Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Census report shows swings in local employment patterns, 1998-2007

  Floyd '07 Floyd '98   Bartow '07 Bartow '98  
Businesses 2,088 1,998 +5% 2,139 1,514 +41%
Employees 38,117 37,430 +2% 31,375 24,318 +29%
Manufact. 8,154 10,437 -22% 9,033 8,930 +1%
Retail 4,943 4,973 -1% 4,109 3,256 +26%
Health 8,152 6,583 +24% 2,530 1,488 +70%
Food/hotels 3,218 2,743 +17% 3,230 2,023 +59%
Education 2,283 2,388 -4% Incomp. Incomp.  

Source: U.S. Census/County Business Patterns: An establishment is a single physical location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are performed. The report provides data on the number of establishments, employees, and quarterly and annual payroll for most of the 1,100 industries identified by the North American Industry Classification System.

A newly released Census report tracks business trends within counties between March 1998 and 2007, and some of the numbers are surprising. A big caveat is how much they have changed since the recession hit Northwest Georgia in the past year.

Some of the findings from the report (click Census)

-Job drop: Note the 22 percent drop in manufacturing jobs in Floyd County in the 10 years studied. Also down, and this was surprising: education by 4 percent.

-The gainers: Health and social services (24 percent) followed by food and hotels (17 percent). employment jobs. The number of food/accommodations places of business grew by 24 percent in 10 years, from 152 to 191.

-By comparison, Bartow County grew in every category, especially in businesses, healthcare jobs and food/hotel employment. Job growth: 29 percent.

Big changes coming to U.S. 41 via stimulus dollars

Summer concert series returns to downtown Cartersville Saturday night.

Adairsville Chamber Council meets Thursday

Mohawk earned $46 million in second quarter: Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries Inc. posted $46 million in April 1-June 30 earnings on Thursday vs. $89 millio
 
n in profits from the same period in 2008. The company credited these steps behind profitability last quarter: "aggressively driving costs down, improving working capital, tighter control over capital expenditures and an intense focus on customers." For more: Mohawk.

Soggy Friday ahead

latest Base Reflectivity radar loop from Peachtree City, GA

-What's up: We've seen about a third of an inch of rain in the past 24 hours but the forecast  says nearly an inch is possible today.

-Friday: High of 86, low of 67. Rain chance: 80%, then 30%
-Saturday: High of 91, low of 71. Rain chance: 30%

-Sunday:  High of 89, low of 67. Rain chance: 50%, then 30%

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Dining & Drink

-Backyard BBQ Grill adds steak dinner, more: Backyard BBQ in Armuchee Village is known for its barbecue and those to-die-for potato chips. But more is on the table: a new $9.99 steak dinner has  been added as has a homemade fried chicken dinner on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Also new: Ice cream cups with an ice cream parlor on the way.

-Vote for Mary Louise's feta summer salad: One of Greater Rome's favorite chefs, Mary Louise Lever, is at it again. This time, she's concocted a special feta salad for the Summer Salad Contest and she needs your vote in this online election. The salad is a summer favorite and requires no cooking. For the recipe and to vote (no registration other than an e-mail address), click Salads (votes due by Aug. 23; you can vote once each day).

-Dining updates highlight today's Druck Report local business update at 7:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. on Rome's News Talk 1470 AM.

-Latest public health restaurant scores from Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties; what's new in local restaurants> Dining
-Wine: Road trip set for North Georgia wineries>
Wine News Vine

Latest edition of 'Virtually Shorter' now posted> Click

2009 Sales Tax Holiday ends at midnight Sunday:

-Check Natalie Simms' recent preview story: It features tips on what to expect at Mount Berry Square, Prime Outlets and others> click

-Check with the state on what's included> Georgia

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-The top coaches ever in all of sports--and the 10 most-hated individuals in sports today.

Rome Braves' updates:

-Tourists double-up Braves, 8-4.

-Friday: Rome hosts Asheville, 7 p.m. start.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday's updates

click www.bartowheadlines.com

Business

-Kmart subletting space in Rome: With food service gone and other changes under way, Kmart in Rome is advertising space available for sublet. Included: the automotive area and other parts of the store. Grubb & Ellis has the listing: What Kmart would do with the extra space since ending grocery sales and trimming 80 jobs has been a hot topic among retailers in recent months.

-Pacific Sun closing at Mount Berry Square: The last day is Aug. 7. Most of the 15 employees already have new jobs or will return to school> PacSun

-Mandarin Express closes after today at the mall; China Max en route: Look for some additional food court changes at Mount Berry. Mandarin wraps it up after today's sales while China Max should be in operation within three months after build out. Chick-Fil-A recently remodeled at the mall as well.

-Mohawk cuts 45 in S.C.: Mohawk Industries is laying off 45 employees at its Landrum, S.C., unit> Mohawk

-Mohawk to announce second-quarter financials Friday> Mohawk

-New online look, home for Chattooga chamber: The Web site of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce has a new look and feel today with more to come. The site was assembled by Extrerra Network's David Hall> Chamber

2009 Sales Tax Holiday under way: The combined back-to-school/Georgia Sales Tax Holiday rush is under way. For more on what's ahead:

-Check Natalie Simms' recent preview story: It features tips on what to expect at Mount Berry Square, Prime Outlets and others. New: Mount Berry adds "Repo Joe" used car sale Friday, Saturday> click

-Check with the state on what's included> Georgia

-The sale ends at midnight Sunday.

