Candidates' forum tonight to be broadcast, webcast. Updates on local restaurants. Help for Mohawk workers. Possible break in the heat.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

WBHF Political Forum tonight: (Media release) The public will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates for State House districts 14 and 15 and Senate Senate districts 31 and 52 (click candidates) on Tuesday, June 29 at 6 p.m. at The Grand Theatre in downtown Cartersville during the WBHF Political Forum. Candidates will answer questions from staffs of The Daily Tribune News and WBHF radio AM 1450. Dana Fowle, I-Team Investigative Reporter with WAGA TV Fox 5 in Atlanta, will serve as moderator for the event. The forums will be broadcast live and the webcast will be available via BartowHeadlines.comWBHF is soliciting questions from the public for consideration. Questions can be submitted via the station's Facebook page or by email at news@WBHFradio.org. The public is encouraged to attend this free event at The Grand Theatre but the event will also be broadcast live on AM 1450 WBHF and replayed at multiple times before the primary election.

State Labor Department to help 229 Mohawk workers in Cartersville facing layoffs in August. The agency "is committed to helping them find new jobs, or access training and educational opportunities to prepare for new careers." Details

Dining updates:

'Coming soon' signs for Cartersville restaurants and . . .

Renovations are ongoing for the Steak House II location in Cartersville's West End Commons. Located inside the former Hearth & Harvest spot (right), owner David Edge says he is working to get the restaurant open by the end of July. He hopes to have a confirmed opening date next week. Hiring already is under way. The original Steakhouse is in Rockmart. Also due in Cartersville this summer: El Pueblito No. 7 in Integrity Plaza (below, right). The spot most recently was home to Schroeder's and Zydeco.

. . . real-time updates for public health restaurant health scores.

-Local diners can now check the new electronic restaurant inspection reports in real-time before heading out to eat. The Northwest Georgia Public Health office has been working for several years to upgrade all restaurant inspection reports into an electronic, real-time format. The new program is rolling out in all 10 counties in the district--including Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga -- on Thursday, says Tim Alle, district environmental manager.

"You will now be able to on our website and search for restaurants by name, address or facility type. It will include all previous reports and the new electronic report will be a complete detail report so you will know exactly what the violations were and how they were corrected," Alle says. "The entire report will be uploaded as soon as the inspector leaves the restaurant, so it will be in real-time."

Alle says there will be a transition period to get all of Floyd County's 275 facilities upgraded to the electronic inspection reports. He estimates it will take approximate six months for all the restaurants to have their electronic inspection online. Each restaurant is inspected every six months.

To see the new electronic reports, visit www.nwgapublichealth.org and click on food scores, search by county, or click each of the following:

Bartow

Floyd

Gordon

Chattooga

Polk

Updated/Monday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Your latest forecast: 93 on Monday; 'only' 85 on Wednesday.

-Tuesday: 70% chance of rain, high of 90. Heat index: 97.

-Tuesday night: 60% rain chance, low of 72.

-Wednesday: 40% rain chance, high of 'only' 85.

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

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Plus: Track Tropical Storm Alex. Click

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-And you think you have a tough golf course. Be thankful you don't live in Montana.

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Braves win 4-3 in Lexington, take 3 of 5 games in series.

-Braves home vs. Greensboro Tuesday-Saturday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

Candidate forum Tuesday night, live on WBHF & webcast. Buzz of NW Georgia. What's ahead in Bartow. Another round of 90s today.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-Hometown Profile: 'Exit' interview with Guy Mannino as he leaves Rome.

-Marketing & Media: New websites, a little 'ink,' appreciating cows.

-Putting the 'grand' --and some fine wine -- in a triple grand opening.

-Huge weekend of Fourth of July celebrations across NW Georgia.

-Peaks & Valleys: Tellus, Mike Dunn, downtown Rome, candidate forums.

From CNN: West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd, the longest-serving member of Congress, has died, the senator's office said. He was 92. CNN

WBHF Political Forums set for Tuesday, July 6: (Media release) The public will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates for State House districts 14 and 15 and Senate Senate districts 31 and 52 (click candidates) on Tuesday, June 29 at 6 p.m. at The Grand Theatre in downtown Cartersville during the WBHF Political Forum. Candidates will answer questions from staffs of The Daily Tribune News and WBHF radio AM 1450. Dana Fowle, I-Team Investigative Reporter with WAGA TV Fox 5 in Atlanta, will serve as moderator for the event. The forums will be broadcast live and the webcast will be available via BartowHeadlines.comWBHF is soliciting questions from the public for consideration. Questions can be submitted via the station's Facebook page or by email at news@WBHFradio.org. The public is encouraged to attend this free event at The Grand Theatre but the event will also be broadcast live on AM 1450 WBHF and replayed at multiple times before the primary election. A second WBHF Political Forum will take place on Tuesday, July 6 at 6 p.m. at The Grand Theatre with candidates for Bartow County School Board, and The Daily Tribune News will provide a panelist for that event as well.

Sunday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Your latest forecast: Sunday's high was 91.

-Monday: 40% chance of rain, high of 94. Heat index: 101.

-Monday night: 40% chance of rain, low of 70.

