Chattahoochee Tech's Glenn Rasco to retire

 

 

(Marietta, Ga. – June 29, 2012) For Glenn Rasco, life after retirement might be almost as busy as his days as Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President of Community and Economic Development. So while he won't officially say goodbye to that role at Georgia's largest technical college until the end of July, he's already got his eye on many of the things he plans to do. Between fishing with his wife, Sharon, and enjoying football and his favorite University of Alabama team, Rasco plans to continue his work with the First Baptist Church of Jasper where he teaches Sunday School and serves as a Deacon, as well as participating in more than 20 mission trips. Then there are his five grandchildren. "I truly enjoy time spent with them, and look forward to many more adventures," Rasco said. Rasco started out as a mine manager with Georgia Marble Company, moving from that into mine safety training for the industry in North Georgia. It was that experience that led him to his role as the director of the mine safety program at Appalachian Technical College. In 1998 he was named the Vice President of Community and Economic Development at Appalachian Technical College, a role he has continued in after the merger of Appalachian Technical College, North Metro Technical College and Chattahoochee Technical College in 2009. However, this wasn't the career path that he says he always thought he would take. "If you told me as a child that I would be doing what I've done for the last 26 years, I would have thought you were totally crazy," said Rasco. At Chattahoochee Technical College Rasco has lead a team in putting together successive annual increases in all performance statistics, including the number of people trained, training hours, businesses and industries served and the dollars generated. In fiscal year 2011, the team had more than 3,500 non-credit students enrolled in classes and more many local, regional and national companies participating in contract services for approximately 5,400 employees. His team of approximately 48 employees is funded by outside funds and monies. Serving a six county area of North Georgia, Rasco and his team's efforts are visible throughout the region. All six counties have been named as Georgia Certified Work Ready Communities. It is the link between the programs available and the unemployed and underemployed that Rasco says has motivated him over the years. "When you see the reactions of students that were recently unemployed for months with no real hope, successfully complete a training program and then get a good job because of the training, you cannot help but be moved," said Rasco.　"When students tell you that they were promoted on the job because of supervisory or management training you conducted, you remember that." While there have been changes in the way workforce development occurs and is viewed, Rasco said that one of the biggest differences he sees now is the importance of continuing ones education. "Workforce development training has reached critical importance," said Rasco.　"The diversity and complexity of today's jobs require much more skill and education than at any time in history.　 Technical education has gone from a good thing in the past to a critical requirement in today's world." To Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb, Rasco's success in navigating through the changes is a testament to his innate entrepreneurial spirit. "He knows how to identify the services needed by potential clients and how to serve those clients while generating a dollar for the college," Dr. Newcomb said. "His entrepreneurship is widely recognized by his colleagues within the college and also by business and industry in the community." For Rasco the credit lies with his staff of employees in Community and Economic Development. "I take great pride in all that the folks in Community & Economic Development have been able to accomplishment, and quite frankly, what they will continue to accomplish after I am gone," he said. "The people who work in the department have done all the work, and it has been a pleasure to watch it happen."

 

Look for record heat starting today. Latest on burglary arrests; jail reports due later today. T-SPLOST forum Saturday.

For more on these headlines and today's breaking news, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Heat Wave 2012
-Thursday's high of 101 came close to record 104 for June 28.
-Records to fall today, Saturday,  Sunday if forecast holds.
-More bad air in Bartow, metro Atlanta on Friday.
-Tips on keeping safe during this heat wave.

The forecast:

-Friday: High of 105, low of 69.

-Saturday: High of 104, low of 71.

-Sunday: High of 102, low of 71.

 

Two arrests in burglary case.

-Later today: Latest jail reports.

 

Bids sought for La Parrilla coming to Charles Hight Square.

Crazy day in Washington D.C.
-Reaction from a wild day in Washington, from the U.S. Supreme Court's upholding of Obamacare to the House's contempt vote against Attorney General Eric Holder.
-Today at 8:10 a.m. on Hometown Radio, U.S. Rep. Tom Graves joins us on WRGA 1470 AM to discuss both.

Regional T-SPLOST town hall meeting is Saturday:
-Sponsored by Rome Tea Party, look for chamber members to attend as well as those from surrounding counties.

Rome's Michelle Sacco seeks 'Love in the Wild.'
-Summer reality TV show on NBC features spirited Pepperell grad

Thursday's public health restaurant inspection scores.
-Plus the weekly regional update.

Deadline to register to vote in July 31 primary is Monday.
-Nearly 45,000 eligible in Floyd; almost 50,000 in Bartow.

Georgia Highlands' 'Highlander' now online.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including:
-County ag agent Keith Mickler on helping your lawn, plants, gardens cope with the heat wave.
-Kristi Kent from parks and rec on the Independence Day celebration at Ridge Ferry Park.
-U.S. Rep. Tom Graves on the Obamacare ruling Thursday.
-Sgt. Mike Barr of the Department of Natural Resources on waterways safety over the long Independence Day holiday.

