Saturday, January 30, 2010

Winter storm advisory canceled; 60% rain chance, low of 26

 

Winter storm advisory canceled; 60% chance of rain; 26 tonight

-Watch Advisory in effect in Chattooga, Whitfield, northern counties

-8:45 a.m. radar from intellicast.com

-The latest: It never got cold enough for snow or major icing overnight; the low stayed in the mid- to upper 30s.

-Updates: Hometown will have updates all weekend.

Closings, weather delays: Please send by clicking E-mail

-Blood Assurance closed in Rome, Cartersville today; reopen Mnoday.

-Parks & Rec cancels Saturday Challenger Basketball games: All reset for Feb. 6>.Click

-GNTC Mustangs Basketball game set for Saturday has been postponed and the opening season of GNTC Volleyball tournament has been postponed.

On the roads:

--DOT: Some roads in Northeast Georgia closed> georgia-navigator.com

The latest forecast:

-Today: Showers likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 39. East wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
-Tonight: Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 26. North wind around 10 mph.
-Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 5 mph.
-Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Calm wind.
-Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Texas ticket wins MegaMillions jackpot of $144 million> Lottery

Friday, January 29, 2010

Inch of sleet due in Floyd; 1-3 inches of snow, sleet in Gordon; 2-4 inches in Chattooga; just a bit in Polk, Bartow

All weather updates now appearing on www.hometownheadlines.com

 

WINTER STORM WATCH: 6 P.M. FRIDAY-1 P.M. SATURDAY

-Rome/Floyd: Accumulation of an inch of sleet forecast tonight.

-Summerville/Chattooga: 2-4 inches of snow, sleet through tonight.

-Calhoun/Gordon Co. 1-3 inches of snow, sleet through tonight.

-Bartow, Polk counties: Little to no accumulation expected.

-Radar from 2 p.m. Friday.  Source: intellicast.com

-Rain, sleet, maybe snow and a possibility of ice are in a winter weather advisory in effect this evening and Saturday for much of Northwest Georgia> Details

-Updates: Hometown will have updates today and all weekend.

Closings, weather delays: Please send them by clicking E-mail

-Parks & Rec cancels Saturday Challenger Basketball games: All reset for Feb. 6. No other cancellations at parks and rec at this time> Click

-Georgia Northwestern Tech closing Walker campus early.

-Chattooga Co. Schools closed at 1 p.m. because of weather threat.

The latest forecast (2:20 p.m. update):

-This afternoon: Occasional rain. High near 38. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
-Tonight: Occasional rain before 4am, then rain and sleet. Low around 34. East wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New sleet accumulation of around an inch possible.
-Saturday: A chance of rain and sleet before 1pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
-Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.
-Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
-Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Friday updates: Winter weather advisory in effect 6 p.m. Friday-1 p.m. Saturday

 

Winter weather advisory: 6 tonight until 1 p.m. Saturday

-Rain, sleet, maybe snow and a possibility of ice are in a winter weather advisory in effect this evening and Saturday for much of Northwest Georgia> Details

-Little if any accumulation is forecast for our area. Expect up to an inch of rain throughout the day with snow/sleet possible into Saturday afternoon.

-Updates: Hometown will have updates today and all weekend.

-The latest forecast:

-Today: 80% chance of rain mainly after 1 p.m. High near 46.
-Tonight: 100% chance for rain before 4 a.m., then rain and sleet. Low of 34; gusts to 20 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
-Saturday: 50% chance of rain and sleet before 1 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Gusts to 20 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
-Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.
-Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 47.

-Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Jobs

-T.J. Maxx to interview job-seekers Feb. 8-9: The new T.J.Maxx store in Cartersville will interviewing potential employees during a two-day job fair set for the Hilton Garden Inn on Feb. 8-9 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Openings include cashier, sales associate, coordinator, merchandising, stock, loss prevention, dressing room, receiving and maintenance. Hilton Garden Inn is on Liberty Drive off Main Street. T.J. Maxx is opening in the former Goody's spot at Main Street Shopping Center.

-Graves introduces JOBS Act 2010: State Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, introduces the Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2010> Details

-December unemployment rates, updates> Click

A Hometown exclusive

Tennis center naming rights: $1.8 million; bond consultants to earn $65,000:

A closer look at some of the numbers associated with the proposal to bring a 74-court tennis center northeast of Mount Berry Square shows naming rights to the $13.6 million complex would sell for $1.8 million; the Rome Tennis Center is projected to earn $1.3 million once sold; and the consultants hired to lobby for $7.5 million in state bond financing are being paid $65,000 from city and county tourism tax receipts, the chamber and the tennis association. Click Tennis Dollars

Banking

-Big losses, big changes at Synovus: Synovus, parent company of Citizens First Bank and GB & T in Calhoun and Cartersville, plans to consolidate its 30 bank charters into one by mid-2010. Citizens First, GB &T, other banks "will continue to use their names and brands in according with regulatory provisions," according to a Synovus news release. The announcement comes as the Columbus-based company posts a $249.9 million fourth-quarter loss and a $1.4 billion loss for 2009> Details

-Due today: United Community Banks financial reports> Click

Friday's Buzz

-Local donations to Red Cross Haiti relief top $18,000: From the Coosa Valley chapter's Jac Whatley: "Local gifts delivered by mail or in person for Haiti relief now exceed $18,000.  We know area groups are continuing fund raising activities, including a special day at Sonny's BBQ this week in Rome; sales by Schwan's Foods in Cartersville this Saturday and next; collections at local stores and banks; and gifts from our area being made by text messaging or mailed directly to the Red Cross headquarters in Washington. We are grateful for their gifts and their trust." 

