Cartersville mobile: May 2009

Sports

Cartersville hosts Columbus at home at 3 this afternoon for AAA title

-The Columbus Blue Devils meet the Purple Hurricanes today at 3 p.m. as Cartersville, the defending AAA champions, seeks its sixth state title in 11 seasons.

-Playoff brackets: Click

-Game three, if needed: 4 p.m. Saturday

-Weather forecast for Friday: 81 degrees, 10% chance of rain> Weather

-Hear every pitch on WBHF 1450 AM or listen to the station's Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

Groundbreaking for new fire training campus is Tuesday

Cartersville Medical Center honored.

Friday's Buzz:

Deal in town Monday: Look for the latest GOP entry into the gubernatorial sweepstakes, U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, to make a few visits in Rome Monday. Several Northwest Georgia Republicans are talking about their chance to meet with the District 9 congressman. Democratic hopeful DuBose Porter shook hands here on Thursday> More politics

So much for those 'staycation' plans: With Georgia officials butchering the budgets of the Etowah Mounds, New Echota and the Chief Vann House as well as other historical and recreation sites, visitation options are being slashed. Linda Baker of the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears says the group has alerted the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee and the Creek Nation about the cuts.

Now on Twitter -- Georgia Highlands updates: More than 160 people are getting updates from the growing college via social media. www.twitter.com/gahighlands

Tom Glavine's next start is Tuesday -- in Rome: The AJC reports Braves' Tom Glavine will make one more rehab start--in Rome Tuesday vs. Augusta (7 p.m.)--before returning to the big club> Click

Pizza surge continues in Northwest Georgia: In recent weeks, we've seen the reopening of Deano's Pizza on Dean Avenue in Rome, the arrival of Hometown Pizza & Grill in Lindale and the new Johnny's New York Style Pizza adjoining the Wal-Mart in Rockmart. Stevi B's continues to look for the right spot in Rome. And still being rumored: A Mellow Mushroom, perhaps in a unique location vs. a strip center. A shop is coming to a historic home in Gainesville later this year. Details

Dining & Drink (Click)

-Latest regional public health inspection scores

-First bites at Okinawa. Think of it as Blue Fin with a different spin.

-The News Vine: Cycling, sipping in Dahlonega's wine country this weekend.

Campus Headlines

-Berry hosts Alumni Weekend, Alumni Work Week: Events start today> Berry

-Berry places sixth out of 293 colleges in RecycleMania> Campus

-Friday: 20% chance of showers, high near 83. PM: Partly cloudy, low of 58.
-Saturday: Sunny, high of 85. PM: Clear, low of 58.
-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 87.

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

-Fran slams Brett; Is Kentucky still happy about Calipari? CBS gets its money's worth

-Braves open four-game set in Bowling Green Friday; 8:05 p.m. start.

-Latest on the traffic death of Rocket Wheeler's ex-wife.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Thursday updates

Reminder: Full coverage of Friday's Cartersville Purple Hurricanes' AAA championship games on WBHF 1450 AM and Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

Regional jobless rate drops from 11% to 10.3% in April

Coosa Valley's unemployment rate dropped to 10.3 percent in April vs. 11.0 percent in March. The regional report includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk and Walker counties. In metro Rome, the jobless rate also was 10.3 percent, the same as in April.

We're expecting county-by-county numbers later today from the state Labor Department and will update those as soon as available.

As for Georgia: April's jobless rate was 9.3 percent, up from 9.2 percent in March and in February. In April 2008, 5.8 percent of Georgia's labor force was idle. The state Labor Department reports 446,560 Georgians were looking for work last month, a 60 percent jump from 12 months earlier.

>Where jobs were lost: Manufacturing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, along with trade, transportation and warehousing, and the construction industry.
>Job gainers (14,200 in all): health care and educational services.

Business

Mixed results for banking:

>Georgia banks lose $1.2 billion in first quarter> AJC

>U.S. picture: best three months in a year; $7.6B profit> MarketWatch

Politics:

-DuBose Porter, a Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, in Rome today: The Georgia House minority leader and Dublin newspaper executive will speak to Rome Rotary at noon, Coosa Country Club> More politics

Thursday's Buzz:

-Big cuts for state parks, historic sites: (From a media release) The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is slashing services and staff, citing a nearly 39 percent reduction in state funds and 24 percent drop in revenue. What it means:

*"Reducing operational days and/or pursuing community support at 12 state historic sites" including the Etowah Indian Mounds, New Echota in Calhoun and Chief Vann House in Chatsworth. Later in the media release, this stunner is included: "and future closures are possible."

