Latest weather: After a low of 14, a balmy 41 today
-Look for the last of the snow and ice to melt today as we break out of the 30s for the first time since Thursday; 50 degrees by Wednesday.
-Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.
-Tonight: A chance of flurries after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
-Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Gusts as high as 15 mph.
-Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.
-Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind.
-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar
What's ahead in Bartow County:
-Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in our area> Click
-Jan. 11: DOT schedules work on U.S. 41 at 293, railroad bridges: (Media release) The Georgia Department of Transportation is advising motorists in Bartow County of night lane closures on U.S. 41 at the bridges over Ga. 293 and the CSX Railroad tracks, scheduled for Monday, Jan. 11. The right lane of U.S. 41 north and southbound at these locations will be closed every night from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., to allow for work on repairing the bridge beams. The bridge beam repair is expected to take 6-8 days to complete. This bridge work and the lane closures it necessitates are weather permitting and subject to change. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).
-Jan. 14: Health department to host express, senior flu shot clinics> Click
-Jan. 18: Bartow County Democratic Party meets at 7 p.m. at IHOP. Topics: Discussing ongoing volunteering plans and urgent lobbying. Contact J.M. Prince, Chair, at 770.386-1379.
-Jan. 21: Cartersville City Council, 7 p.m. Hear it live on WBHF 1450 AM or Web cast here on Bartow Headlines (click)
-Jan. 25: Blood Assurance to open office in Cartersville: Look for the new Blood Assurance office in Cartersville at Collins Pointe shopping center (behind the new CVS) beginning Jan. 25. Doors open at10 a.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. Blood Assurance also has an office in Rome atMidtown Crossing shopping center.
-March 27: Woman's Expo set ; proceeds assist Red Cross: The 2010 Women's Expo is March 27 at Cartersville Civic Center. Sponsorships are $250 to $2,000); partnerships are $25; and Exhibitor Booths are $175 to $200. For more information, e-mail Karon Mauney at karonmauney@comcast.net. Proceeds to benefit the local Red Cross chapter.
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: (click)
-Last call for 'Church in a Bar.' New venue almost ready.
-Zaxby's wasting no time in refit of Pizza Hut site.
-Legislators assemble! Lawmakers: jobs, budget top priorities in 2010.
-Year-ending campaign finance updates on senators, representatives.
-Politics: January blitz for statewide candidates visiting NW Georgia.
-Bands band together to raise money for RACA Jan. 21 at 333 on Broad
-Peaks & Valleys: Snow day = play day. Plus: Water talks need sunshine.
Last call for Church in a Bar; mall site opens this week:
Zaxby's moving quickly at former Pizza Hut site
Crews are sparing no time in making way for the new Zaxby's restaurant at the former Pizza Hut restaurant at 1808 Turner McCall in East Rome. In addition to a massive trash collection bin outside the structure itself, earth-moving equipment can be spotted in the rear of the store probably making way for drive-through service and additional parking. Pizza Hut/WingStreet is now based on Martha Berry Highway across from Heaven's Attic.
Campaign 2010/See how they run:
-The General Assembly is getting the political focus this week (please see Natalie Simms' chat with area lawmakers below) but there are plenty of side stories out there this month as well. Here's a look:
-The Rome Young Republicans' meeting this Tuesday at 333 on Broad features a triple header: Guest speakers are Rep. Austin Scott, candidate for governor; Harold Logsdon, candidate for Insurance Commissioner; and Roger Hines, who's running for State School Superintendent. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more, please click: romeyoungrepublicans@gmail.com.
-Hines also is due Jan. 23 at the Bartow County Republican Party meeting set for Slope's BBQ off Tennessee Street. Also speaking: John Oxendine, Georgia's insurance commissioner who's running for governor. Meeting time: 9 a.m.
-Also on Jan. 23, the Floyd County Republican Party's breakfast meeting will be held at River City Bank beginning at 8:30 a.m. (breakfast, $7 each) or 9 a.m. (meeting). Candidates on the agenda include Rick Woods, running for Superintendent of Education; and Stephen Northington, who's running for Insurance Commissioner.
Bands band together to show support for RACA:
-Local bands will be performing at 333 on Broad on Thursday, Jan. 21, in a special performance to benefit the Rome Area Council for the Arts. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 1:30 a.m. Admission: $10 per person. 333 on Broad will have drink specials that night; also, kids eat free on Thursday (with each adult entree). Bands donating their talents include: Broad and Third; John Schroeder; Pollard Greens; Rome Area Songwriters; and others. Details: RACA
Regional lawmakers' goals for 2010 session: Job creation, retention top the list followed by budget matters, water issues.
By Natalie Simms
The Georgia Legislature gets back to work today as members begin the 2010 session. While balancing the state budget appears to be one of the biggest concerns with decreasing tax revenues, local legislators also will be addressing some concerns for Northwest Georgia.
Sen. Preston Smith, District 52, R-Rome
Contact Info: (404) 656-0034 (Atlanta office) or (706) 295-9000 (District Office)
E-mail: preston.smith@senate.ga.gov
Smith has three main local areas of focus for Northwest Georgia. His top priority will be job creation and retention.
"I will be looking at those things to stimulate our economy and working with our local Chamber of Commerce on some state tax incentives to help stabilize the Northwest Georgia region," he says.
The second area of focus is water. Smith will be working on an immediate statewide water plan among Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and how the Etowah River basin might be impacted.
"Right now, (federal Judge Paul A.) Magnuson's order states that Atlanta cannot use (Lake) Lanier for drinking water, so Cobb County and areas of North Atlanta will probably be looking at (Lake) Allatoona," Smith says. "So there are a lot of inter-basin transfer issues and creation of new reservoirs to look at for a solution."
The states have three years to work out an agreement. Magnuson ruled last July that Atlanta could not withdraw water for consumption from Lanier because the "lake wasn't built to supply water and that the Army Corps of Engineers should have gotten congressional permission before diverting so much drinking water to metro Atlanta."
According to The Washington Post, the waters of Lake Lanier, funneled through federal dams along the Chattahoochee River, sustain about 2.8 million people in the Atlanta metropolitan area, a nuclear power plant that lights up much of Alabama, and the marine life in Florida's Apalachicola River and Bay.
Smith's third area of focus will be the state budget and protecting funding for Northwest Georgia. In this economic downturn, the state is not collecting as much tax revenues.
"We have avoided raising taxes in the past and maintained a balanced budget, so we have to work to do the same and minimize any more cuts to education and critical state services in our area," he says.
One other area of focus for Smith will be working on healthcare insurance reform. While most of the country has been focused on federal legislation, Smith says according to that legislation, states can regulate and create "umbrella rules" for health insurance.
Rep. Katie Dempsey, District 13, R-Rome
Contact Info: (404) 656-0213 (Atlanta office) or (706) 506-9648 (Cell Phone)
E-mail: katie.dempsey@house.ga.gov
Dempsey's primary local focus will be helping our area increase and maintain jobs.
"I will be a liaison between the chamber, city and county to work to retain existing industry and create jobs. I am also excited about the potential of the regional tennis center," she says. "I have already been working on that and speaking with House Appropriations Chairman Ben Harbin and other members of state leadership."
One piece of important legislation Dempsey will be working on will be focused on foster care. The bill would bring Georgia regulations into alignment with federal guidelines.
"It would keep siblings together if at all possible in foster care placement and keep them in the same school if possible," she says.
Dempsey also will be working to help the Floyd County College and Career Academy receive full funding.
In addition, Dempsey says she's also looking forward to working with the new leadership of the House. In December, state Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, was elected to be the Republican nominee for Speaker. State Rep. Jan Jones, R-Alpharetta, was elected to be the Republican nominee for Speaker Pro Tem.
"I have been privileged to share an office suite with Representative Ralston this past year and have personally witnessed the servant spirit that guides his principled commitment to our state," she says.
"I have also been privileged to work as a Deputy Whip for Representative Jones who will serve as the first female Speaker Pro Tem. I know her unmatched knowledge, experience, energy and character. Together they will unify the chamber and bring the calm and competent leadership we need to handle the enormous budget challenges we face."
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, District 14, R-Cassville
Contact Info: (404) 656-0152 (Atlanta office) or (678) 721-5612 (District Office)
E-mail: barry@barryloudermilk.com
For Loudermilk, his primary local focus will be on jobs and the local economy, along with various other issues to help the people of Northwest Georgia.
"I will be working on tax reform and regenerating a jobs bill that would provide tax relief to employers along with other reform for property tax restructuring," he says. "And, of course, the budget will be a key issue."
Loudermilk says he also will be working on a number of independent issues, among them red light cameras, healthcare reform and homeowners associations. He will be re-introducing his bill from last year about the constitutionality of red light cameras versus the standard traffic violation of running a red light.
"If you run a red light and are pulled over by the police, you receive a misdemeanor moving vehicle violation because it is a safety issue. But, if you are captured by a red light camera, you receive a civil penalty just like a parking ticket," he says. "It's choosing which way to prosecute by what is financially advantageous for the government."
Loudermilk also will be working on a healthcare reform bill as a way to protect Georgia from federal legislation.
"No one can be compelled by force of law to purchase health insurance. I will be working to protect us from that encroachment of the federal government," he says.
One other issue Loudermilk will work on will be a bill to require state-funded health clinics to obtain parental consent for minors to receive contraceptives.
"Right now, a 12-year-old can go to a health clinic and get birth control without parental consent…you can't even go to Wal-Mart and get your ears pierced without parental consent, so we've got to work on that," he added.
Representative Barbara Massey-Reece, District 11, D-Menlo 
E-mail: barbara.reece@house.ga.gov
For Reece, the 2010 Legislative Session will be challenging but the budget will be her primary focus as more cuts are expected.