That's how many people have visited Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum since it opened in mid-January. The Tellus update is included in today's Druck Report on Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM  (7:45 a.m., 12:50 p.m.) as we look at local tourism and the hospitality industry.

Thursday's Buzz:

-Shorter ranked no. 8 in preseason NAIA Top 25 poll> Hawks

-Darlington footballs Iron Tiger drills at 6 tonight, Chris Hunter Stadium.

-Blood Assurance blood drive today: Rome Internal Medicine is hosting a blood drive from 2-5 p.m. Visitors are eligible to register for a NASCAR prize pack. Must be at least 17 (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 and in good health. Needed: O+ and A+.

-Temp closings: The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is closing several recreation centers for a week to allow maintenance work to be completed (painting, replacing gym lights, cleaning and floor repairs). All programs and activities held at these facilities are canceled during the following scheduled facility closings:

>Aug. 3-9: Anthony Center closed. // Aug. 10-16: Gilbreath Center closed

>Aug. 17-23: Fielder Center closed // Aug. 24-30: Etowah Senior Center closed

-Felicia Claxton Motorcycle Ride starts at Ga. Highlands Sept. 12> CH

-Ga. Highlands' human resources seminar set for Aug. 14> Business

The owner of the Fuddruckers' restaurants in Rome and Cartersville has a souped-up, self-contained mobile kitchen that can custom cater any part of the restaurant's menu or provide food and drink at regional events> Dining Guide

Downtown Headlines:

-Big music weekend in downtown Rome complete with the return of The Strange. Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania has the skinny.

-Tillman race, Rome's 175th anniversary party, First Friday(s), film festival, beer festival just part of a busy few weeks ahead for downtown Rome.

Weather

latest Base Reflectivity radar loop from Peachtree City, GA

-Wednesday: High of 87, low of 73. Rain chance: 70%, then 60%
-Thursday: High of 87, low of 70. Rain chance: 60%, then 30%

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Michael Vick fans truly have lost their minds. He ain't the Second Coming

Rome Braves' updates:

-Kannapolis beats Rome 3-2 in afternoon tilt.

-Thursday: Rome hosts Asheville, 7 p.m. start.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wednesday's Updates

 
$30 million in expansion planned at Georgia Northwestern campuses: Work is expected to begin this fall on Georgia Northwestern Technical College's new 46,000-square-foot addition to its Gordon County Campus. The $9.6 million building will provide much needed classroom space for several programs. School officials also are working on construction plans for a new campus in Catoosa County. GNTC already has received $3 million for the planning and development of the project. McDaniel made a capital outlay presentation in Atlanta on July 22 for an additional $16.9 million to construct the facility> Campus Headlines

Bartow's Toyo Tire expansion largest 'Top 10' investment in fiscal 2009: The Georgia Department of Economic Development's 2009 fiscal report includes a "top projects" list that shows Toyo Tire's $270 million expansion in White was the largest overall. The project creates 400 jobs. "Despite the uncertainty of our country's business environment, we landed a record number of new projects, keeping Georgia the economic engine of the South and setting up our state to be a leader in the recovery,"said Gov. Sonny Perdue. The department assisted companies with 327 locations or expansions in fiscal 2009, up from 321 last year. The number of qualified business leads increased 1.2 percent. Also, the International Trade division assisted 725 Georgia companies and helped close 219 deals in 42 countries. The number of trade deals increased more than 30 percent, and the dollar amount improved almost 67 percent, to $29.1 million. For more, click Economic Development 

Cartersville, Cedartown profiles in latest Football Daily: Purple Hurricanes picked to finish second in their division> Football Daily

Fuddruckers going mobile thanks to portable kitchen: The owner of the Fuddruckers' restaurants in Rome and Cartersville has a souped-up, self-contained mobile kitchen that can custom cater any part of the restaurant's menu or provide food and drink at regional events> Dining Guide

What's next for Chef Derek Morgan as restaurant closing looms:

Just click to the history and chef sections of  D Morgan's Web site and you get part of the story on the man behind one of the region's premiere restaurants. With Derek Morgan's closing of his namesake restaurant later this week, the e-mails shuffling among local foodies are mostly concerning "what's next?" For almost two years, there's been talk of Morgan and his wife, Meredith, opening Grace Bistro in Rome City Market on Broad. Abbie at D Morgan's says a September opening is still planned. And yet City Market has stopped and started more times than an old lawn mower. Some special events are possible at D Morgan's now through year's end, says Abbie, and a return with a different dining concept could happen as well. Our guess is we haven't tasted the last of Derek Morgan's creations in Northwest Georgia.

-Changing restaurant scene in downtown Cartersville: Even with City Cellar and Schroeder's now open, Cartersville has seen some exits, too. Among them: Moon River, Abrama, Zydeco, M'Vroneen's, Flavor, San Antonio Burrito.

1.55 inches of rain since 1 p.m. Tuesday; more to come> Weather

Weather

-Wednesday: High of 86, low of 70. Rain chance: 60%, then 50%
-Thursday: High of 87, low of 72. Rain chance: 60%, then 70%

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Michael Vick fans truly have lost their minds. He ain't the Second Coming

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves rally for 4-1 win over Intimidators.

-Today: Braves at Kannapolis, 11:05 a.m.; home vs. Asheville Thursday,

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

 

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tuesday's updates

Significant restaurant 'rumor' circulating: We've got more calls out today to follow up two reports of a major restaurant closing in Northwest Georgia. This one came out of the blue. We'll have updates soon.

