Thursday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Schroeder's coming to downtown Cartersville with some twists: Schroeder's New Deli expands to downtown Cartersville this summer. The group behind the Armuchee location--Chad Whitefield, Wayne Robinson and Jason Watson--are opening in Integrity Plaza off Main Street in early to mid-June. Whitefield says. In addition to the traditional Schroeder's menu, look for a special game room for kids (and adults). Schroeder's will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday's hours are still being reviewed. In addition to the original Schroeder's on Broad Street in Rome, franchises are in business in Armuchee and Calhoun (120 Cornerstone Way, Suite 2)> Schroeder's

Politics

-Gingrey on Obama's first 100 days: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey issued a statement on President Obama's first 100 days in office. For the full statement, see the link at the end: "Given that more than two million Americans have lost their jobs in the past three months and families throughout our nation continue to struggle to get back on their feet economically, now is not the time for Democrats to be patting themselves or President Obama on the back. Instead, we should all use this opportunity to look back at the past 100 days and figure out how to do better in the next 100." > Gingrey

-Perdue signs Smith's 'life without parole' bill:  Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed Sen. Preston Smith's legislation to expand sentencing options in murder cases.  Prosecutors will now have the option to seek sentences of life imprisonment without parole in non-death penalty cases.  "With the governor's signature, this bill will ensure that Georgia's judicial system can operate effectively by giving prosecutors the tools to seek appropriate sentences," says Smith, R-Rome.  "Georgia is a state that stands for the justice of victims and their families, who can now be assured that convicted murderers will not needlessly be set free."  

-Deal's in; to confirm bid for governor on Friday: Look for U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal to declare his candidacy for governor on Friday. Deal's House district includes part of Gordon County> The Times, Gainesville

-District 9 candidate names continue to grow: Deal's potential replacements are said to include the following (from politics1.com): Max Burns (R); Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger); Rep. Lee Hawkins (R); Bill Stephens (R), former state senator; Mike Freeman (D), Hall County Democratic Chair; Wyc Orr (D), former state representative who ran against Deal in 1992; and attorney Ken Poston (D), state representative who ran against Deal in 1996.

-Legislative wrap-up by state Rep. Barry Loudermilk> Click

First Amendment lecture tonight ends Liberty Tree Week @ Berry: Ken Paulson, former editor of USA Today and president of both the Freedom Forum and the Newseum, will deliver the keynote address for Liberty Tree Week@Berry on Thursday, April 30.  His presentation, "Rebooting America: The First Amendment and a New Generation," begins at 8 p.m. in the Science Auditorium. Admission is free and open to all> Campus Headlines

Mall's management firm posts first-quarter loss: Jones Lang LaSalle, the company operating Mount Berry Square, reported a $61 million first quarter loss on Tuesday. That compares to a profit of $22 million a year earlier. The loss was attributed to acquisitions the company made in 2008> Details

Rhubarb Jones back on radio this Friday: One of the best known names in metro Atlanta radio, Rhubarb Jones, will be on South 107 and the stations carrying Moby in the Morning as Rhubarb fills in on the 5-to-10 a.m. shift. Rhubarb continues to teach and work at Kennesaw State University> Details

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

-Site offers continuous updates on swine flu> Emergency

-91 cases of swine flu confirmed in the U.S.:     Look for updates using the green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

-Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

-More tips from Cartersville Medical's chair of infection control> CMC

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Thursday: Partly sunny, high of 84.
-Thursday night:  30% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Low of 61.
-Friday: 50%  chance of showers, thunderstorms; high near 80.
-Friday night: 20% rain chance, low of 61.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Bobby Labonte only NASCAR driver in Twitter's fast lane; has 2,000 followers> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Lexington wins again, 4-2, over Braves.

-Today-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends; home Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Updated/Stargazer's newsletter posted: Stargazers

-Next Star Party is Friday, May 15, with a weather makeup on Saturday, May 16.

-The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower is under way, with the peak viewing time on the evening and early morning of May 5-6. Best best: 4 a.m. until sunrise May 6.

Updated/Latest library newsletter posted> Link

-Storytime resumes June 5

-Free Sunday movies at the library> Details

Wednesday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Ripples begin amid rumors of Deal's bid for governor: As U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal studies a potential bid for governor, a list of forming of candidates who would run to fill his congressional seat and represent much of North Georgia in Congress, including parts of Gordon County. A few names from the Northwest Georgia side of the congressional district are popping up including Jeff Mullis and David Ralston. For more, scan the latest on The Times of Gainesville.

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

>CNN/Texas child believed to be first U.S. swine flu victim> CNN

>New page offers continuous updates on swine flu> Emergency

>64 cases of swine flu confirmed in the U.S.:     Look for updates using the green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

>Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

-More tips from Cartersville Medical's chair of infection control> CMC

MegaMillions jackpot jumps to $220 million for Friday night's drawing: Tuesday's numbers: 15-20-24-36-44, Mega Ball 6> Lottery

'Freedom Sings,' part of Liberty Tree Week @ Berry, is tonight>  Campus

 

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Wednesday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 82.
-Wednesday night: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Low of 59.

