Another hot one with heat advisory extended until Thursday. Tellus nears 500,000th guest. Substitute teacher arrested. Latest jail reports

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Heat advisory extended through Thursday morning.

-Look for the heat index to climb near 100 again today and close to it on Thursday. Some relief by the weekend.

-Code Orange smog alert again today.

-Wednesday: 40% chance of rain, high of 92, low of 72. Heat index: 99

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 93, low of 74. Heat index: 99.

-Friday: 50% rain chance, high of 88, low of 73.       

 

Tellus nears 500,000-visitor mark 30 months after opening.

-Milestone for hit Cartersville museum should be set next week.

 

Substitute teacher charged with sexual assault of 16-year-old student.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

NCAA accepts Shorter's application for Division II membership status

-Still part of NAIA this coming season, moves to NCAA in 2012-13.

 

Toyo Tire to add 470 jobs in latest growth plan.

-More than 1,000 work at the booming tire campus in White.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Harbin oncologist Dr. Melissa Dillman says cell phone risk manageable.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-Mike Vick, Plaxico Burriss on the same team? Could happen.

 

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Rome falls hard, 10-4, at Kannapolis.

-At Kannapolis Tonight-Friday.

Toyo Tire North America expanding in White; adding 470 jobs

Media release from Gov. Nathan Deal: Toyo Tires committed today to its future growth in Georgia in a Bartow County ceremony attended by Gov. Nathan Deal. Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing President Jim Hawk and James Jarrett, Chairman of the Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority, signed an agreement to expand Bartow County's bonding capacity an additional $910 million. The agreement enables Toyo to expand its current facility, adding up to 470 new jobs over the next few years. 

 

"This agreement is a great example of the kind of business-friendly environment we pride ourselves on here in Georgia," said Deal. "I applaud the vision of Bartow County's leadership for taking steps to ensure the community and the company will continue to benefit from this very productive partnership." 

 

Toyo Tire North America's Bartow County facility was its first U.S. consumer tire production operation. The 900,000-square-foot plant has been in operation since 2006, and includes a manufacturing facility and warehouse that serve its customers throughout the country. The company expanded by another 820,000 square feet in 2008, growing its workforce to 700 people. Toyo announced a further 200-job expansion in 2010, and, with the capacity enabled by the bonding, the company's employment could grow to 1,340 workers by 2020.

 

Georgia Quick Start, the state's award-winning workforce development program, has played an integral part in Toyo's success. Also, Bartow County is a Georgia Certified Work Ready Community, a designation showing the county has the skilled workforce needed to meet the needs of business and the educational foundation to build a supply of workers.

 

"The pro-business environment and cooperation from the State of Georgia and Bartow County have exceeded our expectations. Our start-up and growth have proceeded more quickly than planned," said Jim Hawk, president of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing. "Georgia Quick Start continues to be a significant part of our success. With the continuation of support from the Bartow County Joint Development Authority, we will be in a position to continue our growth."

 

"Throughout the economic crisis our community has gone through, it was remarkable to me that Toyo held their employment levels steady," said Bartow County Sole Commissioner Clarence Brown. "We've always been grateful for Toyo's decision to locate here, but during times like these the jobs they have provided to our citizens are even more meaningful. Everyone is so happy that they have the chance to grow again, but, for me, I'm most appreciative of the jobs."

 

Georgia has had a strong presence in the automotive industry for almost a century. The state's central location in the heart of the booming Southeastern automotive corridor and extensive logistics infrastructure has attracted manufacturers and suppliers from across the globe. Today, more than 230 automotive-related manufacturing companies in Georgia employ nearly 52,000 workers. 

 

"Georgia's business advantages are custom-made for aggressive automotive companies like Toyo Tires," said Chris Cummiskey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "Our logistics system enables companies to streamline distribution, expedite shipments and reduce supply chain costs, and we can deliver a highly trained workforce thanks to the Quick Start program."

Major expansion to be announced today. Heat advisory in effect as temps touch 100. Mentone's tourism business sizzles. Mohawk closes N.C. plant. Arey on Sports.

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Major economic development announcement due by midday:

-It is not 'Project River' but could have much more economic impact.

-Continuing coverage on Hometown's Facebook, Twitter, web pages.

 

Can the forecast get any worse? (Updates all day on Hometown)

-Heat advisory in effect with temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Look for the heat index to go higher (it was 104 on Monday).

-Bartow and metro  Atlanta are under a Code Orange smog alert.

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high of 96, low of 72 .Heat index: 101

-Wednesday: 40% chance of rain, high of 97, low of 74. Heat index: 103

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 92, low of 73.

 

Two more arrests in June murder case.