Speakers list grows at Saturday's Fifth Annual Republican Rally: The event, set for 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Earl Tillman's Hangar at Richard B. Russell Airport/Towers Field, is scheduled to feature speakers: U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson; U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle; and Republican candidates for governor (confirmed so far on Nathan Deal's Web site), as well as other state and local candidates. Tickets for the barbecue plate at $10 per person or $25 per family. Details: Floyd GOP

-More politics: Meetings for a third Rome 'tea party' under way.

Open house on Ga. 140 widening has immediate and big-picture impact: You can appreciate the Greater Rome Chamber's urging of area residents to "drop in" at Thursday's public hearing/open house to discuss DOT's plans for the widening Ga. 140 in Floyd and Bartow counties (4 until 7 p.m., the Jackson House, 203 N. Main St., Adairsville). Why is the road so critical? As stated on today's Druck Report (WRGA 1470 AM, 7:45 a.m.; 12:50 p.m., second item or Click here to listen):

-A four-laned Ga. 140 makes the proposed new industrial parks a much easier commute to, from I-75 in Adairsville--and much more attractive to industry.

-It also eases the path to Martha Berry Highway, Russell Airport (much-discussed site of potential new employer), Berry College and Chattooga County> Details

Number of the day: 28,000. That's the estimate on the North Georgians who have Alzheimer's disease, the "first epidemic of the 21st Century." And that's why hundreds are expected to take part in the Saturday, Sept. 19, Memory Walk set for Berry College. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. For expanded details, click Memory Walk

New auxiliary bishop of Atlanta has ties to Rome, St. Mary's:  photoPope Benedict XVI has named Monsignor Luis Rafael Zarama, 50, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, as auxiliary bishop of Atlanta. Bishop-Elect Zarama has a close connection to St. Mary's Catholic Church here in Rome, says Deacon Stuart Neslin, Parish Administrator at St. Mary's. During the past year, the then-Msgr. Zarama would come to Rome on a monthly basis to celebrate the Sunday 1 p.m. Mass in Spanish and to participate in the various activities of the St. Mary's Hispanic Community. "He is a fine priest," Deacon Neslin says, "very knowledgeable in Canon Law and the Liturgy of the Church, and wonderful with parishioners. . . we are very blessed to have a man of his calibre as auxiliary bishop." For more on his new duties, please click Bishop

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Berry earns provisional membership in NCAA Division III: Berry College has been approved for provisional membership in NCAA Division III by the NCAA Management Council, beginning this season> Campus Headlines

-Chamber making 'Shop Rome' campaign a year-round effort: Media conference Monday outlines goals of expanded campaign supporting local business, sales, jobs. The campaign comes as the Sales Tax Holiday begins> Business

-DOT suspends road work to help Sales Tax Holiday shoppers: Road projects will be idle from 9 a.m. Friday until 9 p.m. Sunday.

-U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's op-ed piece on the healthcare debate now posted on last edition of Politico. Click Gingrey

-Citizens First's Taylor new regional credit/risk manager for Synovus> Biz

Join us for 'Bartow Headlines updates on WBHF 1450 AM each Tuesday at 7:50 a.m.

Weather: Wet Tuesday ahead (check Intellicast radar below)

Current Radar in GA - Columbus region

-Tuesday: High of 88, low of 71. Rain chance: 80 percent.

-Wednesday: High of 85, low of 70. Rain chance:  60, then 30 percent.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Monday, July 27, 2009

Monday's updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County
 

-Record crowd expected for Tillman Clocktower race

-Retail updates: More changes among retail players.

-Restaurant updates: Bartow a hot bed for new restaurants.

-Peaks & Valleys: Highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

-Recap: What to expect on back to school, sales tax holiday

Floyd/Georgia Watch updates: Today, retirement options (click here)

-We look at Floyd president and CEO Kurt Stuenkel's retirement agreement that is a major part of his annual compensation package. Since 2003, more than $1 million has been set aside for when Stuenkel leaves Floyd.

Join us for Bartow Headlines each Tuesday at 7:50 a.m. on WBHF 1450 AMWeather:

-Monday: High of 92, low of 69. Rain chance: 20 to 40 percent.

-Tuesday: High of 88, low of 69. Rain chance: 40 to 50 percent.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Is the South Carolina challenge about to get the best of Steve Spurrier?

Rome Braves' updates:

-Kannapolis takes game one from Braves, 3-2

-Tonight: Braves at Kannapolis, 7 p.m.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Friday, July 24, 2009

Friday updates

 
CVS doubles up in Bartow: The new 13,000-square-foot CVS planned for U.S. 41 in Cartersville in front of Collins Pointe Shopping Center is flying together. Much of the exterior walls already are up. Another CVS is rising off West Avenue near Douthit Ferry Road.)
 

-Gingrey communications chief Chris Jackson leaving: The Cave Spring native who has served as chief spokesman for U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey in recent years is enrolled at Mercer to begin law school this fall. No replacement has been named.

