CTC to offer free GED practice tests

Media release: Chattahoochee Technical College's Adult Education Learning Centers will offer a free GED practice test as part of Georgia's Adult Literacy Week, Sept. 10-14. The practice test, which contains material similar to the GED test, provides a good indicator of a student's readiness to take the GED test. Staff will be on hand at the centers to explain what's needed to sign up for the free GED preparation classes for those who may need to improve math or writing skills. They will also be available to explain how to register for the GED test which is now taken on computer.

"We're actively campaigning to help people throughout Georgia understand that we can help them prepare for the GED test and, with a little effort, they can earn a GED credential," said Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education. "After that, we'll assist with their transition from GED diploma to college degree or into a better job. I encourage every adult learner in Georgia to make plans now to visit their local adult education center and take advantage of a free GED practice test session during the week of September 10 through 14."

Spots are limited for the free practice test, so those interested should contact the local adult education center at:

Chattahoochee Technical College - North Metro Campus in Acworth Phone: 770.975.4271

Romney: 'Thank you, guys.' WRGA at 7:40 a.m.: Layla Shipman at the convention. Huge football weekend; Shorter's big win. Norman's No-No's return. Holiday weekend events; forecast: more heat, maybe rain

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

 

Romney: 'Thank you, guys.'
-In a concluding night marked by speeches from Clint Eastwood to Marco Rubio to the Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, the GOP challenger used just three words on his Facebook page to express appreciation: "Thank you, guys."
-Layla Shipman, a convention delegate from the Floyd County Republican Party, joins us at 7:40 this morning on Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 1470 AM to talk about Thursday night and the entire convention.

Big opening set for eighth Rome International Film Festival.
-Filmmaker Michael Altman due at Thursday's premiere; has lasting impact on the movie  M*A*S*H.

Football Friday:
-First round of Norman Arey's Norman's No-Nos. Who will lose in college football this weekend? Norman knows.
-John McClellan's high school football forecast. Rough start to new season for some teams.
-Shorter wins big in NCAA Division II premiere. Hawks beat Campbell 31-20 on the road.

-You links to local radio coverage and the South 107 Scoreboard.

Labor Day Weekend calendar.

-23rd  Running Water Powwow-Cherokee Homecoming & Ripe Corn Festival.
-Knights of Columbus annual Labor Day Barbecue

 

Thursday's Public Health restaurant scores.

Friday's Buzz

Today's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM 

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Please join our guests today including:
-Layla Shipman from the Republican National Convention.
-John McClellan on this week's high school games.
-Roundtable with WRGA's Kevin Karel, Andrew Carter.

 

Today's Sports:    

-Rome Braves drop home finale to Augusta, 5-1. Lead by three games with five to play.
-Tonight-Monday: Rome at Lexington.
-Playoff tickets now on sale. 

Sept. 15: The 12th Annual Beautiful Backroads Century cycling event set for Anheuser-Busch brewery in Cartersville

^{Media release: The 12th annual Beautiful Backroads Century (BBC) Bicycle Ride is September 15 at 8 a.m. The ride starts and ends at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Cartersville.}

Riders can choose to complete 14, 31, 48, 66 or 100 miles on quiet roads through Bartow and Gordon counties. Rest stops and SAG support are provided for all mileage options. Following the ride, participants are treated to a delicious feast, entertainment and a beer sampling for those 21 and older.

BBC was started in 2001 by several brewery employees. The first event had 166 riders. By 2007, it was the largest single day ride in metro Atlanta. Today, it is one of Georgia's most popular bike rides, attracting over 1400 riders.

BBC benefits multiple charities and is the largest fundraiser for Hickory Log Vocational School, a non-profit organization in White, Ga., that provides a caring, loving home for mentally challenged men and creates a family for its residents.

Registration is $30 until Sept. 1 and $40 thereafter. For more information, visit www.bikebbc.com or call 706-296-7103.

More changes for Rome newspaper? Warmer, wet weekend ahead. Latest jail report. Updates on local dining; restaurant scores

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

 

Zoning variance sought on Rome News-Tribune's downtown campus even as foreclosure auction is set for Tuesday. Bid would separate two buildings on Sixth Avenue into two tracts.

Big month ahead for new restaurants:
-Sept. 7 opening for Magnolia Restaurant?
-Buenavista Mexican Cantina almost ready -- and who's the mascot out front?
-'Florida Georgia Line' cruising to Brewhouse in October
-DandyLyons Bistro: Oct. 1 opening day.
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

Labor Day weekend: Mix of heat and showers

-Thursday: 60% rain chance, high of 85, low of 71.

-Friday: 40% rain chance, high of 86, low of 70.

-Saturday: 30% rain chance, high of 92, low of 68.

-Sunday: 50% rain chance, high of 90, low of 69.

-Labor Day: 40% rain chance, high of 89, low of 70.The latest on Tropical Storm Isaac.

