Friday, February 26, 2010

Friday updates

 

Gingrey on Obama's healthcare summit--'missed opportunity'> Details

-Feb. 27: Bartow County Republican Party, 9 a.m., Slope's Barbecue. Speakers: Sam Olens, attorney general candidate, and Ray McBerry, gubernatorial candidate.

More 'local' returning to WGPB? That's the word from an advisory board meeting Thursday attended by Teya Ryan, who's ending her first year as president and executive director of Georgia Public Broadcasting. Among the ideas considered: More local reports and perhaps a local "host" on WGPB 97.7 FM (formerly K98).

March 24: The United Way of Bartow County's annual luncheon is at noon Wednesday, March 24, at the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Anheuser Busch room. The cost is $15 per person. Please RSVP by March 22 to morehouseb@bartowga.org or 770-386-1677.

High school baseball broadcasts, Web casts this week:  Listen on WBHF 1450 AM or via Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Friday night: 7 p.m.: Adairsville at Cass.

Dining & Drink

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.> Click

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

Your latest forecast:  

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 51. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Friday night: Mostly clear, low of 23.

-Saturday: Sunny with a high of 52.

-Saturday night: Clear with a low of 24.

-Sunday: Mostly clear with a high of 55.

-Sunday night:  Mostly cloudy, low of 31.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Make no mistake. Tiger needs help; where have you gone, Major League Baseball?

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

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

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

-Redneck  Rummage Sale at State Mutual Stadium March 20> Click

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Thursday's updates

 

Today: Bartow chamber's Health & Wellness Showcase: The show is at The Church at Liberty Square, 2001 Liberty Drive, in Cartersville. A business-to-business networking is from 3 to 4 p.m.; a business card required for entrance. The event is open to the public from 4-7 p.m. with an admission charge of $2 or two non-perishable food items. Click Chamber

I-75 repairs set for Thursday: The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising motorists in Northwest Georgia of a lane closure on I-75 between Exits 348 and 345 in Catoosa County, scheduled for Thursday.  The two left lanes of I-75 southbound between mile markers 348 and 347.2 will be closed from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., to allow DOT maintenance crews to work on repairing deteriorating asphalt patches. 

Latest legislative updates from Rep. Barry Loudermilk> Update

High school baseball broadcasts, Web casts this week:  Listen on WBHF 1450 AM or via Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Thursday: 5:55 p.m.: Heritage-Conyers at Cartersville.

-Friday night: 7 p.m.: Adairsville at Cass.

Day After: What the 380-job loss, CCH exit means to Rome: With just one announcement, Rome/Floyd County lost close to1 percent of its total work force. The 350 to 380 jobs being exported from Rome to Kennesaw as CCH Small Firm Services consolidates has differing repercussions. For expanded coverage, click Hometown Headlines.

GSU economist's 'half-speed ahead' prediction of state, U.S. economy:Rajeev Dhawan

-After losing nearly 200,000 jobs last year, Georgia will see another 35,600 positions vanish this year--including 17,200 higher-paying jobs, says Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business> Click Hometown

Business Buzz

Rack Room Shoes

-Game Time West should return in three weeks: Cartersville's westside location of Game Time Sports Grille should reopen within three weeks in the former home of Beef O' Brady's. The restaurant is awaiting its state liquor permit. The original location off Tennessee Street behind Slope's barbecue remains open> Game Time

-Rack Room Shoes will open at Prime Outlets Calhoun on March 4 in a 4,800-square-foot spot between Coach and Bath & Body Works. Says Prime Outlets Marketing Manager/General Manager Janet Paulsen: "Rack Room Shoes is known for offering a broad selection of top footwear brands for men, women and children in styles including dress, casual, comfort and athletic, and will certainly become a well-visited location for our thousands of shoppers."

Your latest forecast:  

-Wind advisory in effect until 7 tonight; gusts to 30 mph possible> Click

-Also increased fire danger because of low humidity, gusts> Fire

-Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 41. Gusts as high as 30 mph.
-Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 51. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Friday night: Mostly clear, low of 23.

-Saturday: Sunny with a high of 53.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Too bright to play in the NFL? Can Georgia Tech expect an invite to the NCAA tournament? 

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

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

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

-Redneck  Rummage Sale at State Mutual Stadium March 20> Click

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wednesday's update

 

How healthy is Northwest Georgia? About mid-range

A study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute offers a sobering look at health trends among 157 of Georgia's 159 counties, including Northwest Georgia.

>The county-by-county snapshots have some eye-opening categories: premature death (people dying before age 75); binge drinking; liquor store density; homicide rate; chlamydia rate; adult obesity; and smoking.

>The healthiest counties mostly are in Northeast Georgia: Cobb,  Forsyth, Gwinnett and Cherokee.