-Shorter School of Nursing forms advisory team> Click

-Gingrey honored by American Conservative Union> Gingrey

-Preston Smith named 2009 'Guardian of Small Business'> Politics

Dining & Drink (Click)

-First bites at Okinawa. Think of it as Blue Fin with a different spin.

-The News Vine: Cycling, sipping in Dahlonega's wine country this weekend.

-Thursday: 60% chance of showers, thunderstorms. High of 85.
-Thursday night: Low of 62, 30% chance of rain.
-Friday: 20% chance of showers, high near 83.

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

-You need binoculars to find Dale Jr.; SEC commish says toughen up schedules

-Braves, Drive split Wednesday double header. Drive wins game one, 5-4; Rome uses home run in extra innings to win game two, 4-3.
-Braves off Thursday, open four-game set in Bowling Green Friday
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wednesday updates

Sports

Purple Hurricanes to face Columbus at home starting Friday for AAA title

-The Columbus Blue Devils swept Carrollton 12-1 and 8-0 on a soggy Tuesday to qualify for the AAA finale set for Cartersville on Friday. The Purple Hurricanes are the defending AAA champions following last year's wins over Stephens County. Cartersville is going for its sixth state title in 11 seasons. (Click)

-Playoff brackets: Click

-Weather forecast for Friday: 80 degrees, 30% chance of rain> Weather

-Hear every pitch on WBHF 1450 AM or listen to the station's Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

Politics

Representative Tom Graves What's the next domino in 2010 campaigns? With state Rep. Tom Graves (left) officially "in" as a congressional candidate to replace Nathan Deal (Ninth District, including some of Gordon County), the next question is who runs for Graves' District 12 House seat? The Ranger Republican is in the middle of his fourth term representing parts of Gordon County and he wasn't opposed by Democrats in the past two elections. Bill Pickett, a fellow Republican, ran against Graves in the 2006 primary but lost 2-to-1. He also beat Democrat Jessie Vaughn in the 2002 general election, 59.6 to 40.4 percent.

-Deal, the Ninth District congressional incumbent, jumped into the GOP race for governor when Casey Cagle opted out. Look for Deal to be in the region soon.

-Everson due before Floyd GOP Saturday: State Rep. Melvin Everson, R-Snellville, a candidate for Labor Commissioner, is scheduled speaker at Saturday's Floyd GOP Breakfast Club meeting, 8:30 a.m., Opi's Waterfront Grill> Floyd

-Scott to meet with Young Republicans June 9: Rome Young Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m., Opi's Waterfront Grill. Their speaker:: Rep. Austin Scott, a Republican candidate for governor

-Handel due in Bartow June 27: GOP gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel will visit the Bartow County Republican Party breakfast meeting beginning at 9 a.m. that Saturday. The group meets at Slope's BBQ off Tennessee Street> Bartow

-'The next voice you hear . . .:' More than a few of us got a phone call from U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey Tuesday night. It was a robo pitch for direct access to one of the congressman's live-via-telephone town hall meetings. Primary topics discussed: energy, health care and education.

Updates on the VW plant

The Chattanooga Times Free Press has two updates of regional interest:

-No rain delay so far: Despite more than a foot of rain in recent months, the massive, $1 billion project remains on schedule for a 2011 opening> Click

-Worker training starts this fall for VW staffers: > Click

Dining for a cause

-Sixth Annual Georgia Barbecue Classic set for June 5-6: A motorcycle ride has been added to the classic, set for Sam Smith Park at Milam Farm. The event benefits the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter. Says the report on the visitors bureau Web site: "The classic begins Friday 6-9 p.m. Admission is $5 per car and includes parking, the concert and a chance to rub elbows with professional cook teams competing for cash and a coveted invitation to the KCBS National Competition. Babe's Bayou, the featured band, will take the stage at 7 p.m. On Saturday festivities take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Sample tickets are available in advance in $20 Pig Paks, or for $1 each."