-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms. High of 83.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Stafford learns quickly how to steer clear of controversy with Lions, Ford family> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Lexington takes first game from visiting Braves, 4-2.

-10 a.m. game today in Lexington

-Today-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends; home Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Tuesday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

>Updates on the swine flu from Georgia Emergency Management Agency: No cases reported in our state as of Monday> Updates

>New/Track swine flu updates link. Look for green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

>Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

>Precaution tips from the medical community:

-Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol gel.

- If people have influenza-like symptoms, seek medical attention early.:

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

-If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Floyd, other areal hospitals staging disaster drill today: (Media release) Floyd Medical Center will join with seven hospitals, the Georgia Division of Public Health and Floyd County Emergency Management Agency to participate in a regional disaster drill. It begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Visitors to Floyd Medical Center and commuters using either Turner McCall Boulevard or North Second Avenue will see a tent erected outside and health care workers wearing respirator masks as part of the drill. Floyd is required to participate in two disaster drills annually to meet accreditation requirements of The Joint Commission. The scenario for this drill is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome event that escalates to add a complication of a tornado warning. Other hospitals participating in the drill are Redmond Regional Medical Center and Polk Medical Center.

Business

-Broad Street building sells: The offices at 411 Broad St., recently home to Disability Link, have sold with the deal closing Monday. We're checking with the new owners on their plans. Also: A newer Rome business is looking for space on Broad.

-New AJC debuts: With smaller pages and tighter sections, the AJC continues the industry's "less is more" trend with a new look today. It borrows some of USA TODAY's color themes and the Knoxville News-Sentinel's congested feel.

-Berry honors two with Martindale Awards: Longtime Berry College employees Alan Storey and Dr. Kay Gardner (who's retiring this year) are the 2009 recipients of Berry's Martindale Award of Distinction.

Politics

Rep. Nathan Deal, who's district includes part of Gordon County, considers run for governor: Several political Web sites report U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, right, is thinking of joining the race for the Republican nomination for governor. Deal would enter after another Hall resident, Casey Cagle, dropped out> The Times

-Also: Cagle continues to recovery from back surgery on Monday.

-Republican Eric Johnson joins race for governor> Politics

Tuesday's Buzz:

-New cemetery data program helps genealogists: Genealogy researchers have an easier time researching ancestors buried in the City of Rome's public cemeteries thanks to a new burial data program available online.  This new service will assist  researchers in their search for  burial information in the Eastview, Oakland and Myrtle Hill cemeteries.  Produced by Legacy Mark LLC, this search function allows for a convenient web-based search for ancestors, family and friends buried in city-owned cemeteries and also produces printable reports and maps for easy plot location.  Click: www.romega.us/cemetery. 

-Berry's Hope Stallings wins Interstate Oratory Contest> National honors

-Shorter announces promotions, tenure for Pearson, Lister> Campus

-Ex-mobster to speak at Gordon Hospital's prayer breakfast> Gordon

Latest Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-New/Shorter College students win top honors at music competition

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
-Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. 
-Wednesday: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. 

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-More proof that the SEC is the top football conference--and the Pac-10 isn't
>Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Greenjackets win, 9-5, take series 2-1 vs. Rome Braves

-Tuesday-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Monday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Chamber to hear from state transportation board member Tuesday

-Cartersville schools start kindergarten registration on Tuesday

-Free summer concert series resumes in downtown Cartersville Saturday night

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-As the 90th anniversary of Admiral John H. Towers' historic flight arrives, Rome group is working to highlight his place in local, national history.

-Deano's Pizza holds test run, goes live today with reopening.

-Just weeks after Coco the Colossal Colon stopped in Northwest Georgia, here comes the Artery Explorer.

-Rome's Legends takes part in worldwide Free Comic Book Day. 

-Local theaters prepare for heroes Wolverine, the new Star Trek crew.

-Avenue A on Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful's A-list this week

-Berry commencement speaker has a best-seller about leaders who have overcome adversity to triumph--including himself.

-Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia.

Keep track of the swine flu scare> Click CDC updates

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Monday: Sunny and highs near 84.

-Monday night: Clear, low of 57

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 84.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-More than 95,000 show up for Ohio State spring football; Dabo is cheaper, isn't he?>Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Augusta hangs on, beats Rome, 8-4.

-Home vs. Augusta, Monday. Tuesday: Braves at Lexington Legends

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Three-dot Buzz . . . :

Another 'walk' through the body parts: Gordon Hospital recently opened some eyes with the arrival of "Coco, the Colossal Colon," a giant walk-through exhibit that explained colon health, colorectal cancer and related concerns. You have another chance to explore the body this Friday via a walk-through of the "Artery Explorer" on Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Redmond Regional Medical Center. Says the release: "The public is invited to take a virtual tour in the Artery Explorer –a mobile motion simulator –to learn about atherosclerosis, a silent disease that is linked to nearly one in four deaths in the U.S." Redmond is one of only two stops in the state . . .