Today's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM 

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Sgt. Mike Barr of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on summer's last big fling on the lakes -- and hunting season.
-Ernie 'The K-man' Studard on the worst-to-first Rome Braves who's last regular-season home game is tonight. 

 

Walk-off win for the Rome Braves Wednesday night; final regular-season home game tonight at 7.

Bartow Sheriff's Office remembers fallen comrade, Special Deputy Samuel Boyd Simpson

Media release: The Bartow County Sheriff's Office remembers one of their own today – a brother law enforcement officer who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day in 1970.

Special Deputy Samuel Boyd Simpson was 51 years old and worked on the Sheriff's Rescue Unit. He was not a full time deputy and usually rode with regular deputies on weekends to help with calls for service. On that day Deputy Simpson went to work around 6:00PM and just before midnight he teamed up with Deputies Jimmy Morris and Lewis Holloway to serve a warrant for "Drunk and Disorderly" on Charles Edward Cromer at a residence on Fairview Street near Atco off Cassville Road.  As the three attempted to arrest Cromer, he fired upon them, striking Deputy Simpson in the chest and Deputy Morris in the head. Deputy Holloway was able to disarm Cromer and make the arrest. Deputy Morris was taken to Kennestone Hospital for treatment and would later return to work as an investigator for the Sheriff's Office in 1971. Deputy Simpson died from the injury and on Monday, August 31, 1970 he was laid to rest. It has been reported that there were a thousand in attendance including law enforcement officers from near and far. Cromer was arrested at the scene and later found guilty of the murder. He served time in prison and was released. He died in 2009 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In 1970, Bartow County had approximately 8 full time Deputy Sheriff's and 5 to 10 "Special Deputies" who worked in a part-time capacity. The Sheriff,  during this incident,  was Jim Wheeler. Deputy Simpson was born in 1919 and was married with three children at the time of his death.

Sheriff Clark Millsap said, "it is an honor to be able to share this story with the citizens of Bartow County.  Boyd Simpson should be remembered as a hero, who gave his life serving and protecting us." This story serves to honor and give respect to Deputy Simpson's family for their great loss on this day 42 years ago.

Sheriff Millsap stated that there are plans being made to make some sort of permanent remembrance for Deputy Simpson. Once these plans are finalized, more information will be made available.

Applications sought for 2012 Citizens' Law Enforcement Academy

Media release: Sheriff Clark Millsap is pleased to announce that the Bartow
County
Sheriff's Office is preparing to begin the 2012 Citizens' Law
Enforcement Academy. We are now accepting applications, which may be
obtained at the Sheriff's Office. The program (which will meet on
Thursday evenings and one Saturday) begins on Thursday October 11, 2012
and will meet ten different dates ending on Thursday December 13, 2012.

Academy members will be exposed to every aspect of Law Enforcement
duties including Firearms, Personal Safety, Jail Procedures,
Administrative Duties, Criminal Investigations, Patrol Division
Operations, 911 Operations, Court Services, Warrants and Civil Division,
Crime Scene Investigation, Canine Operations, C.P.R. Certification,
Terrorism and much more. Participants will have the opportunity to ride
with the deputies answering calls for service, work in the jail, and
even work the courthouse security.

Citizens who desire to qualify for the program must complete and return
the application for processing and background check completion. The cost
of the course is $25.00, which covers the cost of the materials for the
course.

According to Sheriff Millsap, "this program has been a success in the
past, and the primary benefit of the program is building a closer
relationship with the citizens we serve."

Captain Mike Shinall is the Program Coordinator and can answer any
questions. He may be contacted at 770-382-5050 extension 6069 or by
email at: mikeshinall@bartow.org.

Isaac moves on but more rain expected. Storm surge hits here -- with higher gas prices. Later jail: jail updates

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

 

Storm surge II: Gas prices jump 20-plus cents a gallon as Isaac blamed for cutting Gulf Coast production. The question: When will they drop -- and will they drop as quickly as they rose?

Lots of cloud, some rain as Isaac's feeder bands sweep parts of Northwest Georgia. Latest forecast:
-Wednesday: 50% rain chance, high of 86, low of 71.
-Thursday: 50% rain chance, high of 86, low of 68.

 

Cartersville to host statewide housing convention next month.

Wednesday's Buzz
-Aug. 30: Shorter University's football team prepares for NCAA Division II play in game vs. Campbell.
-Sept. 15-22: The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale at the Rome/Floyd County Library.
-For sale: Paul's Oyster Bar. Chuck Hufstetler, the longtime owner of Paul's Oyster Bar and Microbrewery on Ga. 20, is selling the restaurant as he prepares for new duties as state senator for District 52.
-Aug. 30: Gordon Hospital to introduce $1 million donor helping make the linear accelerator for the new radiation therapy center possible.

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

Today's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Rome Braves drop series opener to Augusta, 10-2. Still hold four-game lead in division; final regular season game is Labor Day.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM 

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Col. Oscar Poole on opening night at the Republican National Convention.
-Scotty Hancock of Floyd County Emergency Management.
-Kyle Hensel of the Rome office of the Small Business Development Center.
-Elaine Armstrong of Goodwill of North Georgia on Rome's success story. 

