Wednesday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

More changes on Rome's retail scene:

-'Broader concept' for Riverside Gourmet? Kevin Dillmon of Riverside Gourmet says he'll be moving within two weeks and will be opening up a new, "broader" concept in another location. Two sites are in the final running. The storefront at 233 Broad St. will soon give way to Johnny's New York Style Pizza> Gourmet

-Plum Yummy closing at River Crossing but will remain in business: Amy Gossett is closing Plum Yummy Gourmet Goodies for Bath & Body, a storefront in River Crossing (Hawthorn Suites) along Second Avenue. She says she'll continue to sell at the farmer's market. Her Web site is at Plum Yummy and you can follow her on Facebook, too.

-Two new closing rumors being tracked: Yet another retailer is rumored to be closing as is a Cartersville restaurant. So far, no confirmation on either but we'll be tracking both again today.

-Promising signs, smells on Broad Street: Passers by on Tuesday saw smoke coming from one of the main cookers at the home of several barbecue restaurants in recent years, including Cotton Block Barbecue. Look for new owners and a new name on the site soon. A worker was checking shop and cooker over on Tuesday.

-Savvy Scrubs closing in January as well: Yet another local retailer is calling it quits after the first of the year. Savvy Scrubs is announcing, via Facebook, that it, too is going out of business. Plus: Other closings> Business

-Wal-Mart on Redmond/Shorter due for remodeling: Maybe this will end 2009's worst rumor of the West Rome Wal-Mart heading to Armuchee. Remodeling bids of the existing store are being sought. New signage is among the changes.

Your latest forecast/Soggy end to 2009:

-Wednesday: High of 47, 30% rain chance; low of 38; 90% rain chance.
-Thursday: High of 50, 40% rain chance.
-New Year's Eve: 30% chance of rain/snow; 37 degrees.
-New Year's Day: Sunny, high of 46, low of 23.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

If skies cooperate, look for a 'blue moon' New Year's Eve: We've got a full moon forecast for Thursday night's skies if the weather cooperates. Dr. Bob Young points out that a blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a calendar month. "On the average, there are 41 Blue Moons in a century.  That comes to about one Blue Moon in two-and-a-half years. For more on Blue Moons, click: Blue Moon.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey
-Some of the stuff that's going on in sports really makes you wonder

Dining Guide> Click

-Latest restaurant public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia

Wine News Vine> Click

-N. Georgia wineries offer 12/31 specials; some closed for holiday--and month. Tiger Mountain has '20-10' special.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

Tuesday's updates

For more, please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Ending 2009 on a downer . . .

-Calhoun's Cherokee Closeouts closes next month: The recession has claimed another victim: Cherokee Closeouts Home Port in Calhoun. Manager Don Edwards says the store will close in January but an official date has not been set. Owners already closed a store in Duluth. The original store in Canton remains open. A going-out-of-business sale is under way at 645 E. Ga. 53. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It follows The Gap at Mount Berry Square and Chico's at Riverbend.

-More retail changes: The slow has claimed another victim, this time Alisha's Hallmark and Gift Shop in the Riverbend Center. According to Vik Sheth, shop owner, the store will close in late February. A going out of business sale will begin after the first of the year. "There is just not enough business to afford this rent," Sheth said. Sheth said the Alisha's Hallmark at Mount Berry Square will remain open.

-Riverbend: Hallmark's news comes just a week after neighboring store, Chico's, announced it is closing in January. Hibbett's could be expanding there.

... but 2010 looks like a ... 10. (click).

Natalie Simms' special report checks local economic sectors to find:
-Harbin's Cancer Center, Floyd's electronic medical records on the way.
-Colleges already experiencing huge year with new programs, overall growth.
-Gordon County already sees 200 new jobs, millions in new growth.
-Clarence Brown Conference Center, booming Tellus pace Bartow County.
-Downtown: More shops coming; 3-year vet Great Harvest has new ideas.
-Second, third quarter look promising to banking executive.
-Economic potential, possible tennis center on Floyd's agenda.
-Internet, social media key to Cedartown's Bussey Florist & Gifts' growth

New since our morning e-mail, Twitter alerts:

-Shorter College celebrates 'The Year of the Hawk: Shorter has become one of the top NAIA programs.Harold the Hawk> Click

-Georgia High School Football Daily: Roster for today's North-South game; end of season honors> Click

-Latest weather forecast below; snow possible New Year's Eve.

-Latest state business updates from Ga. Trend> Ga. Business

-Track today's Dow, other markets> Google Finance

-Georgia Political & Policy Digest's daily headlines> Ga. Politics

-Join us/Hometown Headlines has had a record year of daily visitors. Join us each morning with a link from our free e-mail update. Click Subscribe.

Tuesday's Buzz:

-No tour in 2010: The Tour de Georgia has been canceled for the second year in a row because of the economy and lack of sponsorships. The event had a six-year run from 2003-2008, with stops in Rome during the first five years> Cycling News

-Floyd names Cherry Jones a Hero> Health

Your latest forecast/New Year's Eve snow?
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 46, low of 26.
-Wednesday: High of 54, 20% rain chance; low of 38; 80% rain chance.
-Thursday: High of 52, 40% rain chance.
-New Year's Eve: 30% chance of rain/snow; 36 degrees.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-'Kourage' and Michael Vick? Not hardly; there must be something in the Gainesville water.