Deano's reopens today following pre-opening test Sunday: Deano's Pizza is back in business on Dean Avenue today following a pre-opening test from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Guests were asked to fill out comment cards to get some initial feedback as Don Rusaw returns to his restaurant roots. The opening was delayed about a week for the original launch date. Hours: Mondays-Thursdays, 4:30-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30-11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. . . .

>Look for Okinawa Steakhouse to open this week in Cartersville> Dining

Rome shop takes part in eighth 'Free Comic Book Day': (From a media release) Legends in Rome is among thousands of shops worldwide celebrating the comic book art form on Free Comic Book Day set for this Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. More than two million comic books will be given away, introducing as many people as possible to comic books. "The wide array of comic books being published today ensures that readers of all ages — children, teens and adults – can find something appropriate that will stir their imaginations," says Gordon Lee, owner of Legends, 317 Broad St. Lee wants "to spread the word that comics are perfect for today's times. Comic books and graphic novels are considered hip, hot and smart." Comic books have propelled to the front ranks of pop culture, many being adapted into movies. Wolverine, a spinoff of the X-Men movies and comics, hits the big screen the day before Free Comic Book Day. For more, click www.FreeComicBookDay.com. . .

>Village Theatres (click) Carmike 12 in Cartersville (click) plan midnight showings of Wolverine as summer blockbuster season begins. Up next: Star Trek on May 7.

Neighborhood Focus begins in Avenue A neighborhoods: Five days of activities are planned as Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful spotlights what could become one of the hot beds for redevelopment, thanks in part to the Hight Homes sale. . . > Buzz

Berry commencement speaker's message on adversity is uplifting:

J. Barry Griswell, a Berry alum and trustee as well as chair of the Principal Financial Group, has co-written with Bob Jennings a Wall Street Journal bestseller called "The Adversity Paradox." It examines, as Griswell explains it, "my earlier suspicion that an individual's overcoming adversity was the single most significant factor in predicting future success." Griswell came from humble beginnings and rose to the top of Principal. Several years ago, Griswell had a definitive message when he spoke to Berry College scholarship winners. He told of the need to have a drive for excellence, for passion and when the job was thought to be done, to give more. "And then some" was his catch phrase. Griswell will speak to Berry graduates May 9 at the spring commencement celebration. >For more on The Adversity Paradox," click Griswell . . .

>Berry's Liberty Week continues with 'Lost Gutenbergs'> Campus

Paying tribute to one of Rome's finest: Admiral John Henry Towers

A young John Henry Towers (left, sitting) with a Curtiss airplane in 1911. Below, Towers appears on the cover of Time magazine on June 23, 1941. Source: Arlington Cemetery

 

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

This May marks the 90th Anniversary of the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, a major step in the history of naval aviation that was led by a little-known Roman- Admiral John Henry Towers. This accomplishment put the United States into the international spotlight as an aviation world leader.

"I cannot emphasize enough how important this flight was to our world status and prestige," says Howie Lowden, Chairman of the Admiral John Towers Memorial Committee. "Although the Wright Brothers are recognized as the first in flight, France, Britain and Germany were way ahead of us in aviation technology in World War I. This flight threw us into the international spotlight because nobody else had done it."

While most probably don't remember this event from our history books, even more don't realize that the entire flight was developed, designed and commanded by Towers who was born in Rome in 1885.

The historic flight: Towers graduated from Rome Upper School in 1900 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. He then qualified as a pilot in 1911 and began supervising the Navy's first aviation unit based in Annapolis, Md. In February 1919, he was placed in charge of the proposed Trans-Atlantic flight of the NC flying boats.

"The flight actually started May 8 in Long Island,  N.Y., and ended May 31," Lowden says. "Since newspapers were the only source of information, the whole town (Rome) and the whole country followed the exploits of the first crossing."

Towers flew the NC-3, one of three NC flyboats that were making the trip. They flew up along the U.S. coast from New York to Newfoundland before the flight across the ocean. Their ultimate destination was Lisbon, Portugal. However, the NC-1 and NC-3 (Towers aircraft) encountered dense fog off the Azores (islands off the coast of Portugal) and had to land.

Because of the heavy seas, the aircraft would not take off again but Towers and his crew managed to keep the flying boat afloat for 52 hours and reached Punta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island. The NC-4 went on to complete the mission arriving in Lisbon on May 27.

"Nobody could believe they sailed 200 miles," Lowden says. "The trip captured the attention of the whole country and world. That is why it was so important at that time…it put the U.S. as one of the leaders in world aviation."

Tributes to Towers: Lowden and the Memorial Committee are working to create a series of projects  dedicated to the memory of Towers and his historic flight. In fact, Rome's airport was renamed a couple of years ago to honor Towers. The airport's official name is Richard B. Russell Regional Airport/Admiral John H. Towers Field. The terminal was also renamed Towers Terminal.

"We are in the process of creating a plaza downtown where the current Battey

Monument is located," Lowden says. "The Battey Monument will be moved to Myrtle Hill and we will put a statue of Towers there along with his bio. We want it to be a place kids can come on field trips."