Sept. 11-13: Cartersville hosting state community housing conference

Media release: The Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville will serve as the conference site for the September 11^th to 13^th meeting of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH). The conference, in which approximately 150 people will participate, consists of training sessions, a mobile workshop, reception and awards luncheon.

 

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing is a partnership of the UGA Housing and Demographics Research Center, the UGA Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Municipal Association. Implementation partners include Georgia EMC; UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government; and the UGA Archway Partnership. The Initiative offers Georgia communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance in addressing their housing and neighborhood revitalization needs. Georgia Power Company is the Founding Sponsor. Other major sponsors are USDA Rural Development and Wells Fargo.

 

Session topics include Land Bank Authority Law; Best Practices in Code Enforcement; and Rental Housing Development. During the mobile tour, participants will stop in Cartersville's North Towne revitalization area and get an overview of City-wide redevelopment activities. Since Cartersville first became associated with the GICH program in 2004, local public and private activities include adoption of an urban redevelopment plan and State approval of two opportunity zones; demolition of dilapidated structures; renovation of private and public housing; new single-family construction; a relocated pocket park for improved safety and aesthetics; drainage improvements; and utility line replacements. Richard Osborne, City Planner for Cartersville, stated that "this event is a great opportunity for folks from across Georgia to learn about the city and how both our public and private partners have invested in community revitalization."

 

Representatives of various communities participate in this community housing planning program, and representatives include members of non-profit groups, local governments, bankers, architects, property investors and others. GICH provides communities with the opportunity to participate in a series of facilitated retreats. Over the three-year period, the community housing teams attend six planning retreats. These retreats are modeled on the National League of Cities' successful Affordable Housing Program. This model allows the teams to work in a focused retreat setting, while learning and interacting with the housing teams from other communities. Current and past participants include Brunswick, Covington, Dalton, Gainesville, Griffin, Milledgeville, Newnan, Rome, Thomasville, Tifton, Valdosta and Warner Robins. Cartersville participated in the program from 2004 to 2007.

 

Mr. Osborne said that "the City of Cartersville appreciates the sponsors that are working with us during this conference – Belk; Cartersville-Bartow Economic Development; Cartersville School System; Haigler Systems Architecture; Jenkins & Bowen PC; Longhorn Steakhouse; Northwest Georgia Regional Commission; Shaw Floors; and Southland Engineering." For more information about the GICH conference or about ongoing Cartersville revitalization activities, contact Mr. Osborne at 770-387-5614. 

Isaac grows; we'll see some rain, wind. Continuing updates. Call it Kroger Court. John McClellan's high school football forecast. Another restaurant with scores below 50.

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

 

Some wind, rain possible for us as Isaac grows
-Tropical Storm Isaac was just below hurricane strength this morning with the New Orleans' area the likely target for landfall by early Wednesday.
 -Winds were at 70 mph and storm warnings are up along the Gulf Coast.
-Tuesday: 60% rain chance, high of 86, low of 70.
-Wednesday: 60% rain chance, high of 87, low of 72.
-Thursday: 70% rain chance, high of 86, low of 71.

Monday's Public Health restaurant inspection scores: 48 for New China Buffet; 55 for Owen's Barbecue in Adairsville.

John McClellan's high school picks. Darlington vs. Cartersville will be close; Unity rebounds. Polk showdown: Rockmart vs. Cedartown. Calhoun cruises.
-Coming Friday: Norman Arey's Norman's No-Nos.

Today's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

First-place Rome Braves start final regular season home stand, tonight-Thursday vs. No. 3 Augusta.

Another Mexican restaurant? Yes -- and here's why. Isaac moves out of our way; rain still expected. Cheapest gas in NW Georgia? $3.45 -- in Rome!

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

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click
-Another Mexican restaurant? Yes and probably more pizza, too, as those genres pace Georgia's overall restaurant growth.
-2013: The Year of Turner McCall? Arrival of Charles Hight Square, CityCenter and new Village Plaza client mean big things for he year ahead.
-Peaks & Valleys: The Action Dash's secret superhero: Mega Donor!

Lowest gas prices in the region this morning?
-Would you believe $3.45 at Murphy Oil (East Rome Walmart)? Cheapest price in four-county area.
-AAA South: Gas prices surge another six cents.
-Isaac shuts down Gulf oil production.
-Please join Jessica Brady of AAA South on today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition at 8:10 a.m. on WRGA 1470 AM.

Tropical Storm Isaac moving out of our way
-New Orleans appears to be the present course

Our latest forecast:

-Monday: Sunny, high 89, low 69; tonight: 30% rain chance.

-Tuesday: 50% rain chance, high 86, low 71.

Today's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 1470 AM, 7-9 a.m.

