Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday updates

 
Busy week ahead in Bartow County. Please see Calendar.
 

-NorthSide Bank blasted by FDIC in cease-and-desist notice.

-2009 elections: Economy, growth all key issues.

-Community by community guide of election qualifying.

-Floyd's SPLOST vote a matter for city, county residents to decide.

-Peaks & Valleys: Gayland Cooper; double secret probation for RNT.

Coming Tuesday on Hometown: John McClellan's latest high school football picks, updates. Click Football Report

Coming Friday on Hometown: Norman Arey wraps up his 20-part college football preview (click Arey) with his first batch of Norman's No-Nos for the 2009 season. What's a No-No? Norman's locks to lose any particular weekend.

First two home run trees to be planted at State Mutual Stadium at 10 a.m. Wednesday> Sports

Your latest weather:

-Monday: High of 86, low of 60. 30% rain chance.

-Tuesday: High of 84, low of 61.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff: BCS bowl predictions promise some surprises but in the end, you-know-who wins it all

John McClellan's high school picks

-Get John's latest previews and picks for this weekend's high school football games. Latest picks will post Tuesday morning.

Rome Braves' updates:

-Savannah wins finale, 2-0.
-Last home stand of the year: Tonight-Friday night.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game pictures
> Gallery

-'Softball Slam' coming to State Mutual Stadium Oct. 23-25> Sports

Today's Georgia High School Football Daily: Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun remain in respective Top 10 rankings following first week of play> High School

FDIC 'cease and desist' report hammers NorthSide Bank

Four years ago, NorthSide Bank was the buzz of Northwest Georgia's financial community. It didn't hurt having a virtual all-star lineup of directors, including Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox (a part-time Adairsville resident), WSB TV chief meteorologist Glenn Burns and local outdoors enthusiast/real estate owner Orlando Wilson.

NorthSide Bank The bank opened a stunning headquarters on Ga. 140  just off I-75. More important, it was just a mile or so from what was to be the retail hub of Northwest Georgia--a customer magnet known as Cabela's as well as a retail center surrounding the northeast corner of the I-75/Ga. 140 intersection. 

Second-tier development around the Cabela's site called for hotels and restaurants to help service the hundreds of thousands of customers it was expected to draw

And just down the highway in the other direction, Forestar's Town West development with more than 2,500 households was announced.

Quiet Adairsville was about to be the epicenter of a boom. All the while, NorthSide continued growing, opening a branch in front of the Main Street shopping center in Cartersville and then an office in Calhoun.

The glow didn't last long. The Cabela's deal went south for a variety of "reasons" and two years later, the site remains vacant. Town West has been stalled by the recession.

And today, NorthSide is under a rigid "cease and desist" order from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It chides directors and staff, and places strict orders to clean up immediately. The bank also must get rid of troubled assets (see bank-owned properties)

The bank joins two others under increased supervision from regulators: Unity National Bank, based in Cartersville, and Heritage First Bank in Rome.

NorthSide's problems are beguiling. The theory goes that "newer" banks aren't saddled with the toxic loans choking more established financial centers. Plus NorthSide immediately jumped into the civic arena, getting involved in community activities and groups. The goodwill was plentiful--and real--and remains today.

And, on the outside, the numbers look OK.

As of June 30, NorthSide showed deposits of more than $122 million, up 11 percent from the same period in 2008. Also, the bank had assets of $147 million as of June 30. NorthSide was sixth out of 14 banks doing business in Bartow as of June 30, 2008, based on total deposits. 

A recent review of bank assets and loans by Hometown Headlines and SNL Financial showed NorthSide ranked 76th out of 300 state banks when reviewed for "Texas ratio" (assets to troubled loans). NorthSide's ratio as of June 30 was 81.6, up from 73.2 percent as of March 31. (Click)

Forbes describes the Texas Ratio as a measure of the credit problems facing each bank. It takes the amount of a bank's non-performing assets and loans, as well as loans delinquent for more than 90 days, and divides this number by the firm's tangible capital equity plus its loan loss reserve.  A ratio of more than 100 is considered a warning sign. NorthSide's numbers were below that line.

Richard Guinter, president and chief executive officer of the bank, told the AJC on Friday that the bank plans to "shrink its loan portfolio and raise capital by issuing $3 million to $5 million in stock." (Click AJC for the full story).

Those moves and others are outlined in the FDIC cease-and-desist order. That order has put NorthSide Bank back in the financial headlines yet again.

Off-year election? Not when there's a recession around

Qualifying begins today for municipal elections: City council and commission seats, city school board posts and at least one SPLOST project (Floyd County) are on the Nov. 3 ballots awaiting Northwest Georgians. Natalie Simms has assembled a city-by-city look at what's on the ballot for voters in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon and Polk counties. You'll find those updates on our 2009 Election Headquarters page.

What to watch this year, community by community:

-The economy overall: The ongoing recession has forced municipal leaders to make some substantial cuts in services and to increase the flow of money into their communities as tax revenues plummet. Will that influence voters this fall?

-In Rome: It has been a tense year with several issues rallying diverse groups of residents and businesses: Etowah Terrace, fire water lines and the sign ordinance. What to watch: How will each play, if at all, with Rome's 15,000-plus registered voters. Also: Bill Fricks will not seek a new term which guarantees one new face on the commission come January.

