development authorities. Synthica aims to be a key player in sustainability by converting waste into energy. Back in a moment Commercial: Advent Health (08.09.24 ADVENT HEALTH_FINAL) STORY 4: Extended-Stay Hotels Can Lead to Health Problems for Kids Sean Deas, principal of Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, highlights the challenges faced by students living in extended-stay hotels, which make up about 20% of his school's population. These children often experience social trauma, food insecurity, and exposure to violence. Extended-stay hotels, often a last resort for low-income families, lack proper living conditions and can exacerbate health issues. Advocates call for more affordable housing and stronger renter protections to address this growing issue. Local initiatives, like SPARC and United Way's Motel to Home, aim to help families transition to stable housing. STORY 5: Judge Rules Local Election Officials Must Certify Results A Fulton County Superior Court Judge ruled that local election boards must certify election results, rejecting board member Julie Adams' refusal to certify primary results. Judge Robert McBurney emphasized that certification is mandatory and not subject to discretion. The ruling pertains to Adams' lawsuit, while a separate challenge to a new rule allowing certification delays for fraud inquiries remains pending. Recent rule changes by the State Election Board, aimed at election integrity, have sparked controversy, with opponents arguing they could cause confusion and delay results. Despite past fraud allegations, no widespread fraud was found in Georgia's 2020 election. Back in just a moment Commercial: Ingles Markets (Nutrition Questions) 5 STORY 6: HAC Hosting Photography Exhibit The Harris Arts Center was showcasing a new exhibit, "The Nature of Things: Simple and True," featuring photography by Lucie Canfield, Myrtie Cope, and Lisa Martin. The exhibit was open to the public for free until October 18 but, regular gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. STORY 7:...
