Region grows by 14% since 2001; Bartow, Gordon lead the surge. 'Euh-Turn' on 411 Connector adds spice to legislative races. Hot weekend ahead.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Latest Census estimate: Region's grown nearly 14% since 2001

	July 1, 2009	July 1, 2001	% change
Bartow	94,999	76,019	Up 25%
Chattooga	26,845	25,495	Up 5.3%
Floyd	95,696	90,811	Up 5.4%
Gordon	52,964	44,388	Up 19.3%
Polk	42,081	38,258	Up 10%
Region	312,585	274,971	Up 13.7%

Source: Cenus Bureau

The latest population estimates from the Census office are out and the county-by-county guestimates show we're "up in all areas."

-Once again leading the surge is Bartow County with 94,999 residents as of 11 months ago, up 25 percent from 76,019 in July 2001. That's almost 19,000 new comers in eight years. Gordon County grew by almost 8,600 people, or 19.3%, followed by nearly 5,000 in Floyd (up 5.4 percent). Polk was up 10 percent or by 3,823 people while Chattooga's 1,350 newcomers boosted the total by 5.3 percent. Chattooga actually lost 35 residents in 2009 when compared to the previous year.

-What's driving growth: The I-75 corridor is powering the Bartow and Gordon growth rates while Polk is seeing increases thanks to the population boom in Paulding County. Paulding is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.

Final day for new, lapsed voters to register for primary is Monday:

-Monday is the deadline for voter registration for the primary. If you need to register to vote, you can print out an application online from the Secretary of State's My Voter Page (click). Because the deadline is Monday, applicants will need to personally return their completed form to the County Elections office at 105 N. Bartow St. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

-More registration: While those who aren't able to register by Monday can't vote July 20, they can still register through Oct. 4 for the Nov. 2 general election.

'Euharlee U-turn' on 411 Connector property could spice up final weeks of campaign: The city of Euharlee's decision to take in an easement way beyond its city limits and smack in the path of the 411 Connector will have conspiracy theorists going for months although the intent behind the deal is crystal clear. (Click WBHF) The midweek stunner does something else: it adds a whole new level of debate in the state House 14 and 15 races as well as state Senate 52 campaigns. Look for voters at the upcoming candidate forums to pin down the legislative hopefuls on their take on the latest attempt to stall the connector. Click upcoming forums.

June 22: Bartow Business Connection to meet; regional owners invited, too: The next meeting of the Bartow Business Connection is set for 4 to 7 p.m. at Cartersville County Club. Invitations have been extended to businesses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk and Paulding counties. Club manager Maury McDonald and his staff will have free Cokes, tea and coffee. There will be a cash bar with $1 Bud Light draught and other beverage specials. They also will be handing out samples and appetizers from their award-winning kitchen led by renowned chef Derek Morgan. Also: drawings for a free dinner-for-two and free golf outings.  Facebook

What's ahead in Bartow County this weekend:

-City of Cartersville to be testing local fire hydrants this week. Location schedule

-6/18: Gospel benefit set for the American Cancer Society: The site is The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville. Tickets are available at all Bartow County Bank locations. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Performing will be The Gentrys and The Hoppers. For more: Freddie Gunn at 770-382-2572, Pam Brown at 770-655-3853 or Fredia Hall at 770-382-2418.

-June 19: Voter Registration Drive,  Dellinger Park, 6-9 p.m. Registration for new or lapsed voters ends the evening of June 21.

Thursday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

 

Your latest forecast:

-Air quality alert for Bartow County, much of metro Atlanta. Details

-Friday: High of 93, mostly sunny.

-Friday night: Low of 66, partly cloudy.

-Saturday: High of 93 with a 20% rain chance.

-Saturday night: Lof of 67; rain chance at 20%.

-Sunday: 92 with a 20% rain chance.

-Sunday night: Low of 68; another 20% shot at rain.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-The Irish and the Globetrotters are the only independent teams left in the 21st Century.

Rome Braves. Sports

-Braves open home stand with  6-1 win over RiverDogs.

-Tonight: Charleston RiverDogs vs. Rome, 7 p.m., State Mutual Stadium.

-Mills Fitzner's home game photos. Click