Friday, April 29, 2011

Continuing coverage of the storm aftermath. What's ahead this weekend in Bartow County

 

Latest storm recovery updates from Northwest Georgia:

-Link to county-by-county reports from Wednesday's storms.

-'EF2' tornado, with 125-mph winds, smashed parts of Floyd.

-209 homes damaged, destroyed in Floyd; 200 in Bartow; 20-25 in Polk.

-Bartow County schools closed Friday.

-Full power restoration in Floyd, Bartow by Saturday?

-Shorter resumes normal schedule as power returns.

-How to help storm victims. Rome Braves,Red Cross team up.  

 

Today's Buzz:

-Huge weekend ahead with Taste of Cartersville, Booth's Civil War events.

-United Community Banks report $142.5 million quarterly loss.

-Facebook's new Deals program, competing with Groupon, available to Bartow County users.

-GNTC honors Rockmart company, Rome study.

-CRBI's first new test of the Etowah has surprising results.

 

Your weekend forecast:

-Friday: Sunny, high of 77, low of 46.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 82, low of 53.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 86, low of 56. Overnight rain chance: 30%

 

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Meyer's daughter: no Ohio State. What's with gay bashing?

     

Rome Braves: 

-Braves break eight-game skid, win double header vs. Tourists. Scores: 8-7 and then 6-4.

-Next:  Asheville tonight; home Saturday vs. Hagerstown through May 3.

-Latest photos by Mills Fitzner.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bartow County schools closed today. Continuing updates

 

LATEST UPDATES FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY'S STORMS

-Bartow County schools closed today as are Floyd County schools.

-Please check back throughout the morning for additional closings or delayed openings.

-In  Georgia: At least 11 deaths. Southeast: 76 killed by storms.

-Georgia Power: 54,000 without power, including customers in Floyd and Bartow counties.

-Weather service map tracks deadly storms across the state.

-What GEMA had to say about the first wave of storms.

-Forecast for today, weekend: Clearing skies, warmer temperatures.

 

Latest community updates. 

 

Norman Arey's column resumes Friday.

 

Rome Braves play double-header tonight vs. Asheville; weather delayed Wednesday's game.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Hope Center at Cartersville Medical Center to Offer Free Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Screenings

  Local physicians will provide free oral, head and neck cancer screenings on Friday, May 20 from 1 until 4:30 p.m. at The Hope Center at Cartersville Medical Center.  Oral, head and neck cancers claim approximately 12,000 lives per year. If diagnosed early, these cancers can be more easily treated without significant complications, and the chances of survival greatly increase. 

 

Just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it isn't there.  Just ask the more than 50,000 Americans who were diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck last year.  Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, for some, it's too late.

 

Dr. William Thoms, Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Lorie Hughes, Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Madhurima Uppalapati, Medical Oncologist/Hematologist and Dr. Bradley Goff, Otolaryngologist will conduct the simple 10 minute test to determine the risk or presence of oral, head and neck cancers.

 

Who should get tested?

Every adult should be tested. Tobacco and alcohol users traditionally have been considered the populations at greatest risk for these cancers.  However, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke, and recent research indicates this development is due partly to the increase of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, a cancer-causing infection that can be transmitted by oral sex.  HPV-related oral cancers are more difficult to detect because these cancers usually occur on the back of the tongue or on the tonsils, providing even more reason to get screened regularly.

 

 

What are the potential warning signs of oral cancers?

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer often go unnoticed.  However, there are a few visible signs associated with these cancers that require immediate attention, including:

·         Red or white patches in the mouth that last more than two weeks

·         Change in voice or hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks

·         Sore throat that does not subside

·         Pain or swelling in the mouth or neck that does not subside

·         Lump in the neck

·         Ear pain

·         Difficulty speaking or swallowing

·         Difficulty breathing

 

If you have any of the above warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings.  Seek medical attention immediately.

 

How can I get screened locally?

The Hope Center at Cartersville Medical Center will offer free oral cancer screenings in observance of the 14th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW) on Friday, May 20, from 1 until 4:30 p.m.  The screening is painless and only takes about 10 minutes.  If you'll be out-of-town on those dates, free screenings will be offered at more than 200 participating institutions worldwide as part of OHANCAW, which is scheduled for the week of May 8 –14. Visit www.OHANCAW.com for the full list of participating sites and for more information. OHANCAW is sponsored nationally by the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. 

 

Why should I get screened?

If the above stats weren't reason enough, know that the screening is quick, painless and free, and it's right around the corner. Take 10 minutes to do something that could save your life. Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes and chances of survival, particularly for individuals with HPV-related oral cancers.

 

To register for your free oral, head and neck cancer screening, please call MedLine today at 1.800.242.5662.

Storms on the way; evening could be rough. Updates all day on Bartow Headlines. Latest community news, jail reports

 

CONTINUING STORM COVERAGE ALL DAY, EVENING

-Latest updates from the National Weather Service.

-Hour-by-hour forecast; roughest hours tonight?

 

Regular forecast:

-Wednesday: 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. High of 84; gusts to 35 mph.
-Wednesday night: 100% chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm, between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Some storms could be severe with hail, frequent lightning. Low around 59; gusts to 20 mph. Inch of rain.
-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 74, low of 47.

 

Five years later, Craton's Entice still growing.

-May 7 party marks anniversary of opening off Calhoun Highway.

-With sister stores in Athens, Craton hopes to grow across Southeast.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Cartersville, Dalton to host regional reapportionment meetings.

-Gingrey town hall set.

-Latest jail reports.

-Latest community updates, media releases.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Garcia's still No. 1. Ole Miss is haven for displaced quarterbacks

   

Rome Braves: 

-Asheville edges Rome 9-8 as Braves fall for eighth time

-1 p.m. game today. Next: Braves home vs. Asheville through Friday; Hagerstown through May 3.

-Latest photos by Mills Fitzner.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Loudermilk: Session of the General Assembly Included HOPE Reform, Creates Pathways to Economic Development

Media release
 
By Sen. Barry Loudermilk

 

As most of my constituents know, I am a Constitutionalist first and foremost. On my desk in the Senate Chambers, I keep a copy of the U.S. Constitution, the Georgia Constitution,  and the Holy Bible. These are my handbooks as I work for the people of Georgia.

 

Over the past three months, the members of the General Assembly worked 40 days in session to tweak some existing laws and to write some new ones. Legislating is a very slow and cumbersome process, with many more opportunities for bills to fail than to pass. However, that is how our Founders intended it to be. Georgia laws affect each and every resident of this state. Changing laws should not be easy; it should be performed carefully with close scrutiny and respect for the individuals who must abide by those laws.

 

That said, I am proud of the work we performed and proud of our accomplishments this session – my first since leaving the House of Representatives to serve in the Senate.

 

History will show that one of the greatest successes from the 2011 session was the restructuring of the HOPE scholarship program. Increases in tuition, coupled with increases in enrollment, were pitted against a flat revenue stream from the Georgia Lottery, HOPE's only source of money. This great program ensures every student who works hard can go to college without having to worry about the strain of finances. Had we done nothing, the program simply would have gone bankrupt in the next couple years. HOPE is, without a doubt, the best program of its kind in the country. We could not let it go away.

 

Under the new revised HOPE scholarship, money for students is tied to lottery intake, not to tuition. This year, students with a "B" average will have close to 90-percent of their state school tuition covered. The top students, including salutatorians and valedictorians, will have 100-percent of their tuition paid through the addition of a new scholarship named for former-Gov. Zell Miller, the man who first envisioned the HOPE program.

 

As your senators and representatives, we also passed a balanced state budget, despite significant shortfalls in revenue. We did this without raising taxes. We sought out and eliminated waste and juggled some costs to help us push through these difficult financial times. Recovery and prosperity, however, are right around the corner – I believe this in my soul. I only wish our federal government could learn to live within its means and likewise produce a balanced budget without tax increases.

 

One of my initiatives that is certain to help us move toward a better and more affluent future is the formation of a task force that will create a science and technology strategic plan for the state of Georgia. The task force will include some of the best minds in industry, in education, in medicine and in engineering to formulate a plan that will help keep Georgia at the forefront of the technological wave. This task force and plan will cost us nothing, and the legislation I authored to form the task force passed both the Senate and House by wide margins. It awaits the governor's signature.

 

We want technology companies that are currently in Georgia to remain here and we want new technology companies to see Georgia as the best place to be. Jobs in the technological fields are high-paying jobs. In Georgia, the average job in the technology industry pays $30,000 higher than the average non-tech wage. Through the development of a strategic plan for science and technology, we can find ways to bring jobs to Georgia. We must leverage our assets, promote our state, and maintain a business friendly economy where technology can thrive.

 

The General Assembly remains in recess until August, when we begin a special session to re-draw voting districts. Until then, I will move forward with the science and technology plan and will continue to serve, with honor, the people of the 52nd District.                                                          

                                   

Sen. Barry Loudermilk serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee.  He represents the 52nd Senate District, which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties. 

                                   

Two rounds of storms due with 2.5 inches of rain, possible severe weather. Jobless rate drops in March; so does number of employed. We're paying a buck more a gallon for gas vs. a year ago.

 
Severe storms possible; 2.5 inches of rain, too.
-We're expect two rounds of storms, one today and a stronger one on Wednesday. Together, they could leave another 2.5 inches of rain on an already-soaked Northwest Georgia, spawning some flooding concerns.

-Continuing updates all day on Hometown.

The forecast:

-Tuesday: 60% rain chance. High of 82, low of 64.
-Wednesday: 80% chance of severe weather. High of 84, low of 54.

 

First glance at jobless numbers in March look good but ...

-While most of the five-county area saw a decrease in the percentage of people out of work last month vs. March 2010, a closer look shows 908 fewer people were working in the region in March. Complete county-by-county look.

 

Pump shock: We're paying a buck more for gas vs. a year ago.

-Even higher prices on the way? 

  

Latest jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Harvey says he's sorry to all but Auburn; MLB playoffs to grow.
 
Rome Braves:
-Tourists pound Braves,  12-3. Losing streak at seven games.
-Next: Braves home vs. Asheville through Friday; Hagerstown through May 3.
 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Tax break a grand slam for Dream Parks? What's next for NW Regional patients, community. Keep an eye on fate of Polk hospital. Severe weather possible Wednesday.

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here

-Closer look at the closing of Northwest Georgia Regional: What happens to the patients and to the community. First of two parts.

-Surprise tax break awaiting Gov. Nathan Deal's signature could be a grand slam for Dream Parks at LakePoint in Emerson.

-Keep an eye on what happens next with Polk Medical Center.

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: 30% chance of rain. High of 85, low of 62.
-Tuesday: 50% rain chance. High of 85, low of 65.
-Wednesday: 70% chance of severe weather. High of 82, low of 54.

What's ahead in Bartow County:
-Huge weekend with Taste of Cartersville, arts downtown. Plus: Civil War events at the Booth.
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.
 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Tech finds a quarterback? I choose Derrick Williams as my draft pick.

 

Rome Braves:

-Braves were off Sunday; open nine-game homestand tonight vs. Asheville.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Sheriff's 'safety checkpoint' end with three arrests. Jail reports. What's ahead in Bartow. Bank's suit against political duo still valid. Sizzling Easter weekend forecast

 

Sheriff: 'Safety checkpoint' yields wanted suspect, two others.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

AJC: Suit against Graves, Rogers continues despite Bartow County Bank's turnover.

 

Regional buzz:

-Cups & Mugs to pull a couple of all-nighters to help college students facing finals week.

-Bennett's Steakhouse & Grill reopens after refit in Cave Spring.

-Four restaurants score between 42 and 66 in latest public health restaurant inspections. 

-Skytop to return? The Rome News reports new owners hope to have the East Rome landmark back in service by summer or fall. If so, it faces some new players nearby. The latest focus in accommodations has been downtown, with a Hawthorn expansion and perhaps a new 120-room full service hotel on West  Third.

 

Your Easter weekend forecast:

-We have one more day of possible thunderstorms and then prepare for a hot Easter weekend with temperatures approaching 90 today through Sunday.

-Friday: 40% rain chance; high of 80, low of 57.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 88, low of 57.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 89, low of 57

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Auburn abounds in young quarterbacks; Utah should check on AG. 

 

Rome Braves:

-Braves drop fourth straight game; Greensboro wins 7-5.

-Next; Tonight-Saturday in Greenboro.  

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Half inch of rain overnight; 80% chance of storms today. Cartersville council meets tonight. Latest jail reports.

 

WEATHER: Stormy night; 80% chance of more today.

-Nearly half an inch of rain overnight at the airport. Storm warnings were posted for most of the area between 2 and 3 a.m.

-Continuing storm updates today from Bartow Headlines.

-Thursday: 80% chance of showers. High near 79. Low of 59.
-Friday: 30% rain chance; high of 78, low of 58.
-Easter weekend: Mostly sunny, mid 80s, lows near 60.

 

Cartersville City Council meets tonight.

 

Today: Strike out Breast Cancer.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County; latest jail reports.


Calhoun man wins $300,000 Georgia Lottery prize.

  

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-NFL schedule is out. Why? Butler loses an assistant coach.

 

Rome Braves fall, 7-4.

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

$860,000 for Pettit Creek Trail connection project

Media release: State Representative Paul Battles (R-Cartersville), and State Transportation Board member David Doss today announced that the City of Cartersville will receive $860,000 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding for the Pettit Creek Trail Phase III Connectivity Project.

 

This project completes the construction of a multi-use trail that will be approximately 1.7 miles long and will connect to the baseball complex.  In addition, the sidewalk on Cherokee Street and Mission Road will be extended an additional 2400 feet to the intersection of Pettit Creek Trail.

 

"This project will give our community access to our parks and historical sites, giving them an opportunity to walk, run, bike or skate from there to the downtown area," said Rep. Battles. "I am very pleased that we have been able to attain the funding to complete the final phase of this project."

 

The TE program is federally funded and was originally established in 1991 by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The program was continued by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. The Georgia DOT's Office of Program Delivery manages the TE program in Georgia.

 

"This is the largest single TE grant that I have ever awarded to a community," Doss said. "Residents of Cartersville will enjoy these facilities where they can exercise and enjoy the rich history of their community. Rep. Battles was a key advocate in securing TE funds for this project. I am proud that Georgia DOT could make it a reality."

 

Projects funded by the TE program include multi-use facilities such as walking and biking trails and paths; streetscaping and landscaping projects in cities and towns; historic preservation of transportation-related facilities like railroad depots; and scenic preservation of views and scenic byways. Up to 80 percent of the funds being used for these projects have been provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with the local government funding the remainder of the total project cost. The local government project sponsor is responsible for implementing the TE project and obtaining federal reimbursement from Georgia DOT.

 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is governed by the State Transportation Board. Its 13 members, representing each of the state's congressional districts, exercise general control and supervision of the Department. Each member serves a five-year term and the terms are staggered. Board members are elected by the state representatives and senators whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the congressional district.

 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

Severe weather chance today: 70 percent. Updates all day on Bartow Headlines. Plus: Big honors for Bank of the Ozarks. What's ahead in Bartow County. Arey on Sports.

 

SEVERE WEATHER: CONTINUING COVERAGE ALL DAY

-Storm threat at 70% today; rain could start after 8 a.m.

-Severe thunderstorm watch for NE Alabama until 10 am EDT

-The first weather alarm went off at 4:35 this morning as Northeast Alabama was placed under a severe thunderstorm watch. That was followed by a tornado watch in parts of southern Tennessee (click hazardous weather).


Your latest forecast:

-Today: 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 a.m. High near 81. Gusts to 20 mph. Rain: Up to half an inch.
-Tonight: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 8pm. Low around 60. Rainfall: up to half an inch.

-Thursday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 79. Rainfall: up to half an inch.
-Thursday night: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Low of 60.

 

 Huge honors for Bank of the Ozarks: ABA Banking Journal names it the top performing bank in the country.

-Ozarks took over Unity National Bank offices in Rome, Cartersville, Adairsville and Calhoun 13 months ago. 

 

Big drop in first-time unemployment assistance applications throughout Northwest Georgia, state vs. March 2010.

-Some counties say gains from February 2011 count.

What's ahead in Bartow County.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Among Georgia, Louisville and Central Florida, the winner is ...

    

Rome Braves:

-Greensboro takes game one, 4-3.

-Next; Tonight-Saturday in Greenboro.  

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Two Bartow residents among Chattahoochee Tech Foundation scholarship winners

Tara Drummond Memorial Scholarship
Cynthia S. Jinks (Euharlee), Criminal Justice Technology
 
Mike Peterson Memorial Scholarship
Franklin Miller (Cassville), Automotive Technology
 

Media release: The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation honored the winners of 18 different scholarships that have been awarded to students at the largest technical college in Georgia Tuesday. The 30 winners, including the two above from Bartow County, will be able to use the money and items received toward achieving their educational goals.

"The availability of scholarship funds truly makes a difference to the students at Chattahoochee Tech," said Melinda Ashcraft, president of the CTC Foundation. "Many people assume that funds awarded through the HOPE scholarship and grant programs and funds awarded through other sources such as the PELL grant will cover everything that our students need, but that's not the case. Often, students are not able to afford textbooks or special equipment or uniforms needed for their program of study."

The winners of all the scholarships competed against about 100 applicants from CTC. In addition to meeting the special criteria for certain scholarships, applicants must meet the criteria of having a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at CTC full time. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $2,500.

In addition to scholarships, the three foundations also provide emergency funds and other assistance to keep students in school.

For more information on the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation call 770-528-4522 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/visitors/foundation/  

Crisis in Japan already hurting local car inventories. More rough weather expected Wednesday. What's ahead in Bartow County. Jail reports. Rome Braves lose. Arey on Sports

 

Crisis in Japan to limit car availability in U.S., Northwest Gerogia soon, says Heritage's Barron.

-Inventory could get tight in 60-90 days.

 

Keep an eye on Wednesday's weather.

-More severe storms due (70% chance after 2 p.m.)

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Rome/Floyd lose 300  jobs in March vs. same month in 2010.

-Plus side: State's jobless rate drops to 10%

 

Third Holy Week pilgrimage by immirgants includes stop in Cartersville.

 

Eight promotions, hires at Coosa Valley Credit Union. 

 

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: 20% rain chance. High of 85, low of 60.
-Wednesday: 60% chance of storms. High of 85, low of 59.

 

Norman Arey:

-Tar Heels definitely are preason No. 1 in men's basketball.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Third bank in 13 months with major Bartow ties taken over. Easter pet sales have retailers hopping. Sunny, low 80s today. Rome Braves win. Arey on Sports

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here

-Another bank with Bartow ties falls; Hamilton State takes over.

-Three banks, including two based in Cartersville, have been taken over in 13 months.

-Easter pet demand has sales hopping at local retailers.

-Bunnies, chicks, ducks out the door almost as soon as they arrive.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: Sunny, high of 82, low of 51.
-Tuesday: 20% rain chance. High of 85, low of 62.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.
-A player in street clothes drew most attention at G-Day game. 
 
Rome Braves score early, win 6-1 Sunday.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Storm clean up begins. Bartow County Bank closed; reopens as Hamilton State. Officer-involved shooting probed

Incredible news day:Regional storm coverage. Rome pounded by suspected funnel cloud. Clean-up continues in Bartow; WBHF has the updates. Steeplechase a go. Latest weather: clearing skies. Bartow County Bank fails; reopens today as Hamilton State Bank. Officer shoots suspect; investigation continues. 2 dead in W. Rome shooting. Fatal fire in Cartersville. http://www.bartowheadlines.com

Friday, April 15, 2011

Hamilton State Bancshares acquires Bartow County Bank from FDIC

Media release: Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc., a locally owned and operated bank holding company based in Braselton, announced today that it has acquired all deposits and certain assets and other liabilities of Bartow County Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as Receiver pursuant to a purchase and assumption agreement entered into on April 15, 2011.

The four branches of Bartow County Bank will reopen during their normal business hours beginning on Saturday, April 16, 2011, as branches of Hamilton State Bank.

Bartow County Bank customers may continue to conduct normal banking business and will have access to all of their accounts. In addition, all outstanding Bartow County Bank checks will be processed, and customers may continue to write Bartow County Bank checks and use their ATM and debit cards. Bartow County Bank loan customers also should continue to make their regular payments. New and existing customers will receive additional information from Hamilton State Bank in the near future.

The acquired Bartow County Bank operations are headquartered in Cartersville, Georgia, operating a total of four branches in Bartow and Cobb counties, Georgia. As of December 31, 2010, Bartow County Bank had total assets of approximately $330 million and total deposits of approximately $304 million.

"As a growing community bank with branches in six northeast Georgia towns, we look forward to this opportunity to broaden our bank's market and serve new communities in Georgia," said Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver. "We welcome our new customers and assure them that they will be served by the same friendly professionals at each of the Bartow County Bank branches in the days to come. We appreciate the loyalty of Bartow County Bank's customers and plan to enhance the high level of quality services to which they are accustomed."

"Our goal is to have all Hamilton State Bank offices operating on the same system in the months to come in order to provide streamlined, consistent service to all our customers," Oliver added.

Led by an executive team with decades of community banking experience, Hamilton State Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. The company focuses on conservative and sound banking practices.

Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. recently completed a private offer and sale of common stock and securities convertible and exercisable into common stock that together resulted in proceeds of approximately $231.6 million. The offering was led by investments in the company by affiliates of Angelo, Gordon & Co. and Tailwind Capital, each of which invested approximately $60 million. Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. and Hamilton State Bank are among the highest capitalized banking companies in the state of Georgia.

The acquisition solidifies Hamilton State Bank's position as a full-service bank offering a variety of services to its customers from its offices in Barrow, Hall, Forsyth, Jackson, Bartow and Cobb counties in Georgia. With the acquisition, Hamilton State now has approximately $602 million in total assets and $497 million in deposits.

To learn more about Hamilton State Bank, visit www.hamiltonstatebank.com.

April 21: CHS Canes, Cartersville Medical Cetner host 'Strike Out Breast Cancer'

Media release: On a typical spring evening at the Cartersville Baseball Complex, the Hurricanes varsity baseball team can be seen dressed out in purple, gold and white (its school colors).  But Thursday, April 21 will be anything but typical.  That evening is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and to honor breast cancer survivors.  Festivities are scheduled to begin at the baseball complex at 5:30 p.m.

 

Partnering with Cartersville Medical Center and The Hope Center Foundation (a non-profit entity of The Hope Center), the event is one of the special community events chosen by Head Coach Stuart Chester to feature during the Canes 2011 regular season.  "Breast cancer strikes 1 in 8 women," said Chester.  He continued, "These women are our community's mothers, sisters, and daughters;  as athletes, we wanted to show our support and assist with fundraising to support resources provided by the local Hope Center Foundation."

 

Nan Adsit, mother of freshman Canes player Alex Adsit and breast cancer survivor, will throw out the first pitch.  A balloon release ceremony in honor and memory of those who have battled breast cancer will immediately follow.  Cartersville Medical Center staff will distribute free giveaways and provide face painting for the children.  Additionally, representatives from The Hope Foundation will accept donations in return for a silver and pink "Strike Out Breast Cancer" cause bracelet.  The Canes concession stand will feature pink popcorn, pink cupcakes, pink lemonade and pink Italian ice, among other favorites, for sale.

 

Finally, the Cartersville Hurricanes, wearing special pink game shirts, will host Murray County beginning at 5:55 p.m. 

 

Admission for breast cancer survivors is free; regular admission is only $5.

 

For more information, call Ginger Tyra at Cartersville Medical Center, 770.607.1017.

April 18: Expect lane closure on I-75 North in Bartow County

 
 

WHEN:          Monday, April 18, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

                               

WHERE:     Interstate 75 northbound between mile markers 280 and 281 in Bartow County

 

WHAT         Motorists should expect the closure of the right lane of I-75 northbound between Exits 278/Glade Road and 283/Old Alabama Road in Bartow County.  This lane

                     closure is necessary for Georgia DOT maintenance crews to repair deteriorating asphalt patches on this stretch of the Interstate. This maintenance operation and

                     the lane closure it necessitates are weather permitting and subject to change.

                         

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other road project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia's economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century.  Georgia is the 6th fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

 

# # #

 

usty day, stormy night ahead; updates all day. Steeplechase: clearing, high near 70. Jail updates. What's ahead in Bartow County

 

Weather: Tonight could get nasty; today will be gusty.

-Storms due in Northwest Georgia around sundown.

-Winds to pick up after lunch, could top 30 mph.

-Weather updates all day, night; first thing Saturday.

  

Bartow County Jail updates.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County this weekend.

 

The Buzz:

-Income taxes due Monday (April 18) this year.

-Free coffee, free fries? Here's how.

 

Weekend calendar:

-Steeplechase on Saturday.

-Palm Sunday, start of Holy Week.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Friday: 60 to 80% chance of storms. High of 76. Gusts: 35 mph.
-Friday night: 80% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Storms could be severe. Low around 56. Gusts as high as 25 mph. Rainfall: 1 to 2 inches.

-Saturday: 20% chance of rain before 2 p.m. High of 70. Gusts: 20 mph.
-Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 75, low of 44.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-UCLA copying Paul Johnson? Bad week for Nutt, Rebs.

 

Rome Braves: 

-Opening home stand ends on an up note as Braves take series vs. Augusta, three games to one. Final Thursday: 4-2 Braves.  

-Up next: On the road until April 25.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sunday Duathlon in Cartersville

This upcoming Sunday, April 17th, PT Solutions is holding a duathlon that will start at Dellinger Park at 8:00 A.M., with activities ending around noon.  The City is aware of the event, and the Police Department is partnering with PT Solutions to minimize traffic delays as much as possible.  This includes police providing direction at various intersections. In addition to the Connect-CTY message that went out last Friday and going out again tomorrow to residents in the area, churches in the proximity have been contacted regarding the event and potential delays.  The following delays can be expected:

 

·         The intersection of Pine Grove Road and Douthit Ferry Road is expected to be closed to all traffic from 8:00 A.M. until 8:30 A.M. while the first 5K is taking place.

·         The intersection of Pine Grove and Etowah Drive will be closed while the bikes clear, which should be between 8:20 and 8:45 A.M., then will re-open.

·         Other intersections that will be closed at some point during the event include the eastbound traffic on Old Mill at Etowah Drive.

·         No road will be closed entirely to both lanes of traffic; however, traffic will be re-routed for safety reasons.  For example, traffic turning off Indian Trail, from Pine Grove Baptist Church or subdivisions on Pine Grove will be required to travel south on Pine Grove temporarily.

 

Information and maps of the race can be found at http://ptssports.com/pt-solutions-cartersville-duathlon/.  Additionally, questions can be addressed by calling Captain Jason DiPrima at the Cartersville Police Department at 770-382-2526.  Thank you for your patience with this event.

 

 

 

 

'TOR-CON index and Friday's severe weather. Streetscape grant for Adairsville. Three Adairsville men jailed. Latest jail reports. Gingrey on House/Obamacare vote

 

Weather Channel's  'tornado index' rates NW Georgia a 3 (low) on chances of having a twister here in Friday's severe weather. 

 

Big Streetscape grant for Adairsville.

 

Three Adairsville men held in vehicle thefts

-Latest Bartow County Jail reports.


Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 77, low of 48.

-Friday: 70% chance of storms, high of 76; low of 55, 30% overnight.

-Weekend: 30% rain chance Saturday, highs near 70.

-Weekend: 30% rain chance Saturday, highs in the 70s.

 

Latest public health restaurant scores: A 100 for Okinawa in Cartersville but rough week for country club.

 

Business & Health:

-Slight dip in first quarter earnings for Bank of the Ozarks.

-State House honors Harbin Clinic..

 

Gingrey on House vote on 'Obamacare.'

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Tech may gain two, 'Dawgs lose two; NFL preseason ridiculous.

 

Rome Braves: 

-14 innings later, Rome Braves take 6-5 win over Augusta. 

-Up next: 7 tonight at State Mutual, then on the road until April 25.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

More layoffs in carpet industry (Shaw in Dalton). Battles, Coomer vote no on Sunday package sales vote (it passes). Storms due night before Steeplechase. Free fries frenzy. Arey on sports

 

Another spun yard plant closing in Dalton; 306 jobs lost.

-Cartersville went through it last summer with Mohawk plant; Tifton saw its spun yarn plant close in January 2010. Total jobs: 908.

 

House sends Sunday package sales option to Deal for signature 

-Bill lets local communities decide on Sunday sales.

-No votes: Battles, Coomer, Crawford, Reece. Yes: Dempsey of Rome.

 

Rough weather due day before Steeplecase this year

-Friday night be rough; gusty and cooler Saturday, 68 degrees.

-Complete weather below.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

Dining:

-Coconuts reopens for spring, summer seasons.

-Free fries: Arby's has free fries on Friday -- if you go to Facebook. Hardee's fries and a high five with the Rome Braves.

 

Regional buzz:

-Close call for sky diving plane pilot in Cedartown.

-Former congressional candidate here gives up Senate leadership spot over email questions.

-Latest health and education updates. 


Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77, low of 42.
-Thursday: High of 78, low of 50. 20% rain chance.
-Friday: Storms on the way.
 
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.
-Jimmer 'quits' classes; concussions haunt Terry Bradshaw.
 
Rome Braves:
-Augusta bounces back, beat Braves, 5-3. 
-Up next: 1 p.m. game today at State Mutual.