-Tuesday: 50% chance of rain, high of 92. Heat index: 98.

-Tuesday night: 50% chance, low of 69. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-The state of North Carolina refuses to recognize football.  

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-This time, the Braves rally with three runs in the ninth, win 6-3.

-Rome Braves at Lexington Legends, noon today.

-Braves home vs. Greensboro Tuesday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

Hometown Profile: An 'exit' interview with Guy Mannino.

-One of the most respected business and community leaders in our area is moving back to Connecticut. Guy Mannino, whose Verdek-EV concepts are more popular than ever, and wife Phillippa are returning to Connecticut after coming to Rome with Pirelli Tire North America in 2001. Find out what's next for Mannino and what he'll miss about Northwest Georgia. Story by Michelle Picon. Click Hometown Profile

Media & marketing:

-Just think ink. We like smart marketing ideas and we tip our cap to the folks behind the new Cartridge World of Rome at Riverwalk. How's this for being classically clever: To contact them by phone, dial 706-234-9INK.

-New look for 333 on Broad's website: The popular Broad Street restaurant and entertainment venue has a new look online, incorporating the lunch and dinner menus, upstairs entertainment, specials and social media. Click 333.

-River City Bank's new look draws 'interest.' OK, we couldn't avoid that one. But the four-year-old bank's website has a new link incorporating the bank's features, from consumer and commercial to its River City Ramblers. Click RCB.

-The annual cattle call is July 9: You can get a free Chick-Fil-A meal provided you walk in wearing a cow costume. The annual Cow Appreciation Day is almost here. Details, including tips on making a cow costume: Click Cow

Putting the 'grand' in a grand opening in downtown Rome

By Michelle Picon 

Bussey's Flowers, Riverside Gourmet and The Season had a festive and well-attended grand opening celebration last week, with about 75 Romans dropping by.

The three-in-one store at 250 Broad St. is downtown Rome's newest neighbor  and a one-stop shopping destination. Guests loved the combination of the three stores and daydreamed about having the ideal party: Holly Lynch from The Seasons plans your event,  Todd Bussey  does the flower arrangements and accessories for your house, and Kevin Dillmon from Riverside Gourmet helps you select the kitchenware to prepare your food, plus delicious wine pairings.

A very special treat for the evening was the chance to sample some wines from Riverside Gourmet's new wine section. The wines average about $20 a bottle but there are higher priced wines for special occasions, said Dr. Ray Jarvis, who along with Dillmon, selected the wines featured at the store.

"We offer a wide variety of hard-to-find quality wines," said the Harbin Clinic OB/GYN whose passion for wine as hobby landed him the opportunity to become Dillmon's consultant.  

Said a local wine enthusiast the next day: "There wasn't a wine out there I didn't like. They did a great job selecting the wines."  

The three best sellers for the evening, according to Dillmon and Jarvis: 

-New Age, Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc/Malvasia Blend, $11.

-Cannonball, California Cab, $15.99.

-Joseph Carr, Napa Cab, $21.99.  

What else was everyone talking about? Another wine, CANA, at $23.99, is quickly becoming a favorite as a present. Why? Because it comes beautifully wrapped in tissue printed with the story of the Wedding at Cannan, when Jesus performed his first miracle and turned water into wine.  

Up next at Riverside Gourmet: Italian Wine Tasting, July 15th, 6:30 p.m., with Jenny Swab from Vinifera Wine Imports. A $10 tasting fee will be refunded with your wine purchase.  

-More local wine: June 30/Harvest Moon Cafe's first Summer Wine Festival. $10 per person; more than 50 wines. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 706-292-0099.

Celebrate the red, white & blue

Below please find our list of July Fourth activities in Northwest Georgia. To add an event that is free and open to all, click E-mail.

-Safety note: The Rome Fire Department has assembled a list of fireworks safety tips. Click Safety.

-July 1: Celebrating Freedom concert set: The Bartow Winds Community Concert Band announces its Celebrating Freedom Concert to be held at 7 p.m. in Freedom Plaza in downtown Cartersville at the Depot. Admission is free but donations will be accepted supporting Advocates for Children.

-July 2: First Friday free concert, 7 p.m., Bridgepoint Plaza. Performing: Delta Moon.

-July 2: Downtown Cartersville's Family Fun Night free movie, 7:30-11 p.m. Showing at dusk: The Tooth Fairy.

-July 3: Stars, Stripes & Cartersville (several venues): The Cartersville Optimist Club and WBHF AM 1450 plan a full day, starting with a parade at 9 a.m. along Main Street. After the parade: Arts & Crafts, entertainment, food, and children's games and activities beginning at 10 a.m. At 8 p.m., a free concert, followed by a fireworks display at Dellinger Park. Click CVB

-July 3: Fourth of July parade, downtown Cave Spring, 9 a.m. Motorized vehicles (four-wheelers, cars, tractors and horses)  line up on Perry Farm Road, walkers line up at the Depot. 

-July 3: Fireworks, downtown Cave Spring, 9 p.m.

-July 3: Rome Braves' post-game fireworks. Rome vs. Grasshoppers, 7 p.m. Rome Braves.

-July 4: Fireworks, Ridge Ferry Park. Gates open at 4 p.m. Parks & Rec.

