Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Wednesday's updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow including bike-in, 'greatest' yard sale
 
 McCrobie's: Girls Gone Wild still a go for Oct. 24: So says a statement Tuesday afternoon from Brent McCrobie, owner of McCrobie's, and his lawyer, David Guldenschuh. Rome's Alcohol Control Commission denied McCrobie's plans for the 'Girls' visit next month> Latest statement

-McCrobie, Guldenschuh due on Project 9-6-1 radio in Atlanta this morning: The interview is now set for the 8-8:30 a.m. time frame. Listen online

Shorter/Riverbend Center union detailed in Retail Traffic report on how schools are filling vacancies at retail hubs: "It's really an enhancement for the center if you get the right school," says David Ledbetter, vice president of leasing for R.H. Ledbetter Properties, in the article> Details

Flood warning ends in in Gordon County: The flood warning for parts of Gordon County near the Conasauga River has expired. The river crested at 19.63 feet and was at 17.25 feet this morning. Flood stage: 18 feet. Latest river depth

-Beautiful weather continues; rain in Friday's forecast (below)

Fresh from the Cartersville brewery . . .: Bud Light's newest brew, Golden Wheat, is now available at locally straight from the Cartersville Anheuser-Busch plant. A six-pack sells for around $6 at Wal-Mart. It is billed as "a premium light, unfiltered wheat beer brewed with wheat malt, coriander and citrus peels." Calories: 118. First taste: It has a different taste, a bit sweeter and more robust than the normal brew. Details> A-B

Oct. 24/Handel, Owens due at next Floyd GOP breakfast: The GOP breakfast club meets at 8:30 a.m. at River City Bank, 228 N. Second Ave. Speakers: Speakers: Secretary of State Karen Handel, a Republican candidate for governor, and Sam Olens, candidate for Attorney General> Floyd GOP

-Oct. 5/Deadline to register to vote in municipal elections, Floyd's SPLOST package is Monday (election is Nov. 3; advance voting is Oct. 27-30). Register

Tweet of the day: From the Chattanooga Times Free Press: "Residents point to VW as need for post office" (story: http://bit.ly/31OFm). More economic impact from the billion-dollar plant--but not quite the economic 'stamp' we expected.

Weather Watch:

-Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 74, low of 45.
-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 78, low of 56; 20% rain chance at night.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:

Who's got a tougher row to hoe: Bulldogs or Yellow Jackets? > Arey

John McClellan's high school picks for Friday, Saturday nights:
-Pepperell, Calhoun, Chattooga to stay undefeated.
-Big homecoming win for Rome over Woodland.
-More road woes for Cartersville.
-Big wins for Rockmart, Coosa.

-For all of John's picks, please click Football Report

Game notes for Thursday's Shorter Hawks game> Click

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates: Wings, anyone?> Sports

 

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tuesday updates

 
The Meating Place closing Wednesday in Cartersville; catering, Bennett's doing fine: The Meating Place, a popular Cartersville dining experience since 1976, will close Wednesday evening. Owner Tracy Bennett says the "economic climate" was just not right to continue the restaurant. The catering end of the business will continue with kitchens in Cartersville and Gainesville, he says. Plus, Bennett's Steak House & Grill in Cave Spring--opened earlier this year-- continues to do quite well. Catering customers can reach Bennett at 770-655-1760.

-Cartersville's restaurant churn: Cartersville has seen a series of closings this year including D Morgan's, Zydeco, Flavor, M'Vorneen's and others. Don't be surprised if a few more occur in coming months.

'Girls Gone Wild' gets 'no' vote; what's next? WRGA 1470 AM reports Rome's Alcohol Control Commission unanimously rejects plans for Girls Gone Wild at McCrobie's. Owner Brent McCrobie and promoter Charles Craton planned for the Wild Party Live tour to last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at 325 Broad St. No word yet on whether they'll attempt to bring it before the City Commission,  which next meets on Oct. 5, or take other steps. Click WRGA

-ACC hearing draws coverage from the AJC, too> Details

NAIA championship game back for 2010? Bet on it: Look for good news coming from the media conference planned Thursday at 5 p.m. by the Host Committee for the NAIA Football National Championship Game. Rome/Floyd sought an extension of the two-year deal (which ends after the Dec. 19 game this season). The '08 edition was a hit, especially after pumping $1.5 million into the local economy and garnering Rome/Floyd three hours of national TV exposure. So what about long-term? That might depend on the Barron Stadium renovations included in the Nov. 3 SPLOST package. 2009 game tickets on sale today Details

John McClellan's high school picks for Friday, Saturday nights:
-Pepperell, Calhoun, Chattooga to stay undefeated.
-Big homecoming win for Rome over Woodland.
-More road woes for Cartersville.
-Big wins for Rockmart, Coosa.

-For all of John's picks, please click Football Report

Triple header at Barron Stadium this weekend: Downtown Rome merchants and restaurants are due for a bonus as three consecutive nights of football unfold at Barron Stadium. It starts with the Shorter-Campbellsville game at 7:30 p.m. Thurday; Rome High's homecoming game on Friday vs. Woodland; and concludes Saturday night with the annual Shriners game (Coosa vs. Model).

Why the sudden local push in social media? Check these Nielsen ratings: The Nielsen Co. reports the "time spent on social network and blogging sites accounted for 17 percent of all time spent on the Internet in August 2009, nearly triple the percentage of time spent on the sector a year ago. 'This growth suggests a wholesale change in the way the Internet is used,' said Jon Gibs, vice president, media and agency insights, Nielsen's online division. 'While video and text content remain central to the Web experience – the desire of online consumers to connect, communicate and share is increasingly driving the medium's growth.'" Click Details

-CNN to charge $1.99 for iPhone 'app'> Click

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Harbin Dialysis Center earns second Baxter 'star status' rating> Health

-Fall quarter starts Tuesday at Ga. Northwestern Technical College> Click

-Heritage Holidays schedule posted> Click Heritage

Flood warning continues in Gordon County: The flood warning for part of Gordon County near the Conasauga River continues. The river was at 19.58 feet this morning; a crest of 20 feet is expected laer today. Flood stage is 18 feet.

.Flood warning/ Latest river depth

-Updates on the Trion area floods> Click

Weather Watch:

-Tuesday: Sunny with a high of 75 low of 46.
-Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 76, low of 46.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable: What planet are the college football pollsters from? And where is Auburn?> Arey

Monday, September 28, 2009

Monday updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County this week.
 
Flood warning continues in Gordon County as Saturday's monsoon drains: The flood warning for part of Gordon County near the Conasauga River continues. The river was at 17.85 feet this morning; a crest of 19.4 feet is expected later today. Flood stage is 18 feet. Flood warning

-Updates on the Trion area floods> Click

-Weather: Not a drop of rain in this week's forecast. Details below.

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (Click here)

-As the Recovery Begins, Part II: Natalie Simms talks with real estate and mortgage pros about what they're seeing as we emerge from the recession.

-What's new in the region: Updates on construction projects around Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties.

-Three-Dot Buzz: New Spanish Mass at St. Mary's; social media goes mainstream in covering all aspects of last week's floods.

-Peaks & Valleys: Peak to the resilience of the people of Trion and those coming to their aid.

Bobby Cox, Gingery talk about serving on bank boards in tough times> AJC

Calhoun first, Pepperell No. 6 in latest state football AA poll> Details

Weather Watch:

-Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 82, low of 48.

-Tuesday: Sunny with a high of 77, low of 47.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

High school> Football report

-John went 8-2 last week in picking local schools. New picks on the way.

Norman Arey's Sports

-What are we seeing in college football so far? Is it a parity of something else?> Arey

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates: Wings, anyone?> Sports:

What's new in the region:

Look for twin CVS openings in the Cartersville area early next year. The surging drug store chain has new stores rising, and rising quickly, at Collins Pointe on Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville as well as on the booming west side on Ga. 113 near Douthit Ferry Road. Both stores are around 13,000 square feet and will open "early in 2010," a corporate spokeswoman says. No word on employment yet. Joining the west side development: A new Arby's.

Work begins on new Pizza Hut site: The East  Rome Pizza Hut will soon give way to a new one on Turner McCall across from Heaven's Attic and just down from Sumo. The plan is to open the new store after the first of the year. We had several e-mails about the specific location following our posting on Thursday. You can see the Pizza Hut coming soon sign in the bottom left corner of the above photo shot Sunday.

Three-Dot Buzz:

-Fourth (quarter) and long?: Those businesses following the calendar year for their fiscal year, we're just days away from the start of the fourth quarter (Oct. 1-Dec. 31). We'll soon get reports on how the banks and major local employers did in the third quarter and maybe a hint at what to expect in the fourth quarter. For retailers at least, these are the most vital three months on the calendar.

-Second Spanish Mass added at St. Mary's: The explosion of Hispanic Catholics in North Georgia has been well documented by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. On Tuesday, an auxiliary bishop will be ordained to help serve the growing church. He is Bishop-elect Luis R. Zarama (details), a familiar face at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rome. Zarama has helped celebrate the 1 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass at the church, a service that easily overflows into the halls. Starting Sunday, Oct. 4, a second Spanish Mass will be celebrated at 7 each Sunday evening. That means six weekend Masses at St. Mary's (5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays in English; 1 and 7 p.m. in Spanish> St. Mary's

-Breaking flood news via Twitter, Facebook: News of last week's severe flooding in Trion and metro Atlanta spread faster than ever thanks to a sudden surge in the use of Twitter and other social media. Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Georgia Highlands College used Twitter to announce campus closings. Rome-Floyd Parks & Rec and the YMCA announced field closings and game delays, citing the rain. An interesting story on how others used social media to spread the word can be found on the AJC's Web site (click)

PART TWO: AS THE RECOVERY BEGINS

Real estate: Tax breaks, interest rates are great deals for first-time buyers but act fast; positive signs seen for rest of the market.

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

One of the hardest hit sectors of our economy has been real estate. While many economists believe the recession is over, the effects are still being felt. The local market seems to be rebounding but it's tough to know how long it will last as tax incentives soon expire and low interest rates won't last long.

As we wait for the recovery, local Realtors and mortgage specialists are doing what they can to stay in business. We talked to three experts last week:

-Graham Dixon is Real Estate Broker with Lambert, Dixon and Tate Real Estate in Rome and serves as president of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors.

-Dana Bauguss is the president-Elect of the Georgia Association of Realtors and Broker with Re/Max of Greater Atlanta.

-and Tony Miller is Mortgage Loan Specialist with Vanguard Mortgage in Rome.

Question 1 How is the local real estate/mortgage market currently doing?
>Dixon:
"The local market has not only stabilized but in fact has shown signs of increasing values. August 2009 saw a price jump of 11 percent over July 2009. I believe September will also be strong because of the number of buyers currently in the market because of the state and federal tax credits. The amount available for buyers is up to $9,800 if they qualify. The federal credit is $8,000, while the state credit is $1,800. The credits expire on Dec. 1, 2009, which means in order to get the loan on a house processed and close on the property, a buyer really needs to be under contract on the house they want to buy by Oct. 15 at the latest."


>Bauguss: "We have definitely seen an increase in the market in some areas. The majority of the buyers are first-time homebuyers that are taking advantage of the tax incentives and trying to close before Nov. 30. There are many listings on the market but houses are selling. For instance, in Gwinnett County, the multi-listing service states there are 5,513 residential resales on the market and 810 are bank-owned. However, there are 1,472 residential homes under contract that are pending to close. There are 802 new homes on the market in which 205 are bank- owned. There are 227 pending sales for new homes."


>Miller: "It has actually picked up a hair, though far from the peak. It could be a lot worse."

2. How are Realtors/mortgage companies coping with the tough economy/recession? Any changes you have made in your business practices because of it?

>Dixon: "The trend we have seen nationwide is that the number of Realtors in almost any given area has decreased over the last two years. Some of that is natural attrition and some of it is Realtors leaving the business because of declining revenue. Locally, we are doing a little better than the state average and have only seen a small decline in the total number of Realtors in our market.  I think the newer agents who have not built a strong network of referrals are the most affected.  Most veteran Realtors in the area still seem to be producing well and are maintaining a comfortable level of business."