Along with the statue at the plaza, the committee also is planning to place a bust of Towers at the airport with his biography. Another project is to get a historical marker placed at the site of Towers' birthplace, which was his home that was in what is now the Citizens First Bank parking lot off Riverside Parkway.

"All of these things are in the works, we just need a little bit more money to complete the projects," Lowden says

The committee is also working to get a major road in Rome renamed for him, something that has been brought up to the Rome City Commission, but no decision has been made.

"We have worked to get his picture hung up in the Rotunda at the State Capital," Lowden says. "The proposal passed through both sides of the legislature without any opposition. This honor is for famous Georgians who have accomplished national acclaim."

As the 90th Anniversary of Towers Flight is celebrated, Lowden and his committee hope their hard work not only draws attention to the historic event but honors Rome's most famous citizen.

For more information about how you can donate to the Towers Memorial Plaza, contact Tom Caldwell at Greater Rome Bank, 706-295-9300.

 

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Valley to the worsening job market: Another 659 jobs will evaporate by early August thanks to layoffs at Trinity rail car in Cartersville. More than 18,000 Northwest Georgians already are out of work. Let's hope the "bottom" is closer than what the economists predict.

Valley to the lieutenant governor's jinx: Casey Cagle is scheduled for back surgery today, a medical condition severe enough, says Cagle, to end his quest for governor. Cagle had been running for governor since he won the no. 2 spot in November 2008. But his dropping out reminds us of another frontrunner-who-exited, Pierre Howard, and look at the fate of Mark Taylor less than two years ago. Does Cagle really want a second term in that seat?

Peak to Shorter College's Hopkins Institute of Business Ethics:

The very concept of the institute is vital but now more than ever. A good example was last week's guest lecturer, Walt Pavlo, a convicted embezzler of $6 million who wrote a book on it all called, Stolen Without a Gun. It is a message business students heard and more need to hear. Shorter and Berry College continue to import excellent speakers (Tony Dungy, Rajeev Dhawan) for students and the community to hear.

Friday updates

click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

659 layoffs at Cartersville's Trinity North American Freight Car:

-The state Department of Labor lists a huge layoff for Trinity North American Freight Car, some 659 people in all. The company has alerted city and county officials to the reduction in force. Layoffs will start June 29 and conclude by Aug. 7. Reports of pending layoffs at Trinity have swirled for weeks, especially after other Trinity offices announced cutbacks around the country. Among the most recent: 450 jobs lost at a Trinity plant in Longview, Texas (click). The reason for the cutbacks: Reduced orders for rail cars. The local office is at 190 Old Grassdale Road.

-Bartow's jobless rate already at 11.5%: Nearly 5,300 people were out of work in Bartow as of March, according to state labor reports. The jobless rate in March 2008: 6.3 percent.

Mohawk loses nearly $106 million in first quarter: Financial reports out late Thursday show the Calhoun-based floor-covering marker lost $106 million between Jan. 1 and March 31 vs. $65.4 million in the 2008 quarter. Click Mohawk

United Community Banks posts $32 million first-quarter loss; 191 positions cut throughout the banking system> Details

Gingrey gets 92 percent ranking, rank of 35, by 'Club for Growth': U.S. Rep. Phil  Gingrey is among nine senators and 45 representatives selected for the annual the Defender of Economic Freedom awards awarded by the Club for Growth. "Taxpayers can be proud of the 53 members of Congress who have consistently voted to limit the size of government, eliminate wasteful spending, and defend our economic freedom," said President Chris Chocola. "Their votes are critical to promoting economic growth for all Americans."  What was scored: Votes on issues "pertaining to key economic issues, including taxes, wasteful spending, entitlement reform, free trade, and regulation."> List

What's ahead in Bartow County this weekend

Handcycling's big finale in downtown Rome this weekend

On today's Dining & Drink (click)
-Okinawa Restaurant, from the owner of Rome's Blue Fin, opens next week
-Latest public health restaurant inspections for Bartow, Polk, Gordon counties
-Taste of Calhoun is Saturday
-Taste of Marietta this Sunday

-Updates on North Georgia wineries and events

Friday's Buzz

-Philanthropist Harvey Gainey to speak at Shorter commencement> Campus

-Workplace ethics focus of Shorter's Hopkins Institute lecture> Ethics

-Follow Phil on Twitter: Looking for quick updates from U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey? Join Twitter and get his 140-character updates> http://twitter.com/RepPhilGingrey

-Doss to address Bartow chamber Tuesday: Cartersville-Bartow Chamber Transportation Committee members will hear from David Doss, 11th congressional district representative on the State Transportation Board, at 4 p.m. Tuesday. He'll discuss proposed changes to the DOT structure. He'll answer questions regarding Old Alabama Road, the 411 Connector and Ga. 20.  Where: Chamber boardroom.

-Sneak a peek at the design for the AJC. Watch the video> Click

-Cedar Valley Arts Festival this Saturday, Sunday: The 45th Annual Cedar Valley Arts Festival in the Historic Peek Park College Street in  Cedartown is this Saturday and Sunday. Included: Juried fine arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, a moonlight movie in the park for families and a dog show. Also, a children's author and illustrator will be on hand for a presentation at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Go to www.events2000.com for details. Local talent will be performing. The dog show is at 4 p.m. Saturday. It's informal and you can register you dog at the event, just come a little early and make sure they're on a leash. No aggressive dogs allowed. Moonlight movie is at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday in the new and improved amphitheatre.

More updates on Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

-Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

-Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

-Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

It wasn't my fault; it was those dang, pesky fans; N. Carolina in state of mourning>Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Sandgnats win again, 5-2, over Rome Braves

-Rome vs. Savannah tonight, Friday; home vs. Augusta Saturday-Monday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Thursday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

It gets worse: Chattooga's unemployment rate at 18% in March

-18,000 people out of work here last month; 5,000-plus each in Floyd, Bartow

-Update; State rate unchanged; two 'bright spots' in monthly report> Ga.

	March working	March jobless	March 09 % jobless	February % jobless	March 08 % jobless
Bartow	40,685	5,275	11.5%	11.3%	6.3%
Chattooga	9,796	2,149	18.0%	13.7%	14.3%
Floyd	43,242	5,078	10.5%	10.0%	5.5%
Gordon	23,887	3,148	11.6%	11.9%	6.2%
Polk	19,556	2,283	10.5%	10.2%	5.7%
Georgia	4,340,768	439,252	9.2%	9.2%	5.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Over lunch on Wednesday, one of the state's leading economic forecasters told those attending Berry's Business Outlook luncheon that the economy had not

hit bottom yet. Dr. Rajeev Dhawan of Georgia State (click) perhaps had an advance look at the March jobless figures for Georgia.

In this part of the state, at least, the bleeding continues. Nearly 18,000 people in the five-county area were without jobs in March, or 11 percent of the workforce.

Recent store closings (Circuit City, Goody's, Office Depot) and layoffs (HON Co., Shaw, Kobelco, Super Kmart) continue to sweep the region. And some of those numbers won't show up until the April stats are released.

Hardest hit among the five local counties is Chattooga, where 18 percent of the county's labor force was idle last month. Some 2,149 people were unemployed while another 9,796 had jobs. Chattooga ranks second in the state's highest jobless rates with only Jenkins County (between Augusta and Statesboro) above it at 20.2 percent. Warren County was third at 16.9 percent.

By sheer numbers, Bartow had the most unemployed residents last month, 5,275 or 11.5 percent of the work force. Close behind was Floyd County, with 5,078 people without work or 10.5 percent. That was up from 10 percent in February and almost double the 5.5 percent posted in March 2008.

The only decrease in the number of people out of work was in Gordon County. Sixty-five more people were employed there in March vs. February, enough to drop the jobless rate from 11.9 to 11.6 percent.

Polk County saw an increase from 10.2 percent to 10.5 percent. Nearly 2,300 Polk residents were without jobs last month.

Statewide, the jobless rate stayed the same as February, 9.2 percent.  But there were several bright spots found in the monthly reports.. (Click State)

Berry Outlook economist--We've yet to hit bottom: Dr. Rajeev Dhawan told 250 business and community leaders attending the 27th Berry Business Outlook Conference Wednesday that the economy will fall still more before the recovery in mid-2010. For more, click Business

Synovus (Citizens First parent company) loses $136.7M in first quarter: Synovus reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2009 of $136.7 million compared to net income of $81 million a year earlier. The first quarter 2009 results include provision expense of $290.4 million> Complete release

>UGA joins Secure Vault Payment Network> UGA

-Mohawk's first quarter financials due today: Net earnings for the 2008 period were $65 million> Mohawk

Thursday's Buzz:

-Bartow schools offer summer driver's ed program

-Bartow GOP meets Saturday morning

-Team Bartow ready for 44th Steeplechase

Confederate Memorial Day Observance set for April 25 at Stiles Auditorium

-Georgia Northwestern announces leaders for administrative services, adult education, student affairs> Campus Headlines

-Glenda Almand named Floyd's Good Samaritan Volunteer of the Year

-Davis, state university chancellor, to speak at GHC graduation> GHC

On Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-Hopkins Institute speaker to educate community, Shorter College students about ethical decisions in the workplace Thursday

-Berry Singers in concert Thursday night

-Plus earlier releases.

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 84.
-Thursday night: 20% rain chance before midnight. Low of 52.
-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-We all know that it's what up front that counts so look out for Notre Dame >Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Braves fall to first-place Sandgnats, 4-2

-Rome vs. Savannah tonight, Friday; home vs. Augusta Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

 

Wednesday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Around Bartow:

-Bartow GOP to hear from Rep. Tom Graves Saturday; meeting at 9 a.m. at Slope's

-Time to get your Derby Ducks in a row

-Team Bartow ready for Saturday's Steeplechase

What's ahead in Bartow County

Business Buzz:

-Ledbetter Properties' new retail center in Jasper gets key OK: The Coosa Valley Regional Development Center Tuesday announced the Jasper Crossing project is " in the best interest of the region and therefore of the state." Planned on Ga. 515: A 65-acre shopping center including a Wal-Mart, 13 out buildings> Click  

-Regions bank reports $26 million first quarter profit: The earnings statement surprised some given current market conditions. First quarter 2008 profits were $337 million. Details (a PDF file)> Regions

-Synovus first quarter report due today It is the parent company of Citizens First Bank and Georgia Bank & Trust> Release

-Deano's opening reset for Monday, April 27: Citing unforeseen circumstances, Deano's Pizza grand opening has been pushed back to Monday, April 27. The restaurant will be open from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4:30 until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and from noon until 8 p.m. Sundays.

