Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Public health tapping Gas Station TV to spread quit tobacco message

 Northwest Georgia Public Health's Health Services Program Manager Lisa Greeby smiles at the ironic juxtaposition of tobacco advertising and the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line promotion on the Gas Station TV pump screen at the East Rome Walmart. "When you're going head-to-toe with the tobacco industry on a comparatively infinitesimal budget, it's crucial every penny is spent wisely and cost-effectively," says Greeby. "We get that with GSTV."

Media reelase: The health promotion folks at Northwest Georgia Public Health are first in Georgia, among the first nationwide, to use at-the-gas-pump television to deliver public health messaging. "We're working with Gas Station TV (GSTV), the largest national away-from-home television network, to deliver 30-second spots promoting the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line to a captive audience at a natural pause point in their day when they can't channel surf or skip past the message with a DVR," explains Health Services Program Manager Lisa Greeby.

"We have people's undivided attention; there's no multi-tasking, just pumping" Greeby says. "Using GSTV, we're able to reach viewers at the pump in nine of our ten counties with one-to-one public health messaging. The four-week buy will deliver about a quarter-of-a-million impressions at nine northwest Georgia Walmart multi-pump, multi-screen gas stations."

Greeby says at-the-pump television is an effective, targeted media buy. GSTV delivers Nielsen Media Research-verified information on viewership, demographics, dwell time, network size and recall. "When you're going head-to-toe with the tobacco industry on a comparatively infinitesimal budget, it's crucial every penny is spent wisely and cost-effectively," says Greeby. "We get that with GSTV."

Public health research studies show northwest Georgia's per capita tobacco-use rates for adults and youth are considerably higher than the state average. Not surprisingly, lung cancer rates in Georgia's northwest quadrant also surpass the state average. "Public health works hard to prevent people, especially children, from ever starting to smoke," Greeby says, but we also work hard to help people quit."

Northwest Georgia Public Health's Georgia Tobacco Quit Line awareness campaign is being executed in conjunction with the Georgia State Department of Public Health's Tobacco Use Prevention Program. "Together, we have launched an aggressive, ten-county marketing campaign using most of the traditional tools -- radio, newspaper, cable, billboards, school yearbooks, our Web site -- in addition to social media and GSTV's innovative at-the-gas-pump television advertising," Greeby says. "This spring, we'll be partnering with the Rome Braves, Class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, on a variety of promotions publicizing the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line."

LakePoint ground breaking by April, open by April 2013? Later today: Updated jail reports. Another spring-like day; rain returns Wednesday.

 
Atlanta Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez says LakePoint ground breaking could come by April; first pitch 12 months later?
-Latest updates from one of the development partners.


Rome Braves: Ingle glad to be back 'home'
-Randy Ingle returns this year to manage the Rome club after spending last season in Danville.
-Rome opens home season April 12.
-Miracle Field opens April 14.

Big heart is part of Redmond's heart health month
-Discounts on critical screenings, education events and the heart walk are part of the events set for February in Rome and Cartersville.

Graves targets hidden airline fees; Isakson, Chambliss want Keystone pipeline built.
 
Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.

Another spring-like day today; rain by midweek

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 65, low of 41.

-Wednesday: 40-70% rain chance, high of 65, low of 49.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 66, low of 38.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM; click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Logan Boss with public health on recent flu reports in Northwest Georgia; Mike Morton of the Rome Tea Party on today's Florida primary and Thursday's candidates' presentation; and Jessica Brady of AAA South on rising gas prices and a stunning trend in DUI case.
 
Shorter Hawks move to 22-0 in basketball with eight games to go.

Rome Braves
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.   

Monday, January 30, 2012

Busy 2012 election season is under way. Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports. One more cold night ahead; rain back Wednesday

 
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click
-And we're off: 2012 election season is under way. Natalie Simms outlines what's ahead for Northwest Georgians March 6, July 31 and Nov. 6 -- and runoffs?
-Rotolo's opens today at new location.
-More changes brewing in downtown Rome.
-Local baker Sara Williams wraps up reality show tonight.

Gas prices: Fuels prices hit the accelerator in Georgia.
-Latest updates from AAA South: Georgia gas prices up another 3 cents a gallon; 44 cents more than a year ago.