Christmas Eve Updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Next scheduled e-mail alert: Monday morning. Have a wonderful Christmas.

 

Chico's to exit Riverbend Center in January:

-Yet another local retail outlet is leaving Rome after the first of the year. Chico's, which is near Kroger and Hibbett's at Riverbend Center, is closing in January, says Robert Atkinson, vice president/investor relations for Chico's FAS. . There is talk of Hibbett's expanding into the nearly 3,000-square-foot storefront. As for retail: The Chico's news comes a day after confirmation that The Gap will leave Mount Berry Square by late January.

-Year-end deja vu: With two closings now confirmed, the end of 2009 is sounding a bit too much like the final days of 2008. That's when we were hearing talk of the closing of Goody's, the final days of Circuit City and the just-closed location of Office Depot on Shorter Avenue. Two of those spots remain vacant.

-Mount Berry Square is open today from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

-Prime Outlets in Calhoun are open today from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Updated/Wind advisory, 1 this afternoon until 7 a.m. Christmas Day> Click

-Weather updates all day, evening from Hometown Headlines.

-Today: 80% chance of rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 57. East wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
-Tonight: 100% chance of rain. Low around 43. Southeast wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
-Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
-Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Senate approves healthcare reform package, 60-39, along party lines> CNN

-Says an angry Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.: "This process is not over by a long shot, and I will continue to fight against it every single day. Ramming through a bill drafted behind closed doors and stuffed with special deals to secure the votes of certain senators was the wrong way to go about this debate. The health care of the American people is too important for the Senate to exploit it so politically in this manner. This has not been a thoughtful process, and it is an unfortunate way to do business. At a time when Georgia and most states are already under tremendous budgetary stress due to the economy, the proposed expansion of Medicaid contained in this bill is a recipe for disaster. It's not fair to say we're covering more people if we are bankrupting our states through this massive unfunded mandate. The unintended consequences of this legislation are disastrous."

Vanishing jobs as big a concern as unemployment. Nov. '09 vs. Nov. '08

	Working	Jobless	Percent	Working	Jobless	Percent
Bartow	40,048	5,825	12.7%	42,432	3,849	8.3%
Chattooga	9,037	1,211	11.8%	10,063	1,203	10.7%
Floyd	43,813	5,180	10.6%	45,498	3,617	7.4%
Gordon	21,687	3,271	13.1%	24,613	2,342	8.7%
Polk	18,992	2,257	10.6%	20,083	1,549	7.2%

-The good news from the state Department of Labor is the jobless rated eased a bit in November when compared to stats from October. Floyd saw a drop of 0.3 percent while Gordon's rate dropped from 13.6 to 13.1 percent.

-But what is study just as close is the number of jobs that have left the market. The November workforce in Floyd in November 2009 was 43,813 compared to nearly 45,500 a year earlier. That's a drop of 1,685 jobs while the number of people without work in those months differed by 1,563. In fact, fewer people were working in November compared to October stats.

-In Bartow, 2,384 fewer people were working last month vs November 2008 while the number of people without jobs climbed by 1,976, or from 3,849 to 5,825. That's 400 fewer overall jobs.

-Hardest hit was Gordon County. 2,926 fewer jobs were last month vs. November 2008 while the number of people without jobs climbed by 929.

-Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in November 2009 was 3,874,200, a decrease of 192,400, or 4.7 percent, from 4,066,600 in November 2008.

- The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction.

-Educational and health services added 13,800 jobs over the year. Also, 8,500 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education and health care vs. October.   
-The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in November, up from 10.1 percent in October. 

Thursday's Buzz:

-Early word is that we'll soon smell barbecue on Broad Street again.

-Later today: Restaurant public health inspection scores.

-What the NAIA football columnist has to say about Rome and the championship game: Simply put, he couldn't be nicer> Details

Downtown Headlines> Downtown
-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania entertainment report--a day early.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Surprise college coach and player-of-the-year awards go to Patterson, Suh.

-Norman's next column: Monday, Dec. 28.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Christmas Week services:

First Baptist Church, Lindale, 9 Park Ave: Click

-10 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Children welcome to come in their PJs and bring their stuffed animals.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, downtown Rome: All services in the church.

-Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. Children's Service; Holy Eucharist; 11 p.m. Eve of the Nativity; Holy Eucharist; broadcast live on WLAQ 1410 AM.

-Christmas Day: 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist

St. Mary's Catholic Church, 911 N. Broad St. All services in the church

-Christmas Eve:  4 and 5:30 p.m. (childrens pageant); 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. (Spanish); 10 p.m., choir program; 11 p.m., Midnight Mass.  