-Rome attorney Bob Finnell, partners showcasing newest 'ExhibitView': System is designed to help lawyers avoid "high-priced litigation support if their courtroom defense included powerful, electronic evidence such as pictures, audio recordings, video depositions, or web-based material."> Details

Celebrating Earth Day---every day:

Earth Day is today although activities are spread throughout the weekend. Among the highlights:

>Greater Rome Bank celebrates today by giving customers recyclable bags and "encouraging them to recycle, reduce, and reuse." And catch the slogan of the day: "We've always been green."

>Coosa River Basin Initiative marks the day with a special paddle this weekend on the Etowah (Hometown PR)

 

Handcycling events begin this morning at Darlington: The schedule:

-Road closures: 9:30 a.m. until noon. Darlington Drive from the Rail Road Tracks to Cave Spring Road. Cave Spring Road from Tiger Way to Park Road. Park Road from Cave Spring Road to Blacks Bluff Road. Blacks Bluff Road from Walker Mountain Road to the entrance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Best viewing spots: Start/Finish line on Darlington Drive, or Desoto Park Baptist Church parking lot.

-10 a.m.: Individual Time Trial. Start/Finish line on Darlington Drive at Darlington's Huffman Center.

-Weather: Sunny skies, around 62 degrees at race time

-What's happening Thursday, Friday> Downtown

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Blogging for blood: In addition to Twitter feeds, Blood Assurance has a new blog, "Donor Connect," to announce promotions including a spin on the baseball fan line, "I Live for This." The BA take: "I Give For This."> Blog

-Spring Academy Day is May 9; register by May 1: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey and senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss are inviting area residents to Dobbins Air Reserve Base to meet with representatives from all five military academies. Register Here. For more: Linda Liles at 770-290-1776.

-Greater Rome Bank donates $10,000 to The Breast Center> Health

-Shorter Hawks football 11th in Top 25 NAIA spring poll> Click

On Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-Today, Redmond Regional Medical Center's Occupational Health Department will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first on-site nurse program.

-Heyman Hospice Care at Floyd will host a Diversity and End-of-Life Care Teleconference on Wednesday, April 29 at Coosa Valley Technical College.

-The Georgia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will hold its annual chapter meeting this Saturday, April 25, on the campus of Berry College.

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 83.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Hey, this ain't rocket science; oh yes it is to Braves' newest player> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Dramatic double play in the ninth preserves 5-4 for Rome Braves

-Rome opens three-game set in Savannah tonight.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: handcycling> Click Downtown

Tuesday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com

Regional Buzz:

-Highland 75 industrial park gets green light from planners: The massive Highland 75 industrial project has been deemed as being "in the best interest of the region and therefore of the state" by the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center. The designation, made April 15, is key for the project planned on 707 acres north and east of Cartersville. Once finished, it could include 8.4 million square feet of covered industrial space. the property is owned by the Cartersville-Bartow Joint Development Authority, which is working with Technology Parkway/Atlanta. The industrial site is drawing lots of eyes from the development community, especially from other parts of Northwest Georgia.

-Forestar Group, which has plans to develop Town West near Adairsville with 2,550 residences, is scheduled to release first-quarter financial reports on May 6.

-Mohawk falls in latest Fortune 500 list:The annual salute to the nation's best companies shows Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries Inc. at 367 compared to 328 a year ago> Details.

Team Bartow ready for 2009 Steeplechase this Saturday

The economy:

>Key timing for Berry's Business Outlook, Realtors push

The word heard most often regarding the economy these days is "hints." That is, continuing hints of  the bottom having been hit and a slight rebound beginning.

-There are positive signs in the housing market. The state and Greater Rome boards of Realtors are urging would-be buyers to "get off the fence" and commit. They cite 50-yard lows in mortgage rates for qualified buyers, an $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and overall inventory. Says Graham Dixon of Lambert, Dixon & Tate, president of the Greater Rome board, "for the past 40-years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment."

-But have we hit bottom yet? Answers Wednesday: Another look at the overall economy will be heard Wednesday at Berry College's 2009 Business Outlook Conference, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Ford Dining Hall. .Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, associate professor of managerial sciences and director of the Economic Forecasting Center in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, is the main speaker. Dhawan is an expert analyst of regional and state economic forecasts (click Bio). He was among the first to predict any substantial turnaround would occur in mid-2010 ( analysis). Tickets are $30 or $200 for a Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program at 12:15 p.m. Contact Nancy Johnston at 706-238-5835 or njohnston@berry.edu.