 

Rome Braves win 4-2, take series vs. Greenville. Kannapolis in town for five starting tonight.

July 7: Sen. Barry Loudermilk speaks on the 'Foundations of Freedom'

Media release: State Sen. Barry Loudermilk will be presenting his Foundations of Freedom program at Cassville Baptist Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. July 7. The program, a five-part series, will run until 3:30 PM.

Foundations of Freedom is an educational and inspirational program that reveals the true foundations of our nation, as expressed through our founding documents.

There is a renewed interest among Americans to understand the basis of our government and the principles of the Constitution. However, to fully understand the type of government our Founding fathers envisioned, we must understand the ideas and beliefs of the men who designed it.

Senator Loudermilk's Foundations of Freedom program explores the faith, philosophy and Biblical worldview of our founding fathers, as expressed through the founding documents of this nation. All are welcome to participate as we learn how to Restore America!

There is no cost to attend. A Chick-Fil-A lunch will be offered by the church for $5 per meal.

Heat wave begins today, forecast through Monday. How to cope. Later today: jail updates. Expanded dining scores; two restaurants below 60. Guide to high court's Obamacare ruling.

For more on these and the latest headlines, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Get ready to sizzle this weekend in Northwest Georgia
-Temperatures will reach 100 today, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
-Look for several records to fall this weekend.
-Code Orange smog alert for Bartow, metro ATL.
-Check Florida roads before heading south -- or north.

Forecast:

-Thursday: High of 99, low of 64. Gusts to 15 mph.

-Friday: High of 101, low of 68.

-Saturday: High of 100, low of 71.

 

Later this morning: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Signs go up on Curlee's Fish House.

Dining:
-Two area restaurants score below 60 this week.

How to track today's landmark Supreme Court decision on Obamacare. Links to key websites, Facebook updates.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including:
-Dr. Robert Holcombe on how to cope with the upcoming heat when outdoors.
-John McClellan on the new "final four" college football playoffs and T-minus two months to high school kickoff.
-Ashley Michelle Lee, who will be a Rome delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
-Brandon Pruett, a Pepperell High junior who's become a local cycling sensation; he'll spend much of August in Belgium racing.

 

Rome Braves fall 6-1 to Greenville; day game today begins at 1 p.m. at State Mutual Stadium.

Smog alert today for Bartow, metro Atlanta. Cool start to day to melt in upcoming heat wave. Latest jail reports. Regional Buzz.

For more on these and other headlines, please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Code Orange smog alert for Bartow County, much of metro Atlanta.

 

Daily public health restaurant scores: Several Adairsville stops Tuesday.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail updates.

 

Redmond Regional's new offices in Cedartown taking shape.
-Look for occupancy on North Main by September.

Pepperell High's Brandon Pruett to race in Belgium in August.
-Latest update on rising star local cyclist.

Rome City Manager John Bennett honored by cities group.

Top This, newest player in frozen yogurt surge, sets July 7 grand opening in Cedartown.

Cool mornings to melt quickly under incoming heat wave

-Wednesday: High of 93, low of 59.

-Thursday: High of 96, low of 66.

-Friday: High of 98, low of 67.

 

Debby, a depression, cuts through Florida, now in Atlantic
-Check the roads around Florida if you're heading south for vacation or trying to make it home. Fla DOT // Alerts

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online

-Please join our guests today including
-John Quinlivan, chief executive officer of Redmond Regional Medical Center, on Redmond's 40th anniversary and what's next.
-Mike Morton of the Rome Tea Party on Saturday's multicounty T-SPLOST forum in Armuchee.
-Mike Pennington, executive director of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, on what's next for our region and our state.

 

Braves win again, 3-2, over Greenville.

Sizzling summer continues with 97 Monday, slight break today. Latest on Storm Debby. Later this morning: updated Bartow County Jail reports.

For these and our latest headlines, please join us at http://www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Bartow Business and Contractors host 'triangle party' today in Cartersville.

 

Later this morning: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

New Dollar Tree by Mount Berry Square should be open by Aug. 15; hiring about to begin.

The Hon Co. in Cedartown needs 30 employees now; job fair Wednesday.

After another sweltering day -- 97 degrees -- we get a bit of a break today (91) but look for more upper 90s through Sunday.
-Latest forecast shows little if any rain this week.

Florida seeing incredible rainfall as Debby inches closer
-Storm's 45-mph winds, heavy rain heading toward Gulf Coast at just 3 mph.

Latest community updates

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online

-Please join our guests today including
-Crystal Paulk-Buchanan with Georgia Emergency Management as that office tracks Tropical Storm Debby and its potential impact on the state.
-Eric Lindberg, Rome's environmental services director, on what the high court ruling on Lanier's water means to Rome.
-Peter Lawler, Dana professor of government at Berry College, on what we might expect from the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the Obamacare debate.

 

Rome Braves win home opener 4-2 in series with Greenville Drive. Braves home through July 3.

