Thursday's updates

Click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Chamber's D.C. delegation meets with U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey

The Tams will play Sept. 12 make-up date following Saturday night's rain out

Keeping an eye on the Oostanaula: The Oostanaula River was at 18.67 feet this morning, swollen by 1.80 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. The river is expected to peak at 19.8 feet later today before beginning a slow drop. Flood stage is 25 feet although water managers begin to get anxious when it tops 19 feet. We have a slight chance of more rain later today. Track the Oostanaula> Click

>Your seven-day forecast. Click WeatherCenter

Atlanta, Rome Braves seeing slow ticket sales thanks to economy, weather: A story in today's AJC examines a big drop in per-game attendance for the Atlanta Braves so far this young season. Per-game ticket sales are off by 7,000 compared tot he 2008 average (AJC). In Rome, 1,667 tickets were sold for Wednesday's game, perhaps a franchise low over the past seven seasons. Through 13 games, the Rome Braves are selling 2.859 tickets per outing vs. the 2008 season average of 3,243.  Rome has been aggressive in pushing ticket packages this year including a $25 family-of-four ticket package on Sundays and two-for-one sales on Tuesday (click). Part of the slump has been caused by few season ticket sales. The end of the school year and some of the headline in-game promotions should help increase numbers.

-Braves vs. Lexington, 10:30 this morning at State Mutual Stadium.

Dining & Drink

-City Cellar & Loft in Cartersville seeks permits: Cartersville's City Council tonight it scheduled to review a beer/wine/distilled spirits pouring license application from Robert Joseph Smith for the City Cellar & Loft at 110 S. Museum Drive.

It's the site of the former Irish pub/restaurant. What's interesting: Smith has letters of support and endorsement from other downtown restaurants--future competitors-- including Jackie Wallace of Appalachian Grill.

-North Georgia wineries go heavy on Mother's Day brunches: Also, a UGA study profiles the average winery visitors (late 40s, earns $100K)> Wine Tours

-Make that Mother's Day weekend: Area restaurants are gearing up for the Mother's Day rush. At Sassafras Grill, an expanded menu and complimentary roses are planned for Friday and Saturday nights.

Politics:

-Gingrey honored by chemists: U.S. Phil Gingrey was among those named as recipients of the American Chemical Society's 2009 Public Service Award "for their vision and leadership in science and engineering policy."> Chemists

-Town hall on water organized by Dempsey for 5:30 p.m. Monday> Politics

Thursday's Buzz

-Wachovia Securities is now Wells Fargo Advisors; Rome offices combining:   Wells Fargo purchased Wachovia late last year and the latest step is the rebranding of Wachovia Securities effective May 1. Also, the staff in the Wachovia Securities office on East First Street is moving to Bridgepoint Plaza office the weekend of May 16-17. Bruce Hunter and Mike Crego continue as co-branch managers.

-WSRM has a new home on the FM radio dial: (Based in part on a media release): The transition from 95.3 FM to the new WSRM-FM at 93.5 FM is now complete. The frequency change brings a stronger signal and an increased coverage area. The tower's new home sits high atop Mount Alto and Coosa will remain the frequency's city of license. Said General Manager Randy Quick: "The new tower position allows WSRM as well as WRGA to greater serve our Northwest Georgia audience." Context: WSRM has been simulcasting WRGA 1470 AM for several years and apparently will continue to do so for now. The stronger signal will now take WSRM deeper in Bartow County.

-Voice of Berry honors for two students, employee, instructor> Campus

-Forestar (Town West developer) loses $3.9M in first quarter:  The company that plans to build more than 2,500 residences just west of Adairsville posted a $3.9 million first quarter loss on Wednesday. That compares to a $200,000 loss in the first three months of 2008. Says Jim DeCosmo, president and chief executive officer, in a media release: "Even with a significant slowdown in real estate sales, we are focused on positioning Forestar to generate positive cash flow by significantly reducing investment in real estate development and lowering costs." > Details

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Hazardous Weather Outlook: Thunderstorms possible again today.

-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms. High in the upper 70s.

-Thursday night: 20% rain chance with a low around 64.

-Friday: 40% chance of showers, thunderstorms. High in lower 80s.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Think about it, Bulldog fans: Do you really want to upgrade non-SEC schedule? > Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Braves take first game with Lexington, 4-2

-Another 10:30 a.m. start today for Braves vs. Legends

-Mills Fitzner's latest game photos> Click