-July 4: The ninth annual patriotic extravaganza, "One Nation Under God," will be Sunday at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cave Spring.  It is a community-wide event and everyone is invited. 

-July 4: Star-spangled celebration at the Cherokee Fairgrounds in Calhoun. Live music. Gates open at 5 p.m. Click

-Photo courtesy of Mills Fitzner and is from the June 18 post-game fireworks display following the Rome Braves' game. For more, click Gallery.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Tellus Science Museum passing the 300,000-guest milestone:

Last week, Tellus Science Museum greeted its 300,000th visitor since opening its doors in January 2009: Connecticut's Charles and Ilona Pomeroy, and daughter Gabrielle. It has taken the museum just 18 months to reach the milestone and look for more to come. In addition to the marvelous displays and exhibits within the center's 120,000 square feet, a continuing series of programs and specials enhance the experience. Coming up: Night at the Museum 2010, new planetarium shows and additional exhibits

 

Peak to Rome Braves General Manager Michael Dunn:

-The only general manager the Rome team has known in the Braves eight seasons here, Michael Dunn has been honored by the South Atlantic League with his induction into the group's Hall of Fame. Dunn, 43, was GM of the Macon Braves before the move to Rome in 2003 and has twice been named to league management honors. The inaugural Rome Braves also won the 2003 SAL championship. Although Rome is the smallest market in the 14-team league, Rome continues to be a solid draw with fans and a launch pad for Major League players who have crossed home plate at State Mutual Stadium: Brian McCann, Jason Heyward, Jeff Francoeur, Tommy Hanson and others. Click Hall.

Peak to the local political parties, chambers, media and volunteers:

-Voters have no excuse for not being informed about the local candidates on the July 20 primary ballot. We don't recall a more active season of candidate forums in Northwest Georgia; there were five last week and another one this Tuesday broadcast and webcast live by AM 1450 WBHF in Cartersville. Republican party groups in Floyd, Bartow and Gordon counties have organized forums as has the Rome/Floyd Tea Party and the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. You still have time listen, read and analyze. The election is now in your hands. Be sure to vote now through the primary (early voting under way). Click Politics

Peak to the business surge in downtown Rome:

-Sure, we can count the number of storefronts along Broad Street with "for sale" or "for lease" signs in the windows. But we also can count high in the seven digits the amount of money being invested by restaurant owners alone in downtown Rome this year. From Bob Blumberg's booming Johnny's New York Style Pizza to Michael Lander's Greener Burger due in the next week or two to Truman Webb and Jeremy Duke's plans to bring Mellow Mushroom to the one-time Rome City Market site, we're tallying significant investment in just a few city blocks. As for competition concerns: We disagree. A strong restaurant selection will only boost downtown traffic.

 

1,350 Northwest Georgia jobs in flux by August? Another summer sizzler. GOP primary candidates at party forum Saturday.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

31-year-old man drowns in Etowah: The Bartow County sheriff's office is investigating the Thursday evening drowning of a victim identified only as a 31-year-old male. The call came in at 6:18 p.m. from the river at U.S. 411 and Macedonia Road. Sheriff Clark Millsap says the victim was swimming with another person at the time.

Regional employment looks grim in August as nearly 1,350 jobs go away.

-With Mohawk Industries shuttering the spun yarn plant in Cartersville in two months, things are looking a bleak around Northwest Georgia. Mohawk has 229 jobs on the line while Pierre Foods' plans to close the Rome plant takes another 350 jobs away. Add to that the loss of nearly 400 jobs at CCH Small Firm Services leaves Rome in a few weeks. That's about 1,000 jobs -- gone. May employment.

-Also in Northwest Georgia: Bluebird to close LaFayette plant in August, idling another 350 workers. Chattanooga

Saturday: Bartow GOP candidates forum. The Bartow County Republican Party has invited the candidates for state Senate districts 31 and 52, state House districts 12, 14  and 15, and Bartow County Board of Education Posts 1, 2 and 3 to speak at the next meeting, from 9 until 10:30 a.m., at party headquarters at 162 W. Main St., Suite 106. Bartow GOP

-More Bartow political news. Click

Thursday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

-Media release: A Bartow County man is in the Bartow County Jail on charges of reckless conduct with a firearm. According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, Byron Orlando Saddler, 46, of Jordan Road, Cartersville, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection with an incident involving gun fire reported on Thursday, June 17 in the area of Benefield Circle and the door to a residence being forced open on Evergreen Trail. Investigators linked the two incidents to Saddler and he was arrested following a traffic stop on this date. Saddler is charged with Criminal Damage to Property, Reckless Conduct, Terroristic Threats, and Stalking. He is currently in the Bartow County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Your weekend forecast: (Thursday's high: 93)

-Friday: 40% rain chance, high of 95; heat index 101.

-Friday night: 30% rain chance, low of 69.

-Saturday: Another scorcher--95 and 30% rain chance. Heat index: 99.

-Saturday night: 70 degrees with a 30% rain chance.

-Sunday: High of 94, 40% chance of rain.

-Sunday night: Low of 72 degrees, 30% chance of rain.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-Why would the Steeler players care what Ben Roethlisberger has to say?      