-Weaver joins South 107 middays; Bradley gets nights, Butler, weekends: Still more changes in local radio; stay tuned for others in the region> Buzz

Dining & Drink> Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

-N. Georgia wineries planning huge Valentine's Day weekend.

Severe Weather Awareness Week set for Feb. 1-5. Click Details

Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $144 million> Lottery

Feb. 4: Adairsville Chamber Council breakfast at the Adairsville Inn, sponsored by Steve Friedrich. All chamber members are invited; no charge for breakfast. Patty Eagar with Advocates for Children is the featured speaker. 7: 30 a.m. start. Details> Chamber

Reinhardt College switching to university status in June> Details

Saturday/Second Annual Annual Indie Film Night at Legion Theatre: Pumphouse Players Inc. presents the second annual Indie Film Night beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Theatre. Tickets are $5 each. Expanded details, film titles> Indie

Sponsors sought for Downtown Cartersville's Seventh Annual Summer Concert Series. Packages range from $200 to $5,000. The 2009 concerts drew more than 4,500 visitors each night. The concert series features one concert night per month (Saturdays) along with the car show. Among the acts returning this season: The Tams. For more, contact the DDA

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Is gold carpet in Georgia Tech's future? Vick has become popular in the off-season.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome, Atlanta Braves fire up Hot Stove for local baseball fans: Atlanta pitcher Tommy Hanson, a 2007 Rome player, was the main attraction. His message to area kids aiming for the major league: "Work as hard as you can to get better.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thursday's updates

 

December stats show 8,400-job loss for region in past 12 months

 

Dec. 2009

Employed

Dec. 2009

Unemployed

Dec. 2009

% jobless

Nov. 2009

% jobless

Dec.. 2008 % jobless
Bartow
39,882
5,773
12.6%
12.6%
9.4%
Chattooga
9,026
1,144
11.2%
11.8%
11.2%
Floyd
43,834
5,245
10.7%
10.5%
8.0%
Gordon
21,743
3,280
13.1%
13.0%
9.9%
Polk
18.908
2,312
10.9%
10.6%
8.2%
State
4,239,629
973,223
10.0%
9.8%
7.8%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-Local overview: The jobless rate across Northwest Georgia didn't change much compared to November but increases remained substantial when compared to December 2008. Nearly 5,800 people were without jobs in Bartow County last month followed by 5,245 Floyd County residents.

-Gordon continued to post the highest jobless rate in the market, 13.1 percent, vs. the state's 10.0% for December. A year earlier, Gordon was at 9.9 percent.

-Where the downturn really shows up: The "employed" listing above shows how many people had jobs in our area in December.  The region has lost nearly 8,400 jobs in 12 months, a 6 percent drop year over year. There also was a slight drop in the number of people working in the five-county area last month vs. November reports, a bit of a surprise given the Christmas shopping hiring season.

-Statewide: Now compare the drop to the state. The number of payroll jobs in December was 3,859,800, a 175,000-job, 4.3 percent drop from December 2008.

-Where the jobs were lost: Trade, transportation and utilities, manufacturing, construction, and professional and business services.

-Who was hiring: educational and health services added 11,200 jobs over the year.

Your latest weather/Make that sleet and rain Friday, Saturday

-The National Weather Service has issued a 'special weather statement' about expected sleet and rain due Friday and Saturday across North Georgia> Details

-Flood warning updates: Warnings continue for the Oostanaula  River near Calhoun, affecting Gordon and Floyd counties, and the Coosa River near Plant Hammond in Floyd County> Details

-More on the way? More than an inch of rain is forecast for our area Friday.

-Forecast through Saturday:

-Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

-Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

-Friday: 60% chance of rain. High of 48.
-Friday night: 100% chance of rain. Low around 34. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Saturday: 40% chance of rain, mainly before 1 p.m. High of 40; 20-mph gusts.
-Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
-Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Politics:

-U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, Sen. Johnny Isakson respond to President Obama's State of the Union address> SOTU

-State Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, introduces health insurance reform legislation, a proposal supported by more than 20 Senate colleagues> Details

Reinhardt College switching to university status in June> Details

Saturday/Second Annual Annual Indie Film Night at Legion Theatre: Pumphouse Players Inc. presents the second annual Indie Film Night beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Theatre. Tickets are $5 each. Expanded details, film titles> Indie

Sponsors sought for Downtown Cartersville's Seventh Annual Summer Concert Series. Packages range from $200 to $5,000. The 2009 concerts drew more than 4,500 visitors each night. The concert series features one concert night per month (Saturdays) along with the car show. Among the acts returning this season: The Tams. For more, contact the DDA

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Tech recruiting suffers a blow; Kentucky no longer No. 1 in college basketball.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wednesday updates

Business & Jobs

-Economy claims Tommy Young's radio station, AAMCO franchise:

-In two months, the former Adairsville City Council member has laid off the staff of 1270 AM in Cartersville and now four employees at his idled transmission service business in Adairsville, the latter touching 16 lives. Young says the turnaround hasn't happened and won't happen until jobs are created and consumers' confidence restored> Business

-Economy to be focal point of Obama's first State of the Union address tonight at 9. Early posting expected on White House site this evening> Click

-JOBS Act to be outlined Thursday: State Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, and other legislators will discuss the Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2010 during a brief set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday. It will "focus on creating, expanding and attracting jobs through a series of tax credits cuts, and incentives for businesses to hire Georgians," a media release states. Listen at: http://mediam1.gpb.org/glnpress

Your latest weather/Snow, rain, cold remain in weekend forecast:

-The National Weather Service has issued a "special weather statement" about expected snow, freezing rain and rain due Friday and Saturday across much of North Georgia. Our best chance of snow appears to be Saturday> Details

-Flood watch continues for the Oostanaula River near Calhoun, affecting Gordon and Floyd counties, and the Coosa River near Mayo Bar Lock and Dam.

-Forecast through Saturday::

-Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Low of 26

-Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 59. Thursday night: 40% chance of rain, mainly after 1 a.m., low of 35.
-Friday: 70% chance of rain, high of 43.

-Friday night: 80% chance of rain, low of 33.
-Saturday: 30% chance of rain and snow. High near 37.

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Friday's MegaMillions lottery jackpot jumps to $144 million: No grand prize winner Tuesday. 7-8-38-39-48 and Mega Ball: 22.> Lottery

Wednesday's Buzz:

-'Blood Madness' collects 161 units at The Forum Tuesday: The final count on blood products donated during Tuesday's 11-hour marathon will be posted later this today. The community blood drive especially will help with a blood shortage in the region.  Blood Assurance also has extended donation hours at Rome, other offices this month to combat blood shortage. The Rome office at Midtown Crossing off Shorter Avenue is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays through Jan. 31. Plus: the new office in Cartersville has opened in Collins Pointe shopping center> Details

Sponsors sought for Downtown Cartersville's Seventh Annual Summer Concert Series. Packages range from $200 to $5,000. The 2009 concerts drew more than 4,500 visitors each night. The concert series features one concert night per month (Saturdays) along with the car show. Among the acts returning this season: The Tams. For more, contact the DDA

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Leach to Maryland? Smoltz to Mets? Tebow to the NFL? Boise State to PAC-10?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tuesday's updates

Weather: A tale of two weekends

-PREVIOUSLY: Flood warnings continue for rivers, creeks in our area: Runoff from 2.5 to 3 inches of rain Sunday triggering flood concerns> Details

-In Rome, the Oostanaula peaked at 23.87 feet, just below flood stage of 25 feet, according to a reading near the Turner McCall Bridge.

-Oostanaula River near Calhoun, affecting Gordon and Floyd counties.

-Armuchee Creek near Armuchee.

-Coosa River near Mayo Bar Lock and Dam.


-ON THE WAY?
Rain, snow are in Friday night, Saturday's forecast with Saturday's night low looking like 21 degrees. Plus: Keep an eye on  Thursday night with rain on the way and temperatures dropping to 33.

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 46. Gusts: 25 mph. Night: 26, gusts to 25.

-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 54. Night: Low of 26.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 59. Night: 60% rain chance, low of 33.

-Friday: 60% rain chance, high of 45. Night: 60% snow.rain chance, low of 32.
-Saturday: 20% snow/rain chance, high of 40. Night: Cloudy, low of 21.

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Rome, Atlanta Braves fire up Hot Stove for local baseball fans:

-Atlanta pitcher Tommy Hanson, a 2007 Rome player, was the main attraction. His message to area kids aiming for the major league: "Work as hard as you can to get better."> Sports

'Blood Madness' massive blood drive today at The Forum:

-Blood Assurance is partnering with South 107 and 93.5 Life FM to promote Blood Madness, Rome's inaugural community blood drive, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. today at The Forum. The goal is to collect 400 blood donations, which is the amount of daily donations needed to meet the needs of hospitals in the service region. Blood Assurance is the only provider of blood products to local hospitals, including Redmond Regional Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center. You can listen to South 107 and Life 93.5 FM to track the progress toward the goal of 400 donations. Updates also will be listed on these Web sites: www.south107.com, www.935lifefm.com and Hometown Headlines.

Sponsors sought for Downtown Cartersville's Seventh Annual Summer Concert Series. Packages range from $200 to $5,000. The 2009 concerts drew more than 4,500 visitors each night. The concert series features one concert night per month (Saturdays) along with the car show. Among the acts returning this season: The Tams. For more, contact the DDA

Tonight's MegaMillions lottery jackpot worth $121 million> Lottery

-Also: Powerball is coming to Georgia starting Jan. 31; multistate lottery drawings are Wednesdays and Saturdays; MegaMillions drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (please click)

-Regions 'consolidating' Armuchee, Calhoun branches this week.

-More changes on the way for local radio?

-PAVE Success is focusing on video marketing in Northwest Georgia.

-Natalie Simms, a pro at stretching the dollar in grocery stores, writes today about how she saves $50 a week thanks to paper, electronic coupons.

-Peaks & Valleys: Local schools, community celebrate.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Georgia Tech's Favors needs to improve his 'motor'; Florida entices best class ever?

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Monday, January 25, 2010

2.8" of rain at airport; flood warnings; 35-mph gusts today

 

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Storm aftermath: 2.8" of rain, flood warnings, 35-mph gusts today.

-By the numbers, Sunday's storms dumped 2.8 inches of rain at the airport and gusts to 28 mph. Today, flood warnings are out for the Oostanaula River in Calhoun, the Coosa River southeast of Rome and now Armuchee Creek (click). All are expected to crest today and then begin dropping.

-The high winds will be with us through 6 tonight (click) although gusts of 15 mph overnight and 20 mph Tuesday are forecast.

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Gusts as high as 25 mph. 
-Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31; gusts to 15 mph.
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Gusts to 25 mph.
-Tuesday night: Clear, low of 26; gusts to 25 mph. Watch wind chill. 

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (please click)

-Regions 'consolidating' Armuchee, Calhoun branches this week.

-More changes on the way for local radio?

-PAVE Success is focusing on video marketing in Northwest Georgia.

-Natalie Simms, a pro at stretching the dollar in grocery stores, writes today about how she saves $50 a week thanks to paper, electronic coupons.

-Peaks & Valleys: Local schools, community celebrate.

Today: Blood Assurance office opens in Cartersville: Look for the new Blood Assurance office in Cartersville at Collins Pointe shopping center (behind the new CVS) beginning Jan. 25. Doors open at10 a.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 3.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

- Leave of absence means you have to leave, be absent; God calls top baseball prospect.

Regions' 'consolidating' Armuchee branch after this Friday:

-In late October, Regions Bank announced plans to shut numerous offices, including one in Armuchee and one in Calhoun. The closures happen this Friday, according to signs now up at the Armuchee location off Martha Berry Highway. Customers are being referred to the main office at 400 Turner McCall Blvd. The closing of the branch on U.S. 27 comes as two other banks, Wachovia this month and Heritage First Bank in early October, add Saturday banking. Greater Rome Bank and United Community Bank already offer Saturday service in the area. Also: Regions is to announce fourth-quarter results on Tuesday.

Keep an ear out for more changes in local radio:

-The word on the street (Broad, in particular) is that more changes are on the way in local radio. We're awaiting official word. In recent months, we've seen Cartersville's WYXZ 1270 AM leave the air (there are interesting, local purchase rumors floating about); Bryan Mullins has joined Matt D in the Morning at The Ridge 95.7 FM; veteran newsman Doug Walker left WRGA 1470 AM to join the Rome News; and WSRM's adoption of the Life 95.3 FM format.

Video marketing company now shooting in Rome:

-Aaron Blevins has opened PAVE Success in Rome,  bringing a newer spin to local advertising efforts. The name stands for "personalized advertising video excellence" and it gives area businesses options to jump on the video craze sweeping computers and smart phones these days. Blevins, also a Realtor, posts this goal on the company Web site: "PAVE seeks to promote your business through the production of engaging video content." Why video and why now? Check some of the Web sites around town these days for businesses, health centers and the like. More and more, they're adding video 'infomercials" to their home pages. You can watch a sample video Blevins did for his family's business, C&S Trophies, by clicking Video. For more: pavesuccess.com

Clipping --  and now easy clicking -- of coupons, menu planing based on sales help writer slice $50 a week off grocery bill

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

In today's shaky economy, we're all looking for ways to save money. While most of our monthly expenses are predetermined such as mortgage payment/rent, car payment, insurance, etc., the one area we do have control over is our grocery bill.


In 2008, my husband and I made the decision for me to quit my full-time job and stay at home to raise our two children. While this was something I longed to do, we both knew it wouldn't be easy to cut our annual income in half! And now, almost two years later, it has actually been a lot easier than expected!

I have gone from spending more than $100 a week on groceries for my family of four to under $50 per week. How, you ask? COUPONS…and not just those in the Sunday paper, either. Yes, those are important but there also is a wealth of printable coupons online and new digital eCoupons that are added to your grocery shopping card.


Many of you may be coupon clippers and say, "I don't save that much." And if you just used the paper coupons alone, you probably wouldn't save a huge amount of money. The key is to look at the weekly sales and buy what is on sale, and use your coupons for additional savings.