Another cold night ahead; rain returns Wednesday
-Monday: High of 62, low of 29.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 65, low of 40.
-Wednesday: 30-40% rain chance, high of 65, low of 46.
 
Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County.
 
Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering tonight starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Forum.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Mid-20s on the way Saturday, Sunday nights. Latest Bartow County Jail reports. Business updates

 
Half inch of rain; next up mid-20s Saturday night
-Thursday night's cold front didn't come close to the rainfall originally predicted which is why the flash flood watch was canceled so early. But the front did allow colder weather in. We'll feel it Saturday and Sunday nights with lows in the 20s. Sunday's wind chill, with 35-mph gusts, could be an issue.

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 57, low of 34.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 57, low of 23.
-Sunday: Sunny, high of 54, low of 27.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

 

Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Dining
-Cups & Mugs aims for Feb. 1 opening at Redmond.
-Lots of speculation on what's next for Santa Fe Cattle site. Some names are downright 'Loco.'
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.
-New Rome Dining Guide advertising section premieres.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays

-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Layla Shipman of the Young Republicans on Thursday's debate and the Florida Primary.
-Dawn Tolbert on Shorter University's continuing growth.

 
Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.   

Shorter vs Berry Monday night in basketball.  

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Flood watch tonight; 1-3 inches of rain due. Jobless rate inches up in December. Latest Bartow County Jail reports later today

 
One to three inches of rain later today, tonight; flood watch overnight.
-Rain chance at 80 to 90% as next front moves through; some storms possible as well.
-Continuing coverage all day, evening on Bartow Headlines.
 
Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: 70-80% chance of storms, high of 69, low 49.

-Friday: Fewer clouds, high of 58, low of 34.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 60, low of 30.

 
December employment snapshot: Jobless rate climbs vs. November
-Our new listing shows number of people out of work in December vs. a year ago; also latest, unemployment rates.

2012 already a rough one for some local restaurants:
-Three shops closed so far in January: Santa Fe, Ryan's in Calhoun, Cartersville.
Three Rome restaurants score below 60; 15 other Northwest Georgia establishments earn 95 or better in public health inspections.
Dining

Updates from Bartow Headlines
 -We have a new "navigation" bar starting today across the top of our Web pages, designed to bring together our most popular web pages, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, our page for mobile-friendly page and our blog as well as a link to our news partners at WRGA 1470 AM.
-Also, our first "advertorial" page premieres. The new spin on the
Rome Dining Guide offers local restaurant owners/operators a spot to tell their story, in their words. Today's premiere snapshot features 333 on Broad and owner Jay Shell. 
-Restaurant inspection scores and other dining updates will be featured on our separate
Dining page.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Tim Allee, Environmental Health District Director,
Northwest Georgia Public Health.
-Dr. Brian Carroll, Berry College communication professor, on a rough week in media. 
 
Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.   

Shorter vs Berry Monday night in basketball.  

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Reaction to the president's State of the Union address. More rain, severe weather on the way? Latest Bartow community news, jail reports.

 
Reaction to President Obama's State of the Union address from:
-Links to the full text of President Obama's speech.
-U.S. representatives Phil Gingrey and Tom Graves.
(on today's radio show on WRGA 1470, 7-9 a.m.)
-U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.
 
Heavy rain, perhaps severe weather on the way late Thursday, Friday.
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports due this morning.
 
GB & T's parent company,  Synovus, reports fourth-quarter profit.
 
Latest community updates.

Unity's decision to 'self-report' the eligibility issues that cost the Lions the season and the championship.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Our guests today include U.S. representatives Phil Gingrey and Tom Graves on President Obama's State of the Union report; David McLaughlin on the president's speech; Dr. Brian Carroll, Berry College communication professor, on a rough week in media; Glenn Getchell, headmaster of Unity Christian School, on the school's football decision; Jennifer Morgan and Kristy Agan on changes at the March of Dimes; and Detective Jeff Richardson on how Rome police are expanding their use of Facebook.
 
Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.   

Shorter vs Berry Monday night in basketball.  

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Council Member Lori Pruitt completes GMA Leadership Training

Media release: Cartersville Council Member Lori Pruitt was recognized at the Georgia Municipal Association's (GMA) Annual Mayors' Day Conference in Atlanta on January 22 for participating in the annual Robert E. Knox Leadership Institute for Elected Officials.

The three-day Leadership Institute, also co-sponsored by GMA and the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, featured several nationally recognized training development consultants and speakers. Participants also engaged in role-playing exercises designed to cultivate and enhance leadership skills.

"We commend Council Member Pruitt for attending this program," said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. "The Leadership Institute is an outstanding program and widely acknowledged as one of the best of its type in the country. We highly recommend it to any city official who wants to be a more effective community leader."

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.

Bartow History Museum was presented the Institution of the Year award by GAMG President

Media release: More than 120 museum professionals recently descended upon Baldwin County for the annual meeting of the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries. They arrived from all regions of the state, from Thomasville to Tunnel Hill. The theme of this year's conference was "Change Happens: How to Survive and Embrace It!" Attendees participated in a variety of sessions and workshops ranging from developing education programs to designing eye-catching exhibits and visiting with vendors whose products and services target the field. The highlight of the week was the annual GAMG Awards Luncheon.

This year the Bartow History Museum was presented the Institution of the Year award by GAMG President Brent Tharp and Award Committee Chair Kathy Dixson.

"We are very pleased to present this award to a very deserving recipient," said GAMG President Brent Tharp. "Our members represent a good cross section of the museums and galleries in Georgia's communities, large and small," he added. "We are happy to honor institutions, staff members, volunteers, patrons, exhibits, and special projects that have excelled in providing inspiring programs and leadership," he concluded.

Trey Gaines, Bartow History Museum director, attended the awards luncheon and accepted the award which reads, "For preserving the 1869 Courthouse and redesigning the exhibits to vibrantly depict the story of Bartow County and northwest Georgia."

The Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries (GAMG) is a private, non-profit statewide organization dedicated to encouraging growth and improving professional practices of museums and non-profit galleries throughout the state. The annual conference is an opportunity for museum professionals, board members, volunteers and supporters to share information and build relationships among museums and galleries throughout the state. The conference is hosted by a different community each year. For more information on the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries, visit www.gamg.org.

Bartow sheriff's crime stats for 2011. I-75 lane closure today. Latest jail reports. Regional buzz

 
Bartow Sheriff's office releases 2011 crime stats.
 
Lane closure on I-75 southbound today.
 
Fog advisory until 9 a.m.; more weather below
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports
 
All-season road trip for the Rome Rampage this year
-Team gets new league, will be playing as a 'travel' team with no games at The Forum after all.

Calhoun's Carmike Martin's 3 theaters closed?

Buzzing:-Jennifer Hulsey joins House 16 race as a Republican.
Your latest forecast:
-Dense fog advisory until 9 this morning.

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 63, low of 37.

-Wednesday: 30% rain chance, high of 61, low of 51.

-Thursday: 80-90% chance of storms, high of 65, low 45.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Mike Dunn, general manager of the Rome Braves, on next Monday's 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering benefitting Miracle Field; and Oscar Poole from the Florida Primary. Nelle Reagan will host our second hour today.

 
No. 1 Shorter men's basketball team doubles up Berry College 88-44 Monday night. Hawks
-Lady Hawks upend Lady Vikings, 102-64. Lady Hawks

Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.   

Shorter vs Berry Monday night in basketball.  

Monday, January 23, 2012

Bartow County's 2011 Crime Statistics


 

Media release: The Bartow County Sheriff's Office releases criminal statistics for 2011.

 

According to Sheriff Clark Millsap, the following information is released reflecting the crimes that were reported to this agency throughout 2011. These are the statistics reported to the state and federal governments as required by law.

 

In 2011, the following numbers of crime were reported:

 

Homicide             2

 

Rape                      7

 

Robbery               37

 

Aggravated

Assault                 195

 

Simple

Assault                 1057

 

Burglary               805

               

Theft                     1845

 

Motor Vehicle

Theft                     191

Tornado watch in effect until 11 this morning. Storms now approaching GA/ALA border. Continuing coverage all morning

 
TORNADO WATCH: Now until 11 a.m. for much of Northwest Georgia and most of Alabama. The leading edge of the storm system is just now approaching the Alabama-Georgia line.
-Continuing updates all morning on Bartow Headlines.

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: 
-Chieftains Museum envisions a $13 million upgrade including an interpretive center, retrofitting the museum, more enhancements as campus grows on Riverside Parkway.
-Steel shell of Lowe's regional distribution center a sign of things to come.
-Campaign 2012 heats up with party meetings, deadlines.
-No changes for now at El Toro on Shorter Avenue.

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

What's ahead in Bartow County this week.

Gas prices: Georgia prices up another four cents a gallon.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
-Please join our Monday guests including Berry College's Dr. Peter Lawler on the impact of the South Carolina Primary; Wendy Davis on the membership dinner this week by the Floyd County Democratic Party; and Dr. Jennifer Dickey on the Tuskegee Airmen lecture and new movie (Red Tails).

   

Friday, January 20, 2012

Hamilton State Bank Announces Acquisition of The First State Bank

Media release: Hamilton State Bank, a Georgia state bank based in
Braselton, announced today that it has acquired certain assets and deposits
and other liabilities of The First State Bank, Stockbridge, Ga., from the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in its capacity as receiver.

The acquisition was completed pursuant to a purchase and assumption
agreement on January 20, 2012 following approvals by the Georgia Department
of Banking and Finance and the FDIC.

All locations of The First State Bank that offer Saturday banking hours will
open with normal business hours beginning on Saturday, January 21, 2012
under the name Hamilton State Bank, and all other locations will open with
normal hours on Monday, January 23, 2012 under the name Hamilton State Bank.
The First State Bank customers may continue to conduct normal banking
business and will have access to all of their accounts. In addition, all
outstanding The First State Bank checks will be processed, and customers may
continue to write The First State Bank checks and use their ATM and debit
cards. The First State Bank loan customers also should continue to make
their regular payments. New and existing customers will receive additional
information in the mail from Hamilton State Bank in the near future.

"We are a community bank that currently serves customers in Henry County and
surrounding areas," said Hamilton State Bank Chairman and CEO Robert Oliver.
"We welcome our newest customers and we want to assure them that they will
be served by the same friendly professionals at each of The First State Bank
branches in the days to come. We appreciate the loyalty of The First State
Bank customers and our plan is to enhance the high level of quality services
to which they are accustomed."

"Our goal is to have all Hamilton State Bank offices operating on the same
system in the months to come in order to provide streamlined, consistent
service to all our customers," Oliver added.

Led by an executive team with decades of community banking experience,
Hamilton State Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hamilton State
Bancshares, Inc. The company focuses on conservative and sound banking
practices.

Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. completed a private offering and sale of
common stock and securities convertible and exercisable into common stock
that together resulted in proceeds of approximately $231.6 million last
year. Hamilton State Bancshares, Inc. and Hamilton State Bank are among the
highest capitalized banking companies in the state of Georgia.

The acquisition solidifies Hamilton State Bank's position as a full-service
bank offering a variety of services to its customers from its offices in
Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Cobb, Hall, Henry, Forsyth, Jasper and Jackson
counties in Georgia. With the acquisition, Hamilton State Bank now has 21
branches and approximately $1.4 billion in total assets, $1.2 billion in
deposits, and $193 million in total capital. Hamilton State Bancshares,
Inc., the parent of Hamilton State Bank, has approximately $1.6 billion in
total assets, $1.2 billion in deposits, and $255 million in total capital.

To learn more about Hamilton State Bank visit www.hamiltonstatebank.com

Ryan's closes in Cartersville, Calhoun; Rome still open. Greene enters district attorney's race. Latest jail reports. Soggy weekend forecast

 
Ryan's in Calhoun, Cartersville close; Rome stays open.
-Part of nationwide shutdown of 81 underperforming shops.
 
Cartersville man charged in Calhoun metal theft case.
-Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.
 
Rosemary Greene enters district attorney race to replace retiring Joe Campbell.
-Veteran assistant district attorney running as a Republican.
-Campaign finance reports for legislative, county, local candidates.
GPB's Georgia Traveler spends a little time with the Rome Braves tonight. The broadcast begins at 8 p.m.
-The words baseball fans have been waiting to read: Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 19.
Your latest weather: Inch-plus of rain on the way
-Friday: 80% rain chance, high of 57, low of 51.
-Saturday: 90% rain chance, high of 69, low of 48.
-Sunday: 30-70% rain chance, high of 63, low of 50.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join us Friday for Mike Morton of the Rome Tea Party on the CNN debate; Grant Wells, operator of the Chick-Fil-A at Mount Berry Square; U.S. Rep. Tom Graves on the deficit; Joe Schulman on Tellus Science Museum's newest exhibit and new year.