> Schedule

Arts & Entertainment

-Rome River Jam this Saturday: The second annual Rome River Jam is set for Ridge Ferry Park. Among those scheduled to attend: Country music's Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert and local favorites KneckDown. Tickets: $18 in advance, $25 at the door. Details: Click River Jam

-Crystal Gayle coming to Cedartown: The Performing Arts Center has landed entertainer Crystal Gayle for a one-night show set for Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.> Tour

-Missing arts critics from the AJC?> Former AJC music critic Pierre Ruhe and design critic Catherine Fox have launched Artcriticatl.com, a blog featuring their new articles on Atlanta's culture scene> Arts critics

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-Big welcome sign for summer tourists: Northwest Georgia saw a third-of-a-billion-dollar impact from tourism in 2007, providing 3,800 jobs to boot. Bartow's impact: $125 million. With a lean summer ahead, local tourism leaders believe 'staycations' could mean big things for the region.

Annual motorcycle ride, car show to benefit Dr. Stan Wilkins scholarship June 20> Click

-Wednesday: 70% chance of rain, high of 81.

-Wednesday night: 30% chance of rain, low of 65

-Thursday: 60% chance of rain, high of 85.

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

-Let's just see the SEC coaches do their thing; Kentucky basketball cleans house

-Braves-Drive rained out Tuesday night

-Braves vs. Drive play two at 1 p.m. Wednesday
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday updates

Cartersville Purple Hurricanes sweep Perry, 4-3 ad 8-2; await winner of rain-delayed Carrollton vs. Columbus: AAA finale set to start Friday (Click)

-Playoff brackets> Click

-Hear every pitch on WBHF 1450 AM or listen to the station's Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-Big welcome sign for summer tourists: Northwest Georgia saw a third-of-a-billion-dollar impact from tourism in 2007, providing 3,800 jobs to boot. With a lean summer ahead, local tourism leaders believe 'staycations' could mean big things for the region.
-Even with economic turbulence, Russell Airport/Towers Field flying high.
-For the foodies: Edible Metro & Mountain provides regional look at food.
-Have you 'friended' a restaurant? 333 on Broad, La Scala among local restaurants putting on a big Facebook push for local diners.
-Also: Daily high school football e-mail blasts, summer camp reminders.

Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia
-Peak: Redmond EMS and Gordon's Paul Lowe.
-Valley: The excuse-of-the-day gas prices.
-Valley: Hey, vacation 'hosts,' remember the recession?

-Tuesday: 70% rain chance, high of 81.
-Tuesday night: 50% rain chance, low of 67.
-Wednesday: 70% chance of rain, high of 82.

Downtown Headlines

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Gospel at The Forum; DDA coffee break is Friday.

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

-It's all-about-me-Notre Dame is at it again; watch out for Wake Forest football--again

-Braves lose third straight; Drive wins, 5-1
-Braves vs. Drive at 7 tonight, 1 p.m. Wednesday
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery

Berry loses NAIA opener, plays again today: No. 1-seed Lubbock Christian posted six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to break up a 5-5 tie in its 11-5 win over the No. 4-seed Berry baseball team on Monday at the NAIA Avista World Series. The Vikings 46-15 will play Lee today at 2 p.m.> Vikings

Northwest Georgia's tourism industry: $330 million impact, 3,800 jobs: And those are only 2007 numbers. Since then, tourism options in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties have continued to boom thanks to the new Tellus museum, more hotels, the NAIA football championship and other options. This summer, as "staycations" grow, look for even better numbers. For a look at the region's tourism industry, click Millions

Even with economic turbulence, Russell Airport/Towers Field posts profit

The 2008 annual report for Richard B. Russell Regional Airport/Towers Field is out and the overall conclusion is a good one with a profit of $71,962. The highlights:

-86 of the 88 hangars were rented, a 97 percent occupancy rate. Hangar rentals account for 19 percent of the airport's revenue.

-Fuel sales were down (82,289 gallons of aviation gas; 126,140 gallons of jet fuel). More than three-quarters of the airport's revenue comes from fuel sales.