-Christmas Day: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Spanish)

Thanks to NORAD, you can track Santa again this year> NORAD

Christmas week guide:

-Grim predictions for Christmas, New Year's travel: From the state patrol -- The Christmas holiday traffic count will begin Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. and end at midnight Sunday, Dec. 27.  During the 78-hour period, the Georgia State Patrol estimates 2,226 traffic crashes will occur with for 976 injuries and 18 fatalities.  The New Year's holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and ends at midnight Sunday, Jan. 3.  Estimates are for 2,330 traffic crashes, 1,004 injuries and 16 fatalities. Click State Patrol

-Gas prices down from last month, way up from December 2008: There's a little relief at the pumps this week as the average price of a gallon of unleaded was $2.42, down four cents from last month but up 84cents from a year ago> Gas

-Check state highways before hitting the road> DOT

-Get banking done early: Many banks will close at noon today with some not opening again until Dec. 28.

-No mail Friday, Christmas Day.

-The remote solid-waste collection sites in Floyd County will be closed
on Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. Normal operating schedule will resume Saturday, Dec. 26> Details

Slight dip in November jobless rates

First look at November jobless rates: a bit of relief vs. October

-The Georgia Department of Labor is releasing November jobless rates this morning. The first look shows as follows:

	Bartow	Chattooga	Floyd	Gordon	Polk	Georgia
November	12.7%	11.8%	10.6%	13.1%	10.6%	10.2%
October	12.9%	13.4%	10.9%	13.6%	10.7%	10.1%

-Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in November 2009 was 3,874,200, a decrease of 192,400, or 4.7 percent, from 4,066,600 in November 2008. The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction.

-On a positive note, educational and health services added 13,800 jobs over the year. Also, from October to November, a total of 8,500 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education, and health care.   
-Meanwhile, the state 's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in November, up one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.1 percent in October. 

Wednesday's updates

 

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Christmas holiday adjusts trash collection schedule: (Media release) Because of  to the recent trash service route adjustments, the City of Cartersville Public Works Department had to change the normally scheduled Christmas holiday garbage pickup. Instead of picking up Thursday and Friday garbage on Monday, we will be working on Thursday, Dec. 24, as normal, then picking up both Friday and Monday garbage routes on Monday, Dec. 28.  Therefore, those who normally would receive trash service on Friday, Dec. 25 will have their trash picked up on the Monday immediately following Christmas.  Please have your garbage cans out for pickup by 7 a.m. Monday. Details: Public Works Department at 770-387-5602.

Cartersville Medical donates life-saving medical equipment to Bartow EMS:Officials from Cartersville Medical Center and Bartow County EMS joined Tuesday for the presentation of eight Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines donated by the hospital for EMS use> Click

The Gap leaving Rome, Mount Berry Square after holidays: Look for a big vacancy at Mount Berry Square as The Gap/Gap Kids leaves. A manager confirmed shopper reports that the story is leaving the mall "by the 23" (we assume January). We contacted company headquarters and got this response for Daniel Rubin:  "We can confirm this to be the case. The decision to close a store is always a difficult one -- a number of factors impact the decision including store location, store performance and number of stores in the market. We are constantly evaluating our store fleet to ensure we have the right stores in the right locations to best serve our customers." A Gap Outlet remains in business at Prime Outlets in Calhoun.

Busy final days to Christmas shopping season:

The stores and parking lot at Prime Outlets in Calhoun were bustling Tuesday afternoon. At 4:15 p.m., there was a short wait to turn into the center from the highway.

With the Christmas shopping season in the final hours, we're hearing about deals galore up and down the highway.

-Prime Outlets in Calhoun: General Manager/marketing manager Janet Paulsen says store hours have been extended today ( 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.) with Christmas Eve hours set for 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Here's why: Paulsen cites a survey by August Partners that concludes "more than 2 million people across the U.S. will start their holiday shopping with just days to spare before Christmas." So Prime Outlets launched the  "Done in a Day for Less" push with the "top 10" tips for last-minute holiday shopping on a budget. Click Gordon

-Start 'After Christmas Sale' before Christmas starts: Bill Pelfrey didn't wait until after Christmas to launch World Hi-Fi's After Christmas Sale. The store's Twitter followers on Tuesday got word of the "After Christmas $ale before Christmas $ale." Pelfrey is offering "25 percent off storewide -- Black Friday prices -- except for Sanyo and Octane Sounds." The sale ends New Year's Eve.

-Even restaurants are taking part: Tuesday night at Antonio's Restaurant in downtown Cartersville, kids got free hot chocolate and candy in addition to a last-minute visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

RaceWay convenience store/fuel center to enter Rockmart: Look for the shop to rise at the corner of U.S. 278 and Ga. 113 in front of the Wal-Mart Super Center. RaceWay is part of the RaceTrac group but the stores are leased to others; RaceTrac stores are company owned. The nearest RaceWay is in Acworth. With RaceTrac charging $2.32 a gallon for unleaded Tuesday evening in Cartersville vs. $2.45 in Rome, perhaps we'll see a fresh wave of competition> Background

First signs of new cancer center: Look for demolition work to begin soon as Floyd removes the former "My House" and Cancer Navigators offices to make way for 64 additional parking spaces in preparation for the start of construction of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center along Second Avenue on the FMC campus. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot cancer center should be open next December. Click

More sports tourism due/Ga. State Junior Winter Open Championship:

-Just days after the successful NAIA National Championship football game at Barron Stadium, West Third Street is coming alive again Monday with the Georgia State Junior Winter Open Championship. Here's a look, by the numbers:

-489 players qualified Southern Division of U.S. Tennis Association 18-and-younger.

-Almost 70, or 14 percent of the players, are in a 50-mile radius.

-Expected economic impact $165,886.

-Guaranteed two singles matches; doubles guaranteed three matches

-Court action starts at 8 every morning, playing on the Rome Tennis Courts as well as Alto, Pepperell, Darlington, Calhoun, Shorter, Georgia Highlands, Etowah

-Bobby Walker, former pro at the Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority, is bringing a rough team in from Louisiana. Source: Lisa Smith, CVB

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
-Wednesday night: Some clouds, low of 40.
-Thursday: 70% chance of rain. High of 51.
-Christmas Eve: 100% rain chance, low of 43.
-Christmas Day: Partly sunny, with a high of 51.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

New York ticket wins $162 million MegaMillions jackpot: The numbers:

03-33-35-39-45 and MegaBall 13> MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Is it true that the ACC basketball coaching is no match for the ACC talent?

Tuesday's Headlines

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Your Christmas week guide

The elves at Petit Creek Farms in Cartersville were busy Monday evening getting ready for Santa's worldwide run on Christmas Eve. You can catch the elves and "a mile of lights" through Dec.30 Donation: $10 per car. Details: Click.

Thanks to NORAD, you can track Santa again this year> NORAD

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: The Adairsville Baptist Church will host is annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m.  Everyone is invited to join in the Communion Service as families or groups of friends and neighbors.  The church urges you to come dressed as you are for this informal worship experience that has become a tradition for many in our church and the surrounding community. Call 770-773-3198 or visit Adairsville Baptist Church.

Christmas week guide:

-Last-minute shopping: Mount Berry Square is really stretching the final hours. The mall is open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. through Wednesday; 7 a,.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve. And those day after Christmas sales? Doors open at 7 a.m.

-Gas prices down from last month, way up from December 2008: There's a little relief at the pumps this week as the average price of a gallon of unleaded was $2.42, down four cents from last month but up 84 cents from a year ago> Gas

-Check highways before hitting the road> DOT

-Get banking done early in the week: Many banks will close at noon Thursday with some not opening again until Dec. 28.

-No mail Friday, Christmas Day.

Cartersville Medical donates life-saving medical equipment to Bartow EMS: (Media release) Cartersville Medical Center has partnered with Bartow County Emergency Medical Services by providing eight Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines at a value of $10,000.
After review of community health statistics, a significant population of individuals with chronic
obstructed pulmonary disorder, congestive heart failure - and other respiratory illnesses - was
identified. The use of machines allows EMS workers to intervene more quickly, resulting
in better patient outcomes, less hospitalization time and a decreased rate of pneumonia for
patients. The equipment presentation is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Bartow EMS, 5435 E. U.S. 20 in Cartersville. Scheduled to attend: Bartow County EMS staff (Larry Owens, EMS Director)
Cartersville Medical Center Emergency Department and Administrative staff (Keith Sandlin,
CEO; Benny McDonald, CFO; Miriam Eide, CNO; Lori Rakes, COO; Rebecca Battle, Associate
Administrator; Robbie Tatum, VP; Phoebe Stieber, VP; Shaune Fuller-Gonzalez, RN, MSN,
Emergency Department Director; Heather Clement, RN, Emergency Department).

NAIA 2009 game leaves estimated economic impact of $1.83 million:

Members of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau spent part of Monday collecting and grinding first-phase expenditure quotes and conclude this year's NAIA National Championship Game had a $1,830,886 impact on Rome and Floyd County. The estimate is based on last week's activities and the state formula for tabulating how dollars were churned. The 2008 game had an economic impact of $1.5 million. As for 2009: The CVB will be surveying downtown merchants, area hotels and restaurants to get additional "observations." The 2010 game also will be played at Barron Stadium next December with additional years possible; negotiations between the community and NAIA resume next month.

>Updates to the 'further review' of game's impact from readers> Buzz

Building boom at Berry to continue into new year

Monday photo by Jack Druckenmiller

Work continues this week on the Kilpatrick Commons area rising between the Krannert Center and The Cage athletics center. The commons will feature an outdoor seating area as well as a fountain, and should be finished this spring. Krannert has undergone a major refit this year as the size of the dining hall has been doubled and the ballroom expanded. The year's other big projects include the completion of the Morgan and Deerfield Residence Halls with nearly 350 new beds for students. For more on Kilpatrick Commons, please check this page from the spring edition of Berry magazine (Click) or this from the fall edition (Click)

-'You are looking live...': Take a look at the project as it comes together via this live Web cam from Berry> Click

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. 
-Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.
-Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
-Wednesday night: Some clouds, low of 40.
-Thursday: 70% chance of rain. High of 50.
-Christmas Eve: 90% rain chance, low of 48.
-Christmas Day: 30% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high of 51.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $162 million>MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-The best and worst college football conferences of the decade.