 

Debby downer: Storm dousing some vacation plans. Mid-90s here today. Latest restaurant updates. Behind those public health inspection scores. Gas down a nickel.

For these and our latest updates, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Tropical Storm Debby dousing some vacation plans
-With 60-mph winds, the storm continues to creep toward the Saint George Island area on Florida's Gulf Coast with landfall not expected until  Friday.

What's Buzzing in Northwest Georgia: The Buzz

-Updates on the restaurants coming to Northwest Georgia.

-What those public health inspection reports mean in the local restaurant battle.

-First look at Independence Day events in Northwest Georgia.

Gas prices: You're paying a nickel less per gallon this week although one station still has prices way up there.

Weather: After 95 on Sunday, a 'slight' cool down to 94 today

-Monday: High of 94, low of 65.

-Tuesday: High of 88, low of 62.

-Wednesday: High of 91, low of 64.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online

-Please join our guests today including Joe McCutcheon on the Mitt Romney-Tom Graves ticket rumors (see Sunday's AJC); Dr. Laura Musselwhite on Georgia Highlands' four-year nursing degree; and John Hickman, professor of government and international studies at Berry College, on his recent Foreign Policy article on China's lunar ambitions of putting a man on the moon by 2020.

 

Rome Braves fall 4-1 Sunday, open nine-game home stand tonight at State Mutual Stadium.

Georgia Highlands gets OK for nursing degree. What's ahead in Bartow. Latest jail reports. New restaurant -- and hotel? -- for Greater Rome.

For these headlines and today's latest updates, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

Georgia Highlands gets OK to offer a bachelor of science nursing degree.

Corrected Northwest Georgia jobless report. Business

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

Magnolia Restaurant coming to former Country Gentleman
-Anthony Hooper applies for beer, wine, liquor pouring permits.
-Changes under way at Chateau Drive location.

Rome, developers close to 'memorandum of understanding' on West Third hotel: Deal could be finalized today with Samson Developers.
Weekend weather
-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 93, low of 65.
-Saturday: High of 94, low of 67.
-Sunday: 20% rain chance, high of 92, low of 68.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Ryan Simmons of the Rome International Film Festival; National Exchange President Sid Mobley, who's in town to install the new slate of officers; and Keith Mickler of the extension service on summer, gardens and drought conditions.

 

Rome Braves open second half with big 7-3 win over Asheville.

Bartow's jobless rate drops to 8.9%, lowest in region; ties state. Lowe's begins select hiring. Cartersville council meets. More 90s today.

For more on these headlines and today's latest updates, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

May's jobless rate dips again in most local counties
-Bartow's jobless rate at 8.9%, lowest in the region and tying the state.

-All are down vs. May 2011 but Gordon saw a slight jump upward while Floyd also remains above the 10% line.

Keep an eye on 'Lowe's RDC 1457' hiring
-Lowe's appears to be hiring several key spots for the regional distribution center quickly coming together in Shannon. The latest gig: senior IT position.

Cartersville City Council meets tonight.

 

Calhoun restaurant scored at 67 in latest inspections.
-Get the expanded regional public health restaurant scores today.

The Buzz
-Graves applauds House committee's stance on Holder.
-Chambliss, Isakson send letter of protest to president over deportation changes.
-DOT: Watch where you put those campaign signs

The weather

-Our high for the first day of summer: 90; more on the way.

-Thursday: High of 91, low of 63.

-Friday: High of 92, low of 66.

-Saturday: High of 94, low of 65.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson on the latest from Washington, D.C.; Berry Enterprise students Rebecca Stephens and Ireka Canty on the new summer farmers market on campus; and Elliott Echols of Calhoun, a Berry student who has a top post as a political director for the College Republican National Committee.

-Extra hour today: And please stay with us from 9-10 a.m. as we're joined by County Manager Blaine Williams at 9:08 and Rome Mayor Evie McNiece at 9:35 a.m. as Nelle Reagan takes a day off.

 

The Rome Braves start the 'second season' tonight in Asheville with a 20 percent turnover in the roster from last week.

Floyd sheriff at Opryland as explosion hits, describes scene. Latest jail reports. Weather: Nothing but 90s. Daily restaurant scores.

For more on these stories and continuing updates, please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Sheriff Burkhalter at Opryland as explosion hits
-Blast 'shook the building,' says Burkhalter, who was not injured.

Work begins on Henderson's Armuchee chapel, crematory:
-Funeral home hopes former church will be ready by fall.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County

-Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Another food truck player in Rome: Tim's Dog House
-Trend continues to grow in our market.
-Tuesday's public health restaurant scores. Dining

Wednesday's Buzz

Nothing but 90s now through Tuesday

-Wednesday: High of 90, low of 63.

-Thursday: High of 90, low of 63.

-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 92, low of 65.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Marsha Atkins of Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd on the 20th anniversary of the organizing helping patients and families; Mike Morton of the Rome Tea Party on the governor's checking on local support for T-SPLOST; and Dr. Vanice Roberts, Berry College's new dean of the nursing program.