-Before the Rome School Board: The key issue ahead could be replacing Dr. Gayland Cooper, who is expected to retire in the next few years.

-In Cave Spring: At least once incumbent, Tony McIntosh, will not seek a new term so one fresh face is guaranteed.

-In Floyd County: Voters are about to see a blitz supporting the one-cent local option sales tax, a $42.2 million package that would replace the current projects penny-on-the-dollar SPLOST. City and county voters will have a say on this one; the question is how will the Rome and Cave Spring votes influence the SPLOST vote?

-In Adairsville: The 2007 election was one of the more interesting in recent history, powered by growth concerns tied to the would-be Cabela's store and the Town West development planned by Forestar. Will those factions fight again this year?

-In Cartersville: Growth is key. Bartow County as a whole is seeing a population spike and a number of key projects are on the move, including the new civic center, two new hotels and plans for a second building on the Georgia Highlands campus. But unemployment also is a concern with the jobless rate at 12.6 percent, or 5,829 people, last month countywide.

-In Emerson, Euharlee and White: Growth also is a key topic for the fall.

-In Calhoun: Growth and the economy are top issues, especially with Gordon County's jobless rate at 13.9 percent (3,579 people). Gordon is seeing some new or expanding plants even as other longtime employers close or reduce staffing.

-In Rockmart, Cedartown: New retail has opened (two Wal-Marts) in recent years as well as adjoining strip centers. The boom in neighboring Paulding County is starting to spill into Polk County, especially near Rockmart. The time is now to make decisions on how to cope with this growth. Polk County was the third-fastest growing community in terms of new households in our market between 2000 and 2008 at more than 13 percent, trailing only Bartow and Gordon counties.

-For more on each community, please click 2009 Election Headquarters.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Dr. Gayland Cooper: The superintendent of Rome City Schools is among the finalists for Georgia superintendent of the year. Cooper is a tireless advocate for the students, faculty and staff of the city school system and news of his pending retirement still troubles us. Here's hoping the state recognizes Cooper as what he is: one of our community's top ambassadors and representatives. The decision is due in early December.

 

Valley to the Rome News column bashing Rome's 175th anniversary celebration: A column appearing in the Rome News last week belittles organizers for the Toga Party record-setting contest and just about anything else to do with the Sept. 5 celebration of Rome's 175th anniversary. Supporters are stunned and feel betrayed. We could take this Roman thing a few steps further by calling it an outright stab in the back. Et tu, Brute? If this event is such a joke, we wonder why the newspaper is publishing a money-grabbing "special section," milking advertisers for a tribute the paper itself has doubts about. A snarky question on the RNT Web site didn't help matters, either. Rome's 175th year is cause for celebration, even amid the recession and high unemployment. Organizers have put together a fun and mostly free event. The toga party likewise could earn Rome a place in a worldwide publication as well as some free national publicity. The newspaper deserves nothing short of double secret probation.

Valley to the coverage of Sen. Ted Kennedy's death: Ted Kennedy probably had a rock-bottom approval rating among mostly conservative Northwest Georgians. This is no territory for a "liberal lion" as he's been called in recent days. While we seldom agreed with Kennedy's politics or his early antics, we believe he indeed earned redemption and a solid place in American history. That said, compare coverage of  his passing to that of Michael Jackson. As the media swarmed every detail of the pop star's death--and life--and broadcast and posted and printed tributes and trivial updates, we were hard pressed on Friday and Saturday to find detailed coverage plans of Kennedy's funeral and burial. The cable networks managed to fill a slow Saturday afternoon and evening with almost non-stop coverage, for which we were grateful. But we also have to ask: what are the "news" priorities these days? Kennedy--and history--deserved better.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Friday updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

Soggy day ahead; football forecast: 50% chance of showers

latest Base Reflectivity radar loop from Peachtree City, GA

-Friday: High of 81, low of 64. Rain chance: 70%

-Friday night kickoff forecast: 75 degrees, 50% rain chance.

-Saturday: High of 85, low of 65. Rain chance: 30%

-Sunday: High of 81, low of 57. Rain chance: 30%

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Links to your teams:

BARTOW   THIS WEEK UP NEXT
Adairsville vs. Woodland vs. W. Forsyth
Cartersville vs Cass at Rockmart
Cass at Cartersville vs. S. Paulding
Woodland at Adairsville vs. Paulding Co.

Source: Prep Country

Hear the 'Canes vs. Cass game live on WBHF 1450 AM and  Web cast here on www.bartowheadlines.com

Watching the weather before tonight's football games:

-You'll find John McClellan's predictions, links to your teams, the radio and Web cast schedules and more on today's Football Report

-New way to get your high school, Shorter updates: Get high school, Shorter football scores via HometownScores on Twitter. Starting tonight, we'll send high school scores to whatever address you want using your Twitter account. That includes Shorter Hawks' games as well. For more information, including simple steps on joining Twitter, click Football Report

-Kickoff forecast: 75 degrees, 50 percent chance of rain> Weather Channel

-Check tonight's forecast: Weather / Local radar > Radar

Friday's Buzz:

-Rome's Dr. Gayland Cooper a finalist for Georgia Superintendent of the Year: Four up for title; decision due Dec. 4> Details

-Shorter convocation set for 10:15 this morning> Click Details

-Floyd to start interventional cardiology services on Tuesday> Details

-Tomlin joins River City Bank as financial consultant> Business

-More than 600 of Berry's First-Year Students will be giving their time and energy to the community this Saturday during Berry's Annual First-Year Service Day> Berry

-Coosa High School student, one of only two athletes from North Georgia, to be invited to Olympic Soccer Camp> Soccer

-Darlington's Will Camp named chairman of GMEA division> Darlington

Dining & Drink

-Public health restaurant inspection scores for this week> Dining

-Ahead at North Georgia wineries: big event at Chateau Elan> Wine

Tonight's Mega Millions jackpot: $325 million> Lottery

Rome Braves' updates:

-RiverDogs edge Braves, 2-1.