NAIA game had $1.83 million impact on Rome/Floyd

NAIA 2009 game leaves estimated economic impact of $1.83 million

 

Members of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau spent part of Monday collecting and grinding first-phase expenditure quotes and conclude this year's NAIA National Championship Game had a $1,830,886 impact on Rome and Floyd County. The estimate is based on last week's activities and the state formula for tabulating how dollars were churned. The 2008 game had an economic impact of $1.5 million. As for 2009: The CVB will be surveying downtown merchants, area hotels and restaurants to get additional "observations." The 2010 game also will be played at Barron Stadium next December with additional years possible; negotiations between the community and NAIA resume next month.

 

for more,click www.hometownheadlines.com

Monday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

This week's Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-'09 NAIA football championship & Rome: Upon further review...: The highs and lows of the championship events and what they meant to Rome/Floyd.
-Tight times hitting non-profits hard; RACA faces tough decisions early next year.
-Three-Dot Buzz: Pizza Hunt switch almost ready; Bobby Lee Cook on Broad.
-Peaks & Valleys: A salute to a fresh it of air in the House.

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Welcome to the first day of winter--and the shortest 'day' of the year.

-We once had a possibility of snow in the Christmas Eve forecast but now it looks all wet with up to three inches of rain possible. Click Outlook

-Monday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Low of 32.
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Low around 37.
-Christmas Eve: 80% rain chance, low of 34.
-Christmas: High of 47, 30% rain chance.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Christmas week guide> Click

-Gas prices, extended shopping hours, road conditions, closings, weather.

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tuesday's MegaMillions jackpot: $162 million>MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-The Saints are human after all; there might yet be hope for Georgia basketball.

Latest updates from Etowah Valley Trails: Winter Solstice Walks, New Year's Eve Hike, Frostbite 5K highlight events> Details

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Jan. 7: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25.

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

 

'09 NAIA championship game & Rome: Upon further review . . . :

One of the nearly 150 pictures from Aimee H. Madden and Alan Storey available on the NAIA site following Saturday's Sioux Falls-Lindenwood game. Click

A look at what did and didn't work with Rome/Floyd County's second year of hosting the NAIA national championship football game:

-Touchdown: The game itself. It was a thriller following a somewhat slow 8-0 first quarter start. The last two minutes are what college football is all about. A pensive three-point lead, a critical fumble, a defensive struggle and a win.

-Field goal: The weather. From 1.40 inches of rain on Friday to the threat of snow to a brisk mid-40s to a wind chill of maybe 32, it was a step up (thankfully) from the 2008 edition. We were sure someone would demand a dome from Rome before the next game is played, let alone the new turf now on the way.

-Fumble: Shirt vendors. A long-sleeved T-shirt with "custom" decals on the front and back costing $35 each? These vendors need to sign that NAIA "champions of character" pledge if they're allowed back next year.

-Touchdown: The crowd. In addition to the teams and visiting fans, a healthy mix of some of Rome/Floyd County's most dedicated sports fans were there, from kids to church buddies and high school groups to Rome Braves' executives and a fleet of Shorter College leaders. This was the place to be Saturday.

-Field goal: The parking. Barron's fabled parking scramble was actually a breeze. Locals knew where to park; visitors had ample opportunities.

-Touchdown:  The hometown atmosphere. The "feel" of the game was complete with an excellent performance by the Rome High Band and the soothing sounds of John McClellan's voice on the PA system.

-Fumble: Blown TV exposure. The broadcast was fine but Rome/Floyd County missed a ton of national exposure opportunities as the CBS College Sports cameras flashed around Barron Stadium. The most dominant image: A Floyd ambulance. This game is a "three-hour infomercial" for the community; take advantage of it.

-Fumble: That Diet Dr. Pepper can. If you sat in the seats closest to the tennis center on Saturday, a big inflatable Diet Dr. Pepper can blocked most of the scoreboard. Next time, try it on the fitness center side. We understand product placement; we also understand $25 seats and a high-scoring game.

-Touchdown: Amen, Mr. Mayor: Perhaps the proudest moment for Rome/Floyd County came Friday during the banquet presentations. Rome Mayor Wright Bagby reminded the audience that even amid a recession, local voters in November approved a $42.3 million SPLOST package that will enhance Barron Stadium with artificial turf and other amenities. "I'm proud of our town," Bagby said. And we're proud of the mayor for letting visiting guests know we've done our part.

-Touchdown: The game hosts and host committee. Once again, a near-flawless job. Even as the rain forced the cancellation of FAN-atic Friday, the crew moved to "Plan B"--as in the Georgia Blues Brothers. The group was to entertain fans on Town Green. When plans changed, the committee brought them indoors to close out the Friday night banquet. That gave 500 guests something to "Shout!" about.

-Final score: Rome/Floyd County is 2-0 with NAIA hosting duties with a chance to make it a three-year sweep next December. And maybe many more Decembers if negotiations go the right way starting next month.

Three-Dot Buzz . . . :

Pizza Hut switch set for this week: Look for the East Rome Pizza Hut to complete its moves to the new Pizza Hut/WingStreet on Martha Berry on Wednesday. The current site eventually will give way to a new Zaxby's as Turner McCall's Fast Food Freeway picks up another restaurant and drive-through . . .

Bobby Lee on Broad Street: Insiders says Summerville's super lawyer Bobby Lee Cook has purchased the building at 510-512 Broad St., now home to Victorian Tea Room and Harbin Clinic's behavioral center. The property, once owned by Mario Armas, was ordered to be auctioned by federal marshals. Cook is said to have been the high bidder during Friday's auction. We hope to have more on his plans for the location soon. Bobby does have a few unique ties to the community. Background . . .

Tough times rack RACA; arts group's board of directors to face some tough decisions in early 2010 as economy cuts donations

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

It's been a tough year all around and few have been hit harder than the local non-profit sector. When people are tightening their budgets, it usually means their donations are cut or reduced.

One program facing serious financial decisions in the coming months is the Rome Area Council for the Arts. With dropped memberships and donations way down, it's been a tough fourth quarter of 2009.

"We're like every other non-profit in our community. When personal income is down, we're the last place they are thinking about giving money," says Rebecca Koontz, executive director of RACA. "They will choose food over donations. We are surviving but it's a struggle."

The organization had to lay-off its part-time office manager in late November, leaving Koontz as a one-woman show to run the group along with the Board of Directors. RACA has a gallery at 248 Broad St. that features local and regional artists as well as provides a number of programs for adults and children.

"Right now we have to ask, what is our budget going to allow us to do?" says Sherry Childs, president of RACA's Board of Directors. "We hope to still offer these programs in the future. Since we had to let our office manager go, that puts a huge burden on our Executive Director. But we're continuing to look at where to make cuts if needed."

Childs says January and February will be important planning months for the group as it will decide what direction to move with the organization given its current financial situation.

"Our organization has been around since the '70s and our mission is to promote the arts and emerging artists, especially highlighting local artists," she says. "At this point, we're like all non-profits in an economic downturn…but we've been a longstanding organization and done a lot to promote the arts, so we would encourage our community to support us."

Founded in 1976, RACA is recognized for producing, promoting and supporting the arts in Rome and Floyd County. RACA also helps artists and organizations working in the visual arts, literary arts and performing arts, including music, theater and dance. Programs also include classes, workshops, summer art camps, school performances, after school programs and outreach programs to senior centers and mental health facilities.

"If folks look around, you will see the arts do so much to enhance our way of life," Childs says. "Arts are thriving in our community. Just walk up and down Broad Street to see proof of that with music, theatre and art."

RACA works to "parent" other organizations including the Rome Area Songwriters Association and the recent Georgia Literary Festival in October. The group also served as the "incubator" for the Rome International Film Festival.

"We need arts in this community because any industry that comes to town is going to look at our quality of life. They look at everything from arts to schools because they want their workers to have a well-rounded life," Koontz says. "Art affects all of us…everything you touch has a creative person behind it."

And there are a lot of art supporters in this community. RACA held "A Holiday Tasting of Downtown" last Thursday. Approximately 145 participants sampled food and beverages at one of seven participating businesses including 333 on Broad, Harvest Moon Cafe, Jefferson's, La Scala, Old Havana Cigar, Opi's and Schroeder's. Tickets were $15 each.

"The event went very well and we had a lot of positive feedback from the restaurants that participated," says Scott Moody, event organizer and RACA past president. Koontz says RACA made an $1,800 profit from the event and is considering doing a tasting each quarter. The first one was held last fall.

"The tasting of downtown drew a very diverse group of people. There were several folks that came in that had never been inside our place before," says Jay Shell, owner of 333 on Broad. "It gave us a chance to meet those people, let them sample our food and put a menu in their hand so they can see what we are all about. Not to mention it helps a great cause in RACA. Being a new business, we have been honored to have been asked to take part. The Tasting of Downtown not only helps RACA and our business, but it also promotes our beautiful downtown as well."

Steven McDowell of Old Havana Cigar Co. agrees. "Our business was not only a participant but my wife and I attended and saw all seven businesses. We enjoyed all the places in downtown Rome and got to meet with others. The event was very successful and brought some new faces into our business.

"RACA works hard to maintain an excellent reputation," he added. "The current board and volunteers are very good at creative ways to raise money that not only benefits them but benefits the city of Rome…its very positive for downtown."

RACA also is wrapping up a "Clothesline Sale" through Thursday to help raise additional funds. Artists from the group's Art Coterie have donated pieces that are on sale for $50 or less. All proceeds benefit RACA. The studio is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will open at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve for those last-minute shoppers.

For more information about RACA and how you can donate, visit www.romearts.org or call 706-295-2787. To become a member, click here.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to the majority of state House members: Nice to see a breath of fresh air sweep through the Georgia House of Representatives following the era of "hawks" and other abusive techniques of the Glenn Richardson regime. State Rep. David Ralston, D-Blue Ridge, still must stand for election before the entire House in January, and certainly will have Democratic opposition. But Ralston and supporters have toppled Richardson's remaining regime. We sure wish the list of how each lawmaker voted in Thursday's caucus was public.

Peak to state Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville: The local lawmaker was getting some major looks as a potential speaker's candidate himself. The three-term Republican did the right thing on Wednesday, removing his name from consideration in favor of focusing attention on a single candidate from the conservative pack. Both his short-lived candidacy and the stepping aside have increased Loudermilk's awareness in the district, the House and even statewide if such an opportunity ever arises

Friday Updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Wind watch, flood watch in effect today; snow tonight, Saturday?

-Weather updates today, all weekend from Hometown Headlines

So much for the chamber of commerce weather earlier predicted for the NAIA football championship weekend in Rome/Floyd County. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain are possible in some parts of the region today as another storm system moves through. Plus: A wind advisory is in effect through midnight tonight. And let's not forget the snow: The's a 40 percent chance of rain and snow tonight and a 20 percent chance of a rain-snow mix Saturday and Saturday night.

-Game-time forecast looks cool but clear: Look for highs in the low 40s with a 10 percent chance of rain Saturday afternoon, according to weather.com.

-Flood watch in effect through this evening> Click

-Wind advisory in effect through midnight> Click

Your latest forecast:

-Today: Rain. 100% chance of rain; high of 43. Winds 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. New rainfall: 1 to 2 inches.

-Tonight: 40% chance of rain and snow, low of 35. Winds 5-10 mph.
-Saturday: 20% chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Wind to 10 mph.

-Saturday night: 20% chance of rain showers before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Low around 33.

-Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Gusts to 15 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Rain cancels Friday's NAIA FAN-atic events: Friday's dicey forecast, including a 100 percent chance of rain in the day and 40 percent chance of rain and snow overnight, has led to the cancellation of the FAN-atic Friday events on Town Green. The party was to follow the NAIA banquet at The Forum, which is a sellout.

-For more on the NAIA game and events, please click Football Report.

-Read the AJC's take on Rome hosting the NAIA game. Click AJC

-Live streaming of NAIA events again today.

-NAIA banquet tonight a sellout.

-Tickets remains for Saturday's national championship game ($25 each, available at The Forum. Click Here)

 

Politics:

-Georgia Senate now on Twitter: You can get updates from the Senate press office by following www.twitter.com/GASenatePress or click here

Dining Guide (click)
-Latest health department restaurant inspection scores.

-Also, updates on the local restaurant scene.

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $140 million> MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Norman's No-Nos, Bowl Edition (volume one):I see Boston College, North Carolina, Kentucky all losing.

Thursday's updates

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Snow now in Saturday's forecast. Details below.

Loudermilk: I will not be a candidate for House speaker

-Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, has announced he will not be a candidate for House Speaker when Republicans convene today. Wrote Loudermilk in his "Dear Friends" letter: "I am very grateful to those who have given their public and private endorsement to me, and I believe this overwhelming support shows the desire for true conservative leadership in our state. After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided that, at this important juncture, the state would be best served if I, and other conservatives, combine our support behind a candidate who also holds to the principles of less government, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and traditional American values." For more, please see Loudermilk's note below.

-Awaiting House speaker updates later this morning: Keep an eye on Peach Pundit and the AJC's Gold Dome.

Loudermilk: He and other conservatives will 'combine our support behind a candidate who also holds to the principles of less government, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and traditional American values.'

Dear Friends,

Over the past three weeks, I have been honored and humbled by the many citizens across our district and the state that have actively and publicly encouraged me to be considered as the next Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.  I believe this grassroots effort is evidence of the growing interest the public has in ensuring that their elected representatives and government leaders hold to the highest standards of conduct and moral values. 

Since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, I have worked hard to represent the people of the 14th District, and I have held firmly to my faith, my personal values and convictions, and my conservative political ideals.

As an undeclared candidate for the Speakers office, I have received significant support from a number of my colleagues in the House and many local elected officials, as well as public endorsement of local Republican Party committees.

I am very grateful to those who have given their public and private endorsement to me, and I believe this overwhelming support shows the desire for true conservative leadership in our state.

After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided that, at this important juncture, the state would be best served if I, and other conservatives, combine our support behind a candidate who also holds to the principles of less government, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and traditional American values. 

I will not seek the office of Speaker of the House during Thursday's meeting of the House Republican caucus; however, I will be encouraging my colleagues, to get behind the candidate that most closely represents the ideals and values that we represent.  

I am confident that, through this united effort, we will emerge with a solid nominee to take on the role of Speaker of the Georgia House.

Sincerely,
Barry Loudermilk, District 14, Georgia House of Representatives

More executive changes in local banks: Yet another significant change has occurred at a community bank in Northwest Georgia, this time in Calhoun. David Lance Sr. is out as president and chief executive officer of North Georgia National Bank. Lance in a note to the media and others, said he and his board had had differences in recent years concerning how to manage the financial center. Lance also wrote that he has a "100 percent commitment" to Calhoun/Gordon County and recalled how the bank has grown from $11 million in assets to $160 million during his tenure. Calls to George Crowley, executive vice president of the bank, were not returned late Wednesday. Background: North Georgia reported assets of $164.7 million as of June 30, down 6.2 percent from June 2009. Deposits were $138.2 million, up 1.3 percent for the period, according to a Hometown Headlines review of FDIC reports. (Archive) For Lance's letter, please click Gordon.

-Previous changes: This past summer, Heritage First Bancshares saw Dr. Ken Davis named as chairman, replacing Barry Hurley. Weeks ago, River City Bank CEO Eddie Wilson was succeeded by Roger Smith. Wilson has since landed nicely at State Bank & Trust based in Macon.

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Weather could become an issue for Saturday's game. Forecast calls for highs in the upper 40s but also a 40% chance of rain/snow.Weather below.

-Live streaming of NAIA events begins today.

-Later today/Coverage of the NAIA/Fellow of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Breakfast.

-NAIA banquet Friday night a sellout. Tickets remains for Saturday's national championship game ($25 each, available at The Forum. Click Here)

-Hickman, McDaniel are miracle workers for NAIA championship> Click

-FANatic Friday features teams, RHS band, Ga. Blues Brothers> Latest

-Downtown entertainment report, including NAIA events> Downtown

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will hold a press conference at 10 this morning to release November's unemployment rate and to "discuss the state's plan for funding future state unemployment insurance benefit costs and announce details regarding a Georgia Jobs Summit that will be held in January."

- AJC: Here's what to expect> Click

Cartersville Medical Center's diabetes program earns accreditation> Details

Latest updates from Etowah Valley Trails: Winter Solstice Walks, New Year's Eve Hike, Frostbite 5K highlight events> Details

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Dec. 17: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: More sun, high of 52, low of 37. Rain chance: 70%
-Friday: High of 41, 100% rain chance. Low of 35; 50% rain chance.
-Saturday: NAIA game: 47 degrees,  40% chance of rain/snow; low of 35; 30% chance of rain/snow.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Georgia High School Football Daily> Details

-Several local names make North-South All-Star game rosters.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-No matter that it might be a little early: here are the top 10 college football teams for 2010.

Wednesday's headlines

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

A 'ghost' from Christmas past? WXYC 1270 AM is back with Christmas music--including comedy--through the holiday as talks continue with potential parties interested in leasing the Cartersville radio station. The station left the air Dec. 14. Updates via Facebook

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Dec. 17: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)

Cartersville among state teams with the most wins in AAA from 2000-09> Football D

Tyra named director of marketing, public relations at Cartersville Medical Center

(Media release) Ginger Tyra has been named director of marketing and public relations at Cartersville Medical Center. Tyra brings over 16 years of healthcare marketing and public relations experience to the position, including market research, strategic planning, image and branding campaigns, service line development, media planning, special project and event coordination, publication development, physician recruitment and Web site content management. Prior to joining Cartersville Medical Center, Tyra worked with two HCA hospitals/health systems (Cartersville also is part of HCA). She was director of marketing and public relations at Doctors Hospital in Augusta for seven years, and then served as vice president of marketing for the HCA Carolina Market and Trident Health System for over two years. A Communications major and graduate of The University of Alabama, Tyra began her healthcare marketing career with Marion Baptist Medical Center in Hamilton, Alabama. She is a native of Russellville, Ala. Tyra and her husband have two children and recently relocated to Cartersville from Summerville, S.C.

-Synovus declares penny-a-share dividend: Synovus--parent company of Citizens First Bank of Rome and GB & T in Calhoun and Cartersville-- has declared a dividend of a penny per share on the company's common stock.  The dividend will be payable on Jan. 4 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 21> Synovus

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Teams due in Rome later today. Additional details later.

-Media updates on both teams as they prepare for the trip to Rome.

-Thursday's NAIA/Fellow of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Breakfast a sellout: Shorter Hawks Coach Phil Jones is the keynote speaker at the gathering, set for The Forum> Latest updates

-FANatic Friday features teams, RHS band, Ga. Blues Brothers> Latest

aily

Critical 24 hours in House politics: As Georgia's Republican House members prepare to meet Thursday, look for a lot of updates today. Phone lines have been sizzling among lawmakers. We expect each side to make choices on their top candidates and then you'll see the push for the speaker vote. Also up in the air: Will all the House leadership posts go up for election? A petition is circulating.

-Today and Thursday will be a good day to stay glued to Peach Pundit and Jim Galloway's AJC Political Insider column (both hot linked). We'll provide updates as well.

No MegaMillions winner Tuesday; jackpot for Friday: $140 million: Tuesday's numbers were 27-31-32-36-47 and MegaBall 35> Lottery

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 52, low of 28.
-Thursday: More sun, high of 55, low of 34.
-Saturday: NAIA football championship game: 47 degrees; 30% rain chance.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Georgia serious about this hire; say it ain't so, Tiger -- not performance-enhancing drugs