-Overall 'operations'at the airport were 21,862, including a majority of general aviation (small planes) and some corporate jets as well as military operations from nearby bases.

Among the highlights in 2008 were:

-The opening of Coosa Valley Technical College's new aviation center (earlier story), including the first classes at the airport (curriculum). Click to watch video.

-The third annual air show in September.

-Infrastructure improvements include added services to help support future aviation-related niche industry.

-Talks to bring limited air passenger service to the airport. Wings Air had been in talks to launch Rome-to-Hartsfield service but that bid fizzled. Talks with another potential carrier have been held (Georgia Skies).

-What's ahead: The economy has chilled talks, at least for now, of a major airport development. The question is whether those talks will be renewed as the economy improves.

-The 2008 report: For a look at the three-page PDF, click Airport Report

Edible Metro & Mountains something to sink your teeth into

We weren't too sure what to think of Edible Metro & Mountains when colleague Charles Wilson III sent it our way. The magazine was slim, on very coarse paper (recycled) and printed with soy ink. It is one of the nicer surprises we've seen in the ever-changing North Georgia magazine market. Published four times a year, EM&M is into organics, locally grown produce, metro-crafted breads and the like. It embraces community farmers markets and related spin-offs. One of the most interesting: click the ad for Slow Food Atlanta. Edible is part of a national network of magazines. For more: Edible M&M

One more for the foodies: Lizcooks.com

Former AJC writer Elizabeth Lee has a great metro Web site and Facebook page dedicated to food and food lovers. One of the current stories that caught our eye: "If the next meal you ate might be your last, what would you choose?" Give it a look by clicking Liz Cooks.

Local restaurants moving into the Facebook frenzy

In recent weeks, it's been interesting to track the development of 333 on Broad via Jay Shell's frequent Facebook updates on the restaurant's page (click). A new addition is La Scala Ristorante Italiano & Bar (click). An almost veteran of Facebook marketing is Slopes BBQ in Cartersville (click).

>Why Facebook? We had an interesting conversation with a colleague on the northeast side of the state the other day who's helping run a viable cross-media business. His take, and ours: Web sites and blogs are the foundation of the Internet but everything is skewing toward Facebook, Twitter and others.

-What's next: Keep watching how this plays out in politics this year and next.

High school football fans: Subscribe to new state daily updates

Georgia High School Football Daily is a new online-only weekday update of key developments on the state's number one sport. For now, it is available for free via e-mail. We're watching for a static Web site or blog. Recent issues have includes chats with Calhoun High Coach Hal Lamb and other coaches. To subscribe: click Football

Summer camps reminder:

School is out for most area students and parents, and camps are filling up fast. One of the top summer freebies, the library's reading program, gets under way today (click details). For a list of long-form camps, click Kids.

Region's $330 million tourism industry expects busy summer

-Museums, landmarks, sports, outdoor options provide 3,800 jobs here

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

Even in this tough economy, one local industry that has the potential to skyrocket this summer is tourism.

Visitors are vital to our community; in fact, tourism is the second-largest employer in Rome and in the state. And because of the recession, many predict summer vacations will be spent closer to home, something that could mean big dollars for local economies.

"Traditionally, as we begin each new year, January and February are slower months for tourism in Rome," says Linda Smith, Sales and Events Coordinator with the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau. "However, March, April and May have developed in a positive direction. The tourism office is excited about the meetings and events that are scheduled for the balance of 2009."

While state tourism figures for 2008 will not be available until later this year, figures for 2007 show the importance of tourism to the Northwest Georgia area, especially Floyd and Bartow counties.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development's annual study by the Travel Industry Association, tourism is a $124.9 million industry in Bartow and $112.23 million in Floyd. Tourism is not as substantial in surrounding communities but is equally important. Tourism expenditures were $14.03 million in Chattooga, $43.28 million in Gordon and $35.67 million in Polk.

Northwest Georgia's 2007 tourism snapshot

	Overall impact	Tourism expenditures	Tourism-related jobs	Taxes from tourism
Bartow	$124.9 million	$29.96 million	1,490	$3.78 million
Chattooga	$14.03 million	$2.58 million	160	$420,000
Floyd	$112.23 million	$22.79 million	1,260	$3.36 million
Gordon	$43.28 million	$8.62 million	500	$1.3 million
Polk	$35.67 million	$8.11 million	450	$1.07 million

Source: Travel Industry Association

"Tourism is important to the economy of every city and state," Smith says. "Outside dollars spent by visitors are vital to the fiscal strength of our community. SPLOST projects, local taxes, jobs and creation of new infrastructure benefit from this money brought into our community."