-Braves in Savannah through Sunday.
-Last home stand of the year:  Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game pictures
> Gallery

-Rome Braves release 2010 season schedule> Sports

-'Softball Slam' coming to State Mutual Stadium Oct. 23-25> Sports

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff: Who's gonna whip the Gators? Are you kidding? Nobody in these United States.

The Football Report.

-John McClellan's first full week of picks includes these previews:

-Look for wins for Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville, Armuchee, Chattooga, Cedartown, Coosa.

-Rome to lose nail-biter to East Paulding; Darlington, Model to start 0-1.

Today's Georgia High School Football Daily: Click

Shorter Hawks football: 2009 schedule> Click Hawks

-Ready for the Hawks Nest? Check out new game-day idea> Click

-Hawks ready for season opener vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University> Details

-Hawks' game notes for Saturday's showdown> Click

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thursday updates

 

Double dose of troubling economic news:

1) Jobless surge slows; unemployment still in 11.3-13.9% range

 

July 2009

Employed

July 2009

Unemployed

July 2009

% jobless

June 2009

% jobless

July 2008 % jobless
Bartow 40,388 5,829 12.6% 12.5% 7.2%
Chattooga 9,384 1,324 12.4% 13.1% 8.9%
Floyd 43,932 5,613 11.3% 11.3% 7.2%
Gordon 22,246 3,579 13.9% 13.5% 7.5%
Polk 18.982 2,407 11.3% 11.2% 6.7%
State 4,298,003 510,102 10.6% 10.4% 6.6%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-The positive in the July jobless report is that the rise in unemployment slowed in three counties. Floyd stabilized at 11.3 percent; and Chattooga saw a meaningful decline.

-But don't tell that to Gordon County where the jobless rate climbed to 13.9 percent compared to the statewide average of 10.6 percent. In July 2008, Gordon's unemployment rate stood at 7.5 percent.

-In Bartow County, more than 5,800 people were jobless last month, 12.6 percent of the labor force. Bartow, like Polk, saw a slight increase in the jobless rate vs. June.

-State overview: The year-over-year losses came in manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction. Healthcare, private educational services, and local and state governmental education showed a combined increase of 19,600 jobs.

-What's next: Perhaps a state jobless rate of 11 percent in coming months, according to a state expert (below).

-Where to find help, hope: Shorter career fair set for Sept. 24> Details

2) GSU economist: Free fall over; 'tepid' recovery in 2011

Rajeev Dhawan, director of Georgia State's economic forecasting center, told an audience at Berry College last spring he wouldn't "sugar coat" his predictions. He didn't then or on Wednesday when he told an Atlanta audience to expect a "tepid" recovery in 2011. Some key points:

-The state's jobless rate will rise to 11 percent before recovering.Dr. Rajeev Dhawan

-Georgia's job losses will top 205,000 this calendar year with 44,000 more in 2010.

-We'll gain 60,000 jobs in 2011. But that means less than 25 percent of the jobs lost to the recession will come back in 2011.
-Of those 205,000 jobs lost this year, at least 130,000 of them will be Atlanta-based followed by another 22,000-plus in 2010.
-Citing 16 bank failures so far in Georgia, Dhawan says more are pending. Georgia accounts for 25 percent of the failed banks in U.S.

-The lack of housing starts, curtailed government spending on the state and local levels, and the economy overall will continue to hit Georgia, he says. Bright spots?:
-Something of a thaw beginning in the credit markets.
-A drop in unemployment insurance claims is being seen
-And there's an increase in consumer confidence.

-For expanded details, please click Economic Forecast

Bartow County Crimewatch/Arrest reports from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office:

>Two charged in Taylorsville church break-in: (Media release) Investigators have concluded the investigation into a burglary at a Taylorsville church. Bethel Crossroads Baptist Church reported the break-in on Aug. 4.  According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, investigators have charged Brandon Lee Spires 17, of 142 John Kay Road, Taylorsville, and a juvenile with one count each of burglary. The two allegedly damaged the inside of the fellowship hall and Sunday school rooms by breaking light bulbs, spraying fire extinguishers and breaking an interior door. Food and drink items were also taken from the Church. Investigators received information from the public which led them to the two individuals being charged. Spires is being held in the Bartow County Jail on a $10,000 bond. The Juveniles name is being withheld in accordance with Georgia Law.

>Two held in burglary, theft cases: (Media release) Investigators have arrested two Cartersville men on charges relating to several recent burglary and theft investigations. According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, investigators have charged Anthony Duane Williams, 26, of Cartersville with two counts of burglary; and Joshua Lee Ross, 21, of Cartersville with one count of burglary. Both men are charged for an Aug. 17 residential burglary at 54 Willow Bend Drive in Cartersville.

-According to the initial reports, the resident at that address came home and interrupted the burglary when a dark vehicle laid "drags" leaving at a high rate of speed. Items such as jewelry, checks, a credit card, and personal papers were stolen. Many items were recovered in possession of Williams, who is currently incarcerated in Paulding County Jail.  Williams also is charged in a burglary reported Aug. 18 at 64 Jim Lane in Cartersville. A 12-year-old caught Williams in his living room attempting to take a gaming system and television. Williams fled the scene prior to deputies arriving.  There are several other incidents involving Williams under investigation in multiple jurisdictions and more charges are expected, with details to be released upon conclusion of those cases. Ross is being held at the Bartow County Jail pending a bond hearing and Williams is incarcerated at Paulding County Jail on other charges and awaiting transfer to Bartow County Jail to face these charges.

New way to get your high school, Shorter updates:

Get high school, Shorter football scores via HometownScores on Twitter

Starting Friday night, we'll send high school scores to whatever address you want using your Twitter account. That includes Shorter Hawks' games as well. First reports this Friday. For more information, including simple steps on joining Twitter, click Football Report

Health:

-CDC site features additional swine flu updates; map of outbreaks> Click

-Links to upcoming health events in our area> Healthy Living

Campus Headlines

-A look inside Welcome Week at Shorter College> Campus

-Shorter's annual convocation set for Friday> Details

-Berry welcomes students back for new, different year> Berry

-Shorter College's music department Faculty Arts Gala is Monday> Click

-Berry's Dr. Azar-Dickens goes for Ironman Triathlon Sunday> Campus

Dining & Drink

-Public health restaurant inspection scores for this week> Dining

-Ahead at North Georgia wineries: big event at Chateau Elan> Wine

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Aug. 29:Chattahoochee Technical College Men's Basketball Tryouts set: Registration begins at 1 p.m., the session at 2 p.m. at JH Morgan Gym at the Summer Hill Education Complex. 129 Aubrey St., Cartersville. It is open to unsigned players, ages 18 and up, who are looking to play college basketball. There is no charge to tryout. Contact: David Archer, Jr. at 770-606-3764 (cell) or darcher@chattahoocheetech.edu

-Sept. 3: Cartersville City Council meeting. 6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. regular meeting. Hear the meeting live on WBHF 1450 AM or here via Web cast on Bartow Headlines.

-Sept. 4-7: 2009 Pioneer Days Festival set for Sept. 4-7> Click

-Sept. 11: Relay for Life, Survivors Dinner set for Friday, Sept. 11> Survivors

-Sept. 17: Cartersville City Council meeting. 6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. regular meeting. Hear the meeting live on WBHF 1450 AM or here via Web cast on Bartow Headlines.

-Sept. 19: Humane Society plans Casino Night benefit> Click

-Sept. 22: Martha Lanier's 'Power of Choice' set: American Red Cross and Cartersville OB/GYN present "The Power of Choice" with Martha Lanier on Tuesday, Sept. 22,at the Cartersville Civic Center. A dessert reception will be held at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at the Red Cross office or by calling 770-382-0981.

-Oct. 29: The chamber's 2009 Business Expo, "Keeping Business in Bartow," which will be at The Church at Liberty Square. Area businesses are encouraged to participate in the event to showcase and sell their products and services. Booth sign-up is under way at the chamber.

Latest weather:
-Thursday: High of 85, low of 67. Rain chance: 60%

-Friday: High of 85, low of 65. Rain chance: 50%, then 20%.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves turn to rally; Rome wins 5-4 in the ninth

-Braves in Charleston tonight; then Savannah through Sunday.
-Last home stand of the year:  Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game pictures
> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff:  Looking at the SEC East, there are no easy wins for anybody but neither are they anybody's patsy

The Football Report.

-John McClellan's first full week of picks includes these previews:

-Look for wins for Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville, Armuchee, Chattooga, Cedartown, Coosa.

-Rome to lose nail-biter to East Paulding; Darlington, Model to start 0-1.

New way to get your high school, Shorter updates:

Get high school, Shorter football scores via HometownScores on Twitter

Starting Friday night, we'll send high school scores to whatever address you want using your Twitter account. That includes Shorter Hawks' games as well. First reports this Friday. For more information, including simple steps on joining Twitter, click Football Report

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Watching the economy, employment:

-Later today/Georgia State's economic forecast: Rajeev Dhawan of Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center will present his analysis of the state of the Georgia and national economies later today on the GSU campus. We will post the highlights as soon as they've made available> The Center

-Another indicator about how delicate the job market is: Shorter College, The Forum and the state Department of Labor have organized a career fair for Sept. 24. Already, they've seen responses from more than 50 vendors and more than 100 attendees. The career fair is free and open to all but preregistration is required. The hours are 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sept. 24> Details

-Due Thursday: The July unemployment report for the state, region.

-3,000 jobs near Gadsden? The Cherokee of Alabama propose a massive shopping 'district' that could mean 3,000 jobs, reports say> Gadsden Times

Enlarge this image

Remembering Ted Kennedy: The veteran U.S. senator from  Massachusetts died early today at age 77 following a battle with brain cancer. We'll post links to reaction to his life and career throughout the morning.  For more, click Boston Globe

-Sen. Johnny Isakson's Web page> Click

-Sen. Saxby Chambliss' Web page> Click

 

No Mega Millions winner; jackpot rolls to $325 million Friday> Click Lottery

-Tuesday night's numbers: 03-12-19-22-40 and Mega Ball 02.

