Friday, April 30, 2010

Politics, Business, Weather. Final hours of candidate qualifying; final surprises, too? 80 new jobs heading our way. Mohawk rebounds. Soggy weekend, soggy week's start?

 

'Campaign Jam,' now through noon, as final candidates qualify

-Between now and noon, some hard decisions will be made about qualifying for local and legislative offices. By lunchtime, the deadline hits and the July 20 primary ballot will be set. Several races could go uncontested. Continuing updates all morning.

Some key developments:

-Barry Loudermilk remains the sole state Senate District 52 qualifier as of this morning. The Cass Republican gave a farewell address to House members last  night after six years of representing District 14 (East Floyd, Bartow County). We expect a Democratic opponent; rumored Republican challengers did not develop beyond a flurry of calls started when Preston Smith opted to run for attorney general..

Around the region, as of this morning:

-Senate District 31: Bill Heath, R-Bremen, in GOP primary by Pete Bridges.

-Senate District 52: Barry Loudermilk, R-Cass.

-District 12: Republicans Rick Jasperse and Truett Moss II, and Jeff Nally, a Pine Log Democrat, have qualified. (Seat was held by Tom Graves)

-District 14: Greg Bowen, R-Adairsville. Christian Coomer, R-Cartersville. Shep Helton, 39, R-Cartersville. Look for a GOP runoff in August.

-District 15: Paul Battles, R-Cartersville, v. Republican Hayden Collins

-Track today's qualifiers:

-Congress: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., District 11, still unopposed.

-State Senate  / State House / Superior Court Judges / Supreme, Appeals Court

-Statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, etc.)

Heavy rain in Sunday, Monday's forecasts: The predictions continue to call for two to four inches of rain. Hometown Headlines will have updates Friday, all day Saturday and all day Sunday.

Mohawk posts $21 million first quarter profit: The Calhoun-based company's optimistic report compares to a loss of $106 million loss in the first three months of 2009> Details

LG Hausys breaks ground on $50 million expansion; adding 80 jobs: LG Hausys America broke ground Thursday on the new plant near the Gordon-Bartow County line that will rise next to its current campus> Details

Rome's no. 144 in 'Best Small Places' business, career list :

-So much for Forbes' Hail, Rome,' plaudit a few years ago. Rome ranks 144th among Forbes' list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers, according to the latest survey. The highest-ranking small place in Georgia was Athens at 26 followed by Gainesville at 47 and Warner Robins at 59. Rome with No. 8 followed by Dalton at 172 and Albany at 179> The list

Harbin Clinic names 19 physicians Dr. Warren Best Practice winners: Several dozen honored for their "clinical excellence and patient satisfactions."> Health

-Check the snapshot of Rome, other cities> Click

Founding members announce start of Northwest Georgia Regional Angel Investors Network; how to join them, what to pitch> Business

GOP county qualifers as of this morning:

-County school  board candidates Lamar Grizzle, John Howard, Post 1; Roger Maier, Dr. Davis Nelson, Post 2; Angie Cornett, David Palmer, Post 3. Source: Bartow GOP.

Thursday update/Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Your weekend forecast:

-Friday: Sunny with a high of 84.

-Friday night: low of 62; 20% rain chance.

-Saturday: 50% rain chance; high of 82.

-Saturday night: 30% chance of rain, low of 67.

-Sunday: 60% rain chance; high of 84.

-Sunday night: 70% chance of rain, low of 64.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-If you don't believe Alabama will rule the SEC, answer this: Who's going to beat the Tide?

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Eight straight loss, fourth straight shutout for Rome Braves. Greensboro wins, 3-0.

-Tonight-Saturday at 7 p.m. at Greensboro.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos> Click

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Unity purchase helps Bank of the Ozarks' first quarter; latest political updates

 

Business:

Record quarterly earnings for Bank of the Ozarks includes Unity deal:

-Little Rock, Ark.-based Bank of the Ozarks posted record first-quarter earnings Wednesday and cites, in part, the "strategic acquisition in North Georgia," the holdings of the failed Unity National Bank. The five Unity offices in Cartersville, Adairsville, Calhoun and Rome are now parts of the Ozarks banking system. It posted earnings of $15.9 million, almost 72 percent higher than the $9.3 million from the same period in 2009. As for the Unity purchase: "After taxes, this gain, net of acquisition costs, contributed $5.9 million to first quarter 2010 net income, or 35 cents to first quarter diluted earnings per common share."> Ozarks.

Campaign 2010: Latest updates

Two qualify to seek House seat shared by Floyd, Bartow:

-Adairsville businessman Greg Bowen qualified for House District 14, which includes part of Bartow County and eastern Floyd County. Bowen, former chair of the Bartow County Board of Education, calls himself a Christian conservative, says his goal is for government to work within its finances> Bowen

-Also qualifying: Christian Coomer, R-Cartersville, who ran for district attorney in 2008 (Bartow, Gordon counties)

Tug-of-war over Senate District 52? How votes break down:

-With the final hours of candidate qualifying upon us, the Senate seat Preston Smith is vacating to run for attorney general continues to be the hot topic.  The district includes all of Floyd County and parts of both Bartow and Gordon counties.