-Col. Oscar Poole from Tampa as the storm-delayed Republican National Convention rides out Isaac.
-Britt Madden on the Northwest Georgia-Shorter University career expo.
-Jessica Brady on the latest gas prices -- and what Isaac could do to Gulf-area oil production.
-Thomas Clarke on Labor Day's Action Dash -- and how you can help.

 

Rome Braves win again, 4-3, over Savannah. Next up: Off Monday, open final three-game home stand of the regular season at 7 p.m. Tuesday vs. Augusta.

Gas war ends; Cartersville prices still 12 cents cheaper than Rome. Golden China closed? Restaurant scores. Watching Isaac; upper 80s here. Signs of life at LakePoint.

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

 

Gas 2012: War's over, prices jump big time -So much for the Cartersville gas war. By the end of Thursday, those $3.23-per-gallon prices had jumped by 22 cents, even at some of the final holdouts. -That's still 12 cents better than the lowest price in Rome today. New Cartersville plant part of a bigger plan: voestalpine, an auto supplier with plans to build a $62 million plant in Cartersville, says the site is part of its ambitious international puzzle. Think China, South Africa, Romania and Germany, too. Signs of life at LakePoint Sporting Community? Wake Park Atlanta closes on 20 acres at Emerson site Isaac an unwanted convention guest? The latest model takes Tropical Storm Isaac into the Gulf of Mexico after moving just south of Florida, perhaps easing concerns about Tampa's hosting the Republican National Convention next week. Today's Bartow County Jail reports. Carbon-copy forecast for the weekend -Friday: Sunny, high 88, low 64. -Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 88, low 62. -Sunday: Sunny, high 88, low 63. Public Health restaurant inspection scores. Some low 70s -- and a few 100s--from Thursday's checks.    Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM  -7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests: -Col. Oscar Poole of Poole's Barbecue in Ellijay, one of the more 'colorful figures' due at the Republican National Convention. -Terri Ainsworth of Greater Rome Bank on changes in mortgage rates and what they mean. -Coach Charles Smith and Chris Cromer on middle school football programs; play starts Saturday. -WRGA's Andrew Carter and Nelle Reagan as we have our Friday News Roundtable.    Today's Sports:    -Braves-Sandgnats rained out Thursday; will make it up with a double header Saturday. -Braves hold 3.5-game lead in SAL Southern Division. -Tonight-Sunday: At Savannah. -Mills Fitzner's game photos.

Jobless rate jumps across Northwest Georgia. All eyes on storm Isaac. Dining: 'Kitchen remodeling' following another bad inspection score. Upper 80s, no rain.

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

 

July report: More people without jobs in our area
-Jobless rate rises: After a few promising months, the jobless rates in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon and Polk counties jumped again in July. Some 5,375 people couldn't find jobs in Floyd followed by 5,015 in Bartow and nearly 3,000 in Gordon. Polk: 2,041 people.
-Where to find a job in the next 30 days.

All eyes on Tropical Storm Isaac
-We're seeing a lot of "traffic" on news, weather and social media sites as Tropical Storm Isaac begins its run in the Caribbean. -Florida -- and  the Republican National Convention -- could be in its path.

 

Ribbon cut for new student center at Georgia Highlands' Cartersville campus.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

Weekend: Near 90s, mid 60s, slight chance of rain.
-Thursday: Sunny, high 88, low 61.
-Friday: Sunny, high 88, low 63.

Dining

-Chef Chen Buffet closes for kitchen remodeling at Riverbend: The restaurant was hit with a 50 public health inspection score on Monday. Through five inspections this year, the average score is 60.

-Weekly Public Health restaurant inspection scores: Updates from Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties.

Ex-Berry pitcher makes Major League Baseball debut today:

-Collin McHugh, who pitched at Berry College from 2006-08, will make his Major League debut this afternoon when the Mets host the Colorado Rockies

It's win it or end-it for Rome Braves.
-The Braves need to win the second-half title (and they have a three-game lead) to make it to the South Atlantic League playoffs. There's no wild option after all.

Ribbon cutting for GHC's student center

-Dr. Renva Watterson, interim president of Georgia Highlands College, helps lead the celebratory opening of the new lodge-like student center that's part of GHC's growing Cartersville campus on Wednesday.

Latest Floyd County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM 

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:  

-Georgia Schools Superintendent Dr. John Barge on the charter schools amendment.

-Layla Shipman of the Floyd County Republican Party who'll be a delegate to next week's Republican National Convention.

-David Beasley, Berry baseball coach and associate athletics director, on former Vikings pitcher Collin McHugh making his Major League debut today.

 

Today's Sports:   

-Rome up by three games after win in Hickory Wednesday.
-Tonight-Sunday: At Savannah.

 

Taylor, Stewart big winners Tuesday night. Cartersville has the state's cheapest gas: $3.23 a gallon. Latest jail reports. Highs in the upper 80s

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

 

Bartow gets new sole commissioner; incumbents sent home in Gordon, Polk counties.
-Speaking of politics: Tropical Storm Isaac could be a factor in next week's Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Cartersville again has state's lowest gas prices.