Media

-Even the religious media is feeling the heat: The Georgia Bulletin, a weekly tabloid-sized newspaper serving the North Georgia archdiocese of the Catholic Church, is switching to biweekly status with hopes of being totally online within five years> Click Bulletin

Tourism

-What's ahead at local attractions, museums in Northwest Georgia: Historic High Country - Home.You'll find a comprehensive list of what's ahead at local and nearby attractions and museums -- as well as upcoming fairs -- on the Historic High Country Web site, courtesy of the Historic High Country Travel Association. Included: Oak Hill, Booth Western Art Museum, Rose Lawn and Red Top Mountain State Park. Click High Country

New way to get your high school, Shorter updates:

Get high school, Shorter football scores via HometownScores on Twitter

Starting Friday night, we'll send high school scores to whatever address you want using your Twitter account. That includes Shorter Hawks' games as well. First reports this Friday. For more information, including simple steps on joining Twitter, click Football Report

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Martha Lanier's 'Power of Choice' set for Sept. 22: American Red Cross and Cartersville OB/GYN present "The Power of Choice" with Martha Lanier on Tuesday, Sept. 22,at the Cartersville Civic Center. A dessert reception will be held at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at the Red Cross office or by calling 770-382-0981.

-Chattahoochee Technical College Men's Basketball Tryouts set for Saturday: Registration begins at 1 p.m., the session at 2 p.m. at JH Morgan Gym at the Summer Hill Education Complex. 129 Aubrey St., Cartersville. It is open to unsigned players, ages 18 and up, who are looking to play college basketball. There is no charge to tryout. Contact: David Archer, Jr. at 770-606-3764 (cell) or darcher@chattahoocheetech.edu

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-What happened to 2,400 jobs in 10 months?

-Healthcare town hall goes live via radio, Web cast; also that day . . .

-Gloom or bloom? What will we hear from forecaster on Wednesday?

-Make that another 'W' for Mary Louise Lever.

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

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Sept. 3: Cartersville City Council meeting. 6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. regular meeting. Hear the meeting live on WBHF 1450 AM or here via Web cast on Bartow Headlines.

-Sept. 4-7: 2009 Pioneer Days Festival set for Sept. 4-7> Click

-Sept. 11: Relay for Life, Survivors Dinner set for Friday, Sept. 11> Survivors

-Sept. 17: Cartersville City Council meeting. 6 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. regular meeting. Hear the meeting live on WBHF 1450 AM or here via Web cast on Bartow Headlines.

-Sept. 19: Humane Society plans Casino Night benefit> Click

-Oct. 29: The chamber's 2009 Business Expo, "Keeping Business in Bartow," which will be at The Church at Liberty Square. Area businesses are encouraged to participate in the event to showcase and sell their products and services. Booth sign-up is under way at the chamber.

Latest weather:

-Wednesday: High of 90, low of 66. Rain chance: 20 percent.
-Thursday: High of 89, low of 68. Rain chance: 30, then 20 percent
.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Down 9-1, RiverDogs rally to beat Rome, 10-9.

-Braves in Charleston through Thursday, then Savannah through Sunday.
-Last home stand of the year:  Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game pictures
> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff:  It should be a real dog fight in the SEC West among Ole Miss, LSU, Alabama.

The Football Report.

-John McClellan's first full week of picks includes these previews:

-Look for wins for Pepperell, Calhoun, Cartersville, Armuchee, Chattooga, Cedartown, Coosa.

-Rome to lose nail-biter to East Paulding; Darlington, Model to start 0-1.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tuesday updates

 
Gingrey's Cartersville town hall on healthcare reform to be broadcast, Web cast today: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's town hall meeting on healthcare reform set for 3 to 4:30 p.m. today in Cartersville will be broadcast live on WBHF 1450 AM and Web cast on www.bartowheadlines.com. The meeting is at the Senior Citizens Center, 33 Beavers Drive.

-Also today: Gingrey has a town hall on healthcare in

Summerville from 12:30-2 p.m. at Chattooga County Library.

We're number .... 194? (We're just below Brooklyn at least): Here's a bit of sports trivia we probably can do without. A ranking of Top Minor League Markets performed by Sports Business Journal lists Rome, Ga., as No. 194 out of a list of 239 communities. At the bottom: The former home of the Atlanta Braves' AAA franchise, Richmond, Va. And at the top, Hershey-Harrisburg, Pa. Some other notables: Chattanooga came in 70th; Gwinnett County (new home of the AAA Braves) was No. 136;  Columbus was no. 185 (even with the Catfish gone?). For more: The Story or click The List

The Football  Report:

-John McClellan's first full week of picks includes these previews:

-Look for wins for Cartersville over Cass; Woodland over Adairsville

-For more, click Football Report.

Mega Millions jackpot swells to $252 million tonight:  The odds are 1 in 176 million or a buck for a quarter-billion dollars ... Click Lottery

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Bekaert plant closing in Miss. will boost Rome production: Bekaert S.A. plans to close its Clarksdale, Miss., bead wire plant, citing a decline in tire manufacturing in North America, reports Tire Business.com. The work will be sent to both Rome and a plant in Shelbyville, Ky. Layoffs pending in Clarksdale: 75 or more.