"Tourism is a significant industry in Bartow County," says Regina Wheeler, Deputy Director for Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park consistently bring millions of visitors each year. Add to that the historical legacy at Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, Barnsley Gardens (a high-rated boutique resort) and the one-quarter of a million square feet of museum exhibit space and you have a very viable tourism product."

Bartow's newest museum, Tellus (Northwest Georgia Science Museum), opened its doors on Jan. 12. Since that time, some 76,000 visitors have passed through its doors.

"Let's assume that these 76,000 were day visitors and not staying overnight," Wheeler says. "According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development studies, each day visitor spends an estimated $47 per day in Georgia. That totals to $3,752,000 new dollars spent in the local tourism economy."

Rome officials say its tourism "menu" has many options that draw people to the city.

"Sports tourism, especially tennis, has propelled the amount of dollars brought into city and county coffers," Smith says. "Rome Braves' baseball and college and high school athletic events also create a significant impact on our economy. With the addition of football at Shorter College, we were in a position to secure the bid for the NAIA National Football Championship."

(Photo: Rome Braves' catcher Braeden Schlehuber from the team's May 8 win over the Lexington Legends at State Mutual Stadium. Photo by Mills Fitzner. More Braves' photos> click)

Rome hosted the 2008 championship in December with an economic impact of more than $1.5 million. Rome will also be hosting this year's game in December and hopes to get a one-year extension for the 2010 game. This event provides a big boost in visitors in a normally slow time of the year (December).

"Rome's rich heritage attracts visitors to Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Chieftains/Major Ridge Home, Oak Hill (the ancestral home of Martha Berry), Civil War sites and the downtown historic Victorian 'Between the Rivers' district," Smith adds.

But, like most industries across the country, officials have seen some declines. However, with the summer vacation season now in full-swing, visitors could be staying close to home and spending their dollars locally.

"Right now, corporate travel is definitely down, so that impacts venues like Barnsley Gardens Resort," says Wheeler. "The City of Cartersville, Bartow County and City of Adairsville all collect 5 percent tax on each guest room, cottage or campsite rented in the area. Each municipality keeps 60 percent of this money collected to support their budgets. When tourism sees a decline as we have so far in 2009 (down 13 percent), then the local governments also see a decline."

Officials agree there is lots of room to grow our local tourism industry and are working to do just that.

"Ecotourism is our focus for new growth," Smith says. " 'Green Space' abounds in Rome and Floyd County. Opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, wildflower excursions, star gazing and environmental education appeal to a huge population of tourists."

Says Bartow's Wheeler: "Bartow County and its municipalities are moving forward with plans to build a new civic/conference center. This will bring in much-needed flexible meeting space and will bring an untapped market to the community since many meetings have been turned away due to availability of meeting space that fits their needs."

Wheeler also notes that two new lodging facilities will be opening this summer, thus showing the vitality of Bartow's tourism industry. The new Hilton Garden Inn (just off I-75 and Main Street) and new Microtel Inn (on U.S. 41) will be open soon.

Also on the way: Even more museum space as Booth Western Art Museum expands in downtown Cartersville. The photo to the right shows work continuing on the 40,000-square-foot expansion. (Photo from Booth site)

For more information about local tourist attractions, visit www.romegeorgia.org or www.notatlanta.org.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peaks to Redmond EMS and Gordon paramedic Paul Lowe: Both Redmond Regional's EMS Service and Paul Lowe, a paramedic with Gordon EMS, took top honors from state colleagues for their respective efforts in 2008. How many communities can say they're home to both the best EMS and top paramedic in the state?

Valley to oil companies, suppliers (yet again): There could be worldwide peace, absolutely no trouble in the tropics, a glut in overall supplies and tempered use of fossil fuel by U.S. and international motorists, and the oil producers would still find a reason to jack up gasoline prices as summer arrives. It is time for some "change you can believe in" when it comes to fuel prices.

Valley to all those beach condo/home renters: At last check, we were in the middle of a nasty recession. To complicate matters, gas prices are starting to "trickle up" to uncomfortable levels. You'd think you'd see a price break at most, or even a "steady-as-she-goes" rental fee at Atlantic and Gulf vacation rentals. Nope. Some are actually charging more, especially for the July 4th weeks. Yup, time for some "staycations" this year.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Purple Hurricanes to play doubleheader at 3 this afternoon vs. Perry Panthers (Click)

-Game 3, if needed, will start at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

-Perry-area weather forecast: 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible> Latest forecast.

-Playoff brackets> Click

-Hear every pitch on WBHF 1450 AM or listen to the station's Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

Region's Memorial Day service set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today: Scheduled:

-Historical displays at Southeastern Mills, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
-Flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, noon.

-National Moment of Remembrance, 3 p.m.
-Northwest Georgia Memorial Day Parade, 3:01 p.m. Broad St. It starts outside Citizens First Bank to Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

-A memorial service at Myrtle Hill Cemetery immediately follows the parade

-Memorial Day: 60% rain chance, high near 81. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
-Tonight: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66.
-Tuesday: 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 82.

-Check the details on the weather page from Berry College> Click

Gingrey leading push into robotics funding: Reports Monday's AJC: "Led in part by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), a group of lawmakers is in the early stages of mapping out ways to expand the research, development and use of robotics in the United States before the country loses its lead to foreign competitors, as it did with auto manufacturing and a host of other industries."> AJC

Berry plays at 3 this afternoon in NAIA World Series: Follow the stats online. Click NAIA

Glavine to pitch rehab game in Rome June 2?: MLB.com is reporting Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine will do a rehab game in Rome on Tuesday, June 2, as the club opens a four-game home stand with Augusta (7 p.m. start)> MLB.com

Rome Braves lose a heartbreaker, 1-0; play today at 1 p.m.

[IMG_4357_edited-1-793803.jpg]

Photo series by Mills Fitzner//More photos: Sports

The Braves' Jesus Sucre (34) had a good day at the ball park, hitting a double in the bottom of the seventh.

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

-Could Ole Miss football be in trouble? Vols' Kiffin in the news yet again

-Braves edged 1-0.

-Greenville at Rome today at 1 p.m.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Gallery

Friday, May 22, 2009

Friday updaets

Media:

-WRGA, Q102 sale approved by FCC staff: The sale of WRGA 1470 AM and Q102 to Rome Radio Partners LLC has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission staff. The ownership group, including Howard Toole and General Manager Randy Quick, is buying the stations from McDougald Broadcasting, part of Southern Broadcasting. Next up, says Quick, is the hoped-for blessing from the commission itself. The Rome group also has an agreement to operate South 107, WGJK 1360 AM and WSRM 93.5 FM> Radio

Campus Headlines

-Former Berry President Scott Colley to lead Lees-McRae College: Effective Dr Scott Colley June 1, retired Berry College president Dr. Scott Colley will be president of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. The Lees-McRae College Board of Trustees appointed Colley at a recent meeting. Colley served as Berry's president from 1998 until 2006. Since leaving Berry, Colley has been in Virginia and just cycled off Darlington's board> Details

-Berry Athletic Director Todd Brooks name conference's best: The Southern States Athletic Conference has named Todd Brooks as the SSAC Athletic Director of the Year> Details

Politics

Gingrey column on government-run healthcare published in US News:

U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's column is headlined, 'Government-run Healthcare Would Backfire, Making 'Public Option' the Only One'> Gingrey

-Gingrey votes against 'energy' bill> Details

Latest from Coosa Valley Tech, Georgia Highlands> Campus Headlines

Memorial Day

Photo by Mills Fitzner/More photos: click Gallery

Short stop Ryan Barba puts in some extra effort Thursday night as the Rome Braves beat the Asheville Tourists, 5-4. The Braves are in town all holiday weekend with games at 7 tonight and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. Memorial Day. Click Sports

-Just in time for holiday travel--rising gas prices: A gallon of unleaded was selling for $2.27 this morning, up 35 cents from a month ago but down $1.54 from a year ago. For updates, click Georgia Gas Prices.