Hawks defeat No. 4 Southern Poly, remain No. 1 in NAIA.


Shorter vs Berry Monday night in basketball.  

 

Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Bartow's first-time jobless claims drop in December; mixed regional picture. Latest jail reports. Latest politics. Warmer, wetter weekend weather.

 
Jobs snapshot from December 2011
-400 fewer jobs in Floyd vs. December 2011.
-First-time jobless claims drop in Bartow County by 15% vs. last month.
-State's unemployment rate drops to 9.7%

Politics:
-Gingrey, Graves oppose latest attempt to boost U.S. debt.
-Isakson drafts letter to Obama following Keystone decision.
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Dining:
-Public Health restaurant inspection scores: Lots of lows, a few highs in Floyd, Bartow, Polk, Gordon, Chattooga counties.

Your forecast: Warmer and wetter by the weekend.

-Thursday: High of 56, low of 37.

-Friday: 30-60% rain chance, high of 60, low of 53.

-Saturday: 60% rain chance, high of 68, low of 48.


Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Bill Byars of the Seven Hills Rotary Club on the Berry-Shorter basketball game; WSB TV anchor Justin Farmer. a Darlington grad and Friday's career day speaker; and Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.
 
Rome Braves
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.

Shorter men's basketball team No. 1 in NAIA

-For the first time in program history, the Shorter men's basketball team assumes the No. 1 ranking in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll. Hawks 

-Jan. 19: Shorter plans 'white out' as Hawks play no. 4 Southern Poly at 8 p.m. in the Winthrop-King Centre. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

$300 million in industrial investment, expansion takes sting off recession. Latest job indicators out Thursday. Huge year for Bank of the Ozarks. Colder tonight

 
$300 million in industrial growth eases recession's sting here
-Tuesday's Neaton Rome announcement put existing industry expansion at $175 million in the past five years.
-Add in the new Lowe's distribution center (new growth) and the numbers -- and jobs -- start to climb.

Year-ending first-time jobless claims, job loss/gains for area due Thursday; also state's December jobless rate.

Record year of profit for Bank of the Ozarks (offices in Rome, Bartow, Calhoun).
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports l

Colder days, nights -- and then back up again:

-Wednesday: High of 48, low of 24.

-Thursday: High of 58, low of 35.

-Friday: High of 62, low of 46; overnight rain: 50% chance.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Elaine Armstrong of Goodwill on the early success of the career center at the new Rome store. Plus: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey on what to expect from Saturday's South Carolina presidential primary.

Shorter men's basketball team No. 1 in NAIA

 -For the first time in program history, the Shorter men's basketball team assumes the No. 1 ranking in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches Top 25 Poll. Hawks

-Jan. 19: Shorter plans 'white out' as Hawks play no. 4 Southern Poly at 8 p.m. in the Winthrop-King Centre. Details

Rome Braves: Sports

-Jan. 30: The Rome Braves' 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering is scheduled for 5:30 until 8 p.m. at The Forum and leading the roster of guests is Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.  Gonzalez is entering his second season as the Atlanta manager.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Braves Miracle Field of Rome which broke ground last August. Sports

 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

LakePoint grading to employ up to 250. Retail updates. 80% rain chance today. Latest jail reports

 
200-250 workers to help grade site of LakePoint Sporting Community.
-Emerson mayor expects major dirt moving by March.

Heritage First's Doug Shows is on the court -- and the cover.
-The cover, that is, of January's Referee magazine. His crunch season arrives as Shows calls college games, keeps bank's investments and insurance group buzzing.

Blue Sky Outfitter to open in mid-February on Broad.
 
Flying high: Shorter Hawks No. 1 in NAIA men's basketball.
-Designation is a first for the Hawks' program.

Bartow County Jail reports.
 
Your latest weather:

-Tuesday: Rain chance of 80%; high of 63, low of 35.

-Wednesday: High of 47, low of 24.

-Thursday: High of 56, low of 29.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Col. Oscar Poole, owner of Poole's BBQ in Ellijay and active Romney fan; MIke Morton of Rome's Tea Party on today's lunch bunch meeting, future events; and John McClellan on the Shorter Hawks' first-time no. 1 rating and other key highlights in local sports.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Ron Goss, known for his work in Cartersville, to remodel Rome building. Tellus goes small for latest exhibit. What's ahead in Bartow County. Floyd's county manager faces immediate challenges. Gas prices climb. Spring-like temps won't last long

 
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here
-Blaine Williams, Floyd's new county manager, jumps right in: $2 million budget shortfall; pending SPLOST vote; and changes on the county commission.
-Ron Goss, known for his historic preservation efforts, will design the loft living area in the former Montgomery Ward building.
-What a wild week on Broad Street -- and more on the way?
-Tellus' new exhibit shifts from big picture -- to really small pictures.

Gas prices climb another 3 cents last week; 35 cents more vs. a year ago.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County.
 
Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Your latest weather:
-Monday: Sunny, high of 54, low of 42.
-Tuesday: Rain chance of 70%; high of 64, low of 35.
-Wednesday: High of 45, low of 25.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM;
click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Emerson Mayor Al Pallone on the latest updates on LakePoint Sporting Community; Irwin Bagwell, recently elected chairman of the Floyd County Commission

Friday, January 13, 2012

Low of 27 (so far); another cold day, night ahead. Regional buzz: Indoor football team out of downtown office. Latest jail reports

 

Frigid Friday ahead: Sunny, cold, gusts to 30 mph.

-Low so far today (as of 5 a.m.): 27 degrees.

-Today: High of 41, low of 22; gusts to 30 mph.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 52, low of 28; winds to 15 mph.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 53, low of 29; wind to 10 mph.

 

Regional Buzz:

-Rome Rampage out of office on Broad Street. Opened in September, the storefront was empty Thursday night.
-More changes on Broad at Diane, Gregg Lewis hope to purchase building housing LaScala, other businesses. Second floor would become 10,000-square-foot loft.
-Daylight Donuts coming to West Rome: The venue is the former Shorter Avenue home of Baskin-Robbins.

What's ahead at Tellus; chamber of commerce updates.

 

Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM. 7-9 a.m.
-Please join our guests Friday including Diane and Gregg Lewis of Lewis Chemical Co. on their decision to buy the "LaScala" building; Tim Hensley, assistant to the superintendent, Floyd County Schools, on the five coounty Title 1 Distinguished Schools; and Rome City Commission Buzz Wachsteter on Gov. Nathan Deal's consideration of a state law to put sales tax on Internet sales.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Snow threat stays to our north; cold air won't: 23 tonight. Local Food Lion stores not on closing list. Latest jail reports.

 

-Wind advisory today from 10 a.m. until midnight, gusts to 35 mph. Details

-Map to the right (purple) shows where winter weather advisory is in effect.

-Thursday: 40% rain chance, high of 53, low of 23. Gusts to 35 mph.

-Friday: Sunny and cold. High of 41, low of 21; gusts to 20 mph. Gusts to 20 mph.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 48, low of 26.

-Weather updates all day.


Local Food Lion stores not among those closing. Company closing 113 locations in South. WRCB.
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County
 
Public Health restaurant inspection scores. This week's scores range from a low of 43 in Floyd County to a string of 95-plus highs in Bartow County. Dining

The Partnership for Health and Accountability presented its Quality and Patient Safety Award to Redmond Regional for its program reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors at local industries partnered with Redmond's Occupational Health Team.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM. 7-9 a.m.
-Please join our guests Thursday including Dr. David Campbell, Trinity United Methodist Church, on the local Communities Organized to Assist in Disaster group; and Carol Flammer of Flammer Relations and mRelevance on your 2012 social media strategy.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Feb. 4: Beatles Tribute Band, The Return, to perform at The Grand Theatre

 

Media release: The Century Bank Entertainment Series at The Grand Theatre Entertainment continues on Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 p.m. when the Beatles tribute band, The Return, performs at The Grand Theatre in downtown Cartersville. Orchestra level seats are $25 each, and balcony level seats are $20 each for this reserved seating event. Tickets can be purchased at The Grand Theatre Ticket Office located at 7 North Wall Street in downtown Cartersville or via phone at 770-386-7343. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

"We are thrilled to have The Return coming back to The Grand," says Grand Theatre Administrator, Matt Santini. "They have performed here on two other occasions, and they played to a sold out theatre both times. They have been one of the most requested artists to have back."

 

This show will feature the group in the black suits the Beatles made famous on the Ed Sullivan Show during the first set, and the Sgt. Pepper's suits as well as casual psychedelic looking clothing are worn during the second set. A mixture of the #1 hits (I Want To Hold Your Hand, A Hard Day's Night, Daytripper) and a few rock and roll cover tunes originally performed by their musical idols (Long Tall Sally, Twist And Shout) are featured in the first set.  A mixture of #1 hits (Hello Goodbye, Revolution, Hey Jude) and album cuts (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Back In The USSR, Here Comes The Sun) are featured in the second set.

 

The captivating, fun, exciting spirit that came to be known as "Beatlemania" is alive again in the Return-the world's most authentic and entertaining Beatles tribute band. These four lads have carefully and skillfully recreated the Beatles experience by not only performing all the great songs of the original four, but also by sporting the same suits, boots, mop-tops, musical instruments, and gear. The Return make it possible for music fans from every generation to experience the same thrilling rush felt by fans who were fortunate enough to attend an actual Beatles concert in the early sixties.

 

The Return certainly have a passion for music and will always enjoy playing the songs of the "Fab Four"; however, what makes them unique among the hundreds of Beatles tribute bands today is their unwavering dedication to ensuring the utmost level of authenticity in their performances. And so, it is not surprising that people are consistently dazzled by their close likeness to the originals. Same energy. Same charisma. Same feeling.

 

As the most authentic Beatles tribute band in the world, the Return performs a song list packed with all the fun and lively tunes the Beatles played while touring. From the Cavern Club days in their hometown of Liverpool, to their last concert performance together at Candlestick Park in 1966, The Return concert is more than reminiscent of a Beatles concert. It's as close to the real thing as you can get.

 

The Hard Rock Café was so impressed with the Return that they invited them to be the official tour band for their 30th anniversary celebration in the Spring of 2001. The Return, along with the Magical Mystery Tour Bus, traveled up the east coast performing Beatle hits for music lovers in Orlando, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. Don't miss out on the fun! Get your tickets today!

 

More information, photos, and video clips can be seen at www.thereturnonline.com.

 

The Grand Theatre is at 7 North Wall Street in downtown Cartersville and online at www.thegrandtheatre.org 

 

 

Thunderstorms sweeping into NW Georgia this morning; 100% rain chance. New player at LakePoint Sporting Community. New entry in frozen yogurt wars

 
Thunderstorms sweeping into NW Georgia this morning
-Lightning, heavy rain included; 100% rain chance

-Most of us are waking up to thunder and lightning today as a storm system moves into the area from the south and west. No watches or warnings so far today. The storms are why we have a 100 percent chance of rain for most of the day.
-Wednesday: 100% rain chance, high of 60, low of 43.
-Thursday:Mostly cloudy, high of 53, low of 25.
-Friday: Sunny and cold. High of 42, low of 20.
 
Another new player in frozen yogurt battle: Armuchee Village will soon be home to the latest player in the frozen yogurt boom -- Alex's FroYo.

LakePoint Sporting Community adding Wake Park Atlanta? Wake Park Atlanta LLC reports it will open "one of the United States' largest and most unique cable wakeboard parks" in 2012, covering "more than 17 acres."
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM. 7-9 a.m.
-Please join us Wednesday for Brian Robinson, deputy chief of staff to Gov. Nathan Deal, on the governor's goal to make Georgia a top target for new business.
-Berry College's Dr. Peter Lawler, Dana professor, on the outcome of the New Hampshire Primary.
 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Dense fog again on morning commute. Website bridging Floyd-Polk Medical transition. Bartow jail updates. Alabama wins BCS; 4 SEC teams in final top 9 in AP; UGA 19.

 
Weather note: Dense fog advisory again, now until 10 this morning. Quarter-mile visibility. Leave for work, school a bit early; leave more space between you and vehicle in front of you. More weather below.