Senate District 52 candidates go at it again tonight. Century Bank of Georgia honored. Latest health, business updates. Temperatures in the mid-90s on the way

For these headlines and the latest updates, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Business:.
-Century Bank of Georgia gets high marks in national banking report.

Politics:
-Senate District 52 candidates go at it again tonight in Cartersville: Collins, Doss, Hufstetler due at forum.
-Dan Hanks, Floyd GOP chair, seriously injured in crash.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Monday's public health restaurant inspection scores.

 

Moody's assigns 'As2' rating to Floyd debt package:
-Moody's Investors Service has placed an 'Aa2' rating on a $70.1 million debt package for "Floyd County Hospital Authority" that includes two revenue anticipation certificates sought to "finance the renovation and expansion of FMC facilities." The rating is among the highest offered by Moody's (AAA, Aa1 are higher) but comes with some 'challenges,' including notation of the recently failed SPLOST vote.

U.S. 278 strip in Rockmart starting to pop; boosted by $3.64 million Floyd project

 
Weather: Mid-90s by Friday in Northwest Georgia
-Tuesday: High of 88, low of 59.
-Wednesday: High of 89, low of 61.
-Thursday: High of 93, low of 63.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp on the July 31 primary and Jessica Brady of AAA South on dropping gas prices and Independence Day travel.

 

Rome Braves off until Thursday; big roster changes under way. SAL All-Star game tonight.

Century Bank of Georgia listed among Top 20 community banks

Media release: ICBA Independent Banker®, the award-winning magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation's number-one source for community banking news, published its annual list of outstanding community bank performers in its June issue. This year's "ICBA 400" cover story highlights the 20 top community bank performers in two standard banking industry efficiency measures, five bank asset categories and two bank tax-status categories.

Century Bank of Georgia, headquartered in Cartersville with branches in Calhoun and Rockmart, was listed 13^{th in Return on Equity category and 14th in the Return on Assets category, for banks with assets in the $100-250 million in total assets, the asset size with the largest number of community banks. Century is one of only four banks in the state of Georgia in the entire top 400 listing.}

"This recognition is a testament to the diligent efforts of our entire Century Bank team, not just in 2011 but over the past four years, navigating through difficult and trying economic conditions. Our board of directors, staff and management together with the tremendous support of our community, all share in the credit for this achievement", CEO Rick Drews stated. "A strong and stable locally owned bank is vital to the continued success and financial health of our hometown."

This year's ICBA 400 shows that the performance of community banks continues to steadily improve since the Wall Street financial crisis. The magazine's year-end rankings of ICBA members are based on return on average assets and return on average equity as reported in final 2011 FDIC call report data.

"The community banks highlighted in this year's ICBA 400 exemplify the mission of community banking by reinvesting locally in their communities and making them a better place for their customers to live and work each and every day," said Chris Lorence, ICBA executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "We commend the community banks featured on the list for their ongoing dedication to the positive mission of our great industry."

To see the ICBA 400 Top Performers listing, read the article "Mapping the Future" on ICBA Independent Banker's website at www.independentbanker.org.

Slaughter named VP/lending officer at Century Bank's Rockmart office

Media release: Century Bank of Georgia is pleased to announce the promotion of Jay Slaughter as Assistant Vice President and Lending Officer of their Rockmart location. Slaughter will have overall responsibility for the bank's small business lending efforts in Rockmart and growing the loan portfolio.

Slaughter joined Century Bank of Georgia in August of 2011 as Special Assets Officer and has worked in the banking industry since 2005. "I'm excited to be in Rockmart and to be part of a great team. We have a wonderful customer base here, a dedicated staff and plenty of money to lend to help our local businesses grow and succeed," said Slaughter.

"Jay played an integral role during our recent acquisition of the former Community Bank of Rockmart. He is a dedicated community banker and is truly passionate about helping people. Rockmart is an important part of our bank's focus, and the addition of Jay helps to round out our great staff to provide an even higher level of service and expertise," said Rick Drews, Chief Executive Officer, Century Bank of Georgia.

Slaughter is a graduate of Cartersville High School, attended the University of Georgia and received his Bachelor of History Degree from Kennesaw State University. Slaughter and his family reside in Cartersville, Georgia.

'Storage Wars' come to Rome. Rome Braves: A 'season' to forget. Chambliss facing tough 2014 re-election within his party. Warm, dry start to summer.

For more on these headlines and today's latest updates, please see www.bartowheadlines.com

 

What's buzzing in Northwest Georgia. Today's Buzz
-Call it Storage Wars: The Georgia Edition. Cable's A & E network has a winner on its hands with the show "Storage Wars," where select bidders jostle to buy abandoned goods in repossessed storage bays. That's becoming something of a trend in Northwest Georgia as well. Natalie Simms reports.
-GOP battle brewing for Saxby Chambliss in 2014: The two-term U.S. senator hasn't impressed the Club for Growth -- which means you can expect Republican challenges, perhaps one with a very familiar name.
-Break up the Rome Braves -- please. A dreadful "first season" in 2012 ended Sunday with the home team in the very basement of the 14-team South Atlantic League. The celebratory tenth season here is light on on-field fireworks. There's time for changes as the second season opens Thursday.