-Now posted: Latest edition of Berry's Alumni Accent. Click Berry

-Friends of Theatre for Shorter College's "Cabaret" set for Nov. 7> Click

School of Nursing open house today from 3-6 p.m. at Riverbend Center

-Georgia Northwestern's culinary arts program registration begins> Cook

Latest weather:

-Tuesday:  High of 88 under sunny skies, low of 65.

-Wednesday: High of 90, low of 64.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves take finale with SandGnats, 5-3.

-Braves in Charleston through Thursday, then Savannah through Sunday.
-Last home stand of the year:  Aug. 31-Sept. 4.
-Mills Fitzner's latest game pictures
> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff:  Could Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks be the surprise of the SEC West?

Football Report

-John McClellan's picks for this weekend's openers.

High School football schedules/courtesy of Georgia Prep Country

Armuchee Coosa Darlington Model
Pepperell Rome Unity  

Shorter Hawks football: 2009 schedule> Click Hawks

-Ready for the Hawks Nest? Check out new game-day idea> Click

Monday, August 24, 2009

Monday updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County this week including the healthcare town hall

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-2,400 jobs: Where did they go?

-First and goal: Where to watch college, NFL this fall (below).

-Healthcare town hall goes live via radio, Web cast; also that day . . .

-Gloom or bloom? What will we hear from forecaster on Wednesday?

-Latest media updates; ACC to hear wine sales application.

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

-Make that another 'W' for Mary Louise Lever.

-Call it a homemade September stimulus for downtown Rome (click)

High school football this week:

-Rome, Calhoun, Pepperell start season in Top 10> Georgia High School Football Daily

-Get the most professional game analysis and picks in Northwest Georgia from John McClellan each Tuesday on Hometown Headlines> Click Football

-New scores update ahead this season. Details Wednesday.

Berry to welcome one of largest first-year student classes today: Berry's Office of Enrollment Management anticipates that the new class will consist of approximately 620 students – 570 freshmen and 50 transfers – representing 27 states and several foreign countries> Berry

 -Shorter back in school today; School of Nursing open house Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. at Riverbend Center

Downtown Headlines:

-Latest updates on downtown Rome: Huge September ahead.

Latest weather:

-Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91, low of 62.

-Tuesday:  Another round of low 90s, lows in the low 60s.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Rome lose to Savannah 5-4.

-Savannah at Rome, 7 p.m. Monday

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff:  This could be the year Florida State finds itself but then again . . . who knows?

Football Report

-John McClellan's picks for this weekend's openers. John goes 4-1, missing the Unity Christian game (8 to 7). Next picks: Tuesday morning.

 
What's buzzing today:

-What happened to 2,400 jobs in 10 months?

-First and goal: Where to watch college, NFL this fall (below).

-Healthcare town hall goes live via radio, Web cast; also that day . . .

-Gloom or bloom? What will we hear from forecaster on Wednesday?

-Latest media updates; ACC to hear wine sales application.

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

-Call it a homemade September stimulus for downtown Rome (click)

Where did 2,400 jobs go?

Journalism instructors teach students to answer, not ask, questions when writing stories. But it is a question we can't totally answer today.  That's because, according to state Department of Labor stats, Rome has lost 2,400 jobs since September. The numbers: We had 41,800 jobs in September 2008 vs. 39,400 last month. Then again, with unemployment stats in the 10-plus range, we shouldn't be surprised by the jobs total. January's total, 38,700, was even lower. We'll get the latest jobless rate this week from the labor department. Early indicators: another 10-plus percentage.

There's something about Tuesday: Lots of events are set for Tuesday and some of the key ones worth watching (and listening to) involve another round of town  hall meetings by U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey on healthcare reform. Two meetings are set (Summerville and Cartersville) and the Cartersville meeting will be broadcast and Web cast via WBHF 1450 AM. Hear it from 3-4:30 p.m. live on WBHF 1450 AM and Webcast on our sister site, www.bartowheadlines.com.  Also on Tuesday: The Floyd County Commission takes up some SPLOST-funded projects for the Armuchee Connector and U.S. 411.

And Wednesday, too: Keep an eye out for the economic forecast from Georgia State: Also due Wednesday is the latest state and national economic forecasts from Rajeev Dhawan of Georgia State University's economic forecasting center (click). He's been pretty much on the money on this recession. We'll have details as they become available Wednesday.

Newswire's new majority owner has been there before: W.A. "Bill" Smith operated the Daculanewswire.com and forum in Gwinnett County under the KBS Media Sources umbrella before moving to the Rome edition. Click Dacula.

ACC to hear CVS/Turner McCall store's bid to sell wine: Rome's Alcohol Control Commission this evening will hear a request from the CVS pharmacy on Turner McCall to begin selling wine. The store already sells beer. Major drug store chains across the nation are adding alcohol sales. The ACC meeting begins at 5 p.m. Monday at City Hall> ACC

First & goal: Where to watch college, NFL games this season

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

In just a few days, our favorite college and NFL teams will be mixing it up. And with the economy still slow, many fans won't be able to afford to see their favorite team in person and are opting for a more local viewing location. There's a pretty good menu of  possibilities around town. They include:.