-Saturday: Deal to speak to Bartow GOP: Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal will meet with Bartow Republicans at 9 a.m. at Slope's BBQ on Tennessee Street. Details> Bartow GOP

 
Floyd Healthcare/Georgia Watch updates:

Here are the latest updates stemming from Georgia Watch's mixed review of Floyd Medical Center and questions about executive compensation, especially that of Kurt Stuenkel, president and chief executive officer. What's on our page:

-Latest Q&As on the story> Details

-Floyd statement on Stuenkel's compensation: Click Floyd

-Floyd's take on the Georgia Watch report: Statement

-Chart with Floyd executives' compensation packages: Click

Business

-Synovus loses nearly $587 million in second quarter: Synovus Financial Corp., parent company of Citizens First Bank in Rome and Georgia Bank & Trust in Calhoun and Cartersville, lost $586.9 million in the second quarter vs. an income of $12.1 million a year earlier. Says a corporate release: "During the quarter, Synovus took aggressive steps with its asset disposition program and reserve build. The company's core operating results for the quarter improved and the Company believes it has the opportunity to return to profitability during 2010."> Release

-United Community Banks second quarter financials due today> Details

-Temple-Inland profits jump: Temple-Inland Inc. reports second quarter net income of $66 million vs. $26 million in profits a year earlier> Temple-Inland

Education

-Floyd County schools set Perdue furlough schedule> Click

-Berry Enterprises Farmer's Market today from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.> Market

Health

-Saturday/Parkinson's Disease Association plans town hall meeting on health care: The Northwest Georgia Parkinson's Disease Association Inc. is planning a town hall meeting on health care at the Georgia Highlands gym on July 25 from 10 a.m. until noon. U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey will be attending. The session will be open questions from the public and how they can help in the fight. Details:  Jennifer Hulsey, 770-546-0286

-Aug. 8/Georgia Northwestern's Ultrasound Program 5K set: The run/walk is set for the Georgia Highlands College Rome campus. Details

Politics

-Saturday: State GOP chair Sue Everhart is the guest speaker at the Floyd GOP Breakfast Club meeting, 8:30 a..m., Opi's Waterfront>  Floyd GOP


Dining & Drink:

-All Star Pizza & Subs is coming to the new strip center off 1850 Redmond Circle near Sweet Sensations.  Terry Warner has applied for a beer and wine license. The case goes before Rome's Alcohol Control Commission at 5 p.m. Monday.

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores> Dining
-More mixing of food, wine in North Georgia's wine country>
Wine

Can you help?

-Critical need for canned goods: Through Aug. 22, all offices of Regions, Citizens First, Greater Rome Bank and River City Bank will have drop-off bins to collect canned goods for the food pantries of Rome Action Ministries.   All items will go directly to local families in need. And there are so many this year. Especially need are the kid-friendly peanut butter, soups and ramen noodles.

'The Druck Report' local business update premieres on WRGA: Local business news, updates and analysis premiere Monday at 7:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM. Listen to a sample by click TDR

Downtown Headlines:

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. Plus: Bryan Mullins' updates on downtown entertainment from MullinsMania.com

Weather:

-Friday: More sun, high of 91, low of 63.

-Saturday: High of 93, low of 66.

-Sunday: 20-30% rain chance, high of 92; low of 68.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Vick likely didn't impress the Goodell by spending first free night at a strip club

Rome Braves' updates:

-Rome drops game two to Hickory, 8-3.

-Braves vs. Hickory tonight at 7

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Calhoun, Pepperell, Adairsville highlight Football Daily picks: Yellow Jackets, Dragons will make playoffs but a familiar name will take the AA crown, bloggers predict. Plus: Preseason honors. Click High School

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Thursday's headlines

 
Floyd, Stuenkel under fire from Georgia Watch focus on hospitals

-Georgia Watch, which bills itself as a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, takes a closer look at the operations of Floyd Medical Center in its Hospital Accountability Project report now posted (click Georgia Watch).  The report has been picked up by the relatively new investigative reporting site, Atlanta Unfiltered, which also features FMC president chief executive officer Kurt Stuenkel's reported annual compensation package of $800,000-plus as its "salary du jour." Floyd says Stuenkel's annual package includes not only his base salary but also incentives and retirement. Full report: click Floyd

Local, state jobless numbers soar in June

 
Working in June 09
Unemployed in June 09
% jobless in June

% jobless

in May

% jobless in June '08

Bartow 39,937 5,731 12.5% 11.4% 6.8%
Chatoooga 9,533 1,448 13.2% 13.1% 9.2%
Floyd 43,941 5,681 11.4% 10.4% 6.5%
Gordon 22,244 3,500 13.6% 12.9% 6.9%
Polk 19,072 2,425 11.3% 10.6% 6.2%
Georgia 4,283,128 503,205 10.5% 9.4% 6.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Nearly 19,000 people in the five surrounding counties were out of work in June as each community posted jobless rates of 11.3 to 13.6 percent. That's compared to those mostly in the 6.5 percent range a year earlier. Georgia's jobless rate hit 10.5 percent in June as well. Among the hardest hit communities: Gordon County with 13.6 percent of its labor force idle last month. Chattooga County also posted a 13.2 percent jobless rate.

-The state overview: Georgia's adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 10.1 percent in June, the highest rate ever recorded in Georgia.

-Check watch: 160,249 people were receiving state unemployment insurance benefits last month while 93,000 were receiving federal extended benefits. 
-Job losses: Payroll jobs decreased by 209,500 vs. June 2008. The over-the-year losses came in professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, and in the construction industry.

-Job gains: Healthcare and educational services, a combined increase of 12,000 jobs.

-Chart below, from the Labor Department, tracks Rome's jobless rate.