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Rome Braves pounded by Lexington Legends, 13-2.

-Braves in Lexington through Monday; home vs. Greensboro Tuesday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

Dining & Drink. Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores

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

Wine News Vine. Click

-Closer look at Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards in North Georgia. Great wines & nearby amenities for kids.

229 jobs in flux as Mohawk closing Cartersville spun yarn plant

Citing a change in consumer demand from spun yarn carpeting to filament, Calhoun-based Mohawk Industries is announcing the closing of the spun yarn plant at 229 Industrial Drive in Cartersville, according to AM1450 WBHF. Staff reductions will begin this weekend and conclude in August. The company will review the work force and try to place workers at other nearby plants if possible. In April, Mohawk announced the closing of a spun yarn plant in Tifton. Some 373 jobs were lost there.

http://www.bartowheadlines.com

Jobless rate takes a dip. Tellus greets 300,000th visitor since opening in Jan. 2009. Weather: heat index of 99; air quality alert, too.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

May's jobless rate dips except for bump in Gordon Co.

	May 2010 Employed	May 2010 Unemployed	May % jobless	April % jobless	May. 2009 % jobless
Bartow	40,225	4,954	11.0%	11.9%	10.8%
Chattooga	8,998	1,084	10.8%	11.1%	13.0%
Floyd	44,619	5,124	10.3%	10.0%	10.0%
Gordon	21,045	3,082	12.8%	12.7%	12.4%
Polk	18,577	2,107	10.2%	10.5%	10.3%
State	4,238,425	463,205	9.9%	9.7%	9.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Northwest Georgia's employment report looked a bit better in May vs. April and, in some cases, even the same month a year earlier. But that could be changing in these summer months with Pierre Foods shutting down soon and perhals even CCH Small Firm Services move from West Rome to Kennesaw.

In all, 16,351 people in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties were looking for work last month, down from earlier reports that had topped 18,000.

The only increase was in Gordon County where the jobless rate rose from 12.7 percent in April to 12.8 percent in May. Gordon's jobless rate in May 2009 was 12.4 percent. On the flip side, Gordon has seen the most potential for new jobs as industries announce or complete expansion projects.

-For statewide reports and updates, please click Business

Tellus greets 300,000th guest barely 17 months after grand opening

(Media release) On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, Tellus Science Museum welcomed its 300,000th visitor since opening its doors in January 2009.

The lucky visitors who broke the mark were a family from Connecticut. Charles and Ilona Pomeroy, with their daughter Gabrielle, were visiting their daughter's godparents, who suggested they stop by the museum. (photo, right)

"We're just so excited," said Charles Pomeroy. "I saw it from the outside and knew it was going to be a great place. You don't see a display like this outside of a major city like New York."

Tellus has been busy in 2010 with several big events scheduled for the year. Earlier this month, more than 3,000 people attended Rockfest, one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the southeast.

"It means a lot that in just 18 months Tellus has had 300,000 visitors walk through our doors," said Tellus Executive Director Jose Santamaria. "We're seeing a lot of repeat visitors because people are realizing we have so much to see and do here at Tellus."

With 300,000 visitors already notched, the museum is poised to have a banner second year with events like Night at the Museum 2010, new planetarium shows, and new exhibits. "We're definitely on a roll, but none of this would be possible without the support of the community," Santamaria said. "Tellus has a bright future and we're looking forward to sharing more amazing things with the public in the coming months.

Tellus is a 120,000 square foot museum featuring four galleries: Weinman Mineral Gallery; Fossil Gallery; Science in Motion, Collins Family Big Backyard, as well as a digital planetarium. For more, call 770-606-5700 or visit www.tellusmuseum.org or www.facebook.com/tellusmuseum.

Thursday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Your latest forecast: Wednesday's high was 93.

-Air quality alert again today for Bartow County, metro Atlanta. Details

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 96.

-Thursday night: 69 degrees; 20% rain chance. 

-Friday: 40% rain chance, high of 95.

-Friday night: 30% rain chance, low of 71.

-Weekend preview: No relief in sight. Mid-90s through Tuesday.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-Dooley picks up one big Vol booster. Whatever happened to tennis in this country?   

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Braves open second half of the season in Lexington Thursday with five games.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

Police chase update. Business connection connects 300-plus. Air quality alert; high of 94; heat index of 97.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Air quality alert again today for Bartow, metro Atlanta. Air quality deemed unhealthy for some groups. Details

-Tuesday's high was 93; forecast today: 94 with heat index of 97. Weather below.

Chase ends in Bartow County as 24-year-old suspect surrenders, then apparently OD's.

(From a media report) Johnnie Elbert Turner surrendered Tuesday evening following a chase that started in Polk County, sped through Floyd County and ended finally near the Waffle House at U.S. 41 and Grassdale Road, Bartow sheriff's report show. Turner was taken to Cartersville Medical Center for treatment of an apparent overdose, reports show. Turner, who was driving a 1997 Silver Kia Rio, was wanted on charges of aggravated assault. He tossed a gun from the window of his car prior to surrendering; the weapon was recovered, according to Sheriff Clark Millsap's release.