Applebee's, 826 Turner McCall Blvd.: It features the "Sports Zone" with nine TV screens for viewing. Each screen will have a different game but tables in the bar area are equipped with a sound system for viewers to select the game of their choice to hear. Applebee's will feature a Fall Tailgate Party promotion with drink specials. Says Manager Stacy Sorensen: "We are geared for families. We want everyone to have fun but watch their language because we are a family restaurant."

WOW Café and Wingery, 2817 Martha Berry Highway: The café features 32 TVs including two 125-inch projection screens, six 42-inch plasma screens and one TV at every booth. The restaurant will feature college football on Saturdays and NFL all day Sunday and Monday night. Specials include 49-cent wings on Monday and various drink specials. Says General Manager Chuck Patel: "Each TV is individually operated so our customers can watch what they want. Plus we have 13 taps of beer, more than anyone in Rome."


Jefferson's Restaurant, 340 Broad St. The restaurant features 10 screens for football games and will cover both college and NFL on Sundays. They will offer some drink specials but really want to attract viewers of all ages. "We want to be known as the family friendly sports pub and not a place for rowdy fans," says  owner Noreen Hullander.


Rome Cinemas, 2535 Shorter Ave.: They will be showing select University of Georgia football games and the Super Bowl for free (admission, that is). Games will be shown on one of the biggest movie screen sin Rome. Concessions will be open for viewers to purchase food and drinks. The events are definitely for families to enjoy the games. For a complete schedule of games, visit www.romemovies.net.

Do you know another venue that is having college and NFL football specials this year? Let us know. Click E-mail.

High school hot spots: Where are the must-go spots for local high school football fans before or after Friday night's games? Let us know. Click E-mail.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak and valley to the weather:

The high point was the overnight lows and just pleasant days Saturday and Sunday (60 degrees!) The valley goes for how we got there. Friday night's storms hit certain areas especially hard, including Horseleg and Chulio. We had our trees trimmed twice last week: once by request, once by storm.

(Photo: Lights out at State Mutual Stadium during Friday night's severe thunderstorm. Photo by Mills Fitzner. Click Gallery)

Peak to the Rome News: It's never easy for a news organization to cover itself or the people it employs. Last week, the newspaper had a tough call with a staffer and, for the most part, handled it pretty much as ethically as possible. In fact, it might have been overboard as the lead story for a few hours that day on the Web site. What's a bit troubling: It remains the most read story on the Web site.

Peak to the Unity Lions: Sure, the first varsity game could have gone

Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday updates

 
Closer look: The state of Northwest Georgia's banks

You'll find an extended look at the status of many banks doing business in Northwest Georgia by clicking Bank Report. The file features the overall assets of locally- or Georgia-based banks as of June 30 as well as the "Texas Ratio" of each, which compares non-performing loans to the bank's overall assets and capital. The higher the ratio, the more likely the bank is under review by regulators. 

>What the report shows:

-Four banks doing business in Bartow County had Texas Ratio amounts of 100-plus.

-Georgia Heritage, a Dallas-based bank with an office in Cartersville, posted a 228.2 Texas Ratio, up from 180.2 percent three months earlier.

-Unity National Bank had a ratio of 129.2 percent, up from 100.9 percent.

-Crescent Bank, with offices in Bartow, posted a 110.8 percent ratio, up from 85.5 percent on March 31.

-Bartow County Bank posted a 100.3 percent score vs. 68.5 percent in March.

>How they ranked: Of the 300 state banks reviewed, Georgia Heritage (not affiliated with Heritage First) had the 12th highest ratio in the state; Unity was 42nd; Crescent was 50th and Bartow County was 55th. Large loans moving into the 90-day overdue category was one major factor boosting the ratio of some banks.

>On the lower end of the surveyed were: Greater Rome Bank had a ratio of 8.6 percent, up from 7.1 percent in March. Rrank: 251 out of 300 banks.

-North Georgia National Bank, based in Calhoun, was 217; ratio: 15.6 percent.

-River City Bank, with offices in Rome and Carrollton, was 215. Ratio 16 percent.

>The report also looks at each bank's assets as of June 30: The range goes from $54.1 million for Southeast First National in Summerville to $488.5 million for Georgia Bank & Trust in Calhoun.  In Floyd County, Citizens First posted almost $363 million in assets followed by River City at $215 million; Greater Rome at $184 million; and Heritage First at $101 million. Again, those numbers are through June 30; several banks report asset increases since then. Click Bank Report.

Politics

--Saturday/GOP Breakfast Club, 9 a.m. Slope's BBQ

Dining & Drink (click)
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores: Dee's Road Kill gets a 96.
-Big weekend ahead at North Georgia wineries.

Tonight's MegaMillions' jackpot: $207 million. Tickets are $1 each; how to play. Odds on winning: 1 in 176 million> Click

Friday's Buzz:

-Cherokee Nation offers state $40,000 to help with New Echota, Chief Vann House with some conditions> Click

Galey & Lord/Brighton Plant -Sept. 20/Reunion set for former employees, families of Galey & Lord, Burlington Industries, Klopman Mills, Brighton Plant in Shannon: The event is free for the attendees and will not have vendors.  Guests are asked to bring their own food, drinks and lawn chairs. It is set for noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Ridge Ferry Park. Call 706-237-6771 or contact us at GLreunion@yahoo.com to acknowledge how many will be attending Also see the special page on Facebook.

Weather:
-Friday: 60% chance of rain, high of 88; low of 67; 40% rain chance.
-Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 88, low of 60.
-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 86, low of 60.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Rome, RiverDogs rained out after four innings as Rome had 5-2 lead.

