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2 Cartersville residents among five charged in 'pill mill' case. Latest restaurant scores (42 to 99). Tellus plans special shuttle viewing. Independence Day guide. Happy 'social media day.' 92 today -- and it only gets hotter

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The return of Etowah Crossing?

-Goodwill and Dollar Tree are coming. Stephens Music Co. is there with a few others. A refit is in the works -- and more tenants?

 

Restaurant scores: From 42 to 99

-Public health updates for Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, Chattooga.

 

Guide to Independence Day weekend

 

Weather:

-92 today -- and that's the coolest it will be through Monday.

-Code Orange air quality alert again today.

 

The Buzz:

-Tellus' plans for final shuttle launch. New regional president for Hamilton State Bank.

 

Two Cartersville residents among five arrested in what feds call a pill mill operation.

-Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Have you hugged Facebook today? It is Social Media Day.

-Worldwide celebration of Tweets, likes and follows.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 
-Rutgers won't be the only one wildly searching for cash.

 

Rome Braves: Sports
-Rome Braves fall again, 5-2, to SandGnats.
-Tonight at 7 p.m.: Savannah in Rome. 

Cartersville man, woman among suspects arrested in what feds call prescription drug 'pill mill'

Media release:  JASON COLE VOTROBEK, 27, of Vero Beach Florida; JESSE VIOLANTE, 32, of Vero Beach, Florida; ROLAND RAFAEL CASTELLANOS, 32, of Cartersville, Georgia; TARA ATKINS, 33, of Cartersville, Georgia; and Dr. JAMES CHAPMAN, 61, of Macon, Georgia, were indicted and arrested on  federal drug and money laundering charges for their respective roles in operating a so-called "pill mill" pain clinic which served as a front for the illegal distribution of addictive pain killers.

        United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of today's arrests, "The abuse of pain medication has become epidemic and now accounts for more deaths in Georgia than all of the traditional illegal drugs combined. As the problems caused by prescription drug abuse become a focus for many of the communities in our district, our drug prosecutors also are focusing on the primary sources of these dangerous drugs in our state."  

        John S. Comer, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Atlanta Field Division said, "The dispensing of addictive prescription pain medication under the guise of a doctor's care, as occurred in this investigation, is not about the good of the community or an individual's specific health needs; it is about greed and those involved in "pill mill" activity are in fact drug dealers."

        Atlanta IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel said, "The indictment of these individuals puts a spotlight on organizations that illegally distribute drugs as well as the exemplary coordination among law enforcement, which leads to breaking up these organizations. Our goal is to stop criminal enterprises that profit from the illegal trade of dangerous narcotics and take away any financial benefit they receive from their criminal activity."

        Atlanta FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, said, "The FBI, through its Northwest Georgia Criminal Enterprise Safe Streets Task Force, in initiating this investigation in conjunction with the GBI and the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, is pleased with its role in the successful outcome of this case.  Through joint efforts such as this, the community in which we serve benefits while sending a clear message to those that would exploit the addictions of others."

        Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap said, "The Bartow/Cartersville Drug Task Force and all other agencies involved have been working diligently to stop this type of illegal drug activity. We want to send a message that we will not stand for any type of drug dealers in this county. Whether it be prescription drugs, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, or any other illegal drug, we will exhaust all our law enforcement resources to stop you."

        According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment, and information presented in court:  In May 2010, working from information from the FBI/ Northwest Georgia Criminal Enterprise Safe Streets Task Force, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Bartow County Sheriff's Office,  as well as agents for the Internal Revenue Service  (IRS), expanded an investigation of "Atlanta Medical Group," after learning that the clinic, located at 16 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia, was prescribing pain pills outside the bounds of legitimate medical practice.