>Bauguss: "Realtors are learning new ways of doing business. They have had to take courses, obtain certifications and become specialized in handling REOs (real estate owned by banks, etc.), foreclosures and especially short sales (sale price is less than amount actually owed). The National Association of Realtors has even provided grants to states to provide the Loss Mitigation Certification to teach Realtors how to help clients in these turbulent times. Realtors are working twice as hard to earn an income."


>Miller: "I think we have all had to cut back on expenses mainly to lower costs. I have personally cut back on marketing costs by doing many things myself and going back to direct face-to-face or telephone campaigns."

3. What advice can you give to home buyers in this current economy?


>Dixon:
"Buy now! I've had a number of clients over the last few months that keep waiting for 'the bottom to fall out.' I don't see that happening in our market. We've certainly had price declines; however, we have not seen huge drops in value. Luckily, our local economy is strong and there has not been panic-induced selling.  Interest rates are at historically low levels, the supply of homes is ample, sellers are motivated and the tax credits are an incredible bonus. Because of all these things, the climate could not be more perfect for a buyer." 


>Bauguss: "Buyers need to work with a professional Realtor who will represent them and help them buy the house of their dreams or a good investment property. Real estate is still the best investment and buyers can buy excellent deals. Buyers need to be approved with a reputable mortgage company and work to clear any credit issues."


>Miller: "It is not going to get much better than it is right now. Interest rates are super low, prices on homes are low and inventory is up, up to $8,000 in free money from the (federal) government. You can't ask for much more than that. If you can afford to buy a home right now, it is time to pull the trigger. You can many times own for less than you are paying in rent."

4. What advice can you give to home sellers right now?


>Dixon:
"We are selling homes; however, the homes that are selling are the ones that are priced correctly.  Perhaps their home was worth $20,000 more two years ago but today is a different story.  Real estate is a commodity just like oil or pork bellies and there is a market value.  Whether a seller is about to list their home for sale or already has it on the market, it's important for them to consult with their Realtor to get a true picture of the current market conditions for homes comparable to their own.  If a buyer can buy a very similar property for 10 percent less half a mile away, they will likely do so.  It's important to price property realistically, now more than ever, because of the large supply of inventory."


>Bauguss: "Sellers need to list with a Realtor and heed the professional advice. Sellers need to make their house sparkle and shine. They need to make repairs, paint, clean, tidy the yard and basically win the 'beauty contest.' Sellers also need to be willing to lower their price, pay closing costs and negotiate."


>Miller:
"Be aware of what your competition is selling for. To make a profit in this market may not be an option for you right now. Be realistic in pricing your home."

5. Do you foresee a recovery soon in the real estate market?


>Dixon:
"Yes, in fact I think we are already in the curve back up.  The statistics we've seen each month this year prove that things are improving.  It may take a while for the prices to get back to where they were a couple years ago but I think it will happen in time.  New construction has been cut back dramatically so our supply of homes is not really increasing.  As long as the population increases, the demand for housing will continue to increase and as the level of demand gets closer to supply, prices will increase as well." 


>Bauguss: "The market has already hit bottom and has begun the slow turn. However, it will take longer for the recovery since every aspect of our economy has been affected. The real estate market has always been cyclical and it will bounce back as it always has in the past."


>Miller: "Like I said before, we have seen a small increase in the last 30-60 days in purchase activity. A full recovery is going to take a lot more time. We need to get people back to work and then the rest will fall into place for a bigger recovery."

6. Any long-term effects from recession?


>Dixon:
"Absolutely. I'd say our biggest problem right now is financing. Lenders are gun shy because of the losses they've had. However, qualified buyers are still able to get loans. The buyers I've seen who are no longer able to get financing are the ones that, quite honestly, probably never should have been able to. It takes a little longer, more documentation is required but loans are still available and the interest rates are just incredibly good. There may be a few more hurdles for a buyer to go through, but with the great values out there, both in prices and interest rates, it's more than worth the extra effort." 


>Bauguss:
"Buyers are experiencing stricter guidelines which are a direct outcome from subprime lending and the financial meltdown. We are also experiencing appraisal problems which are causing delays in closing or causing buyers and sellers to renegotiate sales prices."


>Miller:
"The lenders now are doing their due diligence on every file. They should have done it long ago. If something doesn't make sense, then they are making you substantiate most everything. I actually heard of another lender here in town that had a loan in process where the fellow was trying to buy a 'second' home here in Rome, across town from his primary home. Sorry, but that just doesn't make sense and the underwriters are not going to let that slide any more. There is still money to lend, but you actually have to jump through a few more hoops now than in recent history. An increase in minimum credit score requirements has probably been the biggest change. We used to be able to get someone a loan that had credit scores in the 500s but now you are looking at a 620 minimum score and FHA is actually contemplating  raising that around the first of the year. We should have never been lending money to folks with 500 credit scores but Wall Street and the banks pushed the programs."

7. Any other thoughts?


>Dixon:
"I think it's important for current homeowners and prospective buyers to realize real estate in our market is not in turmoil.  As far as values go, I would venture to say that it is very likely the house an individual owns has maintained its value far better than their stock portfolio or 401k has over the last year.  Buyers also need to be realistic and realize that most sellers are not in a distressed position.  The vast majority is perfectly capable of making their mortgage payments and is not desperate to sell their property. To assume that a seller will discount their property dramatically, just to get it sold, is not realistic. There are certainly deals to be had but I haven't seen that many 'steals' and I really don't expect to see many more." 


>Bauguss: "Realtors need to take educational courses and earn certifications to teach them how to work in this type of market. Many homeowners need counseling in short sales and a Realtor needs to become educated in the process. Realtors are also writing many lease purchases and leases since some homes are not selling or the buyers need to correct their credit. They also need special training to write these contracts and leases correctly."


>Miller: "We are all in this together. We have to support one another both emotionally and financially. Spend your money where you live and work, and we will all get through this together."

Part one of Natalie Simms' As the Recovery Begins series, a look at the restaurant industry, can be found by clicking Archive.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia.

Peak to the community of Trion: The Chattooga County community was among the first hit by the recession as Mount Vernon Mills idled almost an entire shift. At times, the jobless rate has been in the mid-teens. Now comes the floods of September, causing massive damage and claiming a young hero's life. Through it all, Trion residents, their neighbors and all of Northwest Georgia have rallied to help those in need.  From churches and businesses to community groups and the Red Cross, area residents have stepped up to lend a hand. This is what Northwest Georgia is all about: helping those in need.

Peak to the Shorter career fair:

More than 2,500 people and 75-plus employers packed The Forum on Thursday as part of a career fair hosted by Shorter College, the state Department of Labor, The Forum, Floyd  County and the Rome News. Some saw the high number as a sign of how desperate the local employment picture is. We see it exactly as Shorter's organizers planned: A message of hope, support and a promise of better days ahead. We commend Shorter for taking a needed leadership role in staging the career fair.

Peak to the 2009 NAIA championship: Tickets go on sale for this year's title match on Tuesday (details). We should hear something later this week about hosting the championship again in 2010--and maybe longer. Or that determination might have to wait until after the SPLOST vote Nov. 3.

Peak and valley to the Atlanta Braves:

>The peak is for the recent string of wins that has moved the Braves back into the wild card hunt. With seven games to go (three with the Marlins, four with the last-place Nationals), the Braves have a bona fide shot thanks to a late-season rally.

>The valley: Letting Bobby Cox get away after the 2010 season. We agree the team needs a rebuild, not just an overall, and it is better to build with someone who might be there for another decade. At the same time, Cox has been one of the architects of Atlanta's amazing run of success. Let's change that one more

Friday, September 25, 2009

Friday updates: Flash flood watch

 
More rain, flooding concerns, especially on Saturday: A flash flood watch will be in effect from this afternoon until Saturday evening as another storm system moves through the state. Rain potential: One to three inches. Click Watch

-Hometown Headlines will post weather updates all weekend.

-How to help Northwest Georgia flood victims: Donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, ARC Coosa Valley Chapter, 112 John Maddox Drive NW, Rome, 30165, or online at: www.redcross.org

-Your latest forecast:

-Friday: 50%, then 60% chance of rain; high, 85; low, 70.
-Saturday: 90% chance of rain, then 60% overnight. High, 76; low, 63.
-Sunday: Mostly sunny skies, high of 82, low of 60.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

'Girls Gone Wild' has it all: City review, Broad Street venue, Charles Craton:

This perhaps is the prelude to one of those stories that could linger far longer the Oct. 24 scheduled show date for Girls Gone Wild Party Live set for 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. at McCrobie's at 325 Broad St. Consider the components:

-McCrobie's is scheduled to appear before Rome's Alcohol Control Commission at 5 p.m. Monday. In a media release from Charles Craton (more on him a bit), Brent McCrobie says, "Once we explain the nature of the party to the ACC, I am confident we will have their full blessing to proceed."

-As for Entice's Craton, a separate release states: "On behalf of his growing adult media and retail businesses, local promoter Charles Craton is bringing the world famous Girls Gone Wild bus and crew to Rome . . ."

-The show itself is billed as part of a search for "America's Hottest Model." Tickets (for the show, not ACC meeting) are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.

-The ACC meeting is at City Hall and is open to all.

Dining

-Latest restaurant health inspection scores> Dining

-Busy weekend at North Georgia wineries; what's ahead> News Vine

Business

-Reports differ on sale of the Eagle Rock campus in Rome: Eagle Rock Distributors' employees have told friends about the building's purchase by Southeastern Mills and of the beer distributor's consolidation with the Dalton office.

-Thursday, a Southeastern Mills representative said the deal was news to him and that he'd be the one to inform the media. An Eagle Rock contact who commented on initial plans to consolidate Dalton and Rome offices declined comment.

Here's what is known:

-Hometown Headlines reported several months ago that Eagle Rock--which bought Simpson Grocery in 2007 and later a Dalton distributor--wanted to merge the Northwest Georgia operations. Eagle Rock is based in Stone Mountain.

-Both Rome and Dalton locations were listed for sale with the surviving location becoming the base of combined operations. Next would be a new centralized location. Keep your eye out for an Adairsville or Calhoun warehouse.

-If all goes as rumored, Rome operations move to Dalton on Nov. 2.

-Southeastern Mills reportedly is in negotiations to purchase the Rome site for a warehouse or perhaps the base for a new line of products. Again, no confirmation of this from the Rome-based company.

Darlington's new middle school named for Thatcher family: Darlington's new $21 million middle school is being named Thatcher Hall in memory of Samuel E. and Mary W. Thatcher, friends of the school, thanks to a gift from their son, John, to Darlington's $90 million Second Century Campaign. Details> Click Darlington

Shorter career fair draws more than 2,500 as well as 75-plus employers: More than 2,500 people registered at the Northwest Georgia Shorter College Job and Career Fair held at The Forum on Thursday. Job seekers could been seen waiting in lines outside The Forum doors as early at 8 a.m. More than 75 employers - mostly local business and industry - filled the main arena> Business

High School Football> Football Report

-John McClellan's high school picks for tonight, Saturday..
-Unbeatens face off: Chattooga at Armuchee.
-Pepperell gets easy win over Gordon Central; Calhoun cruises past Coosa.
-Rome faces tight road game;  more woes for Darlington.
-Adairsville by 13 over Model;  rough night for Woodland.
-Cartersville gets back in W column;  Cedartown could drop fourth game
.

Georgia High School Football Daily: Latest updates> Click

Norman Arey's Sports

-Norman's No-Nos: It looks like a good weekend for Tech, UGA; maybe not so good for Miami, California> Arey

Shorter Hawks take on Faulkner at 12:30 p.m. Saturday> Details

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates> Sports:
-Upcoming events at State Mutual Stadium: Rummage sale Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's pictures from the 2009 season> Gallery

Lindale community focus continues through today> Lindale

Annual People's Choice Awards, Hospitality Heroes saluted> BH

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thursday updates

 
Note: The Cartersville at LaFayette game has moved to 7:30 p.m. Saturday because of the heavy rain in North Georgia. Hear the game live on WBHF 1450 AM and Web cast on www.bartowheadlines.com.
 