-Tonight: Charleston at Rome, resume Thursday's game at 6 p.m.; seven-game to immediately follow.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff: Don't overlook N.C. State this season. The Wolfpack could be the surprise of the year.

Football Report

-John McClellan's picks for this weekend's openers. Writes John on Unity's first game tonight: "The Unity Christian Lions make their long awaited varsity football debut Friday night when they travel to Carrollton to take on another first year varsity program, the Holy Ground Baptist Academy Stallions ... Joe Curtiss and Unity have been building toward this moment and excitement is high for the Lions. First year football teams face challenges and the 2009 season will be no different for Unity as the schedule includes several games against established football programs from Georgia and Alabama. However, Unity is prepared for the challenge."

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thursday headlines

 
Park Village proposal goes before Cartersville City Council tonight.
 
Education

-Shorter rises 3 points in latest U.S. News college survey; also listed among South's Top 10 'Great Schools, Great Values' category> US News

-Berry's Briggs comments on rankings; says they don't address the value students get from the Berry experience> Berry

-Acworth man 5,000th student at Highlands this semester> Campus

Employment

-State jobless rate for July rises to 10.3%; local stats due next week:

(Media release) The Georgia Department of Labor reports the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.3 percent in July, up two-tenths of a percentage point from a revised 10.1 percent in June. "Although layoffs are moderating, nearly a half-million Georgians are officially unemployed," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. Last month, 493,748 unemployed Georgians were looking for work, an increase of 63.6 percent from July of 2008. The number of payroll jobs in July decreased 199,400, or 4.9 percent, from July of 2008. The losses came in manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction. Healthcare and private educational services showed a combined increase of 10,400 jobs; local and state governmental education added 9,200 more.

-Mohawk idles 40 more in Virginia> Click

Dining & Drink

Skating center owners go full circle: More growth is on the way for Arby's, the fast-food chain recently paired with Wendy's. One new store is rising near a new CVS on Cartersville's West Side. Look for it to open in January, employing 20 to 25 people. What's interesting: The first-time franchisee is the Chuck Spinner family, owners of the Spinner Skating Center for 31 years. CVS and Arby's are rising on that spot> Details

-Wine News Vine: Busy weekend ahead at North Georgia's wineries including special dinners, a tomato festival and classic movies> Wine News Vine

Latest weather

-Thursday: 70% rain chance; high of 88; low of 72; 40% rain chance.

-Friday: 70% chance of rain, high of 86; low of 66; 30% rain chance.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Rome takes series opener with Charleston RiverDogs, 2-0.

-Charleston at Rome tonight at 7.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff: Hokies still the class of the Coastal with Carolina and Georgia Tech slugging it out for second.

Football Report

-John McClellan's picks for this weekend's openers.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wednesday's headlines

 
Gingrey, staff take to the phones to talk healthcare; next town hall today

-As U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey prepares for another healthcare reform town hall later today in Cedartown, the Georgia Republican has been taking calls and comments on the issue in other forms. Monday night,  Gingrey and staff conducted another phone-based forum. The key was contacting 40,000 people who voted in the past two presidential elections--Democrat or Republican--who live in Paulding, Carroll, Haralson and Gordon counties.

-More than 1,000 people took part in the town hall with more than 20 directing questions to Gingrey.  They also were asked to vote in a survey, asking whether they thought President Obama's healthcare package would spark lower costs and more assistance. Of those polled, 823 or 76 percent said no while 16 percent said yes and 8 percent of the remainder were undecided.

-Cedartown town hall meeting on healthcare reform is today from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the commissioners room at the Georgia State Patrol office. Two others are Aug. 25:  From 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Summerville at the county library, and from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Senior Citizens Center, 33 Beavers Drive.

-You can hear the Cartersville town hall meeting live on WBHF 1450 AM and Webcast on our sister site, www.bartowheadlines.com.

-New media representative for Gingrey: Stephanie Valle has joined U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's office a communications chief. Valley has previous experience in Washington, including working with Rep. J. Randy Forbes, a Virginia Republican. Valle replaces Chris Jackson, who is pursuing a law degree at Mercer.

No winner in MegaMillions Tuesday; jackpot for Friday: $207 million:

Tuesday night's numbers: 4-5-26-37-56 and Mega Ball: 25> Lottery

-Father, son, third man indicted on federal weapons theft charges: Lonny Gravitt, 41, his son, Lindsay Gravitt, 22, and Joseph Tanturri, 24, all of Cartersville, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges relating to the theft of 40 weapons from a firearms dealer , according to the U.S. Attorney's office> Details

-Dining Guide updates: IHOP is offering free kids meals seven nights a week from 4 until 10 p.m. The catch: One per adult entree ordered.

 

Latest weather

-Wednesday: 60% chance of rain, high of 89; low of 73; 50% rain chance.

-Thursday: 70% rain chance; high of 89; low of 71; 40% rain chance.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar > Radar

Rome Braves' updates:

-Braves off Tuesday; home tonight vs. Charleston, 7 p.m.

-Latest Braves' photos by Mills Fitzner> Gallery

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable

-Countdown to kickoff: Duke to a bowl? Maybe. Miami is back, kind of; no help in sight for Virginia

Football Report

-John McClellan's picks for this weekend's openers.