        The investigation revealed that VOTROBEK, VIOLANTE, AND CASTELLANOS financed and operated the clinic. ATKINS served as the office manager. CHAPMAN served as the primary doctor. The indictment charges that in their respective capacities, they worked to procure and distribute Oxycodone pills to addicts and illegitimate distributors. The clinic's doctor was directed by the owners and managers to see as many patients as possible, in order to generate substantial profits through the sale of pills, which were largely dispensed on site. CHAPMAN allegedly did so, however, without conducting sufficient medical examinations. The indictment alleges that at on least one occasion, ATKINS facilitated the filling of prescriptions when the doctor was unable to do so himself. In addition, the amounts of pills distributed to patients were excessive, and with unusual dosage patterns.

        The indictment charges that the clinic was really a drug distribution operation with  an extremely high volume of patients visiting from surrounding states. Many of those visiting had apparent signs of being addicts.  The clinic allegedly engaged in unusual practices, including permitting non-medical staff to assist with medical procedures, including taking blood pressure, to maximize the number of patients to be seen. The defendants allegedly made millions of dollars during the clinic's approximately one year of operation.  The indictment charges that the defendants established multiple bank accounts, many in third-party names, to conceal the windfall profits.

        Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

  

        This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Bartow County Sheriff's Office, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. This case was initiated by the FBI/ Northwest Georgia Criminal Enterprise Safe Streets Task Force.

         Assistant United States Attorneys G. Scott Hulsey and Cassandra Schansman prosecuted the case.       

Hamilton State Bank Names Keith Caudell as Regional President over Bartow, Cobb counties

Media release: Hamilton State Bank has named Keith Caudell as its Regional President for the west region of Georgia.

In his new role, Caudell oversees Hamilton State Bank's four branches in Bartow and Cobb counties. The branches were part of the former Bartow County Bank that Hamilton State Bank acquired on April 15 from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, Caudell serves on Hamilton State Bank's executive team, helping make decisions and shaping the future of the bank.

"Keith's community banking background will be a great asset for our customers in west Georgia," Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver said. "His three-decade career has been dedicated to leading banks that serve communities like Bartow County and being heavily involved in those communities. His success and knowledge will also be a benefit to our executive team as we continue to build our presence in Georgia."

Caudell has 32 years of community banking experience and has been the CEO and president of three community banks in Georgia, as well as a regional bank president for another.

"I've been a community banker all my life," Caudell said.　 "Community banking is about building relationships.　 You start by offering a suite of products that best serves your customers. Then you support and empower your team members with what they need to efficiently deliver these products and superior service to your customers."

He most recently served as North Georgia Regional President for Community & Southern Bank in Ellijay. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the Bank of Hiawassee, the Coastal Bank of Georgia in Brunswick and the National Bank of Walton County in Monroe.

"During my career, my energy and passion comes from building a knowledgeable team that develops long term relationships with customers," Caudell said. "As you develop relationships with small to medium-sized businesses, there is the joy of watching them grow and succeed.　 That's what you take home with you.　 They don't just look at you as their　banker, but as a trusted advisor."

Caudell believes in being invested in the community through volunteer work, having served on chambers of commerce and development authorities, as well as non-profit boards in all the communities he has worked. He also wants Hamilton State Bank employees to do the same.

"A good community bank gives back to the community what the community gives to them," Caudell said. "It goes hand-in-hand. From me on down, we want to be fully engaged in the community as we build out Hamilton State Bank in this area of Georgia."

Caudell is a native of Cleveland, Ga., and a graduate of White County High School and the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Lynn, have two children, Steven and Liz.

Based in Braselton, Ga., Hamilton State Bank currently has offices in Barrow, Hall, Forsyth, Jackson, Bartow, Cobb, Butts, Jasper and Henry counties. To learn more about Hamilton State Bank visit www.hamiltonstatebank.com.

Dream Parks already an example for others. New streak of 90-degree days begins. Independence Day celebrations. Jefferson's on a growth spurt. Arey on Sports

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LakePoint (Dream Parks) already an example for other forming sports campuses.

The Buzz:
-365 layoff notices at Northwest Georgia Regional so far.

-Jefferson's on a growth spurt.
-DOT suspending construction projects to ease holiday traffic flow.
-Travel Channel goes to Tellus; WSB at Etowah Mounds.