-Troopers predict 18 will die on Georgia's roads this holiday: The Memorial Day holiday period begins at 6 tonight and ends at midnight Memorial Day. The Georgia State Patrol estimates as many as 2,725 traffic crashes, resulting in 875 injuries and 18 traffic deaths could occur during the 78-hour holiday> GSP

-Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes now through 10 p.m., Monday.

-Holiday weather in a word: soggy> WeatherCenter

Dining

-The latest public health inspection scores for restaurants in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties> Dining

-Ribbon cutting, grand opening set for 4:30 this evening at 333 on Broad.

-Weekend on the road? Try some of the special events at North Georgia wineries, from Braselton to Dahlonega to Young Harris> Wine Tours

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 80, 20 mph gusts. Low of 64. Rain: 30%
-Saturday: 70% rain chance, high of 79; low of 66, 50% rain chance.
-Sunday: 50% rain chance, high of 80, 20 mph gusts. Low of 68. Rain: 30%
-Memorial Day: 50% ran chance; high of 83.

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

-Hey, commish, this ain't brain surgery, it's college football; who's the fittest of them all?

-Braves hold off Tourists' rally, win 5-4.

-Asheville at Rome tonight at 7.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Thursday updates

Cartersville City Council meets tonight

Purple Hurricanes to play Perry on Monday in AAA Final Four

Special Report/Heritage First Bank

>The Office of Thrift Supervision recently issued a 24-page Supervisory Agreement reading past operations at Heritage First Bank. The agreement contains stipulations and guidelines for current and future bank operations. Hometown asked Greg Wilkes, the new chief executive officer of the bank, to answer questions we had after reading the document. His responses follow; click Bank Report.

>One key development for the bank: Since December, Heritage First has been raising new capital. The campaign ends May 31 and Wilkes expects it will have raised $7 million to $8 million in new capital.

-For more, click Bank Report

Employment

-Bentley Dye to hire 300; job fair June 9-10 at CVTC's Gordon Campus: Bentley Dye is expanding its Calhoun facilities and will be hiring 300 additional employees, some over the summer and others within six to nine months. The company currently employs 75 to 80 people at the 413 River St. complex. The new hires, to be screened during the job fair set for June 9-10 at Coosa Valley Technical College's Gordon Campus, will be assigned to the second complex now being built. Applications will be accepted for twisting, heat set, creelers, superba operators, extrusion operators and lab techs, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The hours both days: 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For additional information about the recruitments, contact the Rome Career Center at (706) 295-6051.

-The Gordon County Chamber newsletter in November said Bentley Dye purchased 42 acres in the McDaniel Station business park with plans to build a manufacturing facility. The total investment was valued at $30 million.

The economy

Forecaster Dhawan pessimistic about fast fix for U.S., state economies: Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center Director Rajeev Dhawan, who spoke recently at Berry College, issued his latest forecasts on Wednesday:

>The US: "Despite a growing chorus of experts predicting recovery in the second half of 2009, ... Dhawan warns that it will take much more than positive thinking to begin the recovery process."

>The state: "While metro Atlanta was once insulated from the "headwinds" of the national economy through the Olympic buildup, corporate relocations, the growth of Delta, and investments in hotel and convention facilities, the region's economy is now suffering with the rest of the United States."

>For more on each, click GSU

Health

-Health department: Remain vigilant about swine flu; 'probably' in our area:

Latest updates for Northwest Georgia> Health

-Harbin neurosurgeon Cowan publishes in Journal of Trauma > Health

Campus Headlines

-Dean's list from Georgia Highlands College> Click

Memorial Day

-Just in time for holiday travel--rising gas prices: A gallon of unleaded was selling for $2.21 this morning, up 31 cents from a month ago but down $1.57 from a year ago. For updates, click Georgia Gas Prices.

-Troopers predict 18 will die on Georgia's roads this holiday: The Memorial Day holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at midnight Memorial Day. The Georgia State Patrol estimates as many as 2,725 traffic crashes, resulting in 875 injuries and 18 traffic deaths could occur during the 78-hour holiday> GSP

-Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 5 a.m. Friday until 10 p.m., Monday.