-New: Daily updates on public health restaurant inspection scores.

Gas prices drop another four cents a gallon in Georgia.

Way too high, way too dry
-Monday: High of 91, low of 62.
-Tuesday: High of 91, low of 62.
-Wednesday: High of 91, low of 66.

Code Orange smog alert in Bartow, metro Atlanta today.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Brittany McAlpin and Lisa Janak Newman on changes to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's website that makes it easier for you to use in times of need; and we'll talk to one of the forecasters from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City about our official summer forecast. Are we into the drought cycle already?

 

Savannah sweeps Rome Braves at home. Sunday's final: 5-2 SandGnats.

Contestants Sought for Miss Georgia USA & Teen USA Pageants, both set for Cartesville

Media release: Miss Georgia USA pageant officials have announced that applications are being accepted from young women throughout the state who would like to compete in this year's Miss Georgia USA and Teen USA Pageants. Applications for the pageant can be found on www.missgeorgiausa.com under the "Apply Now" section.

 

Cartersville will host the 2013 Miss Georgia USA and Miss Georgia Teen USA Pageants at the Woodland Performing Arts Center on November 15-17, 2012. This will be Cartersville's 6^th year hosting the pageants.

 

"The Miss Georgia USA organization is excited to bring the pageants to Cartersville again this year and to host the talented and amazing young women from across the state," said Pageant director, Kim Greenwood.

 

Qualified applicants must be a resident of Georgia, a single female (never married and never had a child) and a United States citizen. Those wishing to apply must be between 18 and 27-years-old for Miss Georgia USA or 14 and 19-years-old for the Teen pageant as of February 1, 2013.

 

If selected to participate, delegates will be judged in three equal categories consisting of personal interview, swimsuit and evening wear competitions. The new titleholders will be awarded a prize package that includes scholarships and the opportunity to compete for the title of MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA, respectively.

 

A seminar for contestants will be held in Cartersville on October 20, 2012 at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 22, starting at 9:00 a.m. Those interested in purchasing tickets may call 770-387-1357.  Visa and MasterCard accepted.

 

The Miss Georgia USA and Teen USA Pageants are directed by Kim Greenwood, a former Miss Tennessee USA and wife of entertainer and Grammy award winner, Lee Greenwood.

Chattahoochee Tech names new board chair and vice chair

Group photo: From top, left to right: Steve Holcomb, Carl Moore, Mike Fields, Stevan Crew, Don Johnson, Mike Knowles, Melinda Lemmon, Debbie Underkoffler, Tyre Rakestraw, David Connell, Pam Carnes, Mitzi Moore and Deanne Bonner. (Not pictured Tracy Lewis and Matthew Ledford)

 

Presentation photo:Incoming Chattahoochee Technical College Board Chair Mitzi Moore and President Ron Newcomb look on as Swoop the Golden Eagle presents 2011-2012 Board Chair Pam Carnes with a Golden Eagle statue in honor of her service to the college.

Media release: The Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors announced Tuesday the selection of two women to serve as chair and vice-chair for the upcoming fiscal year. Taking on the role of chair of the 15-member board will be Mitzi Moore of Marietta, while the role of vice-chair will go to Debbie Underkoffler of Marietta.

"We are very fortunate to have board members with a variety of talents, extensive public service experience, and a commitment to excellence in education," said Ron Newcomb, President of Chattahoochee Technical College. "The expertise and commitment of Ms. Moore and Ms. Underkoffler will be great assets to the college as we work to accomplish next year's goals."

Moore is the owner, founder and President of Sundial Plumbing Services, a full-service plumbing contractor firm. A member of the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, her responsibilities encompass the general day to day management of Sundial Plumbing Services, a company of 50 employees and 32 trucks. She has served on various local boards and has received numerous awards and honors, including her recently being recognized as one of four Georgians regarded as GeorgiaTrend's 2012 Power Women. She will serve as Chattahoochee Technical College board chair for a one-year term – July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Underkoffler is the President of North Georgia Staffing in Kennesaw, which provides full-service staffing for virtually every kind of business. She has over 15 years' experience as a staffing professional. She is very involved in community activities and has served on many local boards. She and her husband, Larry, live in Marietta, Georgia.

Chattahoochee Technical College's board serves both in a community advisory capacity and in a limited administrative capacity, performing certain oversight responsibilities as designated by state board policy. The local board is comprised of members from the business and industrial communities from six counties in the service area (Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding and Pickens counties). Board members are selected because of their experience, ability, and dedication to deal with issues that relate to the mission of the college.

