$20 million in new taxes from Dream Parks? Wet start to the new year. Arey's bowl picks.

For all of today's headlines, please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:

  

$20 million a year in new tax revenue from Dream Parks at LakePoint?

-Updated reports to regional planners add new details including annual taxes, the project's overall value, water usage, transportation plans and more.

Signs of change on Broad Street.

-The new Mellow Mushroom sign got a little workout Thursday.

Year in review and what's ahead: Restaurants. Druck Report  

 -Dining out New Year's Eve? Check our latest public health restaurant inspection scores first. Dining

Your New Year's weekend forecast:

-New Year's Eve: High of 63. Low of 52; 80% rain chance overnight.

-New Year's Day: High of 63; 90% rain chance. Low 39; 40% rain chance.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 54, low of 23. 20% rain chance.

MegaMillions jackpot worth $242 million tonight.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-TCU and UCONN simply overmatched in their bowl outings; Gators win Urban finale.
Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum. 

Dining Guide. Click
-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.

 

Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. 

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries. 

Year to end on warmer, wetter note. Latest business updates

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:

2010 to end with wet, warmer weather

-Thursday: High of 49, low of 37. 20% chance of rain.

-New Year's Eve: High of 61. Low of 48; 70% rain chance overnight.

-New Year's Day: High of 60; 80% rain chance. Low 43; 50% rain chance.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 55, low of 26. 20% rain chance.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Business Buzz:

-Opi's Roadhouse open for business.

-Toys R Us Express to close season store.

-Liz Claiborne outlet store offering 75-90 percent cuts.

Year in review and what's ahead: Employment. Druck Report

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-Planning to dine out New Year's Eve? Make our list of the inspection scores from Floyd, Gordon, Bartow, Polk and Chattooga counties your first stop. You'll be surprised by some of the scores this week. Dining

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-No highlights for Tech; is there a better quarterback right now than Drew Brees? 

Freezing rain possible in some parts of NW Georgia; Bartow exempt so far. More rain coming. Latest on Dream Parks proposal. Sheriff's reports.

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:

Freezing rain possible overnight in NW Georgia; Bartow clear.

-Weather statement: Freezing rain is possible between 2 and 10 a.m. along and north of a line from Rome to Helen. Bartow County is not in the "watch area" at this hour but communities to the west and north are. No accumulation is expected but it could make roads and bridges slick in some spots. Details

-Wednesday: A balmy high of 47, low of 32. .

-Thursday: High of 50, low of 34. Rain chance: 20%.

-New Year's Eve: High of 60. Low of 46; 50% rain chance.

-New Year's Day: High of 62; 70% rain chance. Low of 49.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

New details on LakePoint Sporting Community & Town Center

-The developers of the billion-dollar mixed-use Dream Parks sports campus proposed between U.S. 41 and I-75 as well as the city of Emerson have filed the required "development of regional impact" application with planners. While it answers some questions about the "privately funded" project backed in part by retired Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and others, there are key blanks that will require revision such as traffic, water, sewage and other infrastructure needs. What's included:

-It will feature a 248-acre sports complex.

-The overall size is 1,401.28 acres.

-Planned are 1,883,000 square feet of retail space. That's almost four times the square footage under roof at Mount Berry Square.

-Also due: 551,000 square feet of office space. Again imagine Mount Berry Square--and add the equivalent of two Circuit City locations.

-Another 600,000 square feet for mixed use. A media release earlier said "4,000 hotel keys" will be on site as well as 20 restaurants and entertainment venues.

-Total buildout: 2020. First use of sporting venues

Finally, a little warmer after a low of 20. Rain ahead. Latest dining updates. Jail reports

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

Specialty Hospital begins search for employees

-The $22 million Specialty Hospital, a joint venture between Floyd Medical Centerand RehabCare, is due in early 2011. Rehab has started advertising to fill positions with the 24-bed center for " serve patients who require intensive medical care for an extended period of time." Sought are registered nurses, ICU staff, respiratory therapist and others. You can apply with Ashley C. Smith, HR Manager, via E-mail or click on the Rehab website.

Dining & Drink

-More free pizza--well, almost: Little Caesar's is offering a buy-one, get-one deal through today. You have to fill out a simple registration before printing or getting a mobile copy of the coupon. You'll find stores in Cartersville, Calhoun and Rome. A second Little Caesar's is coming to rome, at 2004 Shorter Ave, the site of the former Tokyo Express. Opening: February or early March. Click

-You can reserve a free Chick-Fil-A spicy chicken biscuit now. Click

-Wednesday: The Floyd County Commission will have a Called Meeting at 8:30 a.m. to review a request for approval for an Alcohol License for Opi’s Roadhouse. The meeting will be held in the Conference Room, located on the 2nd floor of the Floyd County Administration Building. Opi's is at Ga. 53 and 140 in Shannon.Opi's Facebook

Year in review and what's ahead: Retail

-Now through Friday, we're looking at the key stories in our business community this year and what to expect in 2011. These are the same commentaries you hear each day on The Druck Report at 7:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM, sponsored by 333 on Broad.

-Today's focus: Retail. Year's rough start has smooth end. Druck Report

Monday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Your latest forecast: A little more warmth today after 20 for a low.

-Tuesday: Sunny, high near 44. Low of 23.

-Wednesday: A balmy 51, low of 30.

-New Year's Eve: 40% chance of rain, low of 46.

-New Year's Day: High of 61--but 60% rain chance.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Just how in the heck can you miss curfew in downtown Shreveport?

White stuff could stick one more day; low tonight: 18. Buzz of Northwest Georgia. What's ahead in Bartow County

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Buzz

-Marriott interested in potential full-service hotel in West Third district?

-Loveliest Lips contest honors downtown business woman, raises awareness of women's heart health.

Your latest forecast: Another cold one tonight.

-Our 'White Christmas' might linger another day.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 35. Gusts to 25 mph. Low of 18.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high near 43. Low of 20. 

Year in review and what's ahead:

-Now through Friday, we're looking at the key stories in our business community this year and what to expect in 2011. These are the same commentaries you hear each day on The Druck Report at 7:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM, sponsored by 333 on Broad.

-Today's focus: Healthcare and higher education. Click Druck Report

Sunday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-I'm willing to take an oath: I've never received an improper benefit from a tattoo parlor.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.  Sports

1 to 3 inches of snow possible in Cartersville on Christmas Day.

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/

1 to 3 inches of snow possible Christmas Day, Sunday

-Weather service update: The storm will start with rain on Christmas Eve and then switch to a 70 percent chance of snow and rain Christmas Day, followed by a 50 percent chance of snow Christmas night. Travelers can expect wintry weather heading north or even south of Atlanta. Weather statement.

-Updates all Christmas weekend on Hometown Headlines.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 47, low of 25.

-Christmas Eve: High 51, low of 34. 30% chance of rain.

-Christmas:70% snow, rain chance, high of 38, low of 27. 50% snow chance.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 38, low of 21.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Region sees drop in jobless rate -- and number of jobs -- in November

	November employed	November unemployed	November % jobless	October employed	Nov. 2009 employed
Bartow	40,037	5,315	11.7%	40,013	40,399
Chattooga	9,124	1,242	12.0%	9,168	9,076
Floyd	43,663	5,209	10.7%	43,686	44,276
Gordon	21,685	3,039	12.3%	21,693	21,315
Polk	18,206	2,129	10.5%	18,260	18,778
State	4,197,320	482,195	10.3%	4,208,205	4,251,350

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-The November jobless rate was good news for Bartow, Gordon and Polk counties as the percentage of people out of work dropped compared to the same month in 2009. -The unemployment rate climbed in Floyd and Chattooga counties as well as the state.

-What's a concern: The first column in the above grid shows the number of people working in each county last month. The numbers in red indicate there were fewer people working there in November 2010 vs. November 2009.

-Gordon County posted the highest jobless rate followed by Chattooga and Bartow.

-Closer look at the November reports. Employment

Radio personalities, Burkhalter save caller from possible suicide Tuesday:

-A caller's cryptic message -- 'I’m going through some hard times but I’m over it now. You’re gonna be the last person I talk to' -- prompt South 107's Kevin Daniels, Moby and Sheriff Tim Burkhalter to take desperate measures to save Gordon County man's life and maybe his family, too. Details

Christmas updates:

-All construction-related lane closures in Northwest Georgia will be suspended for the Christmas holidays, beginning at noon Thursday and continuing until 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 27. 

-Gas price get even higher: Merry Christmas! You're seeing gas prices at their highest level since October 2008--and still climbing. We're paying 50 cents more a gallon than we did a year ago. Even with that Kroger 40-cent-per-gallon discount with gift card purchases, we still paid $2.50 a gallon Wednesday in Rome. Gas Prices

Today's Buzz:

-Latest updates from the chamber of commerce: busy January. Chamber

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Click Dining

-Wednesday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Break up the American League East. Is Oregon's Brian Kelly really coach of the year?

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.  Sports

60% chance of a white Christmas in Bartow County. Latest on Dream Parks at Lake Point

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

You guessed it: A 60% chance of a white Christmas

-The National Weather Service now predicts a 60% chance of snow/rain on Christmas Day with a high of just 38 degrees. There's a 30% chance of snow that night as well. A special weather statement says some accumulation is possible in the north part of the state.

-We'll continue to track the forecast throughout the holiday.

-Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: High of 57; low of 29. 20% rain chance.

Business

-Perfect Game USA to move 50 employees from Cedar Rapids to Bartow sports hub: An update on Friday's announcement on the billion-dollar sports campus planned near Emerson. Perfect Game USA, already committed to the Bartow site, plans to move up to 50 of its employees from the Iowa headquarters. Details

-An earlier story reported Perfect Game was in talks with developers in 'Cobb County' and Kissimmee in Central Florida. Details

-Follow Dream Parks at Lake Point on Facebook.

Dining

-Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse celebrating second anniversary with Jan. 7 wine dinner: The award-winning barbecue spot near the Covered Bridge in Euharlee celebrates its second anniversary next month with a special wine dinner on Jan. 7.(Menu) It begins at 7 p.m. Cost: For reservations, call 770-383-3383. Facebook

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Click Dining

Today's Buzz:

-NAIA brings $1.5 million to local economy in 2010. Expanded report.

-Ga. Northwestern expands programs into Whitfield, Murray counties. Click

The 2010 Census results. Click

-U.S. population: 308,745,533.

-Georgia's population: 9,687,653, up from 8,186,453 or 18.3 percent from 2000 Census.

-What it means: Georgia gains a 14th seat in Congress. Gov.-elect Nathan Deal will call the General Assembly into special session next year to draw new districts for state House and Senate members as well as Congress.

-Says U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey: "We will not know where the 14th Congressional District will be until our state lawmakers begin drawing the new maps." He called the gain a "testament to the economic growth and high quality of life for which our state is known." Gingrey's 11th district includes much of Northwest Georgia.

Christmas updates:

-All construction-related lane closures in Northwest Georgia will be suspended for the Christmas holidays, beginning at noon Thursday and continuing until 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 27. 

-Rising gas prices--Merry Christmas? Just in time for that holiday trip, you're seeing gas prices are at their highest level since October 2008. We're paying 45 cents more a gallon than we did a year ago. Georgia Gas Prices

Sheriff's office charges two with armed robbery: (Media release) The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office has charged two Cartersville men in connection with an armed robbery which occurred last week According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Jeremy Starr Prather, 33, and Nicholas Tyler Cordell, 20, on numerous charges stemming from the Dec. 16 robbery at the Banana Boat Store.

CTC: Pell grant funds can be used for books, too. Click

AT &T Pioneers donate handcrafts to CMC nursery. Click

Tuesday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Shaq conducts himself with grace; there are fans, then there are Auburn fans.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.  Sports

CTC: Pell grant funds can be used for books, too.

Students receiving the Federal Pell Grant to pay for classes at Chattahoochee Technical College will now have the opportunity to use up to $300 of funds in the campus bookstore. This new policy goes into effect for Winter Quarter 2011.

"We’re getting a jump on a new federal policy to benefit our students," said Executive Director of Student Financial Services Jody Darby. "This new policy will allow students to purchase some of their needed books and supplies in the campus bookstores using Pell on the first day of the quarter, if eligible."

If a student’s tuition and fees are fully paid by either financial aid (HOPE, Pell, etc.) or by other sources, he or she may use up to $300 in Federal Pell Grant funds in the CTC bookstores. If a student has used Pell Grant in the bookstore and withdraws completely from the college or drops all classes for a quarter, he or she may be required to return those funds to CTC before being allowed to re-enroll or having records released.

The new policy will impact about half of Chattahoochee Technical College’s 13,000 students. According to Darby, almost 50 percent of students at the college received Pell Grant funds as a part of their financial aid package during Fall Quarter 2010. The college has paid out more than 7,500 such grants during summer and fall quarters.

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) is $5,550. The amount a student receives depends not only on financial need, but also the costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Should students have questions, Student Financial Services has staff on all of CTC’s campuses to assist.
Students may apply for Pell and all other aid available from CTC at www.fafsa.ed.gov (code 005620).

For more information on scholarships and other sources of aid, students can go to
http://www.gacollege411.org/, http://www.fastweb.com/, or http://www.ed.gov/.

AT & T Pioneers donate handmade crafts to CMC's nursery

The Nursery at Cartersville Medical Center received early Christmas gifts this year. The Rome Council of the AT&T Pioneers donated handmade “sock babies” for new mothers and babies. Used to promote infant bonding, “sock babies” are soft and soothing for newborns.

“The sock baby is first placed on the mother and absorbs her scent, then it’s placed in the crib with the baby,” said Nikki Bentley, director of perinatal services at Cartersville Medical Center. “The mother’s scent is recognized by the baby and therefore provides comfort and a soothing feeling for the baby,” said Bentley. Sock babies are also wonderful when babies require transfer to another hospital and are physically apart from their mother for a period of time, according to Bentley.

A national project of AT&T Pioneers, the Rome Council provides sock babies to five counties in Northwest Georgia, including Bartow, Floyd, Polk, Gordon and Cherokee.

“We are so thankful to be able to provide these wonderful handmade gifts to our new moms and babies,” said Bentley.

For more information about perinatal services and classes at Cartersville Medical Center, call MedLine at 800.242.5662 or visit http://www.cartersvillemedical.com/.

For more information about the AT&T Pioneers, log on to http://www.attpioneers.org/.























For more information about the AT&T Pioneers, log on to www.attpioneers.org.

Cartersville's AM 1270 returns in January. Latest Christmas updates. Rain returns today, Christmas Eve

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:

Media:
-Cartersville's WYXC 1270 AM returns in January: Almost a year after going "dark," Cartersville's WYXC 1270 AM is returning to the airwaves--and with some familiars. Tommy Young says a silent partner has stepped up to help the station return, either by Jan. 10 or perhaps Jan. 17.
-Here's why the newspaper looks smaller each week: Online ad revenue spending tops newspapers this year. "Digital advertising in the U.S. will exceed ads in newspapers for the first time in 2010, as marketers follow consumers online and digital messages are viewed as more reliable than print." Click for more.

Christmas updates:
-All construction-related lane closures in Northwest Georgia will be suspended for the Christmas holidays, beginning at noon Thursday and continuing until 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 27.
-Rising gas prices--Merry Christmas? Just in time for that holiday trip, you're seeing gas prices are at their highest level since October 2008. We're paying 45 cents more a gallon than we did a year ago. Georgia Gas Prices

Tuesday's Buzz
-Amazon finalizes deal for two fulfillment centers near Chattanooga. Details

Monday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: High of 48; 30% chance of rain. Low of 45.
-Wednesday: High of 54; low of 30.
-Christmas Eve: 50% chance of rain, low of 37.
-Christmas Day: 20% rain chance, high of 44, low of 26.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Tebow's first NFL start wasn't bad. Unfortunate but true, Michael Vick may be MVP.

Latest updates from the chamber of commerce, including annual meeting updates. Click Chamber.

What's ahead in Bartow County:
-Jan. 6: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m., work session.
-Jan. 10: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m. regular meeting.
-Jan. 11-Feb. 15: The Grand Theatre offering Youth Acting Classes for grades 2-5 and grades 6-12. Details

Mixed reports from downtown Cartersville retailers as Christmas shopping season enters final days. Tellus ready for big lunar show. Weather: Low 50s, warmer nights this week.

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Buzz

-Christmas shopping 2010: Mostly thumbs up from Rome, Cartersville and Calhoun retailers. And wait until you read about the Dec. 26 sales.
-Rome ReSale: Group's idea is to accept donated clothing, furniture, etc., sell it and channel the proceeds to local charities.
-Triple Threat Arts Co. opening in January.
-Indoor dirt track for hobby racing fans part of Turtle Trax in Cartersville.
-Tracking Santa: Watch Christmas Eve as NORAD tracks St. Nick.
-Peaks & Valleys: NAIA experience, 'ice road commuters.'

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: High of 50, low of 32.
-Tuesday: High of 52; 20% chance of rain. Low of 44.
-Christmas Eve: 30% chance of rain, low of 38.
-Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, high of 46.

Dec. 20-21: Lunar eclipse means an all-nighter at Tellus -- for staff and guests:

Sunday's Bartow County Jail reports. Incident Reports // Jail Intake Report

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Mark Cuban is talking the talk, now let's see him actually walk the walk

Latest updates from the chamber of commerce, including annual meeting updates. Click Chamber.

What's ahead in Bartow County:
-Jan. 6: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m., work session.
-Jan. 10: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m. regular meeting.
-Jan. 11-Feb. 15: The Grand Theatre offering Youth Acting Classes for grades 2-5 and grades 6-12. Details

Bartow picked for billion-dollar sports, mixed use campus. NAIA football weekend in Rome. Weather: No snow but rain, cooler temps

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Billion-dollar sports/mixed-use development announced for Emerson

-Just let the numbers tell the story of what  LakePoint Sports Development Group plans for 1,380 acres front I-75 and backing up to U.S. 41 . According to a story in today's Cartersville Daily Tribune News, the project would feature sports fields, entertainment, shopping, hotels, dining and "educational campuses."

 

Latest weather forecast:

-Friday: Some sun, high of 48, low of 34; 20% chance of rain overnight.

-Saturday: 40% rain chance. High of 47, low 27.

-Sunday: High of 48, low of 25.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

NAIA football championship updates: Sold-out banquet tonight

Members of the Carroll College Fighting Saints meet with Main Elementary students

on Thursday. For more, click NAIA photos. Photo by Dana Thompson/Shorter.

-You'll be seeing more of the players and some of the fans for Sioux Falls and Carroll today as the championship game draws closer. The teams will again visit some area schools. Tonight, the Banquet of Champions begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Forum, and is a sellout. At 8 p.m., Fanatic Friday premieres at Town Green. It is free and open to all. Events

-Coosa's Van Curen, Calhoun's Parlo named 'Champions of Character': Jared Van Curen of Coosa High School and Blaire Parlo of Calhoun High School were recognized as recipients of the Greene's Jewelers 2010 Champions of Character High School Athlete Award. Details.

-Additional updates on the NAIA game, upcoming events. Click

Final Christmas shopping blitz begins

We've seen Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now it's 7-and-Counting -- that is shopping days left before Christmas. What's on tap:

-Mount Berry Square is open until 11 p.m. now through Thursday (OK, 10 p.m. Sunday). The mall also opens at 8 this morning and 7 a.m. Saturday.

-Cotton Block Friday's Christmas Market and Crafts Bazaar is tonight from 5 to 7 and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

-Calhoun Premium Outlets is operating pretty much at 12-hour days, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., except Sunday and Christmas Eve.

-The Belk store in Cartersville is open today from 8 a.m. until midnight and from 6 a.m. until midnight Saturday.

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

Latest updates from the chamber of commerce, including annual meeting updates. Click Chamber.

Loudermilk, lawmakers reject pay increase: The Legislative Affairs Committee of the Georgia General Assembly has voted to forego the "cost of living" salary increase scheduled to be given state employees. This marks the third consecutive year the legislature has decided not to take the cost of living salary increase. "Throughout our state, businesses and individuals are cutting costs just to make ends meet during this economic downturn.  I believe the government and elected officials should be expected to operate in this way as well," said Sen.-Elect Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville. Lawmakers are paid an annual salary of $17,341. (Media release)

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Dec. 18-19: Steps of Faith Dance Studio will present "The Nativity" at The Grand Theatre. Shows on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $13 and $15 at the door. Call 770-386-7343.

-Dec. 20-21: Lunar eclipse means an all-nighter at Tellus -- for staff and guests:-Jan. 6: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m., work session.

-Jan. 10: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m. regular meeting.

-Jan. 11-Feb. 15: The Grand Theatre offering Youth Acting Classes for grades 2-5 and grades 6-12. Details

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Here are Norman's No-Nos to kick off the ridiculously long 35-game bowl season.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Latest weather updates for Cartersville, Bartow County: snow Friday night? Mixed report on jobs: unemployment applications drop but so does job count. Restaurant scores.

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/

Continuing updates on the weather, closings, delays and area roads all day.

First-time job claims in November drop from same month last year BUT soar when compared to October 2010 reports.
-Rome/Floyd loses 300 jobs between November 2009-last month.
-County-by-county look at first-time jobless claims.

What's ahead in Bartow County: Cartersville City Council meets.