-Quick forecast: Slight chance of showers through Saturday; 40% chance Sunday-Monday. Highs in the low 80s, lows near 60> WeatherCenter

-Weekend on the road? Try some of the special events at North Georgia wineries, from Braselton to Dahlonega to Young Harris> Wine Tours

Dining

-Later today: The latest public health inspection scores for restaurants in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties> Dining

-Ribbon cutting, grand opening set for 4:30 p.m. Friday at 333 on Broad.

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 77. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Thursday night: 20% chance of rain, low of 64.

-Friday: 40% chance of rain, high of 80. Gusts to 15 mph.

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

-If Buffalo gives Terrell Owens the key to the city, what would Michael Vick get?

-Red-hot Braves chilled by Tourists, 6-1.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Wednesday updates

Business

-Unity National sees 'the bottom,' continues push to raise capital, cycle old loans: The bank, with offices in Cartersville, Rome and Calhoun, made the list of 'Texas ratio' banks in Georgia again in the first quarter. More capital, a "smaller" bank and other changes are under way to get Unity off the list> Business

Health

-Region is home to state's top emergency medical service, paramedic:

>Redmond's Emergency Medical Services named state's best> Health

>Gordon paramedic Paul Lowe name state's best EMT> Gordon

Memorial Day

-Quick forecast: Slight chance of showers through Saturday; 40% chance Sunday-Monday. Highs in the low 80s, lows near 60> WeatherCenter

Third annual motorcyle ride, car show to benefit Dr. Stan Wilkins scholarship fund

Politics

-Political columnist Bill Shipp calls it a career: The AJC's Jim Galloway says longtime political columnist Bill Shipp has written his last column at age 75 after 50 years of serving as Georgia's watchdog (click AJC). As well as writing must-read columns, Shipp also was among the first in Georgia to pioneer independent media, launching Bill Shipp's Georgia in the late '80s and an online version 13 years ago. Fans of online media owe Shipp a nod of respect and appreciation.

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, storms. High of 79; gusts to 20 mph.

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

-What John Calipari has done at Kentucky is assemble the greatest recruiting class ever.

-Braves open home stand tonight with Asheville.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday updates

Catch CHS in the high school baseball playoffs today at 3:45 p.m. on WBHF 1450 AM and, via Web cast, on Bartow Headlines.

Business

-Work continues on regional 'angel investor network': During Monday's Greater Rome chamber briefing on expanded small business services, the phrase "angel investors" came up several times. The chamber continues to work to form an independent, regional group that would provide some funding for promising start-ups. "This network will offer a new source of capital for worthy ventures, and it has already gained the interest of several prospective employers," says David Newby, chamber chairman. The angel investor group would be separate from the chamber but would be linked to the business group, says Lowell Pratt, the chamber's Small Business Development Coordinator. Chamber members have been talking about an angel investor network since before the group's Symposium on Technology last November. Expanded small business services> Chamber

-Bartow celebrates work ready status today

Politics

Gingrey endorses Deal's bid for governor: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey is among Georgia's congressional delegation endorsing fellow Rep. Nathan Deal's bid for the Republican nomination for governor. Gingrey was considered a long-shot candidate for governor but decided to stay with the House. Deal entered the GOP sweepstakes after Casey Cagle -- who, like Deal, lives in Hall County--exited the race.

-Graves to seek Deal's congressional seat? The Northwest Georgia legislative delegation could see some ripple effect from the Deal candidacy. Peach Pundit is posting that state Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, will be a candidate for Congress.

Braves

-Rome Braves in first place in division; have most wins in the SAL: The torrid Rome Braves, winners of nine of their past 10 games, are now in first place in the South Atlantic League's southern division and sport the most wins (22) in the league. The teams with the best records at the season's midpoint (70 games) and second half (70 more games) advance to the SAL playoffs in September> Sports

WeatherCenter: Dangerous fire conditions today

-Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Winds could gust to 15 mph.
-Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Gusts to 15 mph.

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

-Hey folks, get the dogs in: Vick is being released this week; no 'superstar' status likely.

-Braves take four straight vs. Greenville, now in first place.
-Team off today, will be home vs. Asheville starting Wednesday.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click

Monday, May 18, 2009

Monday updates