>Most of the lower scores are in South Georgia. Quitman was the lowest. The lower the county's number, the healthier the county is believed to be. Counties with white or lighter green tints are healthier than those with darker shades of green.

>The reviews for Northwest Georgia: Click each county to review snapshot data.

-Bartow County: 51 / Gordon County: 62 / Floyd County: 63

-Chattooga County: 118 / Polk County: 130.

Your latest forecast:  50% chance of snow, rain before 10 a.m.


-
So far today: It looks like snow on the radar and it is cold enough for snow but so far nothing to report.

-Wednesday: 50% chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Little or no snow accumulation. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

-Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 47. Gusts as high as 25 mph.
-Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Later today: Georgia State's economic forecasts

-Rajeev Dhawan of Georgia State's Economic Forecasting Center headlines the latest summit titled "The Day After Tomorrow." Dhawan and colleagues will examine what's next for the state and national. Updates later today> Forecast

Bill would OK out-of-state insurance purchases: State representatives Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, and Tom Graves, R-Ranger. have introduced legislation that provides Georgians with greater choices when it comes to purchasing health insurance coverage.  House Bill 1184 would allow Georgians to purchase health insurance policies across state lines> Click

High school baseball broadcasts, Web casts this week:  Listen on WBHF 1450 AM or via Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.: Woodland at Adairsville.

-Thursday: 5:55 p.m.: Heritage-Conyers at Cartersville.

-Friday night: 7 p.m.: Adairsville at Cass.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Great news! No guns, long knives or explosives in Major League locker rooms.  

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tuesday's updates

Snow chance increases for tonight, Wednesday:
-The latest: Little if any accumulation expected in an area northwest of a line from Cedartown to Gainesville. We'll have updates throughout the day and evening.

-Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
-Tonight: 30% chance of rain after 1 a.m., mixing with snow after 4 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 36. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
-Wednesday: 50% chance of rain, snow before 10 a.m., then rain between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. High near 47. Gusts to 20 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Cass Middle School's Rentz among Ga. Teacher of the Year finalists:

-Perry Rentz, a Cass Middle School Language Arts teacher, is among the 10 finalists for the 2011 Georgia Teacher of the Year honor. The finalists were chosen from a pool of 148 applicants who were selected as the Teacher of the Year in their school districts. Over the next several weeks, a panel of judges will observe and interview each of the finalists at their schools. The finalists will also give a speech at a luncheon sponsored by Georgia Power on March 26. The winner
will be announced at the Georgia Teacher of the Year Banquet on May 14 at the Georgia Aquarium. The 2009 Georgia Teacher of the Year was Leanne Maule of Cartersville High. For more on the 2011 nominees, please click
DOE


High school baseball broadcasts, Web casts this week:  Listen on WBHF 1450 AM or via Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.: Woodland at Adairsville.

-Thursday: 5:55 p.m.: Heritage-Conyers at Cartersville.

-Friday night: 7 p.m.: Adairsville at Cass.

Free pancakes today at IHOP -- sort of: Participating IHOP restaurants are giving away a short stack of pancakes today from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. in hopes you'll give a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. Since 2006, the special day has raised $3.25 million> Details

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Forget conference expansion in college sports. Let's go with full-blown realignment.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Monday's updates

 
 
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (please click)

-Today's Focus: Georgia Conservative Party testing Floyd waters to see if group's tightly focused, states-friendly agenda has staying power here.

-Sluggish start to 2010 home sales continues.

-New menu at Hearth & Harvest Fireside Grill a winner.

-West End Commons takes on a 'healthy' focus.

-Rome Area Council for the Arts on the move.

-Peaks & Valleys: Run with the Wolves; 'grappling' with success.

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: 40% chance of rain, high near 64.
-Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
-Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
-Tuesday night: 20% chance of rain and snow; low around 33.

-Wednesday: 20% chance of rain, snow. High of 49. Gusts: 20 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Feb. 25: Bartow chamber's Health & Wellness Showcase: The show is at The Church at Liberty Square, 2001 Liberty Drive, in Cartersville. A business-to-business networking is from 3 to 4 p.m.; a business card required for entrance. The event is open to the public from 4-7 p.m. with an admission charge of $2 or two non-perishable food items. Click Chamber

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Braves strike out with Damon; Georgia Tech's luck is all of the bad kind

About those January home sales --and February . . .

-The final report on January 2010 home sales by Greater Rome Realtors is out. The tally: 25 homes sold (original estimate was 24) vs. 33 sold in the first month of 2009. That's a 24 percent decrease, something of a surprise given the low interest rates and expanded tax incentives still in play. A Realtor had a five-letter summation on February sales trends; it was not "sales" but a few letters are similar.