-At issue is whether "home cooking"--that is, voting blocks in those counties--can turn the seat in any candidate's--and community's-- favor.

-There are nearly 83,000 registered voters in the district as of April 1. Here's what to look for, by the numbers:

-Floyd County has the dominant voter count with 45,018 (54 percent).

-Bartow County has 21,702 active and inactive voters in the district (26 percent)

-Gordon County has 16,160 voters in District 52 (almost 20 percent).

-As of this morning, Barry Loudermilk, R-Cass, is the only candidate to qualify to run for the seat. Several potential candidates from Rome are considering a run as well.

Who's qualified to run so far; deadline is noon Friday:

-Senate District 31: Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, who so far is being challenged in the GOP primary by Pete Bridges.

-Senate District 52: Barry Loudermilk, R-Cass, is running as Smith steps aside to run for attorney general.

-House District 11: Incumbent Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo.

-District 12: Truett Moss II, a Republican, and Jeff Nally, a Pine Log Democrat, have qualified. (Seat was held by Tom Graves)

-District 13: Incumbent Katie Dempsey, R-Rome.

-District 14: Greg Bowen, R-Adairsville. Christian Coomer, R-Cartersville.

-District 15: Incumbent Paul Battles, R-Cartersville, so far is challenged by Republican Hayden Collins

-District 16: Incumbent Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown.

-Track today's qualifiers:

-Congress: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., District 11.

-State Senate  / State House / Superior Court Judges / Supreme, Appeals Court

-Statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, etc.)

GOP county qualifers as of this morning:

-County school  board candidates Lamar Grizzle, John Howard, Post 1; Roger Maier, Dr. Davis Nelson, Post 2; Angie Cornett, David Palmer, Post 3. Source: Bartow GOP.

Georgia Northwestern's Third Annual

Spring Plant sale this weekend

April 30-May 2/Georgia Northwestern 's Spring Plant Sale is open to all. Customers will find Beefsteak, Canning, Roma and Grape Tomatoes; sweet and hot peppers; melons, eggplant, perennials, annuals, ferns. Prices begin at $1. Site: colege environmentl horticulture greenhouses, Woodlee Hill across from Rome campus. hours: noon to 5 p.m.  Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Pictured: GNTC Environmental Horticulture students (left to right) Ed Avant, Jenna Knight, and John Tidwell get ready for plant sale

Cartersville man among four sentenced in human trafficking case> click

Wednesday update/Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click & Click

 

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 78.

-Thursday night: Mostly clear, low of 50.

-Friday: High of 83, low of 64; 40% rain chance overnight.

-Saturday: 50% rain chance; high of 81, low of 67.

-Sunday: 50% rain chance; high of 82, low of 61.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-And you think that college football recruiting is a science?

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Seventh straight loss for Braves; yet again by 5-0 score.

-Tonight-Saturday at 7 p.m. at Greensboro.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos> Click

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Bowen qualifies for House 14

Greg Bowen officially qualifies to seek House District 14 seat (Bartow, East Floyd counties). Details:
www.bartowheadlines.com

Bowen to seek House 14 seat; Loudermilk running for Senate. Plus: Business updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Campaign 2010: Who's in, who's on the way?

-The dominos: Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, is running for attorney general. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, a three-term veteran of House District 14, has qualified to run for the open Senate seat. Loudermilk's quick and decisive entry into the race gives him an early lead within the county and the district. Loudermilk's bid> Click

-Next domino: Adairsville businessman Greg Bowen will qualify today for House District 14, which includes part of Bartow County and eastern Floyd County. Bowen, former chair of the Bartow County Board of Education, calls himself a Christian conservative, says his goal is for government to work within its finances.

-Possible dominos: At least one more Republican name is floating in Bartow for the District 52 seat. On the Floyd side, Rep. Katie Dempsey is said to be making calls on potential Senate candidates. She already has qualified to run again for House District 13. David Doss' name continues to circulate as a Senate candidate. Several prospects from both parties watching Dempsey before deciding what's next. The deadline to qualify: noon Friday.

-Seeking clarity: Some Floyd Republicans met Tuesday night to get a better read on the shifting races and potential candidates. Some were startled by Smith. Others fear the Senate seat will shift from Floyd to Bartow.

-Who's in: All remaining incumbent legislators in Floyd, Polk and Bartow counties have qualified: Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, who so far is being challenged in the GOP primary by Pete Bridges; state representatives Dempsey (for her District 13 seat; she could change to the Senate race); Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo, District 11; and Rep. Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown, District. 16. Rep. Paul Battles, R-Cartersville, so far is challenged by Republican Hayden Collins for the District 12 House seat formerly held by Tom Graves (running for Congress).

-Track today's qualifiers at http://www.sos.ga.gov

-Congress: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., District 11.

-State Senate  / State House / Superior Court Judges / Supreme, Appeals Court

-Statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, etc.)