Politics

-Fuel to the Preston Smith/attorney general fire? During straw balloting at this weekend's GOP district conventions, state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, picked up three votes to run for the attorney general's post.  That tied David Ralston while Ed Lindsey picked up 28 votes and Robert Highsmith, one vote, according to Peach Pundit.

Tuesday's Buzz

-Key grant for Berry communication department> Campus

-Purple People Eater, Energizer Bunny  and lots of hot air May 15-17: Tillotson Field near Menlo will again be home of colorful hot air balloons on May 15-17 as part of the Second Annual Northwest Georgia Balloon Festival. John Calvin of Menlo and the Purple People Eater will be there as will the Energizer Bunny balloon.  There are five flights scheduled this year if weather permits.  The first will be Friday around 6 p.m. Other flights are set for 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday nights. There will be a tethered balloon on site doing rides as long as the winds cooperate.  Also, the carnival is back with more rides for adults. Vendors will be on site, too. Music is planned Saturday and Sunday. Click www.nwgballoonfestival.com

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Wind advisory in effect from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday
-Tuesday: 20% chance of showers, high near 70. Gusts to 25 mph.
-Tuesday night: 20% chance of rain, low of 37.

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Gusts to 20 mph.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-500 home runs doesn't mean what it used to; can Tebow leap small buildings, too? > Arey

Rome Braves' updates

-Rome Braves 3, Augusta GreenJackets 2. Rematch tonight.

-Next four games on the road; home again Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Monday's headlines

Click www.bartowheadlines.com

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-Economy a factor in this year's Steeplechase at Kingston Downs

-Sponsorship changes, missing tents don't both Rome vendors
-New look, new features for Advance Rehabilitation's Web site
-Closer look at new ownership group behind WRGA, Q102
-Barry Loudermilk for governor?
-Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Weather recap: After another night of watches and warnings, look for clearing skies. Overnight rainfall: just over half an inch.

-Today: 20% chance of showers after 2 p.m. High of 69. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Tonight: 20% chance of showers. Low around 46.

-Tuesday: 30% chance of showers. High near 69. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Don't look now but the Gators may even be more dangerous this fall> Arey

Rome Braves' updates

-Grand slam puts Braves out front for good, 7-4

-Next five games: On the road; home again Saturday

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

eeple cteeplechase can't outrun economy's slippery track but the show goes on with new sponsors, perhaps fewer tents than before

Steeplechase feeling economy's impact

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

The 43rd Steeplechase rides into town this Saturday promising to live up to its title as the "Best Lawn Party in Georgia." But economic woes have forced several local companies to withdraw their sponsorship of the event, leaving room for several newcomers to join in. Also, some familiar tents won't be back this year.

"We have more sponsors this year and have exceeded our sponsor levels," says India Watson, Steeplechase Marketing and Sales Director. "We really are doing a lot better than we expected."

New sponsors include AT&T Mobility at the Platinum level; Maker's Mark sponsoring the event's signature cocktail, the Peach Julep; and national retailer Macy's, which will have two fashion shows between the races as well as "spa tents" at the in-field for makeovers. The event also has several new corporate tent sponsors.

"Right now, we have 43 corporate tents, which is one or two tents shy of our total from last year," Watson says. "We have seen a drop in sponsorship from banks and real estate companies but we have several new tents on board."

Of those 43 tents, 10 are new sponsors: Raymond James, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Merial, Transperfect Translations, Lowry & Lowry, Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, IBM, The Tavern & Blue Sky Outfitters, Century Fire Protection and Kappa Sigma Atlanta Alumni.

But missing from this year's event will be several companies who have been tent sponsors for several years, including some banks and even media. But others are holding steady.

"I've really seen an impact and know there will be fewer tents," says Ian Griffin with V3 magazine and a corporate tent sponsor. "At the tent meeting, there was definitely a smaller crowd."

 

V3 is back for a third year as a tent sponsor (that's the Coopers and Harbins from an earlier Steeplechase, above right, V3 photo). This year's party is themed "Fistful of Dollars: A Stimulus Party," featuring western saloon décor.

"We have scaled back a little bit but we are still spending as much as we have in the past," Griffin says. "Our tent will look like an old western bar. Our guests will not notice any difference from years past."

V3's guests will be treated to full-buffet, full-bar and entertainment by Atomic Boogie. Tickets are $125 for a tent pass or $200 for the VIP ticket including access to the "RV Lounge." Call 706-235-0748 or email v3mag@bellsouth.net.

The magazine's April issue features a cover story on Steeplechase as well as promotional ads. (Click V3)

Another returning sponsor is Old Havana Cigar Co. of Rome and Cartersville, which will have a sales tent, mobile cigar trailer (right) and "cigar girls."

Owner Steven McDowell is preparing for a busy day.

"Our cigar girls will be traveling around in the stands and in-field," McDowell says. "Along with the trailer, we will have a tent lounge featuring music by Thunderbolt Patterson. We're doing everything we can to help draw attention."

McDowell says Steeplechase is historically one of his best sales days, including several pre-orders for cigars stocking company tent parties.