Graves scores 100, Gingrey 88 in Club for Growth's 'spending cut scoreboard.' Rome ready for veterans' parade. Weather: sunny, 86, and dry. Latest jail reports.

For more on these stories and today's latest headlines, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Graves scores 100, Gingrey 88 on Club for Growth's Spending Cut Scoreboard. Only 19 other lawmakers voted 25-for-25 as Graves did. Gingrey's vote: 22 of 25.

300 to 350 new jobs to come with Charles Hight Square
-Home of Publix could see ground moving within 60 days, says Realtor Will Byington.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Downtown Rome's ready for Saturday's Welcome Home events: Parade begins at 11 a.m., Forum events, 1-5 p.m.
-Downtown shops prepare for big crowds.

Upper 80s this weekend with no rain through Thursday:

-Friday: High of 86, low of 60.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 85, low of 58.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 88, low of 58.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Andy Roth, vice president of public affairs for the Club for Growth, on the Rep. Tom Graves' numbers on the new tax cut scorecard; Christa Jackson, organizer of the Cave Spring Fourth of July Parade; and we'll talk with Dr. John Barge, Georgia's schools superintendent, on the latest CRCT scores.

 

Rome Braves blanked 6-0 by Sand Gnats; rematch tonight at 7 at State Mutual Stadium.

Drop in jobless claims but 900 fewer jobs, too. Party City seeks 25-30 'temps.' Low score for local favorite restaurant. Upper 80s today. Latest jail reports.

For more on these headlines and the day's latest news, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Employment report mixed again:
-First-time jobless claims drop in Bartow surrounding counties.
-But 900 fewer jobs here in May vs. a year ago; up 100 jobs from April, however.
-Statewide jobless rate holds at 8.9%; local report due late June.

Party City to recruit 25-30 'temp' workers to open store.

-Hiring begins June 25 at Goodwill's career center.

 

Saluting Flag Day -- and Saturday's Welcome Home events
-Huge American flag adorns Citizens First building.

 

Longtime favorite gets second under 70 score since late February: Get updates from Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties at Dining

One more hot day and then back to 'normal'

-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 89, low of 65.

-Friday: High of 84, low of 59.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 84, low of 58.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Chris Giddens of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church on Fathers Day 2012 and Will Byington of Toles, Temple & Wright on what we can expect from the new stores coming to Charles Hight Square.

 

Rome Braves drop series finale in Augusta, 2-1. Open four-game home stand vs. Savannah tonight.

Century Bank's Harris graduates from Georgia Banking School

Media release: Rachel Harris with Century Bank of Georgia has graduated from the Georgia Banking School. The graduation ceremony took place May 4 at the Center for Continuing Education on the campus of the University of Georgia.

Established in 1961, the Georgia Banking School is a three-year specialized school sponsored by the Georgia Bankers Association Professional Development Program. The purpose of the school is to prepare first-level managers to effectively and profitably serve the public by developing a thorough understanding of banking practices, regulations and management principles.

The school includes three intense one-week residence sessions at the University of Georgia and requires the students to complete home study problems between sessions. The school provides a well-balanced curriculum featuring UGA faculty members, veteran bankers and other well-qualified industry experts and specialists.

Dr. James Verbrugge, Professor of Finance and Chair of Banking Emeritus in the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, serves as academic director for the school.

"Rachel's completion of Georgia Banking School is just another example of the initiative our employees have to continue their education in the banking industry to better serve our customers and communities", said David Caswell, COO of Century Bank of Georgia.

Established in 1892, the Georgia Bankers Association is the trade and professional organization representing Georgia's commercial banks and thrift institutions.

Forum's main event: Doss vs. Hufstetler. Local marketing ideas we like. Powerball jackpot at $240 million tonight. Higher temps, drier days. Later today: Jail reports

For more on these headlines and the latest from Northwest Georgia, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

It all comes down to Doss vs. Hufstetler. Politics
-The Senate District 52 candidates go at it as Collins, the third Republican in the race, focuses on his campaign, self.
-Seven County Commission candidates talk taxes, services and what needs to be down to grow industry here.

Some marketing things we like:
-Spend one second as director of Tellus Museum.
-Rome Braves using QR codes, Facebook to lure fans.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports

 
Tonight's Powerball jackpot: $240 million.

Higher and drier: Very little rain in the seven-day forecast

-Wednesday: Some clouds, high of 89, low of 65.

-Thursday: Mostly sunny, high of 89, low of 62.

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 86, low of 61.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Giles Chapman on Flag Day, June 14, and what it means today; Chris Giddens of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church on Fathers Day 2012; and Dr. Frank Stephenson, chair, Department of Economics, Berry College, on our plummeting per-family net worth. 

 

Rome Braves split doubleheader with Augusta; play there again today at 12:05 p.m.

People's Choice Awards begin. No more 'Not Atlanta.' Key candidates' forum tonight. Latest jail reports. 60% chance of rain

For more on these headlines and the day's latest stories, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

People's Choice Awards under way in Cartersville-Bartow.
-And what happened to the website "not Atlanta"?