-As a gas war escalates in Cartersville, are we seeing Rome prices drop a few cents every few days? You can get gas at $3.23 a gallon at Murphy Oil at the Walmart in Cartersville or $3.61 a gallon at the Rome Murphy/Walmart. A 39-cent difference?

Weather:

-Wednesday: Sunny, high 88, low 60.
-Thursday: Sunny, high 89, low 61.

Meet the new weather boss for much of Georgia
-New meteorologist-in-charge joins Peachtree City office.

Daily Public Health restaurant inspection scores.

Wednesday's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM 

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Janet Eberhart, immunizations coordinator for public health.
-David Powell, academic dean at Darlington, on the new school year.
-Chris Kozelle of Berry College on what students and the community will see when the college begins classes on Monday. 

 

Rome Braves win 5-4 in rain-shortened game in Hickory.

-Rome plays in Hickory today at 11 a.m.; Savannah next.

Primary runoff is here; precincts open until 7 tonight. Latest business updates. Bartow County Jail updates. Highs in the mid-80s. Rome Braves drop opener

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

Primary runoff in Bartow, Gordon, Polk; not Floyd.

-Precincts open  until 7 tonight.

 

Business briefs:
-Brewhouse gets ACC OK to pour ... New look as UPS Store celebrates 20 years ... Another new restaurant? Are you Loco? ... Small check but big numbers ($50,000)

Rome News property auction set for Sept. 4: The foreclosure sale on the main campus of the Rome News-Tribune and News Publishing Co. as well as associated properties is now set for the day after Labor Day.

Help wanted: 59 guards at Hays State Prison.

Help wanted: Shaw Industries hiring in Walker County

New season of McClellan's high school football forecasts

-A lot has changed since Northwest Georgia's last high school football season. Longtime football forecaster John McClellan walks you through those changes and what they mean to the 2012 teams.

Daily Public Health restaurant inspections.
-Rome restaurant scores 50 in Monday inspection.

Weather:
-Tuesday: 10% rain chance, high 86, low 59.
-Wednesday: Sunny, high 86, low 59.
-Thursday: Sunny, high 89, low 60.

Latest updates from the Bartow County Jail.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Katie Fallon of the governor's highway safety office on the end-of-summer crackdown on suspected drunken drivers.
-Kristi Kent with Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation on latest changes and updates.  

 

Rome Braves lose opener in Hickory, 5-1.

Closer look at retirements of school superintendents, teachers by year's end. Dunkin due by November. Gas prices: $3.25 in Bartow; $3.63 here. Mid 80s today.

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

 

What's Buzzing in Northwest Georgia. Click

-Three superintendents, some teachers leaving before year's end as tax rate changes for educators. Superintendents say it is a small factor in decision to step away.

-With November opening of Dunkin Donuts, will 'pumpkin' be among the selection offered? (right)

-'Cabin' gets new look in Armuchee; seeks new tenant.

-Peaks & Valleys: 220 new jobs; fathers, sons, pigskin -- and cows; copper thieves hit again.

Gas Watch:
-Three-way race for lowest gas prices in the state continues to play out in Cartersville; $3.25 a gallon. Motorists are emailing us with tales of filling up in Bartow County -- and seeing numerous other Floyd County tags at the pumps as they do so.
-Georgia gas prices up another 7 cents a gallon; 12 cents higher than a year ago. AAA South.

Weather: 90s return later in the week
-Monday: 20% rain chance, high 85, low 57.
-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high 87, low 59.

McClellan's high school football forecasts return Tuesday

-There's no one better in North Georgia when it comes to high school football. John McClellan has been a fan for decades and combines both present players and a little history in his weekly high school football forecasts for Northwest Georgia.
-Latest updates from Georgia High School Football Daily on the new season.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Chris Askhouti on continuing changes at Etowah Crossing in East Rome.
-Katie Fallon from the highway safety office on a safer Labor Day weekend and end of summer.
-Amanda Torfi on a new cancer initiative with Redmond Regional. 

 

Rain out Sunday for Rome Braves; in Hickory today-Wednesday. With two weeks to go, Rome has a 4- to 6.5-game lead in the division.

Developing: Major fire at Mouldings Unlimited overnight. Cartersville has the state's lowest gas prices. Last day for advance voting in Tuesday's runoff. Stormy weather today?

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

 

Gas prices remain 20 to 40 cents higher per gallon in  Rome/Floyd vs. Cartersville. Two Bartow stations now have the lowest listed prices in the state, according to Georgia Gas Prices.

Developing story: Major fire in Bartow County. Mouldings Unlimited in White is where it occurred. No injuries; source of blaze under investigation.

 

Keep an eye on today's weather; storms could be on the way. Forecast below.

 

Rome Braves now have a 5.5-game lead in the SAL Southern Division with 18 to play. Next game tonight at 7 at State Mutual Stadium.