GOP county qualifers as of this morning:

-County school  board candidates Lamar Grizzle, John Howard, Post 1; Roger Maier, Dr. Davis Nelson, Post 2; Angie Cornett, David Palmer, Post 3. Source: Bartow GOP.

Business Buzz

-Bartow Business Connection's second 'Fifth Friday Luncheon,' 11:30 a.m., Cartersville Country Club. $15 (includes buffet, dessert, beverage).

-2,500 college graduates as well as family, friends mean big business: Natalie Simms reports that restaurants, hotels get a big boost from graduations> Campus

-Gary Tillman Insurance Agency merges with Talley Insurance Services: Gary Tillman Insurance Agency Inc. and North America Aviation Brokers will merge with Jim Talley of Talley Insurance Services Inc. effective May 1. The combined firm will be at 424 Broad St.> Business 

Tuesday update/Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click

MegaMillions jackpot rises to $224 million Friday night: 23-37-41-50-55 and Mega Ball 06 drawn Tuesday > Lottery

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Your latest weather:

-Pollen count: 95; lowest level since April 1

-Wednesday: High of 68, sunny skies.

-Wednesday night: Clear skies, low of 42.

-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 79.

-Thursday night: Mostly clear, low of 52.  

-Weekend preview: 50% rain chance Saturday, Sunday.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-You might have to stand in line for your Time Tebow Denver Broncos' jersey

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Rome loses sixth straight game. Final: 5-0 Charleston.

-Tonight-Saturday at 7 p.m. at Greensboro.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos> Click

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Loudermilk enters state Senate hunt

 
Barry Loudermilk qualifies to run for District 52 state Senate seat:
 
-State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cass, has qualified to run as a Republican in the District 52 Senate race. Incumbent Preston Smith, a four-term Senate veteran, is running for Attorney General.
 
-Loudermilk is the first of several expected "dominos" to be in play in this race.
 
-District 52 includes Floyd County and parts of Bartow and Gordon counties. A Floyd candidate is expected although Loudermilk will come with broad support. He was mentioned as a contender for the House Speaker's post in January> Senate

Sen. Preston Smith's decision triggers domino effect; local qualifying

 

Aftermath: What's next for Smith, District 52 Senate seat

-The qualifying picture changed dramatically late Monday as Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, announced his decision to run for attorney general. (Click)

-1. What are Smith's chances? Better than you'd expect for someone entering the race this late. Smith, until this month, chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. His 20-minute speech before the Senate, blasting this removal as chair, added to his statewide appeal. Plus: he's a champion public speaker. The other AG candidates don't have deep resources (Reports).

-2. Who runs for Smith's now-vacant Senate seat? No Democrat has gotten close to Smith in the past three elections but several have tried. We heard one familiar name early on from the Democratic side. Representatives Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, and Barry Loudermilk, R-Cass, could be in. A few other familiar GOP names are floating, too. Party members had speculated on a vacancy, assuming Smith's appointment to a judgeship. None say this coming. Floyd, Bartow, Gordon vote in this Senate race.

-3. The Domino Effect could touch every level of local government: As incumbents declare for other offices, look for some names that might be below the radar to step into those races. Several levels of local government could be in play, even those not in this year's election cycle -- if a few scenarios come through

How qualifying stands right now:

-Real time qualifying posted by: Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office at http://www.sos.ga.govQualifiers so far:

-Congress: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga.

-State Senate: D-31 Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, and Pete Bridges, R-Tallapoosa, qualify (Bartow, Polk counties). None for District 52 (Smith's seat).

-State House: D-13 Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome; D-15 Rep. Paul Battles and Hayden Collins, R-Cartersville; D-12 Truett Moss II, R, (Calhoun, Bartow).

-State Superior Court Judges / Supreme, Appeals Court Judges

-Statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, etc.)

GOP county qualifers as of this morning:

-County school  board candidates Lamar Grizzle, John Howard, Post 1; Roger Maier, Dr. Davis Nelson, Post 2; Angie Cornett, David Palmer, Post 3. Source: Bartow GOP.

Movie Gallery stores closing: The shop at 3231 Martha Berry Highway in Armuchee is one of those marked for closure as are stores in Cedartown, Calhoun,  Summerville, Adairsville and elsewhere in Georgia. The closing date is fluid: either from four to six weeks or six to eight weeks. "Total" liquidation sales have not yet started. The company is shuttering 760 stores after filing for Chapter 11 and announced massive restructuring plans> Details

Monday update/Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: 60% chance of showers; high near 65; gusts to 25 mph.
-Tuesday night: 30% rain chance, low around 40.

-Wednesday: High of 70, sunny skies.

-Wednesday night: Clear skies, low of 42.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-Why haven't we heard Georgia Tech mentioned in the college football expansion talks?

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Rome loses fifth straight game. Final: 5-0 Charleston. .