Health
-New website bridging Floyd Medical with Polk Medical Center as ownership change set for April 1.
-Big year already in local health care.
 
Later this morning: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County.

Sports
-Alabama cruises to BCS national championship with 21-0 win over LSU in key rematch.
-Four SEC teams in top 9 of final AP poll: 'Bama No. 1, LSU no. 2, Arkansas no. 5, S. Carolina no. 9, Georgia no. 19.
-15-0 Shorter Hawks men's basketball team no. 2 in the NAIA this week. Hawks

Weather
-More fog, rain and then winter returns; 21 overnight Friday.

-Dense fog advisory in effect until 10 this morning. Details

-Tuesday: 60 to 100% rain chance, high of 63, low of 50.

-Wednesday: 80% rain chance, high of 62, low of 43.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 56, low of 25.


Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM. 7-9 a.m.
-Please join us Tuesday for On Tuesday's show: Gail Garland of Harbor House on the Shane Richardson Memorial Adult Spelling Bee; AJC Political Insider Jim Galloway on the New Hampshire primary.

Monday, January 9, 2012

3,586 students at Chattahoochee Tech's North Metro campus this semester

Media release: Chattahoochee Technical College opened its second semester with an influx of new and returning students. As of the first day of classes, 12,115 students were on the rolls for the college's more than 70 diploma, certificate and degree programs.

The numbers are in line with Fall 2011 numbers, which had dipped slightly due to students earlier deadlines with the transition from quarters to semesters and changes to state financial aid programs. Continuing students were offered the opportunity to register for this semester as early as October, which was a full month before registration had opened in the past.

"Enrollment numbers indicate that our students are successfully navigating the transition from quarters to semesters," said Jennifer Nelson, Vice President of External Affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College. "Students are also responding to the affordable and diverse career education opportunities at Chattahoochee Tech."

The new year is bringing new programs to several of the college's campuses, including a new Web Application Design program at Marietta Campus, Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Austell Campus and Health Information Technology at the North Metro Campus. Other new programs are expected later in 2012.

Campuses such as Marietta and North Metro in Acworth remain popular choices for students with 70 percent of students attending at those two locations. Online classes are a popular option, as they offer flexibility in scheduling that working student's need. Campus enrollment as of January 9 stands at:

Appalachian – 667

Austell – 297

Canton – 934

Marietta – 4,954

Mountain View - 827

North Metro – 3,586

Online – 3,966

Paulding – 1,301

Woodstock – 550

Forecast: Foggy start, soggy end. Buzz: More growth in local health care. What's buzzing in Northwest Georgia.

 
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click
-Floyd Medical's emergency care center upgrades are just part of what's ahead. Neonatal, orthopedics also on list.
-What's buzzing this week? Two real estate deals; the start of the General Assembly; primary politics and local politics.
-North Georgia takes new bite into cable TV shows: Sara Williams on 'Great Baker;' Blue Ridge duo on 'Cupcake.'
 
Later today: Updated Bartow County Jail reports.
 
What's ahead in Bartow County.

Dense fog advisory in effect until 10 a.m. Monday. Details
-We've had about two thirds of an inch of rain since the storms started Saturday afternoon. Occasional thunderstorms possible.
-Monday: 90% rain chance, high of 66, low of 46.
-Tuesday: 50 to 100% rain chance, high of 65, low of 50.
-Wednesday: 70% rain chance, high of 64, low of 43
 
Norman's No-Nos: Final edition this season.
-Alabama's revenge or LSU repeat? Norman Arey, in his final No-Nos of the 2011-12 season, says ...

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM. 7-9 a.m.
-Please join us Monday as Allison Watters discusses the 2012 Heart of the Community winners; David McLaughlin of Kudzu Vine talks about legislators' Wild Hog supper as the session begins; and live from the scene of the BCS Championship Game, Pepperell Principal Phil Ray talks about the 'Bama-LSU showdown.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Gas price drop ends as quickly as Christmas holidays. Latest jail reports. Big night for Tellus on TV. Warmer, wetter weekend due.

 
Gas prices punch the gas pedal again
-Prices up 9 cents a gallon in just a week, erasing Christmas drop. Plus: One of the big discount programs at the pumps dries up.
 
Tellus included