Jobless rate drops slightly in four counties, state; still in double digits

Aug. 2009

Employed

Aug. 2009

Unemployed

Aug. 2009

% jobless

July 2009

% jobless

Aug. 2008 % jobless
Bartow
39,905
5,989
13.0%
12.5%
7.5%
Chattooga
9,455
1,276
11.9%
12.3%
8.2%
Floyd
43,838
5,499
11.1%
11.3%
7.0%
Gordon
22,284
3,396
13.2%
13.8%
7.5%
Polk
18,999
2,338
11.0%
12.2%
6.6%
State
4,269,873
484,264
10.2%
10.5%
6.7%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

At least 2,000 and perhaps twice that many people are due at Shorter College's

career and job fair hosted with the the Georgia Department of Labor today from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Forum.  Based on the August jobless reports, the chance to meet with 65-plus potential employers is critical.

While the August jobless rate dropped slightly in Floyd, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties as well as the state, the numbers are still in the double digits--at least 11 percent in Polk to 13 percent in Bartow County, the only community to see an increase between July and August in Northwest Georgia.

Plus, the labor department included a grim caveat in the monthly job report when it came to a dip in unemployment. "The reduction in the rate is primarily due to work force shrinkage." Here's why:
-The number of payroll jobs in metro Rome was 39,500 in August, a loss of 1,800, or 4.4 percent, from 41,300 in August 2008.
-Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in August decreased 238,200, or 5.8 percent, from August 2008.

-The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction.

-Healthcare and private educational services showed a combined increase of 13,400 jobs. 
-Today's job fair notes:

-The event is free and open to all. At least 65 employers are expected.

-Downtown parking could be tight, especially between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Developing story: Hometown Headlines is pursuing reports of two big changes in the Rome/Floyd County market, both related. We'll have details later today.

Another new Web 'media' coming to Northwest Georgia? Several local Twitter accounts gained a new follower Wednesday, "It's Local." The account (www.twitter.com/itslocal), appears to be a prelude for an online information service in LaFayette, Summerville and eventually Rome. The backers are K&E Equity Management Inc. The corporate officers: Katie and Ellery Durgin of Summerville.

Operation Shop Pink coming to Prime Outlets in Calhoun: Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins a week from today and you'll be reading about programs to raise funds for cancer research. A new one is Operation Shop Pink at the Prime Outlets in Calhoun. You can purchase a Shop Pink card at the outlet office for $2 and then use it at outlet merchants for additional savings in October. Proceeds from the card sale go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Click Shop Pink

Thursday's Buzz:

-Synovus, parent company of Citizens First Bank and GB & T, has completed a $600 million underwritten public offering of 150 million shares of common stock at $4 per share. The net proceeds are expected to be $570.5 million> Synovus

-Darlington to name new middle school Thursday: Look for updates around 9 p.m.  Also: Alumni Weekend 2009> Details

-Berry on-campus farmer's market Sept. 26 open to all> CH

-Halloween safety tips from Floyd EMS> Hometown KidsDouble take: Customers walking into Appalachian Grill on Wednesday were greeted with a sandwich board advertising "After the Flood" drink specials. Among the choices: "Noah's Ark," a concoction of "sex on the beach" mix, vodka and orange juice. Something that potent gives new meaning to the phrase "two by two . . ."

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: 30% chance of rain; high, 86; low, 68.
-Friday: 50%, then 40% chance of rain; high, 88; low, 69.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

High School Football> Football Report

-John McClellan's high school picks for this Friday.
-Unbeatens face off: Chattooga at Armuchee.

-Pepperell gets easy win over Gordon Central; Calhoun cruises past Coosa.
-Rome faces tight road game;  more woes for Darlington.
-Adairsville by 13 over Model;  rough night for Woodland.
-Cartersville gets back in W column;  Cedartown could drop fourth game
.

Georgia High School Football Daily: Floods cause some games to be rescheduled including Cartersville at LaFayette, now 7:30 p.m. Saturday> Details

Norman Arey's Sports

-College Football Hall of Fame moves to where it belongs; just how bad is UGA's defense?> Arey

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates> Sports:
-Upcoming events at State Mutual Stadium: Rummage sale Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's pictures from the 2009 season> Gallery

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wednesday updates

 
What's ahead in Bartow County plus:
 
Look for word next week on 2010 NAIA football bid: We hear that Rome/Floyd's efforts to extend the contract for the NAIA's national championship football game at Barron Stadium could be resolved by late next week. Rome/Floyd won a two-year deal, with the second national title game and the second edition is set for Dec. 19 at Barron. Even amid a downpour, the game was deemed a success. But artificial turf could be an issue in deciding a longer-term contract with the NAIA and new turf -- as well as other enhancements to Barron -- are included in the $42.3 million SPLOST package going before voters Nov. 3.

-AJC: College Football Hall of Fame moving to Atlanta> Details

Armuchee Connector a 'go,' is tennis next? A few months back, Berry College joined community colleagues in announcing the study of a 55-court tennis center on Berry property near Mount Berry Square and the route of the proposed Amurchee Connector. With the two-lane road now under contract, what's new with the center? The official word: Discussions continue with Berry College officials, local tennis enthusiasts and outside groups such as the United States Tennis Association. "We have a great deal of enthusiasm for the project and hope to see it come to fruition," says Berry spokesman Rick Woodall.  Our guess: Look for updates late in the year or early next year.

Rain, flooding aftermath:

-Etowah River: 7.22 feet in Cartersville; 21.05 feet in Rome> Details

-Oostanaula River: 18.43 feet, has crested> Track level

-Quick forecast: 20% rain chance today, tonight; 40% Thursday.

-Commuting around the state: Latest from DOT> Detours

-Closings: Only Georgia Highlands' Douglasville site so far today.

-We'll have updates as needed throughout the day.

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Update on Shorter/Labor Department career fair on Thursday> Business

-Loy returns to Adairsville as Clinic Director for Advance Rehabilitation; Owens named Clinic Director in Cedartown> Health

-United Community Banks plans $300 million stock offering> AJC

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: 20%, then 20% chance of showers; high, 86; low, 67.
-Thursday: 40%, then 30% chance of rain; high, 88; low, 67.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

High School Football> Football Report

-John McClellan's high school picks for this Friday.
-Unbeatens face off: Chattooga at Armuchee.