-Today at 11: Braves at Charleston.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos> Click

Monday, April 26, 2010

Jail intake reports; latest politics

Just updated: Bartow jail intake reports. Politics: Heath, Battle qualify for new terms. http://bit.ly/18vaK4

Candidate qualifying begins; what's ahead in Bartow; Buzz of Northwest Georgia

 

Starting today/Track candidate qualifying for state, House, Senate seats

-Among those up for new terms this year: Representatives Barry Loudermilk, Paul Battles and Tom Graves (who's resigned to run for Congress); senators Preston Smith, Bill Heath

-Real time qualifying posted by: Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office at http://www.sos.ga.gov.

What's on this week's Buzz: (click)

-Politics: See how they run (and against whom).

-Tracking the candidates as they qualify this week, local and state.

-Campaign watch: Political notes.

-Summer Camps 2010: Natalie Simms' regional report on camp options for kids this year, from arts and sports to robotics and Lego engineering.

-Peaks & Valleys: Timely honor for Lyons Heyman.   

Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click & Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: 20% chance of rain, high near 70. Gusts as high as 20 mph.
-Monday night: 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
-Tuesday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Gusts to 25 mph.
-Tuesday night: 40% rain chance, low around 41.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-If you're got short arms, don't even think about the National  Football League.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Rome drops another one-run game to Riverdogs, 3-2.

-Tonight: Braves at Charleston, 7 p.m.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos> Click

 

What's on this week's Buzz:

-Riverside Gourmet--and 'the rest of the story' (Bussey, The Season)

-Politics: See how they run (and against whom).

-Tracking the candidates as they qualify this week, local and state.

-Campaign watch: Political notes.

-Summer Camps 2010: Natalie Simms' regional report on camp options for kids this year, from arts and sports to robotics and Lego engineering.

-Peaks & Valleys: Timely honor for Lyons Heyman.   

Dillmon's got some company coming to 248-250 Broad St.

-Take a second to remember that pregnant pause Paul Harvey would give when delivering the punch line for all those " . . . rest of the story" stories he spun on WRGA. With that voice in mind, please see the following, a release on Kevin Dillmon's (Riverside Gourmet) application for wine package sales and wine tasting on Broad we posted last week.

(Media release) "Holly Lynch, owner of The Season Special Event Planning; Todd Bussey of Bussey's Flowers, Gifts, and Décor; and Kevin Dillmon of Riverside Gourmet announce plans to open a shared workspace on Broad Street in downtown Rome.


The new shop, located at 248 Broad St. in the space formerly occupied by the Rome Area Council for the Arts, provides an expansion opportunity for all three companies. The establishment will serve as a new office for The Season Special Event Planning as well as a second location for Cedartown-based Bussey's. Riverside Gourmet will also have more retail space than their former location.

"I am really excited about this opportunity. The location is perfect for The Season and is the next logical step in my company's growth. With the addition of some retail items, like invitations and wedding accessories, the store is ideal," said Lynch.

Bussey's has desired a Rome storefront for several years and this opportunity came at the right time. Bussey's will offer fresh flowers, distinctive gifts and expand its home décor offerings. "Having a branch of our shop in Rome will be a great way for us to serve our Rome clients, while also attracting new customers. We're really looking forward to this next step," said Bussey.


The building will provide ample retail space for Riverside Gourmet's selection of culinary tools and cookware as well. The store had been located at 233 Broad St. near Honeymoon Bakery, which Dillmon co-owns. The store offers gourmet foods, kitchen tools, small appliances, and home textiles.

"I'm excited to be open again on Broad Street. We're also adding some new gourmet lines, including specialty wines," said Kevin Dillmon.


Lynch, Bussey and Dillmon plan to open their new location by late May. The shop will be located at 248 Broad Street on the corner of Broad Street and Third Avenue. A grand opening will be announced soon."

We'll have additional updates this week on this and other Broad Street updates.

Politics: See how they run (and against whom)

Consider this week the NFL draft for local politicians. For weeks now, speculation has been about as abundant as pollen concerning who would and wouldn't run this year. There have been lots of scenarios and an occasional wild-card idea floated.

The wheels and deals will continue all week, up until the noon deadline on Friday. After that, we'll have a pretty good idea on the July primary ballot.

In Floyd County, Democratic candidates will qualify at the law office of Bob Finnell at 1 W. Fourth Ave. Look for the Republican incumbents in the countywide seats (school board, county commission) to qualify, perhaps en masse, this week.


On the local ballot this year:

-State House seats 11, 13, 14 and 16. Incumbents, by seat number: Barbara Massey Reece, Katie Dempsey, Barry Loudermilk and Rick Crawford).

-State Senate seat: 52 (incumbent: Preston Smith)

-Floyd County Commission, posts 1, 4 and 5: Incumbents Chad Whitefield, Eddie Lumsden, John Mayes

-Floyd County Board of Education, District 1, 5: Incumbents Teresa Lumsden, David Johnson.

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's office will post statewide, state House and Senate, and U.S. House and Senate candidate qualifying "in real time" at http://www.sos.ga.gov.