-Suspect pleads guilty to bank robberies in Calhoun, N.C., W.Va., and Mich.: Anthony Ray Artrip, 38, of Ashland, Ky., pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal district court to the armed robbery of banks in Calhoun and in four other states. Details

Hospital Corporation of America, parent company of Cartersville Medical Center, selected as one of Computerworld's top workplaces for information technology professionals for the second year in a row. HCA is ranked No. 42 on the publication's top 100 list. Click

First & goal for new 'rug' at Barron Stadium

If you've driven by Barron Stadium this week, you've probably noticed the new artificial turf is

down. Says Todd Wofford, Parks Superintendent with Rome-Floyd Parks and Rec: The turf should be completed next week. "The weather has been good for construction and we're on schedule," he says.

"The carpet (turf) is almost down and they are packing the gravel in now and the turf crew should be

out of here next week. We are working to be completed with everything by Aug. 6." Click Hometown

Business

-Bartow Business Connection connects more than 300 Tuesday evening: Organizers predicted a record turnout for the latest Bartow Business Connection drop-in networking event at Cartersville Country Club and they got it. More than 300 people attended the session between 4 and 7 p.m. The grass-roots business group reach out to colleagues in surrounding counties as well. Details: Facebook

Politics

-Preston Smith launches new website in final weeks of primary: The web address is basic--electpreston.com--but the site comes with some teeth to it and just about all the bells and whistles in use this campaign season. Smith, a Rome Republican and state Senator, is in a three-way fight for the GOP nomination July 20.

-Latest round of forums begin Thursday. Politics

-U.S. Rep. Tom Graves gets committee assignments. Gordon

Tuesday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: 94 degrees; heat index 98; 20% chance of rain.

-Wednesday night: 69 degrees; 20% rain chance.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 94.

-Thursday night: 69 degrees; 20% rain chance.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-The smartest dogs in the world are border collies; poodles are second.

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Braves off tonight; open second half of the season in Lexington with five games.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

More miserable heat. Latest Business, political buzz.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Your latest forecast: more miserable heat.

-Tips on staying safe in summer heat: Stephen Watson, Nurse Manager of Redmond Regional's Emergency Department, suggests: "Stay away from caffeine and alcoholic beverages during the hottest part of the day, as these are dehydrators. Proper sun protection when outside are also highly recommended ... Hats, sunscreen applied regularly, sunglasses and light, loose fitting clothing all work to protect from the sun and keep the body cool. Schedule outside activities away from the hottest part of the day, between 3 and 5 p.m.... Take numerous breaks and limit the duration as well." More tips: Facebook

-Tuesday: High of 95; heat index 99; 20% rain chance.

-Tuesday night: Low of 69, 20% rain chance.

-Wednesday: 96 degrees; heat index 101; 20% chance of rain.

-Wednesday night: 70 degrees; 10% rain chance.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Tuesday's Buzz

-Egghead Solutions has opened at its new location at 421 E. Second Ave. Owner Jason Trask and his staff moved over the weekend from their former Broad Street location. Office Manager Donna Whaley says the new store offers an expanded retailer offering as well as a more convenient location and parking at the storefront. "We now offer refurbished computers starting at $99, along with custom built machines or we can order a new machine. We also offer computer components and data backup services," she says. The business features a $99 repair service for both residential and commercial clients with free diagnostic testing. Whaley adds that the business will be expanding their personnel soon to add a third PC service technician. For more: 706-413-5515.

-June 24/National Geographic Society executive to address 'which way print media?' What is the future of newspapers, magazines, books in this digital era of instant information? The vice president of National Geographics Society, Terry Adamson, will delve into those questions at 7 p.m. at the Harris Arts Center, 212 S. Wall St., Calhoun. Wayne Minshew, 678-848-6410 wminshew@gntc.edu.

Replacing Shorter's president Dr. Harold Newman:

-It indeed was fitting. As Dr. Harold E. Newman announced his plans to retire when a successor is found and seated, you could hear a student in a nearby room practicing the flute. The music went on, even as the university's leader announced plans to help Shorter's next steps after five dynamic years of growth and change. Dr. Nelson Price, Shorter's board chair, called Newman "God's model for that moment" when he assumed the presidency. Price plans to appoint a search committee within a month but has no definitive time line on selecting Shorter's next president. One key duty, says Price, is for the committee members to "take a month or two" to pray about the critical choice. For more: Click Newman

Monday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

- More instant replay in baseball? The players aren't in favor of it.

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-All-Star break today-Wednesday;  next game Thursday.

-Links to tonight's SAL All-Star game.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  (click)  

Big week for political forums. Buzz of Northwest Georgia

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Bartow, Polk banks on AJC's latest 'Texas Ratio' list

-The Atlanta Journal-Constituion's latest look at banks with troubled loans and assets that exceed the bank's ability to absorb them includes several Northwest Georgia-based banks. Anything over 100 is considered a "problem." (Click AJC) Included in the list, drawn from March 31/first quarter reports:

-Crescent Bank & Trust, Jasper, offices in Cartersville, Adairsville, Calhoun: 437.

-NorthSide Bank, Adairsville: Offices in Adairsville, Calhoun, Cartersville: 208.

-Community Bank of Rockmart: 181.

-Georgia Heritage Bank, Dallas; office in Cartersville. 177

-Bartow County Bank, Cartersville, Acworth and Cartersville: 164.

-Northwest Georgia Bank, Ringgold: 104.

-Since the last report (fourth quarter), Unity National Bank of Cartersville has failed and its assets purchased by Bank of the Ozarks based in Little Rock. All five offices remain in operation today.

Cartersville, Calhoun, Rome, Summerville papers pick up Georgia Press Association awards. Click GPA

Monday is the deadline for voter registration for the primary. If you need to register to vote, you can print out an application online from the Secretary of State's My Voter Page (click). Because the deadline is Monday, applicants will need to personally return their completed form to the County Elections office at 105 N. Bartow St. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

-Big week ahead for candidate forums in Northwest Georgia. Click Politics

Senate District 31 primary canddiate profiles: Natalie Simms talks with the two Republicans on the July 20 primary ballot for Senate District 31: incumbent Bill Heath and challenger Pete Bridges. The winner faces Democrat Tracy Bennett in November.  Click District 31

Sunday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-A matter of Publix discourse. (with site map)

-Business Buzz: A sale of the old west Rome Kroger?

-Political Buzz: Five candidate forums this week alone in NW Georgia.

-Braves' Buzz: Sorry season so far on the field; uptick in attendance.

-Peaks & Valleys: 20 new jobs and $20 million investment;  double no-so-secret accreditation at Saint Mary's school; the Euharlee u-turn; and selective repaving on Broad.

 

Monday updates:

-Bartow, Polk banks on latest AJC 'Texas Ratio' list.

-Shorter media conference set for 2:30 p.m. Full coverage by 2:45 p.m.

-Final day to register to vote in primary; Senate District 31 profiles.

 

 

Your forecast: 

-Monday: Steamy day. 95 degrees.

-Monday night: Low of 69, 20% rain chance.

-Tuesday: High of 95, 20% rain chance.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

 

-

Big East denies rumors that it's going to expand by two teams next week.

 

 

 

Rome Braves. Sports 

-Braves end season's first half with a sweep of RiverDogs, 1-0.

-All-Star break today-Wednesday;  next game Thursday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos.  

 

A matter of Publix discourse

-There were some interesting e-mail and Facebook exchanges Friday over the latest pronouncement that Publix  Super Markets will open its first Floyd County location at the vanishing Hight Homes site by Christmas 2011.

-The developer, Madison Retail LLC, says it is a go and that they'll build a mixed-use center around the grocer. Publix's regional spokeswoman says there were no plans on paper for it last Friday morning. Her list, she notes, changes each week so it could pop soon.

-Insiders are saying several things: A) The Madison deal looks real but has a long, long way to go. B) A local land expert says the Hight site offers the most population density in Rome/Floyd County thanks to the nearby high rises. C) The Ledbetters' proposed retail package across from RiverWalk might be leading in the race to land Publix. Several other sites are still being shopped as well.

-So why are we skeptical of the Publix-Hight acclamation?

-There are other options in play, including the Ledbetters, that offer a better locale for Publix' perceived demographic (a bit more upper-middle class).

-Nothing is final until the doors open. Look to Cartersville where Publix was listed as a signed and sealed deal at Carter Grove Commons. Due to open in 2010, it isn't even on the grocer's development list these days.

-Too many other false starts, including the original Steak N Shake announcement or Cabela's or Appalachian Grill on Broad Street or Seven Hills Town Center or the like. For whatever reason -- some very practical -- we've seen good deals crumble. Or fail upon ignition (Five Guys). People didn't believe the latest Steak N Shake report until Johnny Carino's was so much rubble.

-What to believe: You can see definitive, on-the-way, coming-up-soon evidence of the new cancer center and specialty hospital and Barron Stadium enhancements and the new rec center just by driving around Second Avenue and Turner McCall. For each of those, the deals are cut, finances in order, even SPLOST funds in the bank or on the way (Barron, rec center).

-The bottom line: We'll buy into the Publix/Hight hype when we see the "opening soon" sign on the store's doors. As we wrote to a colleague who's convinced of the Hight deal: The loser (who gets it wrong) buys lunch . . . at Rome City Market.

Business Buzz:

-Look for news on the sale of the former West Rome Kroger soon. The 58,000-square-foot store closed several years ago had been listed on Loopnet for $1.7 million. We hear there is a buyer (two actually). More this week on what's ahead for the store built in 1988.

-Also in the works: A little bit of movement on some smaller downtown Rome property. We continue to watch another, larger deal as well.

Political Buzz:

-Five forums this week--and at least one the following week: This election season seems more regional than usual and the number of candidate forums shows that. Five forums are set for the coming week including several in Bartow and Floyd, and one in Gordon County. Buckle up for a bumpy last few weeks before the July 20 primary. Click Politics

-Meet the primary candidates -- online -- via our profiles. Click Candidates

Rome Braves' Buzz

-With 'first season' in the can, how did the Rome Braves do?

-The first "half season" is over and perhaps we should be grateful. On the field, the Rome Braves were 30-39 (.435), one game out of the cellar vs. 13 other teams in the South Atlantic League . Savannah and Lakewood earn trips to the post-season. Round two begins Thursday with 70 more games (35 at home).

-On the plus side: Rome's home attendance through 34 home games was 102,270 or 3,008 tickets sold per game. In all of the 2009 season, the average attendance was 2,826 per game so 2010 is up by 6.4 percent at the half-way point.

Rome Braves' third baseman Chris Curley takes a big swing in the team's 5-0 win over the Greenville Drive on June 10. Photo by Mills Fitzner. For more, please see Mills' photos at Gallery.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia

-Peak to FP-Pigments: Esko Sarkki, president of FP Pigments, says his company will open a new manufacturing plant and regional office in Rome within the next nine to10 months. The company will bring 20 new jobs and invest $20 million. That's welcome news in light of the CCH exit and Pierre Foods closing.

-Peak to Saint Mary's Catholic School:Saint Mary's faculty, staff, students and parents worked hard to earn double accreditation, one from the Southern Association of Independent Schools and one from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

-Valley to the Euharlee U-turn: This latest roadblock on the 411 Connector is a nuisance at best, involving property owners, some "high-powered" Atlanta lawyers and a slick bunch of PR spin doctors. The business communities of Floyd and Bartow counties--and commuters--need to unite on this one and get it done. (And why does every Atlanta-based legal or PR firm get christened "high powered?" )

-Valley to the Broad Street repaving project:

Some final words on the recent repaving of Broad Street from First Avenue to Turner McCall. Sure, the resurfaced areas look better than before but why did this stimulus-funded, state Department of Transportation-executed project leave off the area in need of most work? That is, the bridge to South Rome--and beyond? As these Sunday pictures show, there are some repairs and repaving in much greater need. Oh, wait. We did say it was federal stimulus money and a state DOT project. Never mind.

Region grows by 14% since 2001; Bartow, Gordon lead the surge. 'Euh-Turn' on 411 Connector adds spice to legislative races. Hot weekend ahead.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Latest Census estimate: Region's grown nearly 14% since 2001

	July 1, 2009	July 1, 2001	% change
Bartow	94,999	76,019	Up 25%
Chattooga	26,845	25,495	Up 5.3%
Floyd	95,696	90,811	Up 5.4%
Gordon	52,964	44,388	Up 19.3%
Polk	42,081	38,258	Up 10%
Region	312,585	274,971	Up 13.7%

Source: Cenus Bureau

The latest population estimates from the Census office are out and the county-by-county guestimates show we're "up in all areas."

-Once again leading the surge is Bartow County with 94,999 residents as of 11 months ago, up 25 percent from 76,019 in July 2001. That's almost 19,000 new comers in eight years. Gordon County grew by almost 8,600 people, or 19.3%, followed by nearly 5,000 in Floyd (up 5.4 percent). Polk was up 10 percent or by 3,823 people while Chattooga's 1,350 newcomers boosted the total by 5.3 percent. Chattooga actually lost 35 residents in 2009 when compared to the previous year.

-What's driving growth: The I-75 corridor is powering the Bartow and Gordon growth rates while Polk is seeing increases thanks to the population boom in Paulding County. Paulding is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.

Final day for new, lapsed voters to register for primary is Monday:

-Monday is the deadline for voter registration for the primary. If you need to register to vote, you can print out an application online from the Secretary of State's My Voter Page (click). Because the deadline is Monday, applicants will need to personally return their completed form to the County Elections office at 105 N. Bartow St. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

-More registration: While those who aren't able to register by Monday can't vote July 20, they can still register through Oct. 4 for the Nov. 2 general election.

'Euharlee U-turn' on 411 Connector property could spice up final weeks of campaign: The city of Euharlee's decision to take in an easement way beyond its city limits and smack in the path of the 411 Connector will have conspiracy theorists going for months although the intent behind the deal is crystal clear. (Click WBHF) The midweek stunner does something else: it adds a whole new level of debate in the state House 14 and 15 races as well as state Senate 52 campaigns. Look for voters at the upcoming candidate forums to pin down the legislative hopefuls on their take on the latest attempt to stall the connector. Click upcoming forums.

June 22: Bartow Business Connection to meet; regional owners invited, too: The next meeting of the Bartow Business Connection is set for 4 to 7 p.m. at Cartersville County Club. Invitations have been extended to businesses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk and Paulding counties. Club manager Maury McDonald and his staff will have free Cokes, tea and coffee. There will be a cash bar with $1 Bud Light draught and other beverage specials. They also will be handing out samples and appetizers from their award-winning kitchen led by renowned chef Derek Morgan. Also: drawings for a free dinner-for-two and free golf outings.  Facebook

What's ahead in Bartow County this weekend:

-City of Cartersville to be testing local fire hydrants this week. Location schedule

-6/18: Gospel benefit set for the American Cancer Society: The site is The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville. Tickets are available at all Bartow County Bank locations. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Performing will be The Gentrys and The Hoppers. For more: Freddie Gunn at 770-382-2572, Pam Brown at 770-655-3853 or Fredia Hall at 770-382-2418.

-June 19: Voter Registration Drive,  Dellinger Park, 6-9 p.m. Registration for new or lapsed voters ends the evening of June 21.