-Pepperell gets easy win over Gordon Central; Calhoun cruises past Coosa.
-Rome faces tight road game;  more woes for Darlington.
-Adairsville by 13 over Model;  rough night for Woodland.
-Cartersville gets back in W column;  Cedartown could drop fourth game

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

Norman Arey's Sports

-Stay sober or stay away in Minnesota; Bulldogs absolutely must play some defense> Arey

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates> Sports:
-Upcoming events at State Mutual Stadium: Rummage sale Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's pictures from the 2009 season> Gallery

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tragedy in Trion: Teen dies in rescue attempt

9:10 a.m. summary: Updates all day today

-Tragedy in Trion; teen dies in rescue attempt: A 14-year-old boy is dead today after being swept away while trying to help rescue a motorist Monday evening. The boy and a friend attempted the rescue but both were then caught in the rushing water, Chattooga EMA Director Lamar Canada said. The other boy was rescued. The victim's body was found around 7:15 this morning. Canada asked residents to call law enforcement if they come across similar cases. Also: Water is receding but light rain is falling in Trion at 9:05 a.m. Some displaced 1,500 residents will be allowed back in their homes once EMA officials determine the threat is cover, Canada says.

-Flood warning for Floyd, Bartow counties canceled: The National Weather Service has canceled the region's second flood warning in as many days.

>Etowah River: Continues to rise. It was at 17.99 feet, flood stage, near Cartersville; (Ga. 113 and Euharlee); at the loop in Rome, 29.41 feet> Details

-Oostanaula rises quickly to 19.81 feet ('action stage'), to peak 21.1 feet later today. Flood stage is 25 feet>Track the level

-Flood watch remains in effect until this evening> Click

-2.36 inches of rain since midnight Sept. 21 (12:01 a.m.)

-60% rain chance today; 30% tonight> Weather

Tuesday updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

7 a.m. summary: Updates all day today

-Flood warning for Floyd, Bartow counties as Etowah River continues to rise.

It was at 17.99 feet, a tick below flood stage near Cartersville's west side (Ga. 113 and Euharlee); at the lop in Rome, 29.41 feet, action stage> Details

-Oostanaula rises quickly to at 19.47 feet ('action stage'), to peak 21.1 feet later today. Flood stage is 25 feet>Track the level

-Flood watch remains in effect until this evening> Click

-2.36 inches of rain since midnight Sept. 21 (12:01 a.m.)

-60% rain chance today; 30% on Tuesday> Weather

Current Radar in GA - Columbus region

-Perdue declares emergency in Chattooga, 16 other counties (below)

-Today's commute: Check the DOT map first> Click

-DOT list of roads, bridges closed because of flooding> DOT

-Two inmates clearing drainage debris injured.

-Georgia Northwestern Technical College's Walker campus is open.

-Highlands closes Marietta, Paulding, Douglas sites. Bartow is open.

-Chattooga, Paulding schools closed Tuesday for students, staff> Click

-St. Mary's Catholic School is open Tuesday; TV had it wrong.

Get instant rain/flood updates by following us

on Twitter or our Hometown Facebook page.

Rain, runoff fuel the upper falls at DeSoto Falls

This photo from David Hall on Monday shows the surging upper falls at DeSoto Falls thanks to all the rain in recent days. For more of David's photos, check  Falls

>Gov. Sonny Perdue declares a state of emergency in 17 counties affected by heavy rain and severe weather including Chattooga, Carroll, Catoosa, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker counties. "State personnel and equipment are being deployed to assist effected communities. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is coordinating our response and managing the State Operations Center, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Division (EPD) are deploying boats, high-water vehicles, and testing water. Other state agencies are deploying manpower and additional resources."

>Two Floyd County inmates were injured Monday during a work detail assignment, a county release states. One inmate was treated at Floyd Medical Center for minor injuries; the other treated on the scene and taken back to the prison. The inmates were working in the Coosa area clearing a drainage obstruction when the injuries occurred.  "Along with security, safety is a high priority concerning inmates," said Jeff Chandler, Warden. "This incident will be fully investigated."

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Backyard BBQ closes; new restaurant sought: Backyard BBQ's move to Armuchee Village on U.S. 27 was a short one. The one-time Redmond Circle-based barbecue (and earlier at Central Plaza) is closed and a new restaurant is being sought. The spot features 5,000 square feet, including a relatively new patio area. Armuchee Village is home to Food Lion, CVS Pharmacy and Kangaroo Jack's as well as Thrive and other shops.
-Heritage First's Armuchee office adds Saturday hours: The new branch, opened late last year, is adding both lobby and drive-in service on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. starting Oct. 3> Heritage First

-Latest update on Shorter/Labor Department career fair> Business

-Dell buys Perot Systems, including Rome office (formerly Legacy) for $3.9 million> Details

-The Rome Young Republicans now meet at 333 on Broad.  The first meeting there is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 with guest speakers Michael McKneely, chairman of the Georgia. Black Republican Council, and Rep. Melvin Everson, a candidate for labor commissioner.  This meeting is open to the public.  The Rome Young Republicans meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and meet and greet, and 7 p.m. for program.  For more: romeyoungrepublicans@gmail.com or contact Layla Shipman at 706-853-9014.

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: Some relief; 60%, then 30% rain chance. High, 83; low, 68.
-Wednesday: 30%, then 20% chance of showers; high, 86; low, 68.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

High School Football> Football Report

John McClellan's high school picks for this Friday.
-Unbeatens face off: Chattooga at Armuchee.
-Pepperell gets easy win over Gordon Central; Calhoun cruises past Coosa.
-Rome faces tight road game;  more woes for Darlington.
-Adairsville by 13 over Model;  rough night for Woodland.
-Cartersville gets back in W column;  Cedartown could drop fourth game

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

Norman Arey's Sports

- Do you realize that Auburn could be 4-0? Georgia Tech still has a long way to go> Arey

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium updates> Sports:
-Upcoming events at State Mutual Stadium: Rummage sale Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's pictures from the 2009 season> Gallery

Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday updates; latest weather news

 
 

RAIN: 2 inches since 1 p.m. Sunday; 100% chance of more today

latest Base Reflectivity radar loop from Peachtree City, GA

-Summer to end on soggy note: With just about two new inches of rain since after church on Sunday and more on the way, the flood watch for our area has been extended again, this time until Tuesday morning.