Coming Friday: WBHF AM 1450 is hinting at a big announcement. Tune in beginning at 6 a.m. for details.

NAIA football championship events, practices under way.
-Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Barron Stadium; 30% rain chance, high of 45.

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia.

WorkReady program salutes Georgia Northwestern Technical College's economic development team.
-Governor's Office of Highway Safety awards grants to Pepperell, Coosa High schools. Details
-Redmond Regional receives Silver Plus performance award. Click
-Latest edition of Virtually Shorter now posted. Hawks

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
- No SEC team makes it into the top five of next year's preseason college ranking.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Search under way for new manager as 'designated manager' takes job with Houston Astros instead.

Final high school football polls of 2010.
-Darlington, Calhoun ranked.

Dining Guide. Click
-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.

Wine News Vine. Wine
-Upcoming events at the North Georgia

Wintry mix, freezing rain back in Bartow's forecast. NAIA game activities begin. What's ahead in Bartow County?

Wintry mix, freezing rain back in today's forecast; more snow, too

-The on-again, off-again "wintry precipitation" forecast is back. Look for a 20 percent chance of "wintry" weather today followed by a 60 percent chance of snow and freezing rain tonight with little to no accumulation of ice expected. Rain will continue into the weekend followed by a 20 percent snow chance Saturday night. Details below.

Lunar eclipse means an all-nighter at Tellus -- for staff and guests:

-A rare, total lunar eclipse is due the morning of Dec. 21 and Tellus: Northwest Georgia's Science Museum will pull an all-nighter to help area residents take it in. The galleries, store and café will open at midnight. Says a media release: "There will be many viewing options: in the observatory, through our smaller telescopes in the grounds, and inside the museum, with a live image of the eclipse being fed from the 20-inch telescope into the theater, banquet rooms, planetarium and Great Hall."  

The event is free for members; it is included in the cost of regular admission for non-members. Tellus will remain open until 5:30 a.m. The eclipse will begin around 1:30 and will end around 5 a.m. Details: 770-606-5700.

Tuesday's Bartow County Jail reports.  Incident Reports //Click

What's ahead in Bartow County:

-Dec. 16: Cartersville City Council.

-Dec. 18-19: Steps of Faith Dance Studio will present "The Nativity" at The Grand Theatre. Shows on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $13 and $15 at the door. Call 770-386-7343.

-Jan. 6: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m., work session.

-Jan. 10: Cartersville School Board, 6 p.m. regular meeting.

-Jan. 11-Feb. 15: The Grand Theatre offering Youth Acting Classes for grades 2-5 and grades 6-12. Details

NAIA gets under way as teams due today: What to know.

-Sioux Falls and Carroll teams and support staff as well as others begin to arrive in Rome later today for Saturday's 4:30 p.m. national title game at Barron Stadium. The visitors bureau predicts 2,000 out-of-town fans, accounting for 1,100 hotel stays between today and Sunday morning.

-Economic impact: $1 million-plus (2009 game:$1.8 million; 2007, $1.55 million)

-Weather forecast: 40% chance of rain, high of 46 on Saturday.

-What's new at the stadium: They'll see changes at the stadium since their last visits including the artificial turf and scoreboard. More is on the way; see below.

-What's new nearby: The Harbin Clinic Cancer Center, due in April, will be readily visible from the stadium as will the new cut into Heritage Park.

-What's new around town: Hight Homes is gone, soon to be replaced by Charles Hight Square and probably Publix ... The Specialty Hospital is rising on the other side of the Floyd Medical Center campus.

-What's new downtown: Johnny's New York Style Pizza, The Greener Burger and Pastime restaurants are open; The Partridge has a revitalized look and menu.

-Accommodations: Let's hope the teams get along. They're in neighboring hotels, Country Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express.

-What's next: Thursday's activities begin with the Champions of Character/Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast, The Forum. Events.

-What the game means to Rome: Click // NAIA championship website

Not a November to remember after all:

-The good news was state revenue collections were 6.7 percent last month compared to November 2009 ($1.27 billion vs. $1.19 billion). But when compared to November 2007, we're still not quite back to pre-recessionary levels just yet. Revenue for that month was $1.42 billion and for November 2007, $1.4 billion. That's still a 9 percent deficit when comparing 2007 and 2010 reports. Details

-Big drop in local home sales: Make that 27 homes sold in November vs. 59 a year earlier, or a 54 percent, year-over-year drop. The value of those homes dropped by about $4,000 or to the $120,000 range, according to the Greater Rome Board of Realtors.