Hometown's 2010 candidate announcement policy

-Each candidate, upon qualifying, is invited to send up to a 400-word e-mail declaring his or her bid for office. The text must specifically be about the candidate. Mug shots are welcome (jpegs only). No PDFs or faxes. Declarations exceeding 400 words will be cut at the 400th word. Send to: ideas@hometownheadlines.com

-Look for qualifying statements to appear on our Politics page> Click

Local politics:

-April 29: Rome-Floyd Tea Party hosts Joel Aaron Foster> Politics

-May 1: Roy2010 Campaign will host an informational meet and greet at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Schroeder's Courtyard, Broad Street, Rome. The public is invited. Call Ross Baird at 404-281-1254.

Summer camps 2010: Plenty of variety again this season with

arts, athletics, history, science, robotics, Lego engineering

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

Summer is just around the corner and if you're like a lot of others, you might be thinking about putting off the family vacation and opting to stay home to save money. Even if you've canceled the vacation, you can still provide your kids with something less expensive and fun to do this summer… go to camp!

There are endless opportunities available for kids of all ages. Take your pick from day camps to overnight trips, from sports to music to outdoor adventures, the choices are numerous.


Rome YMCA
The YMCA offers two options for kids. Kinder Camp is for ages 3-5 and is designed for the younger child and includes daily swim lessons, arts & crafts and supervised play time and field trips. Day Camp is for ages 6-12 and provides a full day of fun at YMCA Camp Bryant. Camp includes archery range, playing fields and nature trials, as well as swimming. Visit www.ymcarome.org for session dates, cost and registration. Phone: 706-232-2468.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Association
Parks and Rec offers day camps at a number of locations in the county, along with a Summer Enrichment camp at Fielder Center, Spanish Camp and LEGO Engineering Camp. Day camps are available at the Anthony Center in West Rome, the North Floyd Center, Gilbreath Center in Lindale and in Shannon. Day camps are for ages 5-13. The Spanish Camp is for ages 4-9 at the North Floyd Center. The LEGO Engineering Camp is for ages 5-13. Visit www.rfpra.com for session dates, cost and registration. Phone: 706-291-0766.

Darlington School
Darlington offers a combination of traditional day camps and specialty sports camps, including some overnight camps. Day camps include those focused on sports, arts, academics and adventure fun. With more than 20 camps to choose from, there is something for every student. Visit www.darlingtonschool.org/summer for a complete list of camps, dates, cost and registration. Phone: 706-236-0415.

Shorter College
Shorter College offers a number of sports camps for boys and girls as well as the Summer Arts Institute that focuses on keyboard studies, voice and musical theatre. Athletic camps include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, tennis, softball and football. For athletic camps, visit Shorter sports for a complete list of camps, dates, cost and registration. For the Summer Arts Camp, visit Shorter arts.

Berry College
Berry hosts a number of sports camps through their Athletic Department. Camps available include baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, tennis, equestrian, and volleyball. Click Berry camps for the complete list of camps, dates, cost and registration.

WinShape Camps
WinShape Foundation offers both traditional and adventure overnight camps for boys and girls in grades 2-12. Campers participate in a number of outdoor and indoor activities, including evening Bible studies and activities. For more information call 1-800-448-6955, ext. 1120 or visit www.winshape.org/camps. Registration is available online.

Kindermusik at Berry College
Kindermusik offers a number of musical opportunities for kids from newborn to 8 years old. Maymester and Summer sessions are available for newborn-3 years old that meet weekly. For older kids, there are week-long day camp sessions. For the complete schedule and registration information, click here or call 706-233-4091.

Chieftains Museum
Chieftains will host "AY" camp. "AY" means "summer" in the Cherokee language. The "AY" camp is for ages 9-13 and features Indian culture, history, storytelling, theatre, arts and crafts. Visit www.chieftainsmuseum.org for complete camp information. To register, call 706-291-9494.

Rome Civic Ballet
Rome Civic Ballet offers week-long day camps for ages preschool to 6th grade. Dance camp gives campers the opportunity to experience dance from class to performance. No previous dance experience is necessary to enjoy dance camp and dance shoes are available to borrow. Camp includes study of ballet, tap, dance games, dress-up, arts and crafts and a performance at the end of the week. Camp sessions are June 21-25, June 28-July 2 and July 5-9 and cost is $75. For more information and to register, call 706-232-8804.

Children's Yoga Camp
Springstone Yoga is offering a week-long children's yoga camp for ages 4-11 on June 7-11 from 1-3 p.m. Campers will get to enjoy yoga, stories, music, games, art and snack. Click here for more information or call 706-331-4631.

The Grand Theatre
Located in downtown Cartersville, The Grand Theatre has been a cultural landmark since 1929. The Grand Theatre offers three different music- theatre camps for elementary, middle and high school levels. Campers will learn basic theatre skills and rehearse a musical that will be performed at the end of camp. Visit Camps for information. To register, call 770-386-7343, or come by The Grand Theatre Ticket Office at 7 N. Wall St.

Bartow History Museum
The Bartow History Museum offers two single-day camps: one for ages 4-7 on June 21 and one for ages 8-11 on June 22 focusing on crafts from the past. A week-long, half-day camp on Native Americans, comparing Cherokee Indians to the Plains Indians, will be offered in July for ages 5-11. Click here for complete camp information. To register, call 770-387-3849.