La Marie's wants to add rooftop dining/bar
-The idea is to put it above the Magretta Hall addition to the right of the front doors.
-Downtown Rome adds 48 net jobs through May 31.

Politics:
-Senate District 52, county commission races highlight tonight's Floyd County Republican Women's forum. 

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

More rain likely today, high of 87

-Tuesday: 60% rain chance, high of 87, low of 65.

-Wednesday: Some clouds, high of 90, low of 61.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 89, low of 63.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online
-Please join our guests today including Rome's Ronnie Wallace, a member of the State Board of Pharmacy on officers seizing synthetic pot as contraband.
-Mayor Evie McNiece and Linda Lyles on the parade to welcome home Iraq veterans this Saturday.
-Plus: Your questions for tonight's candidate forum. Call them in beginning at 8:40 a.m. at 706-291-9744.

 

Rome Braves rained out Monday, play two this evening in Augusta.

Early ad showcases potential anchors of regional shopping center. Chipper Jones to rehab with Rome Braves Saturday, Sunday. Latest jail reports. Warmer weekend, rain late Saturday.

For these headlines and continuing updates today, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

File shows not only names of City Center's proposed anchors but their locations: Dick's, Kohl's, Best Buy, Petsmart, Aldi (groceries) and others.

 

Chipper Jones to rehab with Rome Braves Saturday night, Sunday at State Mutual Stadium.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

-D.A.R.E. gets $1,000 boost.

 

What's ahead this weekend in Bartow County

State DOT study shows economic lift from Russell airport: 111 jobs, $2.7 million payroll.

Upper 80s today, Saturday; rain by late Saturday

 

On today's Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:

-Dr. Todd R. Kelley, Harbin Clinic pediatrician, on new efforts to combat childhood obesity.

-David Newbie of Profile Extrusion on the T-SPLOST vote.

-Dr. Jason Peterson, a Berry College communication professor, on sweeping changes to the newspaper industry.

GED Celebration at Chattahoochee Technical College's North Metro Campus

Media release: For the 43 students participating in the Chattahoochee
Technical College Adult Education Recognition Ceremony Thursday, this was a
celebration they missed out on in high school. The graduates represent just
a portion of the 814 students who earned a GED at Chattahoochee Technical
College's numerous testing centers.

"Many of us worked in jobs with employers who had the mercy to hire us,"
said graduate Clarisse Henderson Morris of Euharlee. "Then they had to fire
us or lay us off because we did not have that high school diploma."

Thursday night's ceremony included three graduates who were selected by the
program's instructors and administrators to tell their own story about their
journey. Speakers featured this year's ceremony include Clarisse Henderson
Morris?of Euharlee, James Gordon Sears of Kennesaw and Gidgetta Wilcher of
Kennesaw.

Morris enrolled in the program at Summer Hill in Cartersville in December
2008 on a dare from her son.? She recently called that dare by passing the
GED with excellent scores after 40 years of wanting it to happen.

"I've tried to do this two other times," Morris said. "This time I did it."?

Sears enrolled in the Chattahoochee Technical College Adult Education
program in August of 2011.?After intensive studies, he received his GED
credential in December of 2011.?A native of New Jersey, Sears was home
schooled but moved before he could earn his diploma.

"I didn't know anybody here when I moved to Georgia," he said. "But I
accomplished so much. I earned my driver's license. I earned my GED and met
some great people. What made the program for me was the people."

Wilcher represented Chattahoochee Technical College at the statewide EAGLE
Leadership Institute in Atlanta this year.?One math credit kept her from
obtaining her high school diploma.? For 22 years this unaccomplished goal
weighed on her mind.? In April of 2010, her job of 12 years was eliminated,
and she decided it was time to get her GED.? Six months later, she had it.?

"My instructor said to me," Wilcher told the crowd, "You can lose your job,
your finances, or even a loved one, but you can never lose your education."

Throughout the U.S., two out of every three adults who take the GED test
report their reason for doing so is to qualify for further training and
education beyond the high school level. All three of the speakers selected
for the ceremony at the North Metro Campus have declared their intention to
continue with their education. Sears and Wilcher have already enrolled at
Chattahoochee Technical College. Currently Sears is pursuing his education
in hopes of becoming at broadcaster, while Wilcher enrolled in the
Healthcare Assistant program with hopes of becoming a nurse. Morris is
studying for her college entrance exam and is considering Chattahoochee
Technical College as a way to prepare for a degree in child psychology.

Without a high school or GED diploma a person will earn on average $7,658
less a year than someone with a secondary education credential. That number
along with statistics of higher chances of arrest and jail time, poorer
health, more troubled finances and lower self-esteem are all reasons that
people turn to Chattahoochee Technical College for help to pass the General
Educational Development test.

"With an estimated 1.24 million adults in our state who are without a high
school or GED diploma, it is easy to forget those that have worked hard to
pass the tests and now are better for it," said Jon Collins, executive
director of adult education at Chattahoochee Technical College. "But each of
these students is a success story and this is our chance to celebrate these
accomplishments."