Rain could be with us through Saturday night:

-Wednesday:  20% chance of wintry mix; high near 36. Tonight: 60% chance of ice, low of 33.
-Thursday: 60% rain chance, high of 55; low of 39.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Those Brainiacs in the Big Ten (or whatever) just won't let up for a second.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Highlights from Monday's Carterville Board of Education meeting

(Media release) In the regular December meeting of the Cartersville City Board of Education, the Board approved a resolution supporting the efforts of buying from local vendors. The School Board’s Resolution to Purchase Goods and Services in Bartow County lends support to buying local products and services when it is the most cost effective for taxpayers. The school system spends over $41 million annually in salaries, services and products and lends its support to local companies and suppliers when it is reasonable to do so. In the meeting, Superintendent Howard Hinesley shared the system’s appreciation for local businesses and the community in previous SPLOST votes which support the school system and in return the Board shares in the philosophy to support local expenditures when feasible.
-The Board also approved a Joint Resolution with the City Council for the refinancing of outstanding general obligation bonds. The resolution begins the process of the future refinancing of bonds when the market is favorable. This refinancing action has the potential of saving school system tax monies between $500,000 and $1 million in interest on the bonds used to finance the remodeling of Cartersville High School, as it will allow the system to pay off the bonds earlier.
-The Board approved changes in two Board policies. Policy DK-Student Activity Funds was modified to include outside organizations and support groups in the use of trademarks, logos, and marketing information. Outside organizations and support groups, such as clubs, must use the schools’ financial accounting systems in the raising of funds and fund disbursements and prevents those groups from using the Cartersville School brand without permission from the Board. Changes in Policy KHE-Gifts to Schools requires those gifts and donations to be in line with Board policy so that the school system is not placed in a situation of inequity or obligate the system to immediate or future expenditures. The policy also requires employees to accept gifts and donation on behalf of the school or a program only as approved by the Board. These changes bring the policies in line with previous policy changes and are meant to protect the system and its employees.
-The Board approved an amendment to the Superintendent’s contract that extends Dr. Howard Hinesley’s employment to June 30, 2014, commencing on July 1, 2011. State law prevents employment contracts from going beyond three years at any given time. The amendment to the contract has no effect on the amount of compensation to be paid to the superintendent.
-The Board approved budget parameters for the 2011-2012 school year. The parameters give guidance to administrators in developing next year’s budgets and represent no changes from the current year.
-The slate of personnel recommendations was approved as presented.
-The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Cartersville School Board is scheduled for Monday, January 10, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. The Board’s Work Session will be held on Thursday, January 6, at 6:00 p.m.

Near-record low today; freezing rain Wednesday? Plus: Cartersville updates

Please click http://www.bartowheadlines.com/:


More cold today; concerns about Wednesday
-15 degrees 'official' low so far: The record low is 14 degrees set Dec. 14, 1960, so we're close at 6 a.m.
-Closings/delays: The Appalachian campus of Chattahoochee Tech is opening late, at 10 a.m. Statewide closings: WSB TV
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 31, low 18.
-Wednesday: 40-60% chance of freezing rain, high of 39, low of 33.

Rome's City Center: Kohl's, Dick's, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby?
-A little surprise popped up on the LoopNet real estate site: a solicitation for tenants for City Center, a new "power center" retail spot with 342,248 square feet planned by R.H. Ledbetter Properties at Riverside Parkway and Turner McCall. -The major anchors are listed as Hobby Lobby, Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy.

CMC's Phoebe Stieber named 'Hospital Hero' by Ga. Hospital Association:
-Cartersville Medical launches 'hospitalists' program:

Monday's Bartow County Jail reports. Click and Click

What's ahead in Bartow County:
-Dec. 16: Cartersville City Council.
-Dec. 18-19: Steps of Faith Dance Studio will present "The Nativity" at The Grand Theatre. Shows on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $13 and $15 at the door. Call 770-386-7343.
-Jan. 11-Feb. 15: The Grand Theatre offering Youth Acting Classes for grades 2-5 and grades 6-12. Details

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-That's dedication, folks, when you voluntarily take a $300,000 cut in pay.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Cartersville Medical Center launches new hospitalist service

 (Revised media release) A new hospitalist program with over a dozen physicians specially trained in inpatient care began recently at Cartersville Medical Center.