Huge weekend calendar:
-Saturday: Gary Tillman Memorial Clocktower 5K Road Race and 2 Mile Health Walk.
-Saturday: Health Initiative for Men, 8 a.m.-noon, Floyd County Health Department. Free screenings.
-Saturday: Atlanta Community Food Bank's free Health Fair from 1-4 p.m., Rome Goodwill Career Center.
-Saturday night: Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, 7 p.m., Rome City Auditorium. Benefits Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. Dance
-Saturday: Coosa River Basin Initiative's River Revelry, A Biodiversity Bash, 6-11 p.m. at Heritage Park. Details
-Saturday night: Tillman Clocktower Night at the Rome Braves, 7 p.m., vs. Lexington with fireworks following the game. Tickets are $6 each; benefits the Family Resource Center.
-Plus: Our expanded calendar.

The Community Bankers Association of Georgia's Leadership Division elects Rodney Grizzle, chief credit officer of Greater Rome Bank, as Division Seven vice chair.

College football without Norman Arey? No-no!
-'Norman's No-Nos' return Aug. 31 for a fresh season of Arey's unique spin on pigskin prognostication.
-More football updates on the way as well.

Daily public health restaurant inspection scores.

Today's Floyd County Jail reports.

Weather: Soggy Friday, cooler Sunday
-Friday: 90% rain chance, high 87, low 69.
-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high 88, low 63.
-Sunday: 30% rain chance, high 88, low 65.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Janice Hadaway on Sept. 15's Constitution Day Festival at The Forum.
-Logan Boss of Public Health on the West Nile reports from across the state.
-Plus at 8:40: News Roundtable. WRGA News Director Kevin Karel and reporter Andrew Carter join us to discuss the week's top local stories. 

First-time jobless claims jump in Bartow. Help is on the way: 220 new jobs announced. Cartersville council meets tonight. Bartow restaurant scores 36 on health report. High of 89, 20% rain chance.

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

 

First-time jobless claims soar in Bartow, Northwest Georgia vs. June of this year.

-Floyd sees 200-job loss in July vs. July 2011; down 500 jobs from June of this year.
-Statewide jobless rate climbs to 9.3%. Local numbers due next week.

New Bartow employer a big jolt for Highland 75 project.
-220 jobs on the way; $62 million in investment here.

 

Cartersville  City Council meets tonight.

Weather
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 89, low of 65.
-Friday: 60% rain chance, high of 90, low of 67.

A low of 36 for a Bartow restaurant; two more under 70: Regional Public Health restaurant inspection scores.

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Michigan ticket to claim $320 million Powerball jackpot.

 

Rome Braves sweep Greenville; open key series vs. Lexington tonight at State Mutual Stadium. Rome holds 4.5-game lead over Legends.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Mike Crego, senior vice president/investments, Wells Fargo Advisors in Rome.
-Melinda Lemmon, executive director of the Bartow County Economic Development Department.
-Dr. Frank Stephenson, professor of economics at Berry College, on the Paul Ryan budget.

Advance voting continues for Tuesday's primary runoff. Latest jail reports. Lottery jackpot: $320 million. High near 90; rain back Friday.

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

 

Advance voting continues for Tuesday's primary runoff.

 

Dollar Tree open for business in former Circuit City spot.

Lowe's to announce second-quarter financials Aug. 20.

-Small-scale hiring continuing for new distribution center.

Gas watch: Rome still 20-plus cents higher than Cartersville.

Powerball jackpot balloons to $320 million tonight.

Wednesday's Bartow County Jail reports: later this morning.

Weather
-Wednesday: 20% rain chance, high of 88, low of 63.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 91, low of 66.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Danny Grant, the Democratic candidate for the 14th Congressional District.
-Peter Lawler, Dana professor at Berry College, on the aftermath of the Paul Ryan vice presidential pick.
-Dr. John Barge, Georgia superintendent of schools, on his opposing the charter schools referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot. 

 

Today's Sports:  

--Rome Braves win again, 5-0. With 20 games to go, Rome has a 3.5-game lead in the SAL Southern division.
-Tonight in Greenville.
-Playoff tickets on sale Aug. 16.

Preseason honors for Cartersville punter. Closer look at why gas here is cheaper than Rome. 40% chance of more rain today. Later today: Jail updates

For these and updates all day, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Preseason honors for Cartersville's punter. Football Daily.

 

Dandy Lyons coming to 239 Broad St.

-Soup, sandwiches, salads are on the menu starting Oct. 1 with Sunday brunch planned as well.

Behind the gas prices

-Through late Monday, gas prices in Floyd were almost 40 cents higher than some counterparts in Bartow County.
-We checked with the state revenue department to see if there's anything 'local' that would make our prices escalate vs. surrounding communities. The answer: Zero factors -- except competition.

Politics:
-Wendy Davis of Rome named to four-year Democratic National Committee term.

Tuesday's Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

Weather: 40% chance of more rain today; high of 87.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,
WRGA 1470 AM
-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Rome Police Detective Pete Sailors on the rash of copper thefts and what can be done to prevent them -- and catch the culprits.
-Harry Musselwhite, author of Marvin the Guitar, and colleague Brian Barr.
-Wendy Davis of the Floyd Democratic Party who's been elected to a four-year term on the Democratic National Committee.