RACA on the move to old Dempsey building:

-Visitors to downtown Rome on Saturday probably spotted volunteers and others helping move the Rome Area Council for the Arts from 248 Broad St. to the vacant former home of Dempsey Auction on West Third. The city, which owns the site, is giving RACA a price break on the site--which is due for eventual demolition. RACA's mission also is changing, mostly because of funding issues.

Updated menu at Hearth & Harvest Fireside Grill

-The second Cartersville creation of Appalachian Grill's Jackie Wallace, Hearth & Harvest Fireside Grill, has a new menu. H & H is tucked away in the West End Commons off Ga. 113 and Henderson Drive. We ordered two of the new menu items Friday night: Teriyaki Orange Glazed Children ($13.99), which was served with black eyed rice and steamed broccoli, and seafood pasta ($17.99), a wonderful medley of shrimp, scallops and strips of lobster over pasta and spinach with sun-dried tomatoes. Our plates were cleaned, which says something given the large portions H & H is known for. Both meals came with bread; side or full salads were extra. Hearth & Harvest remains one of the best dining secrets in the region.

Changes at West End Commons:

-And while at H & H, check the storefront signs in the throw-back development for lots of changes. Bill's New York Style Pizza and Barbecue Street greet you as you enter. Beyond that, there's a collection of shops but also a heavy "health park" presence, from Gold's Gym to Diva Fitness to martial arts to skin care and "hormone solutions for men and women." The health-oriented shops make for an interesting mix of tenants, one we haven't seen before> West End Commons

60 Minutes' Point-Counterpoint was never this good

-Readers of Sunday's Rome News got an eyeful as District Attorney Leigh Patterson pummeled a Pierre Noth column about the handling of the Reynolds-Harper case. In our 30-plus years of media experience, we don't recall a public official devoting as much "ink" as Patterson calls it in calling out a columnist. This piece was not by a ghost writer. If you know Patterson, you've heard her use several of the phrases she drops while citing case law, examples and opinions.

-To read Noth's initial blast, click Column.

-To read Patterson's blistering point-by-point response, click Patterson.

2010 Women's  Expo is March 27:

-The latest Women's Expo is set for Saturday, March 27, at the Cartersville Civic Center, sponsored by Coosa Valley Credit Union along with Georgia Power, Plant Bowen. The line-up: Learn about products and services that will help you look and feel better; examine career choices; sample a "Taste of Bartow;" and try your luck on the door prizes. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Red Cross office, 320 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 109. Call 770-382-0981. Advance ticket holders will be entered into a special door prize drawing. For more, e-mail karonmauney@comcast.net.

 

Georgia Conservative Party testing Floyd waters to see if group's tightly focused, states-friendly agenda has staying power here

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

A new political party is emerging locally that is attracting Republicans, Libertarians and Democrats alike. The newly registered Georgia Conservative Party (GCP) is developing a grass roots network they hope has "staying power."


Kirk Spears "The GCP is not a split from the Republican Party," says Kirk Spears, right, a member of the GCP Board of Directors. "While our party does attract some disaffected Republicans, we are also attracting Libertarians, conservative-leaning Independents and 'blue-dog' Democrats. We are the new home for many conservatives who are looking for a fresh way to have a positive impact on their local, state and federal government."


The GCP is a state affiliate of the national American Conservative Party. The GCP was started last year but just became a registered political party of the state of Georgia a few weeks ago. The GCP is now working to start local chapters, including one in Floyd County.


"The board has developed the state party's by-laws and platform," Spears says. "Now, we are beginning to identify people who want to form GCP chapters in their respective counties and help them get up and running. I am leading the effort to begin a chapter here in Floyd County."

acp-dont-tread2.jpg
The drawing card for the group is its underlying platform goal of a limited role of government. With today's government spending more taxpayer dollars, becoming bigger and seeking more control of services, party leaders are working to rally a lot of supporters.


"The American Conservative Party has its own national platform focusing on a limited number of issues such as national defense and immigration," he says. "The platform states that the Constitution reserves responsibility for most issues with states, and therefore, leaves each state affiliate party to create its own platform."


The GCP is now working to finalize its platform. It will focus on issues specific to Georgia such as education, taxes and water concerns.


"The underlying basis for both platforms is the principles central to our nation's founding documents…God-given personal liberty, responsibility and the government's limited role in protecting those freedoms.


"Probably the major difference from the Republican Party is the emphasis on states making their own decisions," he says. "We feel that many issues that the Republicans have traditionally addressed on a national level are better left to individual states to decide for themselves."


The party has a very focused platform.


"Some may be surprised by the limited scope of the platforms," Spears says. "That is because we see a very limited role for government, and instead, place much more confidence in the freedom of individuals and markets to make their own choices."

As a third party, the GCP is trying to avoid the same mistakes other parties have made leading to their collapse.

"One of the reasons third parties have traditionally struggled is that they have been built around a single issue or individual," he says. "Once that issue resolves or the individual goes away, the party collapses. The approach of our national and state party is pretty much the opposite of that. We don't believe the federal government holds many answers, so we aren't looking to make an immediate impact on the national level.


"Instead, we want to build a party with staying power. We want to develop a grass roots infrastructure at the county and state level. Then, we want to begin to field and support conservative candidates at the local and state levels where we can make an impact on the lives of the people we live and work with."

The GCP already has formed local chapters in Carroll and Muscogee counties. An informational meeting for those interested in forming a chapter in Floyd County will be held on March 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.


"We are looking for individuals who embrace what we stand for and want to become active in building the party in their community," Spears says. "This will be a chance for those who are interested to learn more about the state and national party and find out how they can become more involved."


The time and place for the event will be announced soon. For more, e-mail Spears at floydcountyconservativeparty@gmail.com.

>Follow the local effort on Facebook. Click Facebook

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

Run with the Wolves 5K Race and 2 Mile Health Walk Peak to the inaugural Run With the Wolves: This fund-raiser for Rome High was a certified hit with nearly 400 runners and walkers Saturday morning. The purpose: "To provide funding for academic programs at Rome High School, home of the Wolves!" It did far more than that. It took fund-raising, even in tight times, to a new level much the same way the Berry Half-Marathon next month supports Berry Elementary and Middle School. Both are "healthy" ways to support two great schools.>  Results

Peak to the student athletes competing at the state wrestling tournament: The list of winners from our area is a long one including Rome, Floyd County and Darlington schools. You've probably noticed an increase in the focus on wrestling programs throughout the community in recent years, and the results are showing> Results

Friday, February 19, 2010

Friday updates

 

Cartersville company matching employee contributions to Haiti relief dollar for dollar: Applied Thermoplastic Resources has pledged to match each dollar donated by its employees to relief efforts in Haiti. To date, a combined $2,200 has been raised. ATR is partnering with the American Red Cross in the relief effort. You can read the company's announcement by clicking Match.

Bartow chamber's Health & Wellness Showcase next Thursday: The show is at The Church at Liberty Square, 2001 Liberty Drive, in Cartersville. A business-to-business networking is from 3 to 4 p.m.; a business card required for entrance. The event is open to the public from 4-7 p.m. with an admission charge of $2 or two non-perishable food items. Click Chamber

Graves' JOBS Act of 2010 OK'd by key commission: The House Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation unanimously passed House Bill 1023, the Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2010 (JOBS Act of 2010) legislation, authored by state Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger. It is designed to stimulate the state's economy by providing tax credits, cuts and incentives to create, expand and attract new businesses in Georgia> Click

What's ahead in Bartow County:.

-Feb. 19-20: Steel Magnolias: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Convention & Visitors Bureau seeks feedback on Cartersville branding: Take a quick three-question survey on a new brand statement for Cartersville. Participants could win two adult admissions to Tellus. Click here to take survey.

COME SHOP THE NOSTALGIC DIXIE HIGHWAY YARD SALE! The Cartersville-Bartow County Visitors Information Center seeks residents along the Old Dixie Highway in Emerson, Cartersville, Cassville and Adairsville who might have available yard sale spaces for rent during the upcoming Dixie Highway 90-mile Yard Sale June 4-6.  Any church, non-profit organization or resident on Ga. 293 in Emerson and Cartersville, Cassville Road, U.S. 41 north of Cassville and the Old Dixie Highway/Main Street in Adairsville would be eligible to rent spaces. Please call 770-387-1357 to list your available space.  There is no cost to participate. For more on the sale, please click here.

Georgia DOT is advising motorists of a lane closure on I-75 between Exits 345 and 348 in Catoosa County scheduled for Friday.  The right lane of I-75 northbound between mile markers 344 and 345.7 will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to allow the department's maintenance crews to work on repairing deteriorating asphalt patches. 

Dining & Drink

-Latest public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia> Dining

-Busy March coming together at North Georgia wineries> Wine

Your latest forecast:
-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58.

-Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny with a high of 62.

-Saturday night: Cloudys return, low of 32.

-Sunday: 20% chance of shower, high of 65.

-Sunday night: 70% chance of rain, low of 44.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-Tiger's much more important than Afghanistan and Iraq -- and that's the sad truth.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thursday's updates

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Feb. 18: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines. On the agenda: Several pouring license reviews and a look at the new business park overlay. Work session begins at 6 p.m. Details> Agenda.