-Georgia Northwestern Technical College closes Walker campus. Also, Paulding schools are closed today because of flood, water concerns.

-Georgia Highlands: The Paulding and Douglasville instructional sites are closed today because of flooding.

-From our Facebook weather watchers:

>RW @ Dallas: "We've had nearly 10 inches since yesterday morning and it's still falling. Roads are closed everywhere, and the schools are shut down."

-Continuing coverage all day: Some relief is forecast--beginning Wednesday.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar / Flood Watch

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (Click here)

-What restaurants are doing to say in business, emerge successful from the recession as the recovery begins.

-Comings & Goings in Northwest Georgia: Ark's old site, Fred's in Rockmart, Brown conference center in Cartersville.

-This week's big story: Jobs. Career fair, jobless report to hit same day?

-Get a LIFE online--the radio station, that is.

-Peaks & Valleys: Top teachers, RACA's resolve, Tree House volunteers

 

Calhoun, Pepperell maintain no.1, no. 6 rankings in AA poll> Daily

Your latest forecast:

-Monday: 7100% rain chance, high of 81, low 70; 80% rain chance tonight.

-Tuesday: Some relief; 60% rain chance. High, 83; low, 66.

-Your extended forecast> Weather / Local radar> Radar

High School Football:

-John McClellan went 22-5 on Friday night.

-Week ahead in local football.

-Next picks to be posted Tuesday morning> Football Report

Norman Arey's Sports

-Lane Kiffin didn't get his comeuppance and wait, I think Georgia is still scoring somewhere> Arey

'Surviving to Share' stories due today> Details

Dining & Drink:

-Latest restaurant health inspection scores> Dining

-Busy weekend at North Georgia wineries; what's ahead> News Vine

Rome Braves/baseball updates> Sports:
-Upcoming events at State Mutual Stadium: Rummage sale Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's pictures from the 2009 season> Gallery

 

This week's Buzz:

-What restaurants are doing to say in business, emerge successful from the recession as the recovery begins.

-Comings & Goings in Northwest Georgia: Ark's old site, Fred's in Rockmart, Brown conference center in Cartersville.

-This week's big story: Jobs. Career fair, jobless report to hit same day?

-Get LIFE online--the radio station, that is.

-Peaks & Valleys: Top teachers, RACA's resolve, Tree House volunteers.

Comings and goings in Northwest Georgia

It was another week of pluses and minuses for Northwest Georgia. Two longtime businesses are making big changes while a new conference center is starting to rise in Cartersville. Those changes include:

Farewell to the old Ark's Liquors:

Photo by Jack Druckenmiller

Gone: Motorists on Turner McCall last Friday saw the remnants of Ark's Liquors as it gave way to a new turn lane from Turner McCall to Fifth Avenue. The store itself has moved to Mount Alto Plaza just up the street off Shorter.

Going: Fred's in Rockmart. Fred's Discount Store at 1061 Nathan Dean Parkway is about to close. You've seen the shop for years at the intersection of Ga. 101 and U.S. 278. The chain itself is nearly 670 stores strong throughout the nation and reported just a slight dip in overall sales in August. As for Rockmart: A big clearance sale is under way. You have to wonder what the proximity of the new Wal-Mart SuperCenter did to Fred's overall performance.

Coming: Clarence Brown Conference Center

This photo from Sunday shows ground work continuing on the $20 million Clarence Brown Conference Center under way in Cartersville across Ga. 20 from the Georgia Highlands College campus. The 45,000-square-foot center should be finished by mid-2010. It is being funded by SPLOST dollars.

What to watch this week: Employment issues: Shorter College's career fair on Thursday could be staged the same day the co-host, the Georgia Department of Labor, releases the August jobless rates for Northwest Georgia. Those rates won't be pretty and are likely to be in the 10-plus percent range yet again. Expect at least 65 employers and 2,000 visitors to The Forum, if not more (Click).

-Adding to it all: Christmas holiday shopping will be up from last year but only because the 2008 hires were the lowest in nearly 20 years, says Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

-On the plus side: Those 500 new jobs coming to Calhoun thanks to Bentley Dye and Shaw projects. Both represent at least $100 million in development.

LIFE, online at last: That is, 93.5 FM LIFE. Since the format switch a few months back, work has been continuing on WSRM's online home. Limited Web casts were available, primarily the Pepperell High football games. That changed last week as the Web site went live with streaming, updates on "Pete and Brenda in the Morning" and other features. For more, click LIFE

Part one: As the recovery begins . . .

Restaurants cutting costs, turning to social media to help keep customers coming in while enduring recession's last gasps

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

While many economists believe the recession is over, the effects are still being felt. As we wait for the recovery, managers and owners are doing what they can to stay in business. The restaurant industry, one vital to our economy, is watching, waiting -- and taking steps to stay ahead.

We've seen more closings than comings in Northwest Georgia's dining community in the past 12 to 14 months with some of the bigger hits being D. Morgans, Zydeco, Bridges 239 and Flavors.


"The market is just not consistent," says Ron Wolf, CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association. "In some areas, restaurants are doing great and in other areas, some are closing up … there is no consistency."


There are 13,000 restaurants in the state, 3,400 of which are members of the GRA, Wolf says.


"We are diligent in monitoring all levels of state and national legislation to make sure there are no new hardships for restaurants or any business," Wolf says. "But right now, our challenges are known … the economy is down so people are not going to eat out or they will be eating at less-expensive restaurants."


Keeping costs down: Knowing the challenges makes it easier to figure out solutions. Wolf says they have been giving restaurant owners and operators several ideas to help keep their costs down as they ride out the tough economy.


"I tell everyone to look at their business practices. Many are offering meals at a fixed price, smaller meals at a lower price, offering buy one/get one free deals as well as utilizing coupons," he says. "We've been trying to let the public know they can eat out and it not cost more money.


"In addition, restaurants need to look at overhead costs. There are lots of areas they can look at, including insurance costs, utility services and even negotiating for lower rent. I am sure landlords will work with restaurants who are struggling, rather than have them close up and lose money altogether," Wolf says.


Turning to social media or 'free advertising': Another emerging arena to reach current and new customers is social media. Wolf says social networks like Twitter and Facebook are becoming very important for business.