Specially trained in inpatient care and considered inpatient specialists, hospitalists are trained in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine and are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Hospitalists manage and direct patient care for hospitalized patients, keeping primary care physicians informed and updated about their patients’ progress throughout their hospital stay.

Led by David Dennison, MD, the hospitalists at Cartersville Medical Center:

Assess and treat the patient’s medical condition

Coordinate the patient’s hospital care

Establish a relationship with the patient and his or her family

Are familiar with key staff in the hospital, including medical and surgical consultants, discharge planner, clergy and other employees

Consult with and coordinate the patient’s care with other specialists as needed

Review the patient’s progress with his/her primary care physician

Transition medical care back to the primary care physician once the patient is discharged from the hospital (the primary care physician then resumes care for the patient)

“We are excited about our group of hospitalists,” said Keith Sandlin, CEO at Cartersville Medical Center. “We interviewed many qualified candidates and believe we selected individuals who will be excellent for our patients as well as our physicians. I am especially pleased that Dr. Dennison – with over 25 years of inpatient experience – agreed to lead our program.”

According to Dr. Dennison, whether a patient is directly admitted to the hospital from their physician’s office, or if a patient is admitted through the emergency department, the patient’s physician will be notified of the patient’s admission. “There is in place a process by which the hospitalist service notifies the patient’s primary care physician of the admission and the diagnosis at the time of admission. The history and physical exam as well as laboratory results are available to the primary care physician by way of Cartersville Medical Center’s electronic medical record system, which is accessible from their office by secure password. When the patient is ready for discharge, changes in medication are communicated to the primary care physician and the discharge summary of the hospitalization is available to the primary care physician as well,” said Dr. Dennison. He went on to say, “Once admitted under the care of the hospitalist group, a hospitalist will be in charge of the patient’s care daily. Throughout the patient’s stay, the hospitalist will work as an extension of the patient’s primary care physician. At discharge, a smooth and safe transition of care to the outpatient setting is a high priority. Safe-guards are in place to ensure that home medication regimens are updated accurately at discharge and follow up arranged.”

For more information about Hospitalist Services at Cartersville Medical Center, please call 1.800.242.5662.

Cartersvill Medical Center's Phoebe Stieber named a 2010 Hospital Hero

Pictured, left to right:  Phoebe Stieber, 2010 GHA Hospital Hero and Chuck Adams, FACHE, GHA Chairman.

 

(Media release) Phoebe Stieber, vice president of quality services at Cartersville Medical Center and Bartow County native, was named a 2010 Hospital Hero — along with nine other individuals — by the Georgia Hospital Association in Atlanta last week.

 

Stieber was nominated for the award by one of her employees and was selected based upon her leadership qualities as well as her tireless and unselfish service to her community.

 

As vice president of quality resources, Stieber is responsible for the oversight of quality and regulatory processes for the hospital. Having worked in this field for a number of years, she knows what it takes for the hospital to meet high quality standards. Her hard work has ensured that the hospital achieves high scores in quality measures, including 100 percent on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), a nationalized, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients' perspectives of hospital care.  "Phoebe Stieber has enhanced our quality standards efforts at Cartersville Medical Center and she certainly deserves much credit for our hospital's success with consistently high quality measures," said Keith Sandlin, CEO of Cartersville Medical Center.

 

What Stieber does outside her job duties is also exceptional. She is known around the hospital as the person who will do anything to help anyone. Many times, she is seen in the hallway, her arm around the family member of a patient, asking if she can do anything to ease their worries. She shows equal compassion to fellow employees, providing food to staff that may have missed cafeteria open hours during a busy work day.

 

Stieber also finds time to share her talents in the community. She is a member of the board of directors for a local homeless shelter. She has worked with the shelter for several years, organizing many meal deliveries from the hospital. She is also on the front lines when it comes to serving food to the hungry.  "Aside from Phoebe's outstanding accomplishments in her job duties, she is also a very kind-hearted person, positively affecting so many people," said Sandlin. 

 

"Phoebe Stieber has not only brought high quality standards to her hospital, but she has also brought warmth, compassion, and kindness to patients and employees," said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. "We are thankful for the services she provides. She is an ideal recipient of this award."

 

GHA's Hospital Heroes Awards are presented every year to 10 individuals who display outstanding service to the health care field; in addition, one individual is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award, signifying at least 30 years of service.