 

Employment updates:

-July 29/Veterans workshop in Dalton, featuring one-on-one interviews with employers, educational institutions, veterans service agencies and others, is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the state Department of Labor's Dalton Career Center.

-Sept. 24/Shorter, Forum, Labor Department team up on job fair:   The Northwest Georgia Shorter College Job/Career Fair is set for 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Forum. Shorter, The Forum and the Georgia Department of Labor are sponsoring the event. It is free; preregistration is required. Click

Thursday's Buzz:

-Mount Berry Square has busy late summer, fall ahead: Back-to-school specials, health fair, other events set for coming weeks> Business

-Area Comcast high-speed internet subscribers to get ESPN360: Just as college football season warms up, Comcast.net is adding the popular ESPN option with plans to cover up to 3,500 games a year--available only online.

-Synovus (Citizens First, GB&T) to post financials today> Synovus

-DOT open house on widening Ga. 140 set for July 30> Buzz

-Final 'Cherokee Art' exhibit: Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home announces the last special exhibit in the year long series, "Cherokee Art."  See Cherokee-made jewelry, dolls, flutes, basket weaving, paintings, clothing, pottery, gourd artwork, stone and wood carvings. Call 706 291-9494 or click Chieftains

-Higgins certified to help with terminally ill, families, grief counseling> HP

'The Druck Report' local business update premieres on WRGA: Local business news, updates and analysis premiere Monday at 7:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM. Listen to a sample by click TDR

Downtown Headlines:

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. Plus: Bryan Mullins' updates on downtown entertainment from MullinsMania.com

Weather:

-Thursday: 30% rain chance. High of 87, low of 61.

-Friday: More sun, high of 92, low of 64.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Sorry, Mike, but there's no way Tar Heel fans are gonna love you , no matter what

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves win first game of road trip, beat Hickory,  6-2

-Braves vs. Hickory tonight at 7

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Georgia High School Football Daily

-Preseason predictions continues with the 7-AA reviews and predictions.

-How they say the North will finish: Calhoun, Chattooga, Gordon Central, Adairsville, Sonoraville, Dade County

-How they say the South will finish: Pepperell, Armuchee, Rockmart, Model, Coosa, Temple

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wednesday's updates

 
Banking updates/Second quarter financial reports. The release schedule:

-Regions losses $244 in second quarter; made $206 million year ago> Regions

-SunTrust second quarter financials due this morning> SunTrust

-Wells Fargo, parent company of Wachovia, to release financials today> WF

-Synovus (Citizens First; GB&T) to post quarterly report Thursday> Synovus

-United Community Banks second quarter financials due Friday> Details

Planning commission OK's Park Village in Cartersville: Another local residential (and then some) community has received development approval. The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission has blessed plans for Park Village community, including commercial space and a new home for Trinity Baptist Church, on 135 acres near Douthit Ferry Road and Pine Grove Road (Google Map).

>The commission has deemed Park Village to be "in the best interest of the region and therefore of the state."

>The group also issued a "go" on Foster Glen in Calhoun this month. >As for Park Village:  

-135.3 acres for mixed use.

-19.1 acres would be set aside for 230,000 square feet of commercial use with potential for loft/townhome residences (no more than 40).

-49 acres for 156 single-family lots.

-12 acres for 115 senior residences.

-56 acres for Tabernacle Baptist .

-The project would be built in several phases over a decade.

-The developer is NPO Investments. For more, click DRI files One and Two.

Annual People's Choice Awards voting now under way: The Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau has opened voting for the 2009 People's Choice Awards.  The Best Restaurant, Best Shoppe and Best Attraction are chosen annually by online voting at http://www.notatlanta.org.

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Floyd School Board meets Thursday: A called Board Meeting has been scheduled for the Floyd County Board of Education on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Floyd County Board of Education office on Riverside Parkway.  The purpose of the meeting will be to name a new assistant principal for Johnson Elementary School and other personnel items.

-Mendoz, Gonsalves join Floyd Primary Care Network> Health

-Mike Lester exhibit set for RACA Aug. 4-28> Downtown

-Georgia Northwestern's Michael Johns earns Crawford Scholarship> CH

-Coosa High freshman soccer player invited to Olympic Soccer Camp> CHS

Weather:

-Wednesday: 40% rain chance of rain, high of 88; low of 63. 20% rain chance.

-Thursday: High of 89, low of 61.

-Your extended forecast> Weather -Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Chaos in college football? The spread offense has been around for 51 years.

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves off Tuesday; open eight-game road trip tonight in Hickory.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Georgia High School Football Daily

-Preseason predictions continues.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tuesday updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County
 
Development:

-Calhoun's Foster Glen, a $45 million residential development, OK'd: Foster Glen, a 249-unit planned residential development on Ga. 53 and Foster Lusk Road east of I-75 has been given the green light by the staff of the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center.  The developer is listed as Calhoun Georgia Developers LLC. The estimated value at build out is $45 million with $500,000 in estimated local tax revenue each year.   The application was filed in January and the RDC decision came down Friday> RDC

Jobs watch:

-July 22/Job fair set for 'long-term' temp posts at CCH: Kelly Services and CCH (Universal Tax) are conducting a job fair Wednesday to recruit 200 "long-term temporary customer service" tech support positions. Employment would last from September through next April with pay scales from $8.50 to $11.75 an hour. The job fair is at the Rome Career Center of the state Department of Labor, 462 Riverside Parkway. Hours: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

-July 29/Veterans workshop in Dalton, featuring one-on-one interviews with employers, educational institutions, veterans service agencies and others, is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the state Department of Labor's Dalton Career Center, 1406 Chattanooga Ave.

-Sept. 24/Shorter, Forum, Labor Department team up on job fair:   The Northwest Georgia Shorter College Job/Career Fair is set for 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Forum. Shorter, The Forum and the Georgia Department of Labor are sponsoring the event. It is free for all but preregistration is required. For more, please Click here

2010 politics:

-AJC story profiles Gingrey, other doctors in Georgia delegation: Story looks at U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, an OB/GYN, and others who moved from medical careers into politics--and into the healthcare reform debate> AJC

-Camon in town Wednesday: Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Carl Camon will be at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

-Deal in Bartow Saturday: Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal will meet with Bartow Republicans at 9 a.m. at Slope's BBQ> Bartow GOP

-Georgia GOP chair Sue Everhart is the guest speaker at the Floyd GOP Breakfast Club meeting, 8:30 a.m., Opi's Waterfront.

Campus Headlines

-Berry's student-run enterprises prepare for first farmer's market:

Farmer's Market presented by Berry EnterprisesFrom 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday, look for the first Berry Enterprises Farmer's Market at the college's Clara Bowl. Available for sale will be items from both student and local vendors including canned items, fresh eggs, Berry Angus steaks and ground beef, herbs and plants, desserts, natural body and bath lotions, and other items. Live music and a petting zoo also are planned. Click Berry Enterprises

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Floyd to offer angioplasty services by September > Health

-Silwan closes at Central Plaza> Dining

-Unity Christian football schedule posted> Click

-'A Little Night Music II' to help AIDS Resource Council: Four musical acts and karaoke are set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Schroeder's New Deli, 406 Broad St. A $10 donation is requested. Details: (706) 290-9098.

Another record low today: 55 degrees. Bad air alert today for Bartow, metro Atlanta

-Tuesday: Sunny and 88 with a low of 63. Tonight, 20% rain chance.

-Wednesday: 20% rain chance of rain, high of 89; low of 66.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

'The Druck Report' local business update premieres on WRGA: Local business news, updates and analysis premiere Monday at 7:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM. Listen to a sample by click TDR

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Can Tech deal with scrutiny in football? Recruiting is bigger business than you think.

Rome Braves' updates:

-West Virginia steps up, beats Braves 8-3 in series finale.

-Braves off Tuesday; open eight-game road trip Wednesday in Hickory.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Monday, July 20, 2009

Monday's updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County this week. Plus:
 

-Fewer retailers await back-to-school shoppers this year.

-Also: State Sales Tax Holiday links; when local schools open.

-Broad Street Watch; what we're hearing across Northwest Georgia.

-Gary Tillman Memorial Clocktower 5K Road Race returns Aug. 15.

-Peaks & Valleys: Moon walk, Uncle Walter and Mad Dog.

-The Druck Report radio business update premieres today on WRGA.

Record lows for Rome, Cartersville this morning: Both cities set record lows today thanks to an early season cool front that kept temperatures moderate all weekend. In Rome, the overnight low appears to have been 56 (final reports due later this morning), breaking the record of 61 degrees set on July 20, 1953. In Cartersville, the low was 55 degrees vs. the record of 60 degrees set 29 years ago. Sunday's low came close to record-breaking as well, stopping a degree above the low point, 56, set on July 19, 1967.  We have a shot at another record tonight (61 degrees set in 1957 vs. forecast low of 57). Today's forecast:

-Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 84, low of 57.

-Tuesday: Sunny and 88 with a low of 63.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Cedartown's Krige Schabort competing in world's longest wheelchair, handcycling race, Sadler's Alaska Challenge> Details

-Follow Krige on Twitter> Click

Aug. 15/Eighth Annual Health Initiative for Men: An extensive list of free health screens and information will be available at the Eighth Annual Health Initiative for Men set for 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Floyd County Health Department, 16 E. 12th St. Details: 706-236-6406 or click here.

Downtown Headlines:

-What's ahead in downtown Rome

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Should Michael Vick be allowed back in the NFL? Sure, if he buys a ticket and pays full price

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves win, 12-6, go for sweep Monday vs. Power

-Monday: Rome hosts West Virginia, 7 p.m.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Broad Street Watch: Broad Street continues to be a swirl of activity:

>What is certain is the loss of Alex Boutique, the women's clothing store that started in River Crossing, switched to Third Avenue and eventually wound up on Broad Street just up from Harvest Moon. The store changed hands in November, says Mary Beth McDonald of the Cartersville location, which remains in full operation.

>What remains in question: the fate of Rome City Market. The much-delayed concept that is supposed to feature a florist, bistro, wine shop and gourmet cooking retailer

was the site of a recent Downtown Development Authority coffee break. The word spread then: watch for a Labor Day opening.

>On the plus side: Yet another round of rumors about Mellow Mushroom potentially looking for a Broad Street address.

Heard on the street: We've got calls in to check on reports of a restaurant closing in Greater Rome, this one something of a newcomer. We hope to have more details later today... On the plus side: The Calhoun-to-Cartersville stretch could be picking up some key business in coming months if a few related events converge as planned.

Gary Tillman Memorial Clocktower 5K Road Race returns Aug. 15:

One of the community's top runs (and two-mile health walk) isset for 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in downtown Rome. The event, started in 1986 and later renamed in honor of the late businessman, benefits the Exchange Club Family Resource Center. Registration is under way; click Active.com or click here for a copy of the registration form. We'll have additional information soon.