We plan our weekly menus based on what is on sale, buying only meat and side items that are on sale. Aside from that, we do need consumable goods like toilet paper, detergent, toothpaste and, in my case with a toddler, diapers. Yes, you can get all these things for under $50 a week. While your spending habits won't change this dramatically overnight, they will over time once you start stockpiling coupons.


To begin, you need to get a Sunday newspaper with coupons. The best paper with the most coupons is the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. You can pick up a Sunday AJC for $2 at most convenience stores or grocery stores. Yes, you do spend a little bit of money but the savings far exceed the expense. Each Sunday paper has more than $100 in coupon savings.


There are some great Web sites online that give you a coupon preview. You can review the list of coupons and see if you need to pick up more than one paper. I often purchase two to three papers a week depending on the coupons. My favorite site is www.southernsavers.com. There is a coupon preview listed on the Friday before the Sunday inserts.


Along with the paper coupons, you need to get online to get the printable coupons. Just about all local retailers, including Kroger, Wal-Mart and all the drug stores, accept Internet coupons. Most printable coupons are restocked on the first day of each month; however, there are often new coupons listed throughout the month.


The best web sites to find coupons are www.coupons.com and www.couponmom.com. These sites will allow you to print up to two of each coupon per computer. However, most coupons have only a certain number available like 100,000 and after that number of prints nationwide, the coupon expires. So, if you see a coupon you can use, go ahead and print it twice so you have it.


Printing coupons does use up ink and paper. I typically spend about $20 a month on ink and paper for a total of $240 a year. But, I am saving over $200 a month on my grocery bill so it more than pays for itself with more than $2,000 in savings a year.


coupons, coupon, free coupons, grocery coupons The third type of coupons to collect is digital eCoupons. These are loaded onto your grocery shopping card. To my knowledge, the only local grocery store card accepting digital coupons is Kroger. There are three different sites available to load eCoupons onto your Kroger Plus card. The first is the Kroger web site, www.kroger.com. The other two are www.cellfire.com and www.shortcuts.com.

You simply sign up for an account and enter your Kroger Plus card number from the back of your card. The coupons are loaded onto your card and will come off at checkout when you purchase the particular product. No paper coupons are needed!


The way to maximize your savings is to use both a paper coupon (either from paper or Internet) and the eCoupon in a technique called coupon stacking. Let me give you some examples from this week's sales at Kroger:

-Nature Valley Granola Bars or Fiber Ones Bars are on sale for $2.19. There is a printable coupon for each for 40 cents off and an eCoupon for 40 cents off. Coupons are doubled at Kroger up to 50 cents in value, so the paper coupon is now worth 80 cents; combined with the 40-cent eCoupon, the total savings is $1.20. That brings the final cost to 99 cents.

-Brawny paper towels are on sale for $5.49. There is a paper coupon for $1 off along with a $2 eCoupon for a total of $3 off. That brings the final cost to $2.49 for six-pack of paper towels.

-Quilted Northern Toilet Paper also is on sale for $5.49 with a $1 off paper coupon and $2 off eCoupon for final total cost of $2.49 for 12-pack of toilet paper.


With coupon stacking, there are ways to get things under a dollar or even free. One thing you can get free this week at Kroger is Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks. They are on sale for 49 cents. There is a paper coupon for 75  cents off, so you would get the product for free with 26 cents in overage that would be applied to the remainder of your shopping bill. The store will not refund you any money, so you would need to make sure you purchase more than that one item.


The one thing you will have to give up in order to save money is brand loyalty. While I typically like Cottonelle or Charmin toilet paper, I will purchase Quilted Northern toilet paper because it is $2.49!


The other shopping mentality to overcome is that store brands are always cheaper than name brand products. As you see from the examples above, that is not always the case. Let me give you another example from last week:

-Cheerios were on sale at Kroger for $2.50 a box (14 ounces). I had a paper coupon for $1 off and eCoupon for 55 cents off so I got the box for 95 cents.

-The same size box in Wal-Mart's Great Value Brand was $2.12 (at last check).

-From my experience, in most instances, you can get name brand products cheaper than store brands.


I'm sure you''re asking, so how do I know what's on sale and if there is a coupon available. Again, my favorite web site is www.southernsavers.com for viewing the weekly sales.

The web site will list all the sales along with any coupon match-ups. Another great resource is www.hotcouponworld.com. That web site includes a coupon database, so you can look up a particular item and see if there is an available coupon.


There are so many money saving tips to share! If you would like to see more features on my money saving adventures, or have tips to share, please send us an e-mail and let us know. Click Natalie Simms

PEAKS & VALLEYS:  The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to the Martha Berry Highway merchants supporting AMS wrestling: Up and down the highway this weekend, motorists saw sign after sign wishing Armuchee Middle School wrestlers the best of luck at the state tournament. The Landmark and fast-food shops in the area were among those backing the team. That's a nice touch, especially in this day and age.