"In the past, I have been successful in getting funds for after-school programs, computer labs, emergency services equipment and public buildings included in the budget," she says. "Declining revenues have already resulted in cuts for every department, programs and services. This year, my main focus for the district and the Northwest Georgia area will be keeping adequate funding for education and public safety."
She believes the public education system, from pre-K through college, is an investment in the future.
"Our economy will improve with businesses expanding or new companies locating here. To fill positions, employers will first look for a well-educated, highly skilled worker," she says. "Already, many adults are returning to college to acquire new knowledge and skills in order to compete for limited jobs as companies seek to operate more efficiently and compete globally.
"Georgia Highlands and Georgia Northwestern Technical College have experienced tremendous growth for several years. Maintaining needed funding for them and our public schools is imperative. Protecting the HOPE Scholarship from further restrictions is important so that all students who desire a college education will have an incentive and assistance."
Adequate funding for government services also is necessary, and Reece says she will be working to ensure state and local governments have what they need to provide safe communities.
"Several state departments such as the GBI, Corrections, State Patrol, Public Health, and Agriculture are partners with local governments to achieve this goal. Funding is necessary to provide skilled firemen when a house is burning; safe food in restaurants; law enforcement during a home burglary; and well-trained first responders for heart attack victims," she says.
"Funding of many projects, programs, or facilities can be delayed until the economy recovers, but protecting and educating the citizens of the 11th District and all those across Georgia cannot be delayed. I will work diligently with the other 179 members of the House of Representatives to make sure our homes and communities are safe and that citizens of all ages have education opportunities. "
Representative Rick Crawford, District 16, D-Cedartown 
E-mail: rick.crawford@house.ga.gov
Attempts to contact Crawford were not successful last week. We will add his comments as information becomes available.
Year-end campaign reports in for local incumbents
-Once again, state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, is well funded for another re-election bid. As of the Dec. 31 reporting deadline, the four-term Republican representing Floyd and parts of Gordon and Bartow counties had $100,048 in the new campaign year. Sen. Bill Heath, who represents part of Bartow and Polk counties, had $108,000 in his account as of Dec. 31. Below please find links to all local lawmakers' reports filed with the State Ethics Commission.
Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome (click)
-Contributions: $112,905.
-Expenditures: $12,857.
-On hand: $100, 048.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Smith's largest contributor was State Mutual Insurance Co. with $2,350. Smith also had contributions from several insurance and business political action committees; $500 from Publix; and $750 from Anheuser-Busch> Contributions.
Sen Bill Heath, R-Bremen (Click)
-Contributions: $129.713.
-Expenditures: $97,398.
-Investments: $76,026.
-On hand: $108,342.
-Contributions in fourth quarter: $1,500 from HCA Georgia PAC; $1,000 from Rep. Paul Battles, R-Cartersville; $1,000 from Rep. Tom Graves' committee; $1,000 from Barry Loudermilk's committee; $1,000 from JBT Family Trust; $1,000 from John Perry; $1,000 from Tilley Properties; $1,000 from James Dellinger; $1,000 from UPS PAC.
Rep. Paul Battles, R-Cartersville (click)
-Contributions: $4,475.
-Expenditures: 0
-On hand: $4.475.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $1,000 from Harrison Thompson; $500 from James Jennings.
Rep. Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown (click)
-Contributions: $56,045.
-Expenditures: $52,956.
-On hand: $3,089.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $500 from Philip Morris; $500 from Temple-Inland.
Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome (click)
-Contributions: $179,599.
-Expenditures: $167,774.
-On hand: $11,824.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Dempsey received $1,000 from Temple-Inland while $300 from Eagle Rock Distributing was the only one listed with a Rome address (and the distributorship has merged with the Dalton operation since then). Other notables: $500 from Philip Morris; $2,000 from a community hospital alliance; and $250 from Publix> Contributions
Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger (click)
-Contributions: $51,036.
-Expenditures: $42,901.
-On hand: $8.135.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $500 from Anheuser-Busch; Turner Broadcasting.
*Graves is running for Congress in 2010.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville (click)
-Contributions: $20,001.
-Expenditures: $10,420.
-On hand: $9,581.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Donating $500 were Anheuser-Busch, Temple Inland; a contractor's site; and Philip Morris.
Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo (click)
-Contributions: $8,655.
-Expenditures: $514.
-On hand: $8,140.
-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $500 from Philip Morris, $250 from Georgia Dental> Click
PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia
Valley to holding any of the 'water war' talks in secret: So let's get this straight. The governments of Georgia, Florida and Alabama--as well as the feds--want to meet behind closed doors to decide the fate of our water supply for decades to come? (click) The only thing more ridiculous: The ho-hum approach the media in all three states is taking on this. Suits, complaints and hell-fire editorials should all be posted and published right now, protesting any attempt to move these debates behind closed doors. The public's business should be conducted in the sunshine -- with no exemptions.
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