 

Rome Braves win 3-2, take 3.5-game lead in division.

Local restaurants catering to calorie counters. Gas climbs another 8 cents. Musselwhite's 'Martin' hits right notes. Summer returns. So does Peaks & Valleys

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

 

Top stories

Menu of moderation: Restaurants catering to those seeking leaner choices and counting the calories.

Birth of a business: Watching Brewhouse Music & Grill on Broad Street spin to life.

Harry Musselwhite's 'Martin the Guitar' hits right notes.

Peaks & Valleys: Go Rome Braves; go away, copper thieves.

Gas climbs another 8 cents; prices equal to a year ago.

Weather:
Upper 50s this morning, 90 this afternoon

-Monday: 30% rain chance, high of 90, low of 69.

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Layla Shipman of the Floyd County Republican Party talks about the Paul Ryan VP selection.
-Carol Willis on what's next for the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.
-Ryan Simmons on the films selected for the eighth annual Rome International Film Festival. 

 

Sports:

-Rome Braves hold to 2.5-game lead as they begin three-game series in Greenville tonight.

It's Romney/Ryan atop GOP ticket. Floyd, state Republicans rally here today. Powerball jackpot: $253 million. Trees downed in Bartow after Friday night storms; clearing skies today

 

Reminder: Our email alerts are now seven days a week. Look for your Saturday and Sunday updates by 9:30 both mornings.

 

For more, please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Top stories
-Romney picks Ryan as VP nominee: U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will join Mitt Romney on the Republican ticket this fall.
-Floyd County Republicans' Eighth Annual Rally at the Tillman Hangar, 11 a.m. You'll hear a lot about the VP pick at today's rally at Russell Airport/Towers Field. Also due:Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, U.S. representatives Phil Gingrey and Tom Graves, others. Barbecue lunch available as well.
-Severe thunderstorms topple trees near Ga. 20 in  Cartersville Friday night. More weather below.

Weekend events:
-Today and Sunday: Northwest Georgia Big Boy Toys Expo, Clarence Brown Center, Cartersville. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. both days. $10 admission price; kids 12 and under, free. Details
-Rome Braves host Greensboro Grasshoppers, 7 p.m., State Mutual Stadium. Braves are in the hunt for the SAL playoffs.
-More weekend events. Click Calendar

Weekend weather:

-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 85, low of 61.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 91, low of 61.

-Monday: Sunny, high of 91, low of 61.

 

Tonight's Powerball jackpot rises to $253 million.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Join us Monday for our next round of interviews with Northwest Georgia's top news makers.

The Women's Center at Cartersville Medical Center Earns ACR Gold Seal Accreditation

(Media Release) The Women's Center at Cartersville Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

 

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

 

"The Women's Center at Cartersville Medical Center is unique; our registered mammography technologists have over 30 years of experience and are even available upon request," said Melanie Morris, manager of The Women's Center. "In addition to the most advanced technology and personal service, we place a high priority on comfort, privacy and convenience for our patients.  I am extremely proud of our staff and Center for being awarded the ACR Gold Seal of Accreditation."

 

For more information about mammography or to schedule an appointment, call 1.855.828.5136.

 

 

  

School's back today for Bartow students; sales tax holiday for back-to-school supplies is today, Saturday. Soggy Friday ahead. Latest jail reports.

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

 

With most schools already back in session, Georgia brings back the sales tax holiday after a two-year suspension.
-Today and tomorrow only, save on key items.
-State tax revenue collections up again in July.

-Bartow County Schools open today.

Pastor's message is simulcast between tradition service and contemporary one each Sunday at Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church. The goal: same message for all.

GOP has state, local leaders due in for Saturday's annual 'hangar' meeting at Richard B. Russell.

A lot of scratch from Rome lottery ticket: $2 million.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

'Dough raiser' to help CiCi's customers raise money for Special Olympics.

Weekend weather: Another wet day ahead

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Tim Hensley of Floyd County Schools on how you can help select the new school superintendent.
-Rome Mayor Evie McNiece on the state of the city.
-Ryan Simmons of the Rome International Film Festival on what's on tap next month. 

 

Rome Braves hold 3.5-game in the SAL South with 24 games to go despite 9-8 loss to Greensboro Thursday night. Rematch tonight at 7 at State Mutual Stadium.

Town West lives -- on paper, at least. Gas prices soar. Cooler (barely) weekend ahead. High school predictions.

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

 

Town West lives -- on Forestar's quarterly statements
-Major residential/commercial site east of Adairsville still shows up on company's reports but project remains stalled.

Gas prices hit the gas pedal: Prices nearing $3.80 a gallon reported in Rome in the past 24 hours.

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

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Maxwell Ratings looks at how local teams will do in the 2012 high school football season. Ga. High School Football Daily.