"We've been holding workshops on using social media," he says. "A lot of our restaurants are using e-mail, Twitter and Facebook to communicate deals and specials to established clients as well as reaching new customers."


Several local restaurants have been doing a number of these suggestions to keep customers coming in to eat. Not only are food and value important but so is customer service.


"We've been mailing out a lot of coupons and that has been really well received," says Nathaniel Lincoln, general manager of Outback Steakhouse in Rome. "We've been getting a lot of repeat business from the coupons and it's a great way for us to build a broader customer base to see that we have great food at a great value with quality customer service."


The Rome location has enjoyed positive daily sales and increases over last year's numbers, he says.


"A lot of people think Outback is too expensive but we've been working to get them to come in the door and realize that they can eat here for a reasonable price just like any other restaurant," Lincoln says.


The same can be said for Provino's Italian Restaurant at Midtown Crossing. While they aren't seeing huge increases, the restaurant is doing better than a year ago.

"We've been here for 10 years and offer a quality product so we like to think we do a better job than everyone else," says Bill Adams, general manager of the Rome Provino's. "We still offer a free meal on your birthday, early bird specials and kids eat free on Wednesdays, so those are all popular right now."


Corporately, Provino's is looking at expanding its marketing into the social media realm with Twitter and Facebook.


"We are looking at doing some specials that we send out notices via text message for only those who sign up," Adams says. "I think it will really be a positive and effective tool."


Something to Tweet about -- 800-person catering job via Twitter: Social media has really proven to be a hit with Slope's BBQ in Cartersville. According to owner Mark Mathison, the free advertising is paying off.


"I recently got a catering deal for 800 people off Twitter," he says. "It (social media) is free advertising so it's well worth it."


Slope's BBQ has also created a value lunch deal for $5. "We've found that $5 is the magic number for lunch, so we offer a different meal every day for a flat $5 that includes meal, drink and tax," Mathison says.


While his business has been fair, Mathison has reduced his overhead costs as much as possible and is depending on his good service to keep customers coming through the doors.


"The best form of advertising is word-of-mouth, so we try to do a good job and be consistent with good service and a clean restaurant," he says. "If you have bad customer service, customers are not going to come back."


As for the end to the down economy, managers all feel positive about the upcoming holiday season and 2010.


"We usually pick up in December but I think we will start seeing better numbers and a big turnaround in February," Mathison says. "After the holidays and the weather warms back up, people are going to get out."


Says Adams with Provino's: "With our food, since it is heavier, winter is usually our best months, from November to May…that's our prime time of the year. We also do quite a bit of party business, so we are hoping to get a lot of catering for the holiday parties."


Add's Outback's Lincoln:: "The holidays are always busy for us, so I have a lot of faith in our economy that people are going to go out and shop and will get hungry. We are fortunate to be in front of a great strip mall (Riverbend Center), so people can come have lunch and then go back to shopping."


Until then, restaurants need to keep costs down and customers coming through the doors.

"At the end of the day, we know our current economy is like all recessions over the last 40 years and it will pass," Wolf says. "They key is to be poised and ready for when it does."

Next week: We focus on another local industry as it positions itself for the recovery.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to the Rome Area Council for the Arts: Times are tough for this nonprofit and just about every other one in Northwest Georgia. Rather than whine, they turn to beer--and food. RACA produced two benefits last week, A Tasting of Rome and the second annual beer festival, to produce some extra cash just to survive. Also need: A donations box in the RACA lobby at 248 Broad St. We say this too often but perhaps not often enough: A vital arts community is as critical to our economic growth as any industrial park.

Peak to the volunteers behind A Tree House for Rome: This has been the proverbial labor of love for organizer David Smith and a legion of friends and volunteers for more than a year. Ditto for the hard work by Mike Page with P & C Design Build of Rome. What's newsworthy is that Rome now has a special hangout for those with mobility issues who want to enjoy the park, river and outdoors. What's extra special: this was built by the community, for the community. Well done, all.

Peak to Floyd County's top teachers:

Judy Myers, a third-grade teacher at Armuchee Elementary School; Mary John Hendrix, a sixth-grade earth science teacher at Pepperell Middle School; and Janda Kaye Canalis, a healthcare science teacher at the Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy, are in the running for the 2010 Floyd County Teacher of the Year honors. The winner goes on to compete in the statewide competition. We salute this trio, and all educators, for what they do each day for our kids and our community.

Peak to the Cartersville-Bartow Convention & Visitor Bureau: Two announcements over the weekend again demonstrated how vital the CVB is to the community. First was the annual People's Choice Awards for best business, restaurant and attraction. Two newcomers won: Johnny Mitchell's Barbecue in Euharlee and Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum. Also well done: the annual Hospitality Heroes honors, saluting those making a difference in the industry. Check the results by clicking Bartow Headlines.

Valley to local gas prices: Yet again we scratch our almost-hairless heads. Gas prices Sunday were $2.33 a gallon in Rome. On Saturday, in Mableton, a gallon at Kroger cost $2.23.  And at the Macland Road Kroger, maybe 10 miles to the west, motorists were paying $2.08. Why didn't we fill up in Macland, not Mableton ....

Valley to the weather: OK, we begged for rain, the governor even prayed for it. But can we get a break now? Even as we recharge our water systems, the downpours are causing havoc with the recreation leagues and the Major Leagues. How about a little moderation?

Social Media Lab set for October from mRELEVANCE, Hometown:

social media lab A four-part, hands-on social media workshop is set for Oct. 7, 14, 22 and 28 conducted by mRELEVANCE and Hometown Headlines. The Social Media Lab will be held at Georgia Northwestern Technical College's Conference Center on the Rome campus (room H101-A).

For two hours each week, you'll learn the basics and insider tips about four social media tools: Twitter, Linked In, Facebook and blogging. Attendees are required to bring their own wireless-ready lap tops to the sessions as this is a hands-on venture. You'll leave each morning with your own social media accounts up and running.

The Social Media Lab helps large and small business owners learn how to effectively use social media to reach existing customers and to build relationships with new ones. All sessions are from 9 to 11 a.m., with doors opening at 8:30 a.m.

Early registration for the four-part lab is $129 and increases to $169 by Oct. 1. Individual sessions are available at $59 each. For more and to register, please click: Social Media Lab