"We usually have fantastic sales, better than at the holidays," he says. "Last year, we were down about 10 percent from the previous year so I'm not sure what to expect this year."

McDowell believes a lot of big money will not be spent at this year's event but he feels people are still going to enjoy the party.

"Steeplechase is a good tradition, so people will probably buy less expensive tickets and do it on a budget," he says. "As for our business, we are trying to grow. People are still going to enjoy themselves so we will have everything from inexpensive to more expensive items so that we can serve with a price that everyone can afford."

About the event: Gates open at Kingston Downs this Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. with a full-day of events. For a complete schedule, click Steeplechase.

Three-Dot Buzz ... :

New look, features for Advance Rehab's Web site

(From a media release) Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy launches a new Web site this week (click www.advancerehab.com), designed to assist patients, students and physicians with information.

What's new: Patient forms, frequently asked questions, Google Street maps and a student section.

The details:

-Patients are able to download all the paper work needed in assisting them with the registration process for physical therapy care.

-The new location section is tied to Google Street maps which gives visitors virtual directions to each clinic (panoramic and real street views).

"We are very excited about the new look and available information on our site," says Chad Whitefield, a partner with Advance Rehabilitation. "We are continually striving to make our patients' experiences better through all means possible."

The newest section of the website is geared toward physical therapy students, giving them information and a rotation option with Advance.

"Advance Rehabilitation is strongly committed to providing an optimal learning environment so students can have an exceptional clinical experience," says Whitefield.

More updates on WRGA, Q102 ownership:

Another batch of files at the Federal Communication Commission shows that Howard Toole is the majority owner of Rome Radio Partners LLC, the team buying WRGA 1470 AM and Q102.

General Manager Randy Quick has a 20 percent stake as does Cheryl Scott, the stations' comptroller. The majority owner, at 40 percent, is Howard Toole, now listing a Rome address and owner of the new FM signal assigned to Plainville (not part of this deal). The final partner, at 20 percent, is James Smith of Elberton. > Details

Vote Loudermilk for governor?

Seven Republicans did just that at Saturday's District 11 convention. State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, who represents parts of Bartow County and east Floyd, picked up seven write-in votes when delegates were polled for gubernatorial choices. Finishing first: John Oxendine. Getting one write-in: Phil Gingrey. Also interesting to note: In the lieutenant governor's race, incumbent and one-time gubernatorial front-runner Casey Cagle came in second to Eric Johnson. Among the write-ins: two votes for state Rep. Tom Graves. Click Peach Pundit

 

 

 

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Tony Dungy and Berry College: Once again, the college's Gloria Shatto Lecture Series has hit a home run -- or make that a game-winning touchdown in the case of Tony Dungy. The retired NFL coach and player took just 40 minutes to deliver a conversation that will stay with more than 2,000 guests forever. At times funny, at times sad, Dungy stressed the need to persevere -- even excel -- when things seem their worst. As a veteran entrepreneur said to a relative afterward, "You missed the speech of a lifetime." Well done, coach, and well done, Berry (click Campus Headlines)

Peak to the renewed interest in the Avenue A/Turner McCall neighborhoods: Four serious bids are in for use of the Charles Hight Homes property, including one that would keep many of the structures and trees in place as opposed to a "scrape and pave" approach. Just as key: the next Neighborhood Focus by Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful highlights the area April 27-May 1. With some wise investment and TLC, this community has unlimited potential as some property owners have shown when restoring some of the beautiful homes here.

Valley to the Tour de Georgia: This most likely would have been the week set aside for the annual Tour de Georgia cycling event. For five years, Rome and Northwest Georgia were a tour stop as well as a critical part of the overall race. Few will forget Lance Armstrong's domination of the race to Rome and the trip around Mount Alto. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle took over the race in 2008, moving it to a mostly Northeast Georgia venue including laps around a racetrack! The seventh edition was canceled, citing a lack of financial support, but a 2010 return is promised. To let an event of this stature--with worldwide recognition and media coverage--drift away and yet spend millions promoting Georgia as a fishing destination is beyond us. Go fish, indeed.

Peak to No. 31, Craig Maddox of the Rome Braves: The A-Braves and Cubs fans among us did a double take the other night when we thought we heard PA announcer Eddie "So if you want a prize.... and I know you do!" Brock call what sounded a lot like Greg Maddux, retired ace pitcher. Brock got it right, calling Craig Maddox. Note the Craig, not Greg. Note the MaddOx, not MaddUx. But what really confused us: The Rome Braves catcher is wearing No. 31, the same number worn by the Cy Young winner. Mr. Maddox, you have new fans in Rome.

Peak to the Rome Braves' Sunday ticket four-pack: Time for a little Clark Howard here. The $25 four-pack offered for Sunday games is the best steal available, on or off the bases. We tried it on April 19: Four box seats ($6 each normally), four regular hot dogs, four small drinks and four boxes of popcorn. Even better: when the two kids with you snare free T-shirts thrown by Romey and one gets a ball from the players. It's like getting the food items for free.  Next opportunity: This Sunday, 2 p.m. No guarantee on the shirts or ball.