-Latest jail reports.

Mentone growing nicely as a tourist destination:  

-Arts, shops, dining, the outdoors all contributing toward the area's surprisingly strong appeal. Michelle Picon reports.

Mohawk closing another spun yarn plant, this time in N.C. 

-Earlier closings took out Calhoun, Cartersville plants.

Gas up 12 cents since Independence Day

-So much for rumors of price easing this summer. But why would gas be $3.35 on a resort island vs. $3.46 in Cartersville?

 

 

Today's Buzz:

-Rome Braves' annual payments top $1.1 million. RSO season.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Even I am going to take up for Ohio State's Jim Tressel

 

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Off Monday; at Kannapolis Tuesday-Friday.

 

 

A physician, employee and volunteer were recently named Frist Award Winners at Cartersville Medical Center

Photos:  William Thoms, MD; Betty Sue Ingram; and Susie Kreager

 

Media release:  A physician, employee and volunteer were recently named Frist Award Winners at Cartersville Medical Center.  Created in 1971, the Frist Humanitarian Award honors outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities.  Those recognized this year were:  William Thoms, MD, Betty Sue Ingram and Susie Kreager.

 

Named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. (1910-1998), a founder of HCA (parent company of Cartersville Medical Center), the Frist Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals who serve the community and those in need and whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment.

 

In addition to the employee and volunteer categories, a new award category was added last year to honor and recognize a physician.  The physician award honors a HCA-affiliated physician who displays a concern for the well-being of others beyond his/her day-to-day physician responsibilities.  This year's physician recipient is Dr. William (Bill) Thoms.  A radiation oncologist, Thoms serves as Medical Director of The Hope Center in Cartersville and is known for his patience, integrity and compassion.  The extra time he spends with patients, his passion for excellence, and his leadership within and outside the medical community are all reasons why Dr. Thoms was nominated and selected for the prestigious Frist Humanitarian Award.

 

Dr. Thoms is an Eagle Scout and has served as a scout leader for several years.  He is also an active member and leader in his church.

 

The employee award recognizes a HCA-affiliated employee who goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities in his/her overall service to the community.  An employee at Cartersville Medical Center for 38 years, Betty Sue Ingram was named the employee recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award.  At work, Betty Sue welcomes her patients into the laboratory and ensures they have a pleasant experience. She is well respected by physicians, patients and coworkers and has an undeniable smile.

 

Outside of work, you may find Betty Sue ringing a Salvation Army bell or raising money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, one of her favorite causes.  Betty Sue has also provided numerous Christmas and birthday gifts to children in need for many years.

 

Visit The Gift Shop at Cartersville Medical Center on any given Tuesday and you'll meet Susie Kreager, this year's Frist Humanitarian Award Volunteer recipient.  A volunteer who has logged more than 4,000 hours since 2008, Susie has an infectious smile and personality.  She almost sings "Hello…How are you?" to everyone she greets as they walk past her.  Prior to moving to Euharlee with her husband, Jerry, Susie volunteered for several years at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida, where she was named "Hospital Volunteer of the Year." 

 

Susie currently volunteers two days per week and serves on several Auxiliary committees, including the Nursing Home Committee and the Camp Monarch committee.  She enjoys dancing two days per week with the "Boot Scooters", a group of retired ladies in go-go boots who dance and entertain throughout Georgia and beyond.

 

All award recipients were honored recently at receptions which included their family and friends.

Buzz: More changes on West Main Street. Memorial to children 'lost too soon.' Big economic announcement due; so are NW Regional layoffs this Friday. Highs in the upper 90s.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click

-Addition of 'Twigs' the latest in a summer of change on Broad Street.

-Saint Mary's Catholic Church adding Memorial Prayer Garden to remember children 'lost too soon.'

-A mixed week ahead for economic news: Major announcement due (not 'Project River') plus layoffs take effect at Northwest Regional.

-Another restaurant closes at Cartersville's Integrity Plaza.

 

Briefly Buzzed:

--Business, chamber updates.

-Community updates Democrats to meet July 18.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: 20% rain chance, high of 96, low of 73.
-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high of 98, low of 74.
-Wednesday: 40% chance of rain, high of 97, low of 72. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Bulldogs' football season just got a whole lot more interesting

 

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Rome Braves' winning streak snapped as Greenville wins, 8-5.

-Off Monday; at Kannapolis Tuesday-Friday.

More storms in today's forecast, Tellus viewing of Shuttle launch may be delayed, Braves host Bat for a Cure on Saturday and welcome new manager

Please see www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Possible severe storms moving our way this afternoon & evening

Your latest forecast:

-Friday: 60% rain chance, high of 95, low of 72.