Tiger Fight Foundation

Rome's Tiger Flight Foundation, in coordination with Freedom Flight Center, Training Rx and Etowah Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center, offers several summer camps for area youth ages 10 and up. They include Youth Self-Leadership, Astronomy, Sciences of Flight, Experiencing Flight, and Private Pilot Solo Courses. Students will be able to visit local aircraft and airport facilities. Visit Tiger Flight  for the complete list of camps, dates, cost and registration information. Phone: 706-295-7900.

Please check back for additional updates. New camp information should be sent to Natalie Simms at this e-mail address: natsimms76@gmail.com

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Lyons Heyman:

The longtime community leader has been honored by his fellow Rotarians with the Guardian of Ethics Award (details). Says a Rotary article on the honor: "Lyons has been a member of our Rotary Club for 58 years.  He is one of the few members whose father also served as President of the same club. His ethical compass always points true." Our community has rarely seen a truer friend or more dedicated servant. Lyons' latest honor is warmly deserved.

Valley to the closing of Five Guys in Rome: For weeks, we'd heard reports of the burgers-and-fries shop at Midtown Crossing closing but, each time, the rumor was denied. But a week ago, the staff was notified that Friday, April 30, would be the two-year-old shop's final day. The chain itself is booming; it seems the Rome location--past home to two editions of Schlotzsky's--wasn't cutting. Some cite price, others the lack of drive-through access (Romans don't walk, as the saying goes). Then again, other "sit down" restaurants in the plaza--Provino's, LongHorn, etc.--are doing fine. Here's hoping Five Guys indeed takes another spin at Rome in coming years.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Stormy day for Steeplechase? Latest Bartow updates

 

Weekend weather could get rough; updates Saturday, Sunday.

The Clydesdales, appearing Thursday night at the Rome Braves' game, are due at Saturday's

Steeplechase. The weather forecast looks dicey. For more Clydesdale and baseball photos,

please see Mills Fitzner's gallery. Click Gallery.

-Saturday's weather looks suspect and the timing couldn't be worse. Scheduled are: Steeplechase at Kingston Downs (click), the International Festival in Rome (downtown), the Cedar Valley Art Festival (details) and More Than a Taste of Calhoun (click)

-Friday: Sunny, high of 82.

-Friday night: 40% chance of rain, low of 60.

-Saturday: 90% chance of thunderstorms, high of 76.

-Saturday night: 80% chance of storms, low of 62.

-Sunday: 30% chance of storms, high of 82.

-Sunday night: 20% rain chance, low of 54.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Friday's Buzz

-Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $166 million> Lottery

-United Community Banks Inc. ranked as no. 1 bank in the southeast in terms of customer satisfaction, a J.D. Powers report shows>Chronicle

Bartow County schools to again offer driver's education courses this summer: For the schedule and locations, please click Driver's Ed

-The Fifth Annual Joshua Brown Foundation Banquet is April 29 at the Tellus: Northwest Georgia's Science Museum in Cartersville. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and an auction will follow at 7:30 p.m., featuring a sitting for a family portrait, a truckload of 18 sod pallets, sports memorabilia and local merchandise> Details

Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports: Click & Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-No Bible verses or anything else in college football eye black next year.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Kannapolis whallops Braves, 9-3.

-Friday: Kannapolis at Rome, 7 p.m.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click

Harbin Clinic

What's head this week:

-April 24: Bartow County GOP, 9 a.m., party headquarters at 162 W. Main St. Speakers: Insurance commissioner candidate Maria Sheffield and state Sen. Preston Smith> Bartow GOP

-April 25: Earth Day paddle trip on the Etowah River set for Sunday: It will take paddlers on a six-mile journey down the Etowah near Euharlee on what is arguably the most scenic six-mile stretch of the river in Bartow and Floyd counties> Coosa

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Thursday: Restaurant updates; Powerball winner in Mo.; stormy Saturday?

 

Bartow County schools to again offer driver's education courses this summer: For the schedule and locations, please click Driver's Ed

-The Fifth Annual Joshua Brown Foundation Banquet is April 29 at the Tellus: Northwest Georgia's Science Museum in Cartersville. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and an auction will follow at 7:30 p.m., featuring a sitting for a family portrait, a truckload of 18 sod pallets, sports memorabilia and local merchandise> Details

Dining updates

-Gametime Sports Grille West opens; alcohol sales start Friday: Cartersville's second Gametime replaced Beef O Brady's, which closed several months ago. Delays in state liquor permitting slowed the arrival of Gametime West at 70 Douthit Ferry Road. The original is behind Slope's off Tennessee Street. The timing is key with the NFL draft, NBA and NHL playoffs, and baseball season> GT