-Feb. 19-20: Steel Magnolias: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Dining & Drink

-Latest public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia> Dining

-Busy March coming together at North Georgia wineries> Wine

Thursday's Buzz:

Georgia 2010 AP Honor Schools named: They're in three categories, based on the results of 2008-2009 AP classes and exams: 

-AP Challenge Schools: Those with fewer than 900 students offering AP classes in the four core areas of English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science: Armuchee, Chattooga, Coosa, Gordon Central, Model high schools.  

-AP Access & Support Schools: 30 percent of AP test takers are African-American or Hispanic and at least 30 percent of all AP exams scoring 3 or higher: Cedartown High.  

-AP Merit Schools: None from our area.

-For more results: Click DOE

Berry College welcomed 13 teams for its spring 2010 sixth-grade math competition. Top finishers, in order, were Jasper Middle School, Heritage Middle School of Ringgold and St. Mary's School of Rome. Top individuals were Logan Fountain of Jasper Middle School, Adam Morzinski of Heritage and Val Browning of Coosa Middle School. Among the participating schools: Coosa Middle School, Menlo Elementary School, St. Mary's School, Sonoraville Middle School and Summerville Middle School. Katy Borek, a junior mathematics major, served as student coordinator. Dr. Martha Tapia, associate professor of mathematics education, was the faculty supervisor.

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 49.

-Thursday night: Partly cloudy, low of 26.
-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 57.

-Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-Luckily the city of Atlanta road maintenance department wasn't in charge at Daytona. 

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-2010 Braves Brigade tryouts set for Saturday.

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

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wednesday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Today at noon/March of Dimes' March for Babies 2010 kickoff:  The site is Cartersville Country Club; you'll meet the 2010 ambassador family.

Chattahoochee Technical College is more "connected" than ever thanks to the launch of the college's social media networks (Facebook, Twitter and blogs via WordPress)> Click  

Smartypants growing again: Smartypants children's consignment shop at 405 Broad St. is adding kids' furniture to the business after relocating to a larger space last month. "We have a lot more space and more light, so we're more shopable" says Julie Roberts, owner. "We have 4,000 square feet of space, double what we had before, so we have room for furniture. Plus a lot of people are asking for it."   While Smartypants already accepts baby furniture, they are now taking furniture for kids and teens. Items include kids table/chair sets, dressers, nightstands, headboards, bookshelves and lamps. Roberts said she would even consider buying unfinished furniture to complete herself for resale.  "The consignment business is really growing. We now have about 1,500 consignors both local folks and some from Atlanta," she says. "We'll take anything from newborn to juniors, which has really grown in our new space."  Details: 706-234-8528/By Natalie Simms   

Smith's proposal would provide extra funding, 'effeciency' for courts: Sen. Preston Smith, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduces legislation to enhance funding and efficiency for Georgia's overburdened courts> Details

-State Rep. Barry Loudermilk will be live on the nationally syndicated Janet Mefferd show today at 2:35 p.m. Listen here / More on Mefferd> Radio

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Feb. 18: The next Bartow Business Connection will be held on Thursday, Feb 18, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Kachinsky Family Chiropractic, 607 N. Tennessee St.

-Feb. 18: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Feb. 19-20: Steel Magnolias: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High of 49.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy. Low of 26.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 51.

-Thursday night: Partly cloudy, low of 24.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-Cyclist is now a hacker? Holtz vs. Notre Dame. Who's tattoo-less in the NBA?

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tuesday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

T.J. Maxx grand opening set for March 21: The store is coming together in the site of the former Goody's in Main Street Shopping Center. Store hours will be Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Mondays-Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.> Details

Recent growth, latest expansion could add up to 600 jobs to Gordon County:

-Even with a 13 percent unemployment rate, things are looking much brighter for Gordon County. On Monday, a $50 million expansion to surface countertop manufacturer LG Hausys America. That means 80 new jobs and a $50 million investment in the community. (More on Hausys' jobs)

-Add that to the 200 jobs already created at Engineered Floors since that plant opened in August and new reports that say the company could grow by another 300 jobs, 200 more than announced during a job fair last June.

-That could could mean close to a 600-job swing upward by the time hiring is done both at LG Hausys and Engineered Floors.

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Feb. 16/Bob Barr to speak to Georgia Highlands College Libertarian Club: The meeting is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 16, at the  Cartersville Campus, 5441 Highway 20 NE, Cartersville. The topic: "Big brother is alive and well--and growing."

-Feb. 18: The next Bartow Business Connection will be held on Thursday, Feb 18, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Kachinsky Family Chiropractic, 607 N. Tennessee St.

-Feb. 18: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines.

-Feb. 19-20: Steel Magnolias: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Politics/Latest updates from state Rep. Barry Loudermilk> Click

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; slight chance of flurries in the morning. Highs in the 30s.

-Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.
-Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-If you can't say anything nice (about Peyton), just don't say anything at all.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Latest weather updates

 

100% chance of rain, snow today

-Winter weather advisory in effect, 9 a.m.-midnight> Details

-Today: Rain and snow likely before 1pm, then snow. High near 35. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
-Tonight: A 20 percent chance of snow before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind around 5 mph.
-Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming northwest between 5 and 10 mph.
-Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Weather closings & delays: (Send to druck@hometownheadlines.com)

-Floyd County schools are closed today

-Shorter moves baseball game from Friday to Sunday> Details

-From Darlington: Because of the possible threat of winter weather, the wrestling tournament scheduled to take place at Bremen High School this weekend has been reset for Monday and Tuesday. Our athletic director will keep an eye on the weather and make a decision about Darlington's varsity basketball games by noon Friday.

-Georgia High School Association making changes, too> Detail

Busy weekend ahead

-Friday/Barnes keynote speaker at Chattooga chamber banquet: Former Gov. Roy Barnes will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce beginning at 7 p.m. at the Chattooga County Civic Center. Barnes is a Democratic candidate for governor this year.

Friday's Buzz: (get our free morning e-mail alerts> Click)

-The Children's Place opens at Mount Berry Square: Thursday's grand opening was highlighted by giveaways and a chamber ribbon-cutting. Valentine's and other specials continue while Prime Outlets in Calhoun has a presidents' day sale under way.

-Gingrey meets with Armuchee Elementary students> Buzz

-Honors for Berry's Campus Carrier, Highlands' Six Mile Post: CH

Bartow Junior Miss at The Grand this weekend: The Grand Theatre is the site of the Bartow County Junior Miss Program this Saturday at 7 p.m.  Sixteen high school junior girls will complete for college scholarships and the title of Junior Miss. Tickets are $10 and are available at The Grand Theatre Ticket Office at 7 N. Wall St.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-It ain't fair but how come Peyton is a bum and Dale Jr. is the most popular?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

50% chance of snow Friday; jobless claims drop

 

50% chance of snow Friday; more Friday night> Details

-Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 45; gusts as high as 20 mph.
-Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.
-Friday: 40% chance of snow before 1 p.m., then a chance of rain and snow. High high near 40. Gusts to 15 mph. Snow accumulation: less than a half inch possible.
-Friday night: 20% chance of snow before 1 a.m. Low of 24.

-Flood warning continues: Coosa River near Plant Hammond.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

First-time unemployment insurance claims fall--good news or bad?

 
Jan. 2010
Dec. 2009
Jan. 2009
12-month %
Bartow
1,577
1,169
2,294
-31.3%
Chattooga
142
184
171
-17.0%
Floyd
1,483
2,369
3,035
-51.1%
Gordon
1,156
1,364
2,064
-44.0%
Polk
834
958
1,599
-47.8%
Georgia
95,264
100,896
120,139
-20.7%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-By the numbers alone, the drop in January's first-time unemployment insurance benefits offers hope. The numbers, both locally and statewide, were down month-to-month and year-to-year, Georgia Department of Labor reports show. In Bartow, the January-to-January stat dropped 31.3 percent.

-But here's the caveat: "Typically, initial claims rise in January, due to layoffs following increased hiring of temporary workers for the holiday shopping season," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "However, this past November and December, retailers didn't hire as many seasonal workers as they usually do, resulting in fewer January layoffs."

-Most of the first-time claims filed were in manufacturing, trade, construction and administrative/support services.

-The average length of time jobless Georgia workers drew benefits in January increased to 15.8 weeks, the longest on record. In January 2009, it was 11.5 weeks.

-The number of jobless workers receiving regular state unemployment benefits decreased 34,292, or 18.7 percent, from 183,829 in January 2009 to 149,537 in January 2010.

Rome podiatrist Dr. Stephan LaPointe is heading to Haiti today for a week-long medical mission trip to assist in treatment of earthquake victims. Three local pharmacies and other businesses have contributed supplies to help with the trip, says LaPointe> Details

Bartow Junior Miss at The Grand this weekend; Steel Magnolias Feb. 19-20

(Media release) The Grand Theatre is the site of the Bartow County Junior Miss Program this Saturday at 7 p.m.  Sixteen high school junior girls will complete for college scholarships and the title of Junior Miss.  The Bartow County  program has been in existence for 52 years.  A highlight of the night's entertainment will be The Has-Beens, former junior miss participants, dancing and spreading the message of "Be Your Best Self," the Junior Miss theme.  Performing in the skit will be Georgia's first Junior Miss from 1958, Mary John Bradley Garrison.  Tickets are $10 and are available at The Grand Theatre Ticket Office at 7 N. Wall St.

-Up next: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Feb. 18: The next Bartow Business Connection will be held on Thursday, Feb 18, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Kachinsky Family Chiropractic, 607 N. Tennessee St.

Hope's Journey to appear at Adairsville Baptist Church Feb. 21> Click

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (click here)

-Monday Focus: Some new pitches for youth baseball in NW Georgia.

-Reminder: T.J. Maxx job fair (80 jobs) today, Tuesday in Cartersville. 

-Sipp 'Report': Just 24 homes sold in Greater Rome last month.

-Sassafras Grille closes but catering, events bookings continue.

-Peaks & Valleys: Tennis Center, Perdue's 'Cabinet' idea.

Reverse raffle, dinner to benefit foundation serving Chattahoochee Tech: The March 16 event raises much-needed funds for student assistance and funds for college programs and services.  Dinner begins at 6, the raffle at 6:30 p.m. and is held in the Economic Development Building No. 400 on the Chattahoochee Technical College, North Metro Campus.  Tickets are $100, which includes dinner for two and a chance at the $5,000 Grand Prize. There are eight more cash prizes and numerous door prizes such as airline tickets. Sponsorships are available for $1,000, which includes reserved seating for 20 as well as recognition the night of the dinner and in all printed materials and publicity.  For more information, call 770-528-7494

Chattahoochee Technical College is accepting applications for spring quarter classes.  Classes begin March 31. For more: www.chattahoocheetech.edu.

Applications for new school year being accepted at The Trinity School: (Media release) The Trinity School is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. The Trinity School is staffed with experienced and dedicated teachers and administrators who work at creating a supportive and challenging classroom atmosphere to encourage all boys and girls. The school began 16 years ago as a ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church. It started as a pre-school and now serves boys and girls from one year of age though middle school. After 16 years of serving the community, The Trinity School will complete its accreditation by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools in April 2010. Details: (770) 386-7479 or visit the school at 814 West Ave.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-Who are the top recruiters in college football? Tee Martin is back in the SEC.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wednesday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Gusts to 40 mph possible today; wind chill at 14 degrees at 6 a.m.

-Wind advisory through 7 a.m. Friday; 29-mph gust so far> Advisory

-Light snow at the airport this morning, around the region, too..

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Gusts to 40 mph.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Gusts to 35 mph.
-Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Thursday night: Low of 26, mostly cloudy skies.

-Flood warning continues: Coosa River near Plant Hammond.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Revenue collections slide continues; lowest January since 2004

January

(Year)

Amount

(in millions)

Change vs. previous year
2010
$1,438,319
Down 8.7%
2009
$1,575,265
Down 14.3%
2008
$1,837,297
Down 7.1%
2007
$1,978,077
Up 10.2%
2006
$1,795,724
Up 15.5%

Source: Gov. Sonny Perdue's office

Georgia's net revenue collections tumbled again in January, this time to the lowest level of any January since the year 2004, state records show. Some $1,464,844,000 was collected back then compared to $1,438,319,000 last month.  Based on a review of the past seven Januaries, the peak as $1.98 billion four years ago. Since then, January revenues have slid repeatedly, hitting $1.44 billion last month. That's a 27.3 percent slide--or more than a half-billion dollars ($539.7 million).

-Comparing first seven months of fiscal 2010 to '09:  Collections are down 12.9 percent>Details

Pierre Foods (Zartic) site listed for $4.9 million:

438 Lavender Drive-The longtime home of Zartic, later purchased by Pierre Foods, is on the market for $4.9 million and "ready for immediate occupancy," according to a listing from Coldwell Banker Commercial posted on the Web site Loopnet. The price includes more than 260,000 square feet on 19 acres at 438 Lavender Drive in the Redmond area. The listing also states that: the ground level main production area covers 200,000 square feet while the upper deck has 61,194 square feet. The office covers 3,500 square feet.

-Pierre Foods bought Zartic for $94 million in December 2006.

-Two years ago, Pierre Foods announced the closing of its Cedartown facility, idling 153 employees.

Taylorsville man charged with molesting teen: (News release) A Taylorsville man is being held in the Bartow County Jail charged with a sex crime. According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, Johnny Wayne Shook, 21, of Oak Grove Road surrendered to investigators Monday evening around 7. Shook allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old female in December in Bartow County. Investigators have charged shook with one count of Aggravated Child Molestation, two counts of Child Molestation, one count each of Statutory Rape and Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes.

The Harlem Ambassadors due March 1: (News release) Get ready for dazzling ball-handling tricks, high-flying slam dunks and family comedy.  Join the Harlem Ambassadors basketball show on Monday, March 1, at 6 p.m. at the Cartersville High School Gym as they take on the Bartow Ballers.  Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and children under 3 get in free. All proceeds benefit New Frontier of Bartow County and Advocates for Bartow's Children. For more, contact Advocates at 770) 387-1143.

Bartow Junior Miss at The Grand this weekend; Steel Magnolias Feb. 19-20

(Media release) The Grand Theatre is the site of the Bartow County Junior Miss Program this Saturday at 7 p.m.  Sixteen high school junior girls will complete for college scholarships and the title of Junior Miss.  The Bartow County  program has been in existence for 52 years.  A highlight of the night's entertainment will be The Has-Beens, former junior miss participants, dancing and spreading the message of "Be Your Best Self," the Junior Miss theme.  Performing in the skit will be Georgia's first Junior Miss from 1958, Mary John Bradley Garrison.  Tickets are $10 and are available at The Grand Theatre Ticket Office at 7 N. Wall St.

-Up next: StageWorks Inc. will presents Steel Magnolias,a perennial favorite of the South.  Performances are Friday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.  At the door adult tickets are $15 and students are $12.  To order tickets, you may call The Grand Theatre Box Office at 770-386-7343 and order with a credit card or come by our office in downtown Cartersville.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey?

-More viewers watched Manning, Brees than watched Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H finale.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tuesday's headlines

100% chance of rain, gusts to 30 mph on the way

-Summary: We dodged the snow--and rain--overnight but that won't be the case today. A half-inch of rain is possible to be followed by a wind advisory for gusts topping 30 mph from 7 tonight until 7 a.m. Thursday (advisory)

-Today: 100% rain chance, mainly before 1 p.m. High of 45. Gusts to 25 mph.

-Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Gusts to 30 mph.
-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Gusts to 30 mph.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Gusts to 30 mph.
-Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Gusts to 15 mph.

-Flood warning continues: Coosa River near Plant Hammond.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Feb. 11: The Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce's 70th Annual Meeting, Cartersville First Baptist Church, 241 Douthit Ferry Road. Reception 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30. Reservations: $40 each, $320 for a table of eight.  The guest speaker is Dr. Donald Sabbarese who specializes in macroeconomics and financial institutions.

Feb. 16/Bob Barr to speak to Georgia Highlands College Libertarian Club: The meeting is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 16, at the  Cartersville Campus, 5441 Highway 20 NE, Cartersville. The topic: "Big brother is alive and well--and growing"

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Feb. 9: T.J. Maxx to interview candidates for 80 jobs: 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. 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.

-Feb. 9: Auditions set for Pumphouse Players 'Is He Dead?'> Click

-Feb. 10: Cartersville Women's Connection Valentine Lunch: The gathering is set for noon Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Governor's House in Kingston. The speaker: Carol Frey of Norcross on "A Perfect Welcome in a Not so Perfect Home" The featured musician will be Doc Stovall from Booth Western Art Museum. Reservations: Connie at770-382-0446. The buffet is $15; child care is provided. Check out Governors house at  www.governorshouseonline.com

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (click here)

-Monday Focus: Some new pitches for youth baseball in NW Georgia.

-Reminder: T.J. Maxx job fair (80 jobs) today, Tuesday in Cartersville. 

-Sipp 'Report': Just 24 homes sold in Greater Rome last month.

-Sassafras Grille closes but catering, events bookings continue.

-Peaks & Valleys: Tennis Center, Perdue's 'Cabinet' idea.

Latest update from state Rep. Barry Loudermilk> Click

Reverse raffle, dinner to benefit foundation serving Chattahoochee Tech: The March 16 event raises much-needed funds for student assistance and funds for college programs and services.  Dinner begins at 6, the raffle at 6:30 p.m. and is held in the Economic Development Building No. 400 on the Chattahoochee Technical College, North Metro Campus.  Tickets are $100, which includes dinner for two and a chance at the $5,000 Grand Prize. There are eight more cash prizes and numerous door prizes such as airline tickets. Sponsorships are available for $1,000, which includes reserved seating for 20 as well as recognition the night of the dinner and in all printed materials and publicity.  For more information, call 770-528-7494

Chattahoochee Technical College is accepting applications for spring quarter classes.  Classes begin March 31. For more: www.chattahoocheetech.edu.

Applications for new school year being accepted at The Trinity School: (Media release) The Trinity School is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. The Trinity School is staffed with experienced and dedicated teachers and administrators who work at creating a supportive and challenging classroom atmosphere to encourage all boys and girls. The school began 16 years ago as a ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church. It started as a pre-school and now serves boys and girls from one year of age though middle school. After 16 years of serving the community, The Trinity School will complete its accreditation by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools in April 2010. Details: (770) 386-7479 or visit the school at 814 West Ave.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Bowden loses wins; Favre may start feeling pressure; Duke-UNC basketball: who cares?