The Druck Report premieres on WRGA 1470 AM: Each weekday at 7:45 a.m. and 12:50 p.m., join us for The Druck Report, a new locally focused business update for Northwest Georgia. Retail, employment, real estate, dining, finances, sports business and tourism--you'll hear news and analysis each weekday on Rome's News Talk WRGA. The first edition is on air today.

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With recession, fewer retailers, back-to-school shopping

will be different this year even with Sales Tax Holiday

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

Back-to-School shopping is going to be much different for area paernts, students and retailers this year. While Georgia's annual Sales Tax Holiday returns, at least three major retailers have closed since last fall: Office Depot in Rome and Cartersville (Calhoun remains open) Circuit City; and all Goody's stores.

"We're probably two times as busy as we were last year and it's probably because of Office Depot closing," says Chris Carnes, Operations Manager for Rome's Staples. "The economy has not had an impact this year. Sales are definitely already stepped up and we'll be busier as we get closer" to start of school.


The statewide Sales Tax Holiday is July 30-Aug. 2. The first day of school for both Rome City and Floyd County Schools is Aug.  3 (please see regional opening list below). Merchandise that will be tax free includes clothing items under $100 per item; computers and computer equipment under $1,500; and school supplies under $20 per item. You'll save seven cents on the dollar on each qualifying purchase.


"We will be slammed that weekend, especially with computers," Carnes says. "We're now the place for computers in town."

What retailers expect in coming days

Rome's Kmart also is expecting strong sales from back-to-school shoppers. "We always have a good response at the start of school," says Mike Barger, store manager. "We are looking for strong sales. Even in this economy, people are looking for deals and that might draw more people in at that time for tax-free savings."


Those who look to benefit the most from clothing sales are Mount Berry Square and the Prime Outlets in Calhoun. Stores will be offering lots of sales and back-to-school promotions to encourage spending, especially over the tax-free weekend.


"Retailers have been very promotional driven with discounts and coupons trying to make their sales," says Lori Wilcoxon, Mount Berry general manager. "I would expect the same for back-to-school. We anticipate it to be a very busy weekend and with Goody's and Circuit City out of the picture across the country, it means more business for those who are left."


Wilcoxon believes the economy will drive even more shoppers to take advantage of the tax-free weekend.


"Some students don't actually get all of their clothing until later in August or early September, although the majority take advantage of the tax-free weekend," she says. "With the economy crunch this year, I'm sure that will continue to be the pattern as well. There may be some cut backs in quantity of items purchased but the basics will still be required and hopefully, with retailer discounts, shoppers will be able to get all their needs."


Janet Paulsen, the general manager of Prime Outlets-Calhoun, believes the tough economy will actually drive more sales their way. The 50-plus stores at the outlet center offer savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail values, Paulsen says.


"The outlet category has historically done well in a recession and we expect the back-to-school shopping season to follow suit," says Paulsen. "We are seeing a new shopper, one that typically shopped full-price and now, because of the economy, is discovering our amazing offerings and savings on the designer and name-brand front."


During the tax-free weekend, the Prime Outlets will be offering VIP coupon books (a $3 value) to all students presenting student identification at Guest Services. The books include special savings for many stores including Gap Outlet, Old Navy and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store.


"With every mention of recession, shoppers search for ways to make their money go farther," Paulsen says.

Even with tax break, some parents are shopping already


Some parents aren't waiting for the sales tax break. With store shelves filled with back-to-school items, they're already stocking up.


"We will begin shopping for school supplies this weekend," says Dana Holbrook, mother of 13-year old twins, Crews and Caroline. "They are very particular about their binders. They think they should have a certain brand and if we wait, every 'good' binder will be gone. I will probably wait until the following weekend to shop for clothes."


Holbrook says the economy won't affect her shopping habits but she does plan to be a little more "frugal."


"I will mainly just shop for the basics to begin with like notebooks, pencils, pens, paper," she says. "It seems each year we purchase everything on the school supply list only to find out on the day that school starts that we still need more supplies. I am going to try to be a little more frugal with extras until we know for sure what is needed."


As far as clothes are concerned, Holbrook will be waiting for the tax-free weekend to save money.


"I try to 'Shop Rome' but prefer some of the larger department stores in the Atlanta area," she says. "I wish Rome had more than just Belk and JC Penney. The selection of clothing is limited for young teens and the clothes either seem too mature for them or too young. And we all really miss Circuit City. I feel like that was a huge hit to our community."


Other moms will be waiting until the tax-free weekend to do all of their back-to-school shopping. Hayley Carpenter, mother of two, knows how to stretch her shopping dollars.


"We usually go to Staples because we are looking for major deals," she says. "I will do all my shopping on July 30 because I will be happy not to pay taxes… anytime I don't have to pay tax makes me happy, especially these days because personally, I think taxes are becoming too excessive."


Local school teacher and mother of three, Suzie Henderson, also will be looking for deals while staying away from the crowds.


"I will definitely wait until the tax-free holiday to shop since it is before school starts," she says. "I will also be going at midnight when there is no one else there."


As a teacher, Henderson looks for special deals on school supplies to have extra paper and pencils in her classroom. And with her household on a budget, she plans to keep spending at a minimum.


"I really plan to shop cheap and not spend as much as last year," she says. "I will be more frugal with buying just what we need and not what the kids want. I won't take the kids with me so they can't pick out extra stuff."

First day of school throughout our area
ROME/FLOYD
Floyd County Schools: Aug. 3
Rome City Schools: Aug. 3
Berry Elementary/Middle Schools: Aug. 7
St. Mary's Catholic School: Aug. 10
Unity Christian School: Aug. 13
Darlington School: Aug. 17

CARTERSVILLE/BARTOW
Cartersville City Schools: Aug. 6
Bartow County Schools: Aug. 6

CALHOUN/GORDON
Gordon County Schools: Aug. 7
Calhoun City Schools: Aug. 7

CHATTOOGA COUNTY

County schools: Aug. 6

Trion city schools: July 30

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS

Aug. 14

Sales Tax Holiday details> click State

 

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

Images from Apollo 11. Top left: Apollo 11 commander Buzz Aldrin and Flight Director Gene Kranz at a Valley to the nation's lack of progress in space: As a Space Coast brat, we saw almost every manned launch from 1964 through 1991. None, of course, was more historic than Apollo 11. As many remember that "one small step for man" exactly 40 years later, we regret that our nation has taken a "giant leap" backward in space exploration. We should have been to Mars in the four decades after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's walk on the moon. Instead we're retiring an aging Shuttle fleet and will have to rely on Russian space taxis to get to the space station. Russians. As in the country we beat to the moon. We salute Neil, Buzz and Michael Collins' achievement--and apologize to each for failing to take the critical next step for mankind. (Photo from NASA site> Click)

Peak to the life and career of Walter Cronkite: Let's keep the space theme going here. Sure, Walter Cronkite was the nation's ultimate anchorman. None will ever be better. But for those of us growing up just outside the nation's space program,  Cronkite was something extra. He lived the space program. He knew the astronauts, the administrators, the space workers and many of their familiar haunts in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. He was one of us, celebrating each high, mourning each loss (Apollo 1). In this age of digital diarrhea where anyone with an Internet can post "news," we need Uncle Walter more than ever. (Image from Arizona State University site> Click)

Peak to Greg Maddux: OK, we'll start the argument right here: greatest Atlanta Brave ever. Greg Maddux. Ultimate professional. Always ready. Team first. The steadiest of rocks. He knew when his time was up and hung it up rather than squeezing the last few million out of the game.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Friday updates

 
Politics

Gingrey re-election war chest nears $1 million mark: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey had $959,530 in the bank for his 2010 re-election bid as of June 30, according to C-SPAN. Gingrey, a Republican, is seeking his fifth term representing Northwest Georgia. His report shows nearly $321,000 in contributions since Jan. 1, including $171,000 from individuals and $140,000 from political action committees. Expenditures for the previous six months were around $186,000> CSPAN

-Gingrey talks of 'bitter pill' healthcare reform package; works to save West Georgia small business operation> House

-Number of the day: 67. As in dollars saved by monthly furlough by state senators as planned now through Dec. 31. That's $67 per month per senator.

Employment:

Job fair set for 'long-term' temp posts at CCH: Kelly Services and CCH (Universal Tax) are conducting a job fair Wednesday to recruit 200 "long-term temporary customer service" tech support positions. Employment would last from September through next April with pay scales from $8.50 to $11.75 an hour. The job fair is at the Rome Career Center of the state Department of Labor, 462 Riverside Parkway. Hours: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Business

We're checking reports of another downtown Rome closing. Phone service has been suspended. More later today.

-Carmike Cinemas earnings due Aug. 3: The Columbus-based company, which owns the Carmike 12 in Cartersville and Martin 3 in Calhoun, will release second quarter results after 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. A conference call/Web cast is set for 5 that afternoon> Carmike

Friday's Buzz

Cason to lead Floyd's Pediatric, Neonatal Mobile Intensive Care> Health

-Redmond offers free joint wellness/injury prevention seminar> Health

-July 21/Red Cross annual meeting, volunteer recognition set: The Coosa Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its annual meeting and volunteer recognition Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. at Coosa Valley Federal Credit Union, 2010 Redmond Circle. The meeting is at 6 p.m., the dinner and volunteer recognition is set for 6:30 p.m.

Updates from social media (Facebook, Twitter)

-New look coming for Shorter's dining hall> Click

-Latest images from Darlington's new middle school> Click

-Historic first Tweet from outer space: Twitter fans following Shuttle Commander Mark Polansky (right) received this first Tweet from orbit Thursday: "This was so worth the wait. What a spectacular launch. Earth is breathtaking. Time for bed now." Not exactly "one small step for man" but . . . Follow Polansky at: www.twitter.com/astro_127

Dining & Drink

-Latest public health restaurant scores for region now posted> Dining

-Food gets co-star status at North Georgia wineries this month> Wine

Georgia High School Football Daily

-Today: Darlington's Alex Sentell on preseason all-state list; Tigers picked to exit playoffs after first round.

Weather:

-Friday: 40% rain chance, high of 90, low of 61.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 86, low of 57.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 87, low of 59.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Big XII talks a good game but doesn't play one on the defensive side of the ball

Rome Braves' updates:

-Grasshoppers close series with 5-2 win over the Braves.

-Tonight: Rome hosts West Virginia, 7 p.m.

-Saturday: Rome hosts West Virginia, 7 p.m.

-Sunday: Rome hosts West Virginia, 2 p.m.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

<Mills captures Roxie in a tender moment with a young fan at Thursday night's game.