-El Toro Tex-Mex Grill now expected by May 1: The opening of El Toro Restaurant at 2115 Shorter Ave. is delayed because of state liquor licensing. "We're just waiting on our state license. We hope to open in another week but I don't know. Hopefully by the first of May for sure," says Jaime Castro, co-owner of El Toro. His partner is Pasquel Caldera, who cooked for the old "La Chiva" Mexican Restaurant in West Rome about 15 years ago. The duo also own J&P Construction in Rome. Castro says they've invested about $160,000 in labor and equipment into refitting the former West Rome Pizza Hut, along with another $50,000 in materials from the building owner, Martin's Real Estate. An outdoor patio area has been added along with other changes. The menu will feature Tex-Mex favorites along with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $6.50. (Natalie Simms)

-Rome's pending Steak N Shake appears to be part of new prototype trend: Earlier this month in New York, Biglari Holdings, parent company of Steak N Shake, talked about the new look planned for its restaurants --as well as deals just signed in Rome and elsewhere. The new design is a "3,200-square-foot prototype (that) will cost about $1.5 million to build, down from the existing 4,200-square-foot model, which costs $2.2 million." The Rome site, which is being backed by Wayne Robinson and Brooke Temple, is a 3,200-square-foot restaurant. The plan is to clear the existing Johnny Carino's building and start new from there. A midsummer opening is planned. (click)

-Later today: Updated public health restaurant inspection scores> Dining

-North Georgia wineries: Earth Day, Mother's Day events posted> Wine News Vine

Banking updates

-Due later today: United Community Banks.

-Wells Fargo/Wachovia post $2.5 billion profit in first quarter> Details

-SunTrust reports $229 million loss in first quarter> Details

-Synovus, parent company of Citizens First and GB&T in Calhoun and Cartersville, posts $215.7 million first-quarter loss> Details

-Regions lost $255 million> Details

Earth Day paddle trip on the Etowah River set for Sunday: It will take paddlers on a six-mile journey down the Etowah near Euharlee on what is arguably the most scenic six-mile stretch of the river in Bartow and Floyd counties> Coosa

Camp Monarch, a relaxing and fun-filled three-day camp for cancer survivors sponsored by The Hospital Auxiliary at Cartersville Medical Center begins Wednesday, April 28 and continues through Friday, April 30 at New Covenant Church in Cartersville. The Monarch Camper is any adult (age 18 or older) who has been diagnosed with cancer and may or may not currently be undergoing treatment or surgery.  Registration is only $10, however, space is limited.Activities during the three-day camp include arts & crafts, survivor stories, special guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, music, dance, Hope Center physician presentations and a special day on Thursday at the Booth Western Art Museum.  Lunch is provided each day. To register, please call 678.721.5560.  For more information about Camp Monarch or The Hospital Auxiliary at Cartersville Medical Center, please call Shirley Fifer, 770.546.3143 or email:  shififer@yahoo.com

Bartow County Jail 'in-take' reports> Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Updated weather: Stormy Saturday ahead?

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 80.

-Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, low of 52.

-Friday: Sunny, high of 85.

-Friday night: 20% chance of rain, low of 58.

-Saturday: 70% chance of thunderstorms, high of 78.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

PowerBall's $259 million jackpot goes to ticket in Missouri> Lottery

-Wednesday night's numbers: 11-34-41-49-55 and PowerBall: 20.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

- Why quit at the top of your game? Here's a list of early sports' retirees.

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Rome wins, 3-1, to even series with Kannapolis.

-Thursday: Kannapolis at Rome, 7 p.m.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

What's ahead in Bartow. Five Guys not done in Rome after all?

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Census goes door-to-door

-Earth Day paddle on Etowah Sunday.

-Camp Monarch returns at Cartersville Medical.

 

Business buzz
-The return of Five Guys Burgers & Fries?
Those big burgers, killer fries and "free" peanuts might not be gone for long. While the Midtown Crossing restaurant is closing April 30, there are plenty of hints out there indicating the premium burger shop isn't giving up on Greater Rome. Plus: Midtown restaurants> Dining guide

-Southeastern Mills expansion to add 25 jobs: Here's an Earth Day spin for you. Southeastern Mills, which last fall purchased the Eagle Rock distributorship building in Lindale, plans to spend nearly $15 million there and ultimately hopes to add 25 jobs> Chamber

-Regional bankers down $470 million in the first quarter--so far: Synovus, parent company of Citizens First and GB&T in Calhoun, posts $215.7 million first-quarter loss (Synovus) while Regions lost $255 million (details). Due today: Wells Fargo (Wachovia) and SunTrust.

-Mike Dunn, Rome Braves general manager, selected for the South Atlantic League's Hall of Fame> Sports

Census 2010 workers are now knocking on doors to obtain household information from people who have not filled out and returned their forms. These workers are required to wear and show identification, and all information is confidential. If you would like to obtain an extra form and mail it back at no charge, extra forms are available at the Cartersville-Bartow County public library. The library is located on W. Main Street adjacent to the Cartersville Civic Center. Extra Census forms are available in English, Spanish and many other languages. Please contact Richard Osborne, City Planner, at 770.387.5614 or rosborne@cityofcartersville.org if you have any questions. (Cartersville release)

MegaMillions jackpot rises to $166 million Friday: No jackpot winner Tuesday night. 05-08-10-34-42 and MegaBall: 25.