-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 96, low of 71.

-Sunday: 20% rain chance, high of 97, low of 70.

-Extended forecast: Click // Latest radar: Click

Today: There's a good chance Space Shuttle launch will be delayed as Tellus has big plans for historic final mission. Tellus Science Museum guests are invited to watch the launch of the 135th and final Space Shuttle mission at 11:26 this morning on the museum's big screen. However, if event is delayed because of weather, Tellus will still show the event when it takes place. Curator Julian Gray will be at Kennedy Space Center describing the action, says David Dundee, astronomy program manager. Tellus

Braves to host Ed Randall's Bat for the Cure Prostate Cancer Awareness event on Saturday. National radio host Ed Randall, who is a prostate cancer survivor, is bringing his BFTC educational road tour to State Mutual Stadium for Saturday's game. The BFTC, which has worked closely with Minor League Baseball for several years, heightens prostate cancer awareness, promotes early PSA testing and raises much needed research funds to fight the disease. "Saturday's Bat for the Cure event will focus mainly on the their front concourse display. There will be a set up throughout the game with information about prostate cancer. The information will be geared toward testing and treatment," says Laura Harrison, Braves' neighborhood outreach coordinator. There will also be an auction during the game for a blue bat and radio spots featuring Ed Randall and his cause. Bat for the Cure

And speaking of... Braves name new manager, the 4th in last 12 months

Rick Albert made his managerial debut with the Rome Braves last night winning 5-4 and becoming the 4th manager with the team in the last 12 months. The Braves announced Thursday that Matt Walbeck was relieved of his managerial duties and replaced with Albert. The Braves' record under Walbeck was 28-56 overall and 25-45 in the first half of season, the worst in SAL Southern. Walbeck was named manager in January after the Braves had previously named Paul Runge the new manager in December to replace Randy Ingle who was reassigned to Danville. Runge was then hired by the Astros as Minor League Field Coordinator. Walbeck was also fired from his previous position as Double-A manager with the Pirates, just a year after leading Altoona to the Eastern League Championship in 2009. Braves Release (Photo by Mills Fitzner)

Latest restaurant public health scores are now online. No scores below 80 (B) were reported in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga. Dining

Saturday: Special Precinct Training Day hosted by Bartow Co. Republican Party. Training from 10-11:30 a.m. at the BCRP Headquarters, 126 W. Main St. It is open to anyone interested in learning how to be an effective campaign worker. For info, events@bartowGOP.com.

Thursday's Bartow County Jail reports: Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

-Links: Local police scanner

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Schilling says every title in MLB in last 20 years is tainted.

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Rome Braves win 5-4 over Greenville in 10 innings on Thursday.

-Friday: Rome vs. Greenville Drive, 7 p.m.

Bartow approved for federal funds for storms, Latest forecast, Chattoochee classes resume today, Harbin Clinic honors Cartersville physicians, Arey on Sports

Please see www.bartowheadlines.com

More than $347,000 in federal funds have been approved for Bartow County residents affected by the April 27th storms.

Registration now open for Gary Tillman Memorial Clocktower 5K Road Race and Health Walk
The 26th annual run through Downtown Rome returns on August 20th with an anticipated 700-plus participants. Registration for the 5K and 2-mile health walk is now online at www.active.com.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 91, low of 70.

-Friday: 60% rain chance, high of 93, low of 70.

-Extended forecast: Click // Latest radar: Click

Thursday Updates:

-Chattahoochee Tech begins abbreviated summer session July 7 as preparations underway for switch to semesters this fall. Release

-Several Harbin Clinic Cartersville physicians receive awards. Health

-Georgia Highlands College's next issue of Highlander, their online magazine, is now available. GHC

-July 12: Bartow Business Connection & Bartow Contractors Association meeting from 4-7 p.m. at Simonton Financial Associates, 217 S. Erwin St., Cartersville. Details

-Oct. 17: Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament at Cartersville County Club. Registration is going on now. Deadline is Oct. 3. For more information, contact Martha Macon at 770-382-1466. Chamber

Today in Bartow County:

-July 5-7: The City of Cartersville Fire Department will be partnering with the City of Cartersville Water Department to test local fire hydrants. Locations

-July 7: Cartersville City Council meeting. Hear the meeting live on WBHF AM 1450 or here on our website. WBHF

-July 7: Bartow County Public Health sponsoring its WIC Summer Farmer's Markets July 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1-6:30 p.m. at the Health Department. Click

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Don't envy Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron's tattoo.

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Rome Braves win 5-3 at Savannah on Wednesday.

-Thursday-Sunday: Braves vs. Greenville Drive.