Peak to Coosa High's Decathlon success (eighth edition):

From left to right, the Coosa High team: (Back row): Coach Chris Babb, Patrick Blankenship, Robby Mixon, Jared Van Curen, Brian Wasdin, Coach Bill Daughtry. (Front row): Jackson Forrister, Emily Weeks, Beth Angel, Luke Weeks, Ashley Jones, Stephen Jones, Ariel Watson, Erica Franco.

For the eighth consecutive year, Coosa High School won Floyd County Schools' Academic Decathlon competition.  CHS "held off a strong challenge from Pepperell High to win the school's eighth consecutive Floyd County Schools Academic Decathlon," according to the county schools' Web site. > Details

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Stormy Sunday ahead

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com for continuing updates.
 

FLOOD WATCH/An inch-plus of rain possible today.

WIND ADVISORY/Up to 35 mph gusts now-3 p.m. Sunday.

-Northwest Georgia is under a flood watch on Sunday as a new storm system moves this way, capable of dumping more than two inches of rain> Details

-Gusts of 28 mph at the airport so far; high-wind warning for Chattooga> Click.

-Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. High near 58. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. 
-Tonight: A chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
-Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 
-Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. 
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 
-Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. 

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday's updates

 

Calhoun High grad who's spent 15 years as a missionary in Haiti detailing destruction, concerns in Facebook posts to Rome mother, family friends: Local missionary Ed Lockett has helped build a school and home in Petit Goave, about 50 miles from Port-Au-Prince. His Facebook updates to his mother, Carol Lockett of Rome, say the school is damaged but standing. But his concerns are over what comes next as food and water run short, and crime spreads throughout the ravaged nation> Haiti

-View several dozen aftermath photos taken by Lockett

-Information on how you can help with recovery efforts there.

Weather service/Flooding possible as 2-3 inches of rain forecast:

The National Weather Service's "hydrological outlook" says two to three inches of rain is possible, which could trigger flooding because the ground already is saturated. Details Updates all day from Hometown. Also: Latest forecast:

-Today: 60% chance of showers, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 58.
-Tonight: 100% chance of showers. Low around 50. Rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. 

-Thursday: 90% chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm. High near 61.Gusts to 15 mph. Rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. 
-Thursday night: 30% chance of showers, thunderstorms by 1 a.m., low of 45.

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Cartersville's Anheuser-Busch brewery sending 600,000 cans of water to Haiti> Click

-Gingrey quickly sends congrats to Mass. senator-elect Brown: Within minutes of news of Scott Brown's election, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey was on Facebook sending congratulations his way> Click

-Gingrey, GOP Doctors Caucus to examine healthcare bills: On Thursday at 9 a.m., the GOP Doctors Caucus will host the first public open hearing on the House and Senate health care bills now before Congress. U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey co-chairs the caucus> Doctors

-Lanes on I-75 in Catoosa to close Wednesday, Thursday for repairs: The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising motorists in Northwest Georgia of lane closures on I-75 between Exits 345 and 348, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.  The right lane of I-75 northbound between mile markers 347 and 348, and the left lane of the interstate southbound between mile posts 344.2 and 345 will be closed Wednesday from 1:30 until 5 p. m., to allow the department's maintenance crews to work on repairing deteriorating asphalt patches.   The two left southbound lanes of the Interstate between mile markers 346 and 347.4 will also be closed for maintenance work on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. www.511ga.org

Thursday update on tennis proposal set; who pays the bill?

-A media briefing designed to update the community on the proposed 74-court tennis center off the new Armuchee Connector has been organized by a "joint partnership" of  Rome, Floyd County, Convention and Visitors Bureau, chamber and Berry College representatives. The meeting is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at The Forum.

-We expect to hear the findings of an economic impact statement solicited by Berry College, which committed 30 acres valued at $1.5 million to the project.

-One estimate from Berry puts the overall project price at $13 million to $14 million--including the 30 acres. It would include 14 "quick-start" courts for youth and a large clubhouse.

-The key item to watch: who pays for the project. A SPLOST option is off the table, at least for now, as local voters just approved a 2009 project list worth more than $42 million.

-State funds in play? In a recent interview with Hometown Headlines, state Rep. Katie Dempsey said, " I am also excited about the potential of the regional tennis center. I have already been working on that and speaking with House Appropriations Chairman Ben Harbin and other members of state leadership." Any state commitment would come under scrutiny because of the continuing budget shortfalls and Gov. Sonny Perdue's announcement last week of even more cuts in public education funds (click AJC).

-Full court press? Thursday's briefing comes a week before an executive with the U.S. Tennis Association is to deliver the keynote address at the chamber's annual meeting (chamber); the tennis proposal has earned early support from the USTA.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Right to bear arms is getting expensive; Sarah Palin will run (at Daytona).

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tuesday's headlines

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Cartersville's new CVS stores about to open

Photo by Jack Druckenmiller

It is rare to see two retail outlets rise almost simultaneously in the same community but Cartersville has a rate case of double vision thanks to the growth of the CVS pharmacy chain. The new store on the west side, near Ga. 113 and Douthit Ferry Road, opens Jan. 24. The above image shows the almost-ready store in front of Collins Pointe on U.S. 41 near Cartersville Medical Center.

-Amid restaurant downturn, Sweat Market growing again: Downtown Cartersville's popular sandwich and soup shop, Sweat Market deli at 5 E. Main St., opened for night service last Oct. 19. Now, in addition to dinner specials Monday through Saturday, the business has applied for a beer and wine sales permit. Sweat Market continues to evolve even as several other restaurants in the downtown corridor have closed. Our advice: Try the stacked chicken sausage sandwich.

-Riverside Parkway/Bypass corridor finally sizzles: With State Mutual Stadium about to host its eighth season as home of the Rome Braves, the surrounding acres are finally seeing development. For years, it was the stadium and Fuddruckers. Now Bella Rome Grill is open, Riverside Professional Park is welcoming new clients, another 50-plus acres is about to be offered for sale and the Armuchee Connector has help spark new interest in The Boulevard project. the home of the Rome Braves> The Buzz

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in our area> Click

-Jan. 19: Bartow County Board of Education, Business meeting, 6 p.m.> Agenda

-Jan. 19: Help DDA improve downtown: Cartersville Downtown Development Authority is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to solicit input on how to continue to improve and promote Downtown Cartersville. Merchants, property owners and the public are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 6-7 p.m. in The Grand Theatre Encore Room> DDA

-Jan. 19/Bartow Business Connection meets Jan. 19 at City Cellar & Loft: (Media release) The Bartow Business Connection meets Jan. 19 at the City Cellar and Loft in downtown Cartersville. The hours are from 4 until 7 p.m. There is no charge to join, no dues to pay, nothing to buy, no salaries to support. This is a volunteer organization.   memorare sand creek

-Jan. 21: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)

-Jan. 21: Booth Western Art Museum will host 'A Historical evening on the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864' at 7 p.m. The museum will unveil Craig Bergsgaard's sculpture Memorare, Sand Creek 1864, and screen an abridged version of Don Vasicek's film covering the 1864 skirmish between the United States and Native Americans on Sand Creek in Colorado. Call 770-387-1300 or visit www.boothmuseum.org.  

 

 

Latest weather: Today looks like a spring preview; rain returns tonight

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
-Tuesday night: 30% percent chance of showers after 1 a.m.  Low of 43.
-Wednesday:  60% chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 61.

-Wednesday Night: 90% chance of showers. Low around 52.

-Thursday: 90% chance of rain, possibly a thunderstorm. High near 67.
-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-It's hard to know what to believe about Tiger Woods; maybe headed for the disloyalty club? 

Dining Guide> Click

-Latest restaurant public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia

Wine News Vine> Click

-Chocolate, wine highlight February events at N. Georgia wineries.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in our area> Click

-Jan. 18: Bartow County Democratic Party meets at 7 p.m. at IHOP. Topics: Discussing ongoing volunteering plans and urgent lobbying. Contact J.M. Prince, Chair, at 770.386-1379.

-Jan. 19: Bartow County Board of Education, Business meeting, 6 p.m.> Agenda

-Jan. 19: Help DDA improve downtown: Cartersville Downtown Development Authority is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to solicit input on how to continue to improve and promote Downtown Cartersville. Merchants, property owners and the public are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 6-7 p.m. in The Grand Theatre Encore Room> DDA

-Jan. 19/Bartow Business Connection meets Jan. 19 at City Cellar & Loft: (Media release) The Bartow Business Connection meets Jan. 19 at the City Cellar and Loft in downtown Cartersville. The hours are from 4 until 7 p.m. There is no charge to join, no dues to pay, nothing to buy, no salaries to support. This is a volunteer organization.  

-Jan. 21: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia, Monday edition> Click

-First bites at Bella Roma Grill: Many Bella Roma favorites make the move to the second store. Plus: You'll need both hands -- and feet -- to count the TVs.

-I Am Second spreads to North Georgia; possible September event here.

-Who's in, who's out: There's enough changes happening in retail and restaurants here that you need a scorecard--so we made one.

-Additional Buzz updates posting Tuesday morning.

Latest weather: 60 on Monday; sunny and 63 on Tuesday

-M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
-Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Calm wind.
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
-Tuesday night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind.
-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

Loudermilk leads House coalition seeking legal action against federal government over healthcare changes Click Coalition

Loudermilk recaps healthcare challenge, new committee assignments: State Rep. Barry Loudermilk's first newsletter of the new session> Click

-More local politics> Click

Advocates for Children has been selected from The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta region as a recipient of $70,000 from the Common Good Funds program> Details

County schools announce Kindergarten registration dates: Parents may pick up and return registration forms to the home elementary school that their child will attend as a Kindergarten student for the 2010-2011 school year. Forms may be picked up and returned during the week of Feb. 22-26. A copy of the birth certificate, current shot record on form 3231, proof of Bartow County residency (power bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, etc.) and your child's social security card must be included with all registration forms. Additionally, the Bartow County School System recommends attaching the eye, ear, and dental certificate, which can be obtained, from the Bartow County Health Department or your local pediatrician, and proof of any government assistance.

County Announces Registration for STARS Pre-K Center: (Media Release) Parents who wish to enroll their children in the state funded lottery pre-k program at STARS Pre-K Center for the 2010-2011 school year will soon have the opportunity to register their children for the lottery drawing system. Parents may pick up and return registration forms to the home elementary school that their child will attend as a kindergarten student. Forms may be picked up and returned during the week of Feb. 22-26. A copy of the birth certificate, current shot record on form 3231, proof of Bartow County residency (power bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, etc.) and your child's social security card must be included with all registration forms. Additionally, the STARS Pre-K Center recommends attaching the eye, ear and dental certificate which can be obtained from the Bartow County Health Department or your local pediatrician, and also proof of any government assistance. The lottery drawing will occur on Friday, March 12, at 9:00 a.m. at the Bartow County Board of Education and is open to the public. Parents will receive a notification letter of their child's placement in a class. Letters will be mailed to families no later than March 19.

County schools seek review of English, Foreign Language materials: The Bartow County School System will present English Language Arts materials and Foreign Language Arts selected by the 9-12 Textbook Adoption Committee for public review Jan. 19 – Feb. 2. The materials will be on display at the County Office at 65 Gilreath Road from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each weekday. Parents and community members are encouraged to review the Language Arts and Foreign Language Arts Textbook materials.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-New Vol coach should do at least as well as Kiffin; Tebow in Super Bowl ad.

Dining Guide> Click

-Latest restaurant public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia

Wine News Vine> Click

-Chocolate, wine highlight February events at N. Georgia wineries.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Friday updates

 

County schools seek review of English, Foreign Language materials: The Bartow County School Systemwill present English Language Arts materials and Foreign Language Arts selected by the 9-12 Textbook Adoption Committee for public review Jan. 19 – Feb. 2. The materials will be on display at the County Office at 65 Gilreath Road from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each weekday. Parents and community members are encouraged to review the Language Arts and Foreign Language Arts Textbook materials.

Chattahoochee Technical College sees 27.3% enrollment surge: Enrollment at the newly mergedChattahoochee Technical College continues to boom. Officials are reporting an enrollment of 11,365 for winter quarter 2010, which began last week. This is a 27.3 percent increase over winter quarter 2009. During the same quarter last year, each campus reported a total of 8,931. The North Metro campus grew by 31 percent> Click

Bids sought on renovation of Cartersville Wal-Mart:

The bid date is Jan. 21 on plans to renovate the 100,000-square-foot store at 101 Market Place Blvd. near Lowe's across from Georgia Highlands' Cartersville campus. The West Rome Wal-Mart also is do for an extensive facelift this year.

Jan. 25/2010 Georgia Agricultural Economic Forecast set: Holiday Inn Express off U.S. 411 is the site of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences second annual Ag Forecast Breakfast from 7 until 10 a.m. Hear the latest information about crop prices, pending U.S. farm and energy policies, and pending food safety updates and policy changes> Details

Jan. 26/CRBI annual meeting at Berry; four people, a business to be honored: Join the Coosa River Basin Initiative staff and board members for the group's annual meeting. Agenda includes a celebration of 2009's successes, recognizing key volunteers and supporters, and updates on what's ahead in 2010. The meeting will take place at Evans Auditorium in Evans Hall on the Berry College Campus, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments followed by the program at 7. Doug Woodward, author of Whereever Water Flows, is the keynote speaker. Being honored are:

-Alan Crawford--Ray Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award

-Stephanie Guyant--Environmental Educator Award

-Mark Lamade--Water Monitor of the Year

-Eagle Rock Distributing--Corporate Citizen Award

-Harbin Family--Margie T. Harbin Award

Friday's Buzz:

-Rome man sentenced to federal prison in  union embezzlement case> HH

-GNTC's enrollment up 16%> Campus

-Guest list grows for Eighth Annual Hot Stove Gathering> Sports

 

Latest weather: Soggy weekend ahead

-Hazardous Weather Outlook

-Red Flag Warning: Potential danger without outdoor fires.
-Today: Sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind. 
-Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind. 
-Saturday: 50% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

-Saturday night: 100% chance of rain, low of 43. Gusts to 20 mph. 
-Sunday: 40% chance of rain, high near 52. Gusts to 15 mph. 
-Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. 
-M.L.King Jr. Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. 
- Monday Night: 10% chance of rain. Partly cloudy, low around 31. 

-Extended forecastClick  / Regional radar

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Maybe the ACC isn't the bees knees in college basketball any more.   

Dining Guide> Click

-Latest restaurant public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia

Wine News Vine> Click

-'Wine Rescue Squad' adds to great holiday visit to Crane Creek, Young Harris, Ga.; upcoming N. Georgia events.