Thursday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

 

Your latest forecast:

-Air quality alert for Bartow County, much of metro Atlanta. Details

-Friday: High of 93, mostly sunny.

-Friday night: Low of 66, partly cloudy.

-Saturday: High of 93 with a 20% rain chance.

-Saturday night: Lof of 67; rain chance at 20%.

-Sunday: 92 with a 20% rain chance.

-Sunday night: Low of 68; another 20% shot at rain.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-The Irish and the Globetrotters are the only independent teams left in the 21st Century.

Rome Braves. Sports

-Braves open home stand with  6-1 win over RiverDogs.

-Tonight: Charleston RiverDogs vs. Rome, 7 p.m., State Mutual Stadium.

-Mills Fitzner's home game photos. Click

Employment: 1,400 new jobs since May 09; first-time jobless claims tumble; state jobless rate dips. also: House District 15 candidate profiles

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Triple shot of improving employment news but . . .

-Rome/Floyd County sees 1,400-job spike in May.

-First-time jobless insurance claims tumble in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon Polk.

-Georgia's overall jobless rate drops slightly to 10.2%

Surprising surge in local jobs: More people were working in Rome/Floyd County last month than in any time in the past 13 months, the latest reports from the Georgia Department of Labor show. Rome/Floyd picked up 1,400 jobs between May 2009 and last month, boosting the labor force to 40,300. That's the highest since 40,100 jobs in December. But a caveat: That number could tumble as CCH Small Firm Services starts its nearly 400-job exodus from West Rome to Kennesaw this month and Pierre Foods idles 350 employees by August.

	May 2010	April 2010	May 2009	12-month change
Bartow	620	823	1,069	Down 42.0%
Chattooga	97	114	95	Up 2.1%
Floyd	789	864	1,024	Down 22.9%
Gordon	442	614	1,010	Down 56.2%
Polk	289	435	491	Down 41.1%
Georgia	57,919	60,661	75,436	Down 23.2

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Big year-over-year drop in first-time jobless claims in most counties: The second dose of good news comes from a look at first-time unemployment insurance benefit claims filed with the labor department. Gordon County reported a 56.2 percent drop--568 claims--in May compared to the same month last year. Floyd posted nearly a 23 percent drop while Bartow saw a 42 percent drop and Polk County was down 41.1 percent.  Chattooga saw a slight 2.1 percent bump. Statewide reduction: 23.2 percent.

State's jobless rate drops slightly in May, from 10.3% to 10.2%:

-Fourth month of improving numbers but . . . : Georgia's job market showed a modest improvement for the fourth consecutive month. The number of payroll jobs in May increased 24,700, from 3,818,700 in April to 3,843,400. But, the number of jobs remains less than in May 2009, when there were 3,911,400 payroll jobs, 1.7 percent, or 68,000 more than this year.
-Says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond:"It's disturbing that the number of long-term unemployed Georgia workers is growing by the thousands," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "There are some signs of improvement in the job market, but we must have robust private sector job creation before our economy will fully recover."
-Where job loses came from: Most were filed in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction, and administrative and support services. 

Profiles of House District 15 candidates Paul Battles and Hayden Collins: Natalie Simms profiles the two GOP candidates who meet in the July 20 primary. They have no Democratic opposition. For more, click House 15

In memoriam

-Services today for former Calhoun officer killed in Afghanistan: Services for Calhoun Police Officer Wayne Willard are scheduled for 5 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church at 1170 Rome Road, SW, Calhoun for a 5 p.m. service. A civilian contractor, he was killed in Afghanistan on June 7 during a terrorist attack. Obituary.

Thursday's Buzz (subscribe here)

-Harbin Clinic Vein Center adds 'Veinwave' to treat spider veins. Health

-City of Cartersville to be testing local fire hydrants this week. Location schedule

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-6/17: Chattahoochee Tech graduation to feature another big class: After breaking enrollment records for three straight quarters, Chattahoochee Technical College is set to break another record with the number of students graduating during its spring commencement. An estimated 909 graduates will be recognized at the ceremony, only the second for the newly merged school, scheduled for June 17. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m.

-6/17: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines. Click Agenda

-6/18: Gospel benefit set for the American Cancer Society: The site is The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville. Tickets are available at all Bartow County Bank locations. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Performing will be The Gentrys and The Hoppers. For more: Freddie Gunn at 770-382-2572, Pam Brown at 770-655-3853 or Fredia Hall at 770-382-2418.

-June 22: WBHF AM 1450 adds Atlanta Braves baseball: You can hear the Braves throughout the season on WBHF AM 1450.

Thursday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 95, 20% chance of showers.

-Thursday night: Low of 67, 20% chance of showers.

-Friday: High of 94 with a 20% rain chance.

-Friday night: Low of 69; rain chance at 20 percent.

-Weekend overview:  Highs of mid-90s, lows in upper 60s. Slight rain chance.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-The ACC may be balanced this year in football but that doesn't translate into strong.

Rome Braves. Sports

-Swept away: Savannah sweeps three games from Rome Braves. Wednesday's finale: 12-0 SandGnats.

-Tonight: Charleston RiverDogs vs. Rome, State Mutual Stadium.

-Mills Fitzner's home game photos. Click