The GED test provides adults at least 16 years of age who are beyond the age
of compulsory high school attendance under state law with an opportunity to
earn a high school equivalency diploma. In order to pass the GED test, a
student must pass a series of five tests in writing skills, social studies,
science, interpreting literature and arts, and mathematics. Successfully
passing these sections demonstrates that the student has acquired a level of
learning that is comparable to that of high school graduates. Tests are
scored from 200 to 800 points. A minimum standard score of 410 is necessary
to pass each individual exam, and an average standard score of 450 is
required to pass the full battery.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers free classes to prepare students for
the exams, including placement testing and online resources. GED preparation
classes are offered at no charge through Chattahoochee Technical College's
Adult Education program at a variety of locations in Bartow County.

"Taking the GED preparation classes greatly increases the student's chances
of passing the test over those who just 'walk in,'" said Collins. "The
hardest part of the whole process isn't the math or the other subjects. It's
not the tests or the classes. It's walking through that door for the first
time or making a call about the next step."

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College and the college's
Adult Education Program, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Cartersville Medical Center Awarded an "A" for Patient Safety by Hospital Safety Score

(Media Release) Cartersville Medical Center was honored with an "A" Hospital Safety Score^SM by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Hospital Safety Score^SM was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group's Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D, or F for their safety.

 

"We are proud that our quality and safety efforts have been recognized and scored at the highest possible level," said Keith Sandlin, president and CEO at Cartersville Medical Center. "Our team of physicians and healthcare professionals has developed a patients-first culture and safety is certainly one of our top priorities."

 

According to Leapfrog, of the 2,652 general hospitals issued a Hospital Safety Score, 729 earned an "A," 679 earned a "B," and 1243 earned a "C" or below. Only 17% of the hospitals in Georgia received an "A" score.

 

"It's The Leapfrog Group's goal to give patients the information they need and deserve before even entering a hospital," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "We congratulate the hospitals that earned an 'A' and we look forward to the day when all hospitals in the U.S. will earn the highest scores for putting patient safety first."

 

To see Cartersville Medical Center's scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, the Hospital Safety Score^SM website, which also provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.

 

Calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group's nine-member Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single score representing a hospital's overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. The panel includes: John Birkmeyer (University of Michigan), Ashish Jha (Harvard University), Lucian Leape (Harvard University), Arnold Millstein (Stanford University), Peter Pronovost (Johns Hopkins University), Patrick Romano (University of California, Davis), Sara Singer (Harvard University), Tim Vogus (Vanderbilt University), and Robert Wachter (University of California, San Francisco). 

 

 

 

 

Cartersville council meets tonight. T-SPLOST forum is Saturday. Latest jail report due this morning. Another pleasant day and then more heat, maybe rain Saturday

For these headlines and continuing updates today, please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Headlines
-Cartersville City Council meets tonight at 7.

-T-SPLOST forum is Saturday.

-Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

-Jimmy John's 'bid' the first sign of Charles Hight Square in Rome

-Construction website tells of 'invitation only' bids for 'gourmet' sandwich shop expected soon in Rome

Shorter names new dean of education

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.
-Lots of high marks; Rome restaurant scores a 70.

Weather
-Another nice day, mid 80s, and then rain late Saturday.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition
-WRGA 1470 AM, 7-9 a.m. weekdays. Listen online 

-Please join our guests today including Gail Engelhardt of the Bartow County Tea Party on this Saturday's T-SPLOST forum at the Brown Center in Cartersville; and pitcher Ryan Newell of Shorter University, who's been drafted by Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins' organization.

 

Big win for Rome Braves, 15-5, over Greenville; go for sweep today at 1 p.m. at State Mutual Stadium.

2012 looks like comeback year for local Realtors. More vice presidential talk for Graves. Rain moves out, temps move up. Later today: jail reports.

For more on these headlines and for today's continuing updates, please join us at www.bartowheadlines.com:

Business Local real estate rebound: -80 sales last month; 60% above May 2011. -Total value of homes sold this year up almost 35% -Record-low mortgage rates, rock-bottom pricing big factors Politics -Graves gets another mention as a Romney vice presidential candidate. -Chambliss wants probe of security leaks. -Who wants Chambliss' Senate seat in 2014?Two local names mentioned more and more. Buzzing: -Later today: Bartow County Jail updates. -What's ahead in Bartow County Weather -Rain moves out, temperatures move up. Mid to upper 80s today through the weekend.  Hometown Headlines Radio Edition -WRGA 1470 AM, 7-9 a.m. weekdays. Listen online  -Please join our guests today including Jason Free of Keller Williams Northwest, president of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors, on home sales trends here; and Elaine Watson on the June 12 candidates forum organized by Floyd County Republican Women.   Rome Braves win opener, host Greenville tonight at 7, Thursday at 1 p.m.