Weather: Soggy Friday ahead?
-Wednesday's numbers: High of 94, rainfall: 0.29 of an inch.
-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 92, low of 69.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Layla Shipman of the Floyd County Republican Party on Saturday's annual rally at the Tillman Hangar at Richard B. Russell Airport.
-Don Foley and David Stephenson on Georgia Northwestern Technical College's growing sports programs.

 

Rome Braves drop series opener, 4-1, to Greensboro.

School bells rings for Cartersville students. Microbrew coming to downtown Rome. Latest restaurant scores. High of 91, slight rain chance. Braves' playoff tickets on sale Aug. 16

For these and additional headlines, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

School starts today for Cartersville students.

 

Rome businessman Jay Shell hopes to open The Brewhouse Music & Grill in the former McCrobie's site at 325 Broad St. by September. Plans call for a microbrewery, sports bar and Rome's largest music venue with a capacity of more than 600.

Buenavista Mexican Cantina due by month's end.

Daily Public Health restaurant inspection scores.

Rome Braves to sell playoffs tickets starting Aug. 16
-All teams had Tuesday off; home stand starts tonight.

ESI Inc. of Tennessee's affiliate, ESI Rental Boilers LLC, moves to Cartersville.

Something creepy coming to Mount Berry Square area.
-2012 Zombie Land is on the way.

Weather:

-Wednesday: 20% rain chance, high of 93, low of 70.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:
-Maj. Robert Sapp and Anna Banks on the sheriff's 2012 Zombie Land coming to the former Treasure Island venue near Mount Berry Square.
-Jay Shell on The Brewhouse Music & Grill coming to Broad Street.
-Astronomer David Dundee from Tellus on the Perseid Meteor Shower program -- and the shower itself this weekend

Frozen yogurt wars heat up again. Reservations, please, for Bojangle's freebie. Post season baseball in Rome? Latest jail reports. High of 86; 60% rain chance.

For these and the day's latest updates, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Jandy's growing again, this time in competitive Dalton market.

Bojangle's to offer a freebie sample; reservations required.

Daily public health restaurant scores. A for Chick-Fil-A at the mall.

Post-season baseball returning to Rome? The Braves have a 4.5-game lead in the division. A glance at the playoffs.

-Braves-Kannapolis game canceled Monday night; Braves off today.

Foreclosure sale on RNT's campus postponed a month.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Weather: Monday's high was 90; no rain.

-Tuesday: 60% rain chance, high of 86, low of 67.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Today's guests:

-Dr. Raymond McCoy on the HIM health fair on Aug. 18.

-Jason Free of Keller Williams,president of the

Greater Rome Board of Realtors, on home sales.

-Dr. Glenn White, Model High principal, on Model's Bring Your Own Technology and the Atlanta Falcons salad bar.

New student center in Cartersville among changes at local colleges this fall. Slightly cooler week ahead. Latest jail reports. What's ahead ni Bartow County.

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

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-Local colleges adding programs, sports as students return later this month.  

-Key deadline for Rome News on Tuesday.

-Another athlete with Rome ties prepares for Olympic challenge.

-Abbreviated, after-the-face sales tax holiday is Friday, Saturday.

-La Marie's plans: Get decked out.

 

Weather:  Slightly cooler this week.

-Monday: 60% chance of rain, high of 86, low of 71.

-Tuesday: 70% rain chance, high of 84, low of 68.

-Wednesday: 50% rain chance, high of 90, low of 69.

 

Later today: Latest jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Gas:  Prices jump another 8 cents in  Georgia.

. 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,

WRGA 1470 AM

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online. Monday's guests: 

-Dr. Renva Watterson, interim president at Georgia Highlands College.

 

Rome Braves' win streak snapped at 13; Kannapolis powers back, 9-1.

 

Cloverleaf Elementary School Opening

(Media Release) Officials at the Bartow County School system cut a ribbon to open the new Cloverleaf Elementary School today. The ceremony was attended by approximately forty people including School Board Chairman, Dr. Davis Nelson, Dr. John F. Harper, Superintendent, as well as board members Wanda Cagle Gray, John Howard, Anna Sullivan and Angie Cornett. Joe Frank Harris, Jr., President and CEO, represented the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce. Also present were representatives of Southern A&E, the architectural firm for the project, and RA-LIN and Associates, the building contractor.

 

Pankaj Daiya, Director of Construction and Maintenance for the Bartow County School System said this about the construction team, "RA-LIN Project Manager, Brian Fritts, and Superintendent, Joe Hester, did an outstanding job managing this project from start to finish. Their diligence and hard work have delivered a beautiful new school to Bartow County of which we can be very proud for years to come. The block work in this building is of excellent quality and the craftsmanship is apparent as you walk through the halls."

 

The new Cloverleaf Elementary School facility is approximately 108,000 SF and includes classrooms for 800 + students, a gym, a complete kitchen with cafeteria and stage and a large library with a media center and a computer lab. The building also houses an art studio and health office. A playground and outside covered pavilion are included on the campus grounds. The construction budget for the project was in excess of $13 million.