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Independence Day celebrations begin Friday night, continue Monday.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 89, low of 64.
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 94, low of 65.
-Friday: Sunny, high of 93, low of 66.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-Wisconsin lands biggest free agent in college football history.

 

Rome Braves: Sports
-SandGnats rally in ninth, beat Braves 5-3.
-Today at 1 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m.: Savannah in Rome.  

 

 

Local Chick-Fil-A operator joins WinShape business leadership trip to Zambia. 60% rain chance, more 90s. What's ahead in Bartow. Latest jail updates.

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Chick-Fil-A's Grant Wells of Rome, WinShape International travel to Zambia to share leadership skills with entrepreneurs hungry to learn.

-Grant joins us today on Hometown Radio, 8:10 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. 

 

Dollar Tree planned for Etowah Crossing:

-Bids are due July 5 for a refit of part of Etowah Crossing. News comes just weeks after Goodwill's announcement about coming to old Kroger site.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County including Independence Day celebrations.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: 60% rain chance, high of 90, low of 70.
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 89, low of 65.
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 92, low of 66.

 

Rome Braves: Sports
-SandGnats blister Braves, 13-8.
-Tonight-Thursday: Savannah in Rome.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-What's the big deal about FSU? Georgia duo in trouble.   

Etowah Mounds to be featured on WSB-TV: Incredible Adventures On Georgia's Hidden Treasures June 29

Incredible Adventures On Georgia's Hidden Treasures

Emmy Award Winning Series Returns with 30-Minute Primetime Special

WSB-TV

 

Media release: Exciting new adventures await on the next Georgia's Hidden Treasures. Channel 2's John Pruitt, Jovita Moore and Fred Blankenship take viewers on an exploration of Georgia just in time for family summertime travel.

 

"We have been to some great new places and can't wait to take viewers to the latest group of Georgia's Hidden Treasures," said John Pruitt.

 

Pruitt hikes to a little known waterfall, Dukes Creek, near Helen, Georgia. The waterfall has a double cascade and was where Georgia's gold rush began. The falls were also visited in 1540 by explorer Hernando DeSoto.

 

Jovita Moore takes viewers to a treasure right in the middle of Atlanta: Piedmont Park. While undergoing a new 40-million dollar renovation workers made discoveries that will take viewers back to the rich history of this grand park.

 

Finally, Fred Blankenship explores some of the last remaining Indian mounds in the country. It's an ancient city filled with Native American artifacts right here in Cartersville, Georgia.

 

WHAT: Georgia's Hidden Treasures

WHO: John Pruitt, Jovita Moore and Fred Blankenship

WHEN: Wednesday, 8 p.m., June 29, 2011

WHERE: Channel 2, WSB-TV

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/28336410/detail.html  

 

50% chance of more rain today. Cartersville has big plans for the Fourth. Steak 'n Shake goes 24/7 on July 20.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click
-Steak 'n Shake goes 24/7 July 20; sizzling first year here.
-Food fight! Kroger expansion an answer to Publix?
-Cinematic summer continues with another 'indy' film project.
-Lots of fireworks on the way this Independence Day.   

 

Latest jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: 50% rain chance, high of 92, low of 70.
-Tuesday: 50% rain chance, high of 92, low of 70.
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 92, low of 63.

 

Gas prices drop another six cents but still 88 cents a gallon more than this time last year.  

 

Rome Braves: Sports
-Asheville pounds Rome Braves, 12-4.
-Tonight-Thursday: Savannah in Rome.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey
-NBA owner elected head of Russian political party in Moscow.   

No Sunday sales vote in Cartersville in November. Skechers coming to outlets. Dub's Express opens. Weather: Return to the 90s. Arey on Sports. Rome Braves drop opener.

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Business Buzz:

-Skechers coming to Calhoun Premium Outlets in July.
-Dub's Express now open in Calhoun.

 

So far, Rome's the only city to put Sunday alcohol package sales on Nov. 8 ballot: No traction in Cartersville, Calhoun or Cedartown.

 

Community updates; weekend calendar. 

Weekend weather: Less rain, more heat

-Friday: 20% rain chance and a high of 90, low of 67.

-Saturday: 20% rain chance and a high of 93, low of 66.

-Sunday: 30% rain chance and a high of 93, low of 68.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead from the chamber of commerce.

 

WIC/Farmer's Market set for two dates.

 

Saturn in focus at Tellus this evening.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-We just can't get a handle on how to clean up athletics.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Braves drop 'second season' opener, 10-4, to Asheville.

-Tonight-Sunday: In Asheville.

-Monday-Thursday: Savannah in Rome.

Officially, not even two tenths of an inch of rain vs. 1.63 inches in Rome; more on the way. May jobless report: More people working but unemployment rate up.

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Local employment pool grows but jobless rate still in double digits

-County-by-county look at May's employment report, another mixed bag of stats on who's working and who's not. 

 

Perfect storms: 1.63 inches of rain so far and more falling.

-Storm system also holding temperature to at least the 'normal' levels in the upper 80s, a nice break from all those 90s.

-Thursday: 80% rain chance and a high of 87, low of 68.

-Friday: 50% rain chance and a high of 89, low of 67.

-Saturday: 40% rain chance and a high of 90, low of 67.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Dining & Drink:

-Robert Duvall ate here: Which Broad Street restaurant can make that claim after Wednesday evening?

-A comeback (of sorts) for The Landmark: Latest public health restaurant inspection scores from NW Georgia.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-How far behind can the Munson or Ciraldo highways be?

Rome Braves: Sports

-'Season two' starts tonight with away game in Asheville.

Bartow County Public Health sponsoring its WIC Summer Farmer's Markets July 7, Aug. 4 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-6:30 p.m. at the Bartow County Health Department

Media release: Bartow County Public Health is sponsoring its WIC Summer Farmer's Markets July 7 and August 4 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Bartow County Health Department. The market is a special event for WIC Program participants; no appointment is needed. Participants can simply walk in, sign and select from a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables up to $30 in value per WIC family.  WIC nutritionists will provide food-health education prior to produce selection.      

WIC  --   Women, Infants and Children  --  is a nutrition-education and supplemental-foods program that helps families who qualify based on income and household size make healthy food choices. WIC also serves pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age.  Bartow County residents who are currently receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program, formerly Food Stamps) may also be eligible for WIC benefits and may request a referral to WIC.

Anyone interested in applying for the WIC Program should call the Bartow County Health Department or come by the health department Monday - Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday 8 AM to 6:30 PM and Friday 8 AM to 1:30 PM.

 At your appointment, WIC staff will screen for income, perform nutrition assessment and education, provide breastfeeding support, help you find social services and/or public assistance and give you vouchers to help you buy supplemental foods. For more information, call the Bartow County Health Department at 770-382-1920 .

411 Connector background work continues; Lewis says federal suit expected soon. 80% chance of storms after 2 p.m., high of 86. Hollywood takes over Cedartown. Arey on Sports.

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Lewis: 411 Connector coming together; court challenge likely

-With environmental concerns about a mine found on the Rollins' property just about settled, Jeff Lewis of the State Transportation Board says the 411 Connector is "going forth as planned." But he also expects a federal court battle with the Rollins' family as their efforts continue to push the path from their land.

Your forecast: We'll post storm updates as needed today.

-Wednesday: 80% rain chance, beginning after 2 p.m., with a high of 86, a low of 69; and up to a half inch of rain.

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 88, low of 68.

-Friday: 40% rain chance, high of 90, low of 69.

Cedartown's return to Hollywood continues as WXIA reports on the filming of Jane Mansfield's Car. WXIA (video and text)

-Also:  schedule of closed streets (and likely filming times) if you want to visit.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

--Buckeye recruiting is hurting; commissioners are overpaid.

Rome Braves: Sports

-'Second' season starts Thursday in Asheville. 

Summer arrives at 1:16 p.m. (or was that Memorial Day weekend given the high temps). 60% rain chance Wednesday. What's ahead in Bartow County. Rome OK's Sunday package sales vote

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Summer goes 'official' by 1:16 this afternoon.

-Last day of spring felt more like late August: 96 degrees and humid.

-Some relief coming this week with storms but not much.

-Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high of 92, low of 71.

-Wednesday: 60% rain chance, high of 86, low of 71; half inch of rain..

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 87, low of 67.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

-Big graduating class for Chattahoochee Tech, including North Metro campus.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Rome voters to decide fate of Sunday alcohol package sales on Nov. 8, WRGA reports.

 

School's out? Not for several hundred incoming Berry freshmen and their families. Two-day orientation sessions continuing this month.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Just what America has been crying for: Notre Dame TV network

Rome Braves: Sports

-South Atlantic League All-Star game.

-'Second' season starts Thursday in Asheville. 

417 North Metro students earn degrees from Chattahoochee Tech

Media release: Thursday was graduation day for more than 1,200 graduates of Georgia's largest technical college. This was the largest graduation ceremony for Chattahoochee Technical College.

Held June 16 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the ceremony honored those completing their programs of study during the winter and spring quarters of 2011. In addition to being the largest graduating class in the school's history, the class also featured the first group of graduates completing the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The group of 18 students began the program in January 2010.

Jewel Akpose was one of those graduates honored at the ceremony. Akpose, who also works at CTC as a student affairs assistant, received her associate degree in business administrative technology. She hopes to move on to a four year institution for more education.

"You have to be serious about going back to school," Akpose said. "Once you start, don't stop. That one term off can turn into more. Before you know it, you have been out of school for longer than you ever planned."

Now with eight campuses, Chattahoochee Technical College graduates come from every corner of the six county service delivery area. According to preliminary numbers, the majority of graduates attended classes at the Marietta or North Metro campuses with 72 percent of the graduates.

Appalachian - 114

Austell - 18

Marietta - 451

Mt. View - 70

North Metro - 417

Paulding - 99

Woodstock – 44

Upper 90s return; 50% rain chance Wednesday. Latest jail report. Dub's High on the Hog adds 'express.' ECO Center adds two local exhibits

The latest updates from www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click 

-ECO Center getting two new features thanks to EPA grant and multimedia work by Rome photographer Paul O'Mara.

-Baby Boomer generation a big reason why River City Bank continues to grow its trust department. Expanded Q & A with Roger Goss.

-Fans of Dub's High on the Hog barbecue in Calhoun are about to get a little 'Express' -- and some different menu items, too.

-More changes on Hotel Highway thanks to a $1 million new look at Country Inn & Suites to a Waffle House at U.S. 411/Chulio Road area.

 

Latest jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Your latest forecast: More upper 90s; rain by Wednesday

-Monday: Sunny, high of 97, low of 69.

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high of 95, low of 69.

-Wednesday: 50% rain chance, high of 91, low of 69.

 

Norman Arey on Sports

 

Rome Braves:

-Lexington takes series sweep vs. Braves.

-All-Star break in effect.

-'Second' season starts Thursday in Asheville. 

Soggy start to Friday brings a bit of heat relief but more 90s on the way. Latest on Project River. Huge weekend with River Jam, Bobby Cox tribute

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Soggy start to Friday and a very slight break in the heat.

-We have a 30% rain chance today and the forecast high is 'only' 90.

-Small but potent storm about to move in from Northeast Alabama.

-Below: Father's Day weekend forecast.

 

New indoor football league coming to Rome gets new ownership.

-Rome Rampage tryouts shift to Coosa High on June 25.

 

Northwest Georgia Regional Commission's latest updates as the group continues study of 'Project River' and other major local projects.

 

Rome Braves' player suspended for 50 games by minor league.

 

Weekend Guide:

-Rome River Jam, free downtown movie, Bobby Cox tribute at the Rome Braves, Kid Fishing Day in Cave Spring among great options.

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia. 

 

Bartow County Jail reports: Latest due this morning after delay on Thursday.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

  

Sizzling Father's Day weekend ahead -- and not just on the grill:

 -Friday: 30% rain chance. High of 89, low of 65.

-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 93, low of 69.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 95, low of 69.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

 Sports riots aren't exclusive to the U.S.; always keep pants up. 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Lexington takes series opener, 2-0; Braves drop fifth straight game.

-Home stand starts tonight vs. Lexington.

-Rome to honor Bobby Cox Saturday night.

 

Rough night (weather); rough month (jobs). Rome/Floyd loses 300 jobs; Bartow sees 24% drop in first-time jobless claims. More upper 90s on the way

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Another rough month on the jobs front:

-Rome/Floyd loses 300 jobs in May vs. same month in 2010.

-Bartow sees 24% drop in first-time jobless claims.

-Statewide jobless rate unchanged at 9.8%; local stats later this month.  

 

Rough night of weather; heat streak continues.

-Officially at the airport:  1.34 inches of rain; 38 mph gusts.

-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 93, low of 68.

-Friday: 20% rain chance. High of 97, low of 68.

-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 96, low of 69.

 

Latest Public Health restaurant health inspection scores:

-A local record -- 27 -- posted in Floyd County this week. All the scores from Bartow, Polk, Gordon and Chattooga counties as well.

-Week two of our expanded format with links to every inspection report -- plus the five previous ones for each restaurant. 

 

Today's Buzz 

-Groundbreaking for Highlands' new student center. 

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Cartesville City Council meets tonight.

Arey on Sports

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Braves snakebit again, 6-5, by Savannah.

-Home stand starts tonight vs. Lexington.

-Rome to honor Bobby Cox Saturday night.

 

Ground breaking held for Highlands' new student center in Cartersville

Media release: Officials from Georgia Highlands College, the University System of Georgia and the Georgia General Assembly broke ground this morning on a student center at the GHC campus in Cartersville. Participating in the ceremony were University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll B. Davis, GHC President Randy Pierce, Bartow County Commissioner Clarence Brown, Rep. Paul Battles (R - district 15), Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R - district 52), Sen. Bill Heath (R - district 31) and Rep. Christian Coomer (R - district 14). David Caswell, chairman of the Georgia Highlands College Foundation board of trustees, opened the ceremony and welcomed visitors.

The 55,000 square-foot student center is expected to open for fall semester 2012. It will feature two regulation-sized basketball/volleyball courts. Suspended above them will be an elevated, indoor running track. The facility will also include a game room, grab-and-go cafÈ, a two-story open-air student lounge, a state-of-the-art weight and cardio room and the campus bookstore. In the student lounge, a soaring two-story fireplace will provide a cozy environment for studying or chatting. The building's design reflects the mountain-lodge feel of the first academic building constructed in 2005.

The student center is a public/private venture and won't house any classrooms. In simple terms, that means that no state funds will be used to construct the building. Wells Fargo, which is managing the financing of the venture, has sold bonds to investors to pay for construction. The GHC Foundation then will handle the finances to retire the debt over a 30-year period, paid for by a $100 student fee. The fee will also help maintain and update other facilities on all GHC campuses. The fee was approved by students last year.

Pierce said, "This venture was the result of hard work by many people. Our students showed the vision to look at the institution long-term, and keep its best interests in mind. I was incredibly impressed with them. They really thought about future students, because after all, they won't be able to enjoy the student center while they are students here. Additionally, I applaud our foundation board for their willingness to undertake this enormous commitment. Without their support we could never have undertaken such a project."

For the past two years GHC has been on the state list submitted to the General Assembly by the USG for a second academic building, but the severe budget crisis has kept it from being funded.

60% chance of storms this evening; more 90s -- and air quality concerns. Also: Ground breaking today on GHC expansion.

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'Project River' analysis should be completed by month's end

-Regional planning center seeing uptick in activity with distribution center, LakePoint Sports.

 

Ground breaking today for new student center at Georgia Highlands' Cartersville campus.

 

More 90s today, 60% chance of severe weather tonight.

-Wednesday: 30% rain chance today, 60% tonight. High of 92, low of 68.

-Thursday: 30% rain chance, high of 95, low of 65.

-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 96, low of 68.

 

Another Code Orange alert for Bartow, metro Atlanta today.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Latest county jail reports.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Rome Braves fall again, 2-1, to Savannah.

-Tonight: Braves at Savannah. Home stand starts Thursday.

-Rome Braves to honor Bobby Cox on Saturday night.

 

Norman Arey on Sports.

Sen. Loudermilk, Rep. Dudgeon Named Technology Legislators of the Year

 

Media release: The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state's leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia's technology industry, today announced that Georgia Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) and Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R-Suwanee) have been awarded with the 2011 Technology Legislator of the Year Award. The award is given annually to lawmakers who demonstrate superior support and understanding of Georgia's technology issues and industry.

 

"Sen. Loudermilk and Rep. Dudgeon are two of the strongest supporters of the technology industry at the Capitol. They understand the important issues that impact technology firms and work tirelessly to see that Georgia is not only open for business, but open for innovation," said Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG. "Sen. Loudermilk was the sponsor of Senate Resolution 68, which will develop a strategic plan for Georgia's science and technology industry and help make our state a nationwide leader for technology job and business development. His focus on restoring and growing Georgia' economy was demonstrated through his sponsorship of SR 68.

 

"Rep. Dudgeon, in his first year, has already proven to be an effective leader in the state. His pro-business, pro-technology attitude, coupled with his knowledge of our education system, will continue to allow him to make Georgia a better place to start and grow a business."

Sen. Loudermilk said he was honored to receive the award and is committed to making Georgia the top place for technology businesses to thrive.

 

"The technology industry is critical to growing our economy and putting Georgians back to work," said Sen. Loudermilk. "As this industry grows, it is vital that we develop a structure that will not only support, but encourage its development statewide. I am very appreciative of this award and will continue to work to see that Georgia is a nationwide leader in technology."

 

Rep. Dudgeon, likewise, said he was honored.

 

"Having graduated from Georgia Tech and worked in Atlanta's technology sector for more than 20 years, I understand the impact this industry has on our state," said Rep. Dudgeon. "We must ensure that Georgia fosters an environment that ripe for the high-paying jobs that come with technology businesses."

 

The awards will be presented to both lawmakers before a crowd of top technologist and stakeholders at a special gathering on June 14 held at GE Energy.

 

Sen. Barry Loudermilk serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee.  He represents the 52^nd Senate District, which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0034 or by email at barry.loudermilk@senate.ga.gov.

 

Cartersville man wins nearly $169,000 in lottery. FEMA deadline for storm recovery June 28. More 90s today, this week. What's ahead in Bartow. Latest jail reports.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Cartersville man wins $168,996 Fantasy Five lottery jackpot.

 

More than 170,000 square feet of retail now vacant on Martha Berry:

-With the pending closing of Armuchee's Piggly Wiggly, we'll see another jump in vacant retail space fronting the highway. The list starts at the former Circuit City and includes vacancies at the mall, Armuchee Village and beyond. 

 

Rome woman's battle for health awareness featured in Good Housekeeping. Jeanne Mathews has become an advocate against using bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis patients

 

Deadline for FEMA assistance in storm recovery two weeks away.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Your latest forecast: At least we're on the cooler side of the 90s.
-Tuesday: High of 91, low of 62.
-Wednesday: 30-50% rain chance, high of 92, low of 67.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 91, low of 63.

 

Norman Arey on sports. Will Gators go with Brantley or freshman? New playoffs for MLB?
 

Rome Braves: Sports

-2-1 loss for Rome in Savannah.

-Tonight-Wednesday: Braves at Savannah.

-Rome to honor Bobby Cox at June 18 game.

-Rome Braves' pitcher Brewer, first baseman Dalfonso are All-Stars.