-Tonight: PowerBall jackpot at $252 million> Lottery

Marathon game--20 innings--ends 3-2, Kannapolis over Rome> Sports

-Today at 1 p.m. Kannapolis at Rome Braves.

Earth Day paddle trip on the Etowah River set for Sunday: It will take paddlers on a six-mile journey down the Etowah near Euharlee on what is arguably the most scenic six-mile stretch of the river in Bartow and Floyd counties> Coosa

Camp Monarch, a relaxing and fun-filled three-day camp for cancer survivors sponsored by The Hospital Auxiliary at Cartersville Medical Center begins Wednesday, April 28 and continues through Friday, April 30 at New Covenant Church in Cartersville. The Monarch Camper is any adult (age 18 or older) who has been diagnosed with cancer and may or may not currently be undergoing treatment or surgery.  Registration is only $10, however, space is limited.Activities during the three-day camp include arts & crafts, survivor stories, special guest speakers, fitness demonstrations, music, dance, Hope Center physician presentations and a special day on Thursday at the Booth Western Art Museum.  Lunch is provided each day. To register, please call 678.721.5560.  For more information about Camp Monarch or The Hospital Auxiliary at Cartersville Medical Center, please call Shirley Fifer, 770.546.3143 or email:  shififer@yahoo.com

What's head this week:

-April 24: Bartow County GOP, 9 a.m., party headquarters at 162 W. Main St. Speakers: Insurance commissioner candidate Maria Sheffield and state Sen. Preston Smith> Bartow GOP

-April 29 auction at Tellus to benefit Joshua Brown Foundation: Cartersville group continues to push safe driving, driver education programs for teens> Click

-April 29: Bartow County Republican Women's Club, Meet & Greet Party at the

GOP headquarters, 7 p.m. Agenda: Present Rep. Barry Loudermilk with the 2010 Sanctity of Life Award.

-May 1: Cartersville-Bartow Crime Stoppers to host Crime Stopper Mow Down: Lawn Mower Race on Saturday, May 1 at 10 a.m. at Frankie Harris Park in Euharlee.> Details

-May 1: Car show set: Advance Auto Parts presents the Tom Clayton Memorial Car Cruise 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. 2010 car cruise schedule includes these dates: June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7.

Bartow County Jail "in-take" reports> Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Updated weather:

-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 75.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 43.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 81.

-Thursday night:Mostly cloudy, low of 51.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-It may be that the Big East conference is facing extinction.

Dining & Drink> Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

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

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Gingrey campaign war chest at $1.4 million. Lottery jackpot$ near $400 million.

 

Gingrey war chest at $1.4 million for 2010 re-election bid: The latest reports from the Federal Election Commission show U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey had $1,400,930 in the bank for his election bid. Gingrey reported contributions of just over $1 million for Jan. 1-March 31 with around $624,000 coming from individual donors and $347,000 from political action committees. So far, Gingrey has no declared opposition in the July primary or November general election> FEC

MegaMillion jackpot worth $143 million tonight; PowerBall jackpot at $252 million on Wednesday: Feeling lucky? The early week drawings for two of Georgia's most popular games have a combined value of nearly $400 million. Your odds of winning MegaMillions: About 1 in 176 million. As for PowerBall: 1 in around 195 million.> Lottery

What's head this week:

-April 20: Bartow Business Connection, 7-9 a.m., NorthSide Bank, Main Street branch.

-April 20: Ribbon cutting for new Bartow County GOP headquarters: The ceremony is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, at 162 W. Main St., Suite 106> Bartow GOP.

-April 24: Bartow County GOP, 9 a.m., party headquarters at 162 W. Main St. Speakers: Insurance commissioner candidate Maria Sheffield and state Sen. Preston Smith> Bartow GOP

-April 29 auction at Tellus to benefit Joshua Brown Foundation: Cartersville group continues to push safe driving, driver education programs for teens> Click

-April 29: Bartow County Republican Women's Club, Meet & Greet Party at the

GOP headquarters, 7 p.m. Agenda: Present Rep. Barry Loudermilk with the 2010 Sanctity of Life Award.

-May 1: Cartersville-Bartow Crime Stoppers to host Crime Stopper Mow Down: Lawn Mower Race on Saturday, May 1 at 10 a.m. at Frankie Harris Park in Euharlee.> Details

-May 1: Car show set: Advance Auto Parts presents the Tom Clayton Memorial Car Cruise 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. 2010 car cruise schedule includes these dates: June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7.

Latest Bartow County Jail "in-take" reports> Click

Rome  Braves 2010 Season is here!

Weather: Rainy Tuesday in the forecast.

-Pollen count: 768> Details

-Tuesday: Cooler, high of 72; 60% chance of rain.

-Tuesday night: Low of 46; 60% rain chance.

-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 76.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 46.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey 

-What's with Mark Richt? How smart, really, is the National Football League?

Rome Braves> Sports 

-Savannah takes series finale, 4-1.

-Tonight vs. Kannapolis, 7 p.m.

-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click