Thursday's updates

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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.