Why gas costs more; 411 Connector meeting heats up

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Closer look/As gas prices climb, we examine why Floyd is always higher

-It is the question we hear the most: "Why does gas cost more in Rome?" Today, Natalie Simms has some answers, or conclusions at least, as Northwest Georgians watch gas prices begin their summer climbs yet again. For one vendor, gas is a money-losing operation but helps get people inside the store. Click Prices

-Includes Bartow, county-by-county prices.

E-mails flying about Thursday's DOT hearing on 411 Connector:

-The final open house on the 411 Connector is set for 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cartersville Civic Center at 435 W. Main St. Chambers of commerce in both Rome/Floyd and Cartersville/Bartow are urging members to attend and to " update yourself on this important project as well as make recorded comments," says an e-mail missive from the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce.

-The "Coalition for the Right Road" has hired a public relations first, Cookerly Public Relations, to help promote consideration of an alternative route for the Bypass, citing in part comments made about the connector route by Republican gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel. For more on the coalition, click Road.

Car show set for April 3:

Advance Auto Parts presents the Tom Clayton Memorial Car Show in downtown Cartersville from 5-8 p.m., featuring hourly giveaways, People's Choice Award and a DJ on site. $2 admission per classic car. Contact: Cartersville DDA, 770-607-3480.

'Bikers for Babies' this Saturday: Area bikers will ride Saturday, March 20 to benefit the smallest members of the community.  Sponsored by Cartersville Medical Center's "March for Babies" team for the March of Dimes, registration is $25 per biker and $10 for riders. Registration will begin at The Hope Center in Cartersville at 9 a.m.  Kick stands will go up at 10 a.m. and the race will begin.  The bikers will travel the 50 mile route north on Highway 411, then east on Highway 140, continuing south on Highway 108, then west on Highway 20 to south on I-75 and down Main Street in Cartersville. The final destination for the ride is Dellinger Park, where lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m.  Paid participants will receive their meal free; others may purchase meals for $5 (adults) and $3 (children). To register or for more information about the event, please contact Ami Bowman at 404.358.2173.

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Tom Blankenship has been named Area Operations Manager of the Coosa Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Rome resident graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration and has had a 20- year career in small business management.  Most recently, he was general manager of the Garden Lakes Pharmacy. Said Jac Whatley, Executive Director:  "Tom's presence in the office will allow me to spend more time sharing the work of the Coosa Valley Chapter with the public, and spending more time with our supporters." Blankenship began work March 8 at 112 John Maddox Drive in Rome.

-New look, features on Berry College Web site, including social media> BC

'3 & Out' with Kevin Karel on WBHF 1450 AM begins at 9:05 this morning. Hear the Web cast at http://www.bartowheadlines.com

Your latest forecast

-Tuesday night: 20% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, low around 43.

-Wednesday: 40% chance of rain, high of 56.

-Wednesday night: Low of 41; 20% chance of rain.

-Thursday: Partly sunny with a high of 63.

-Thursday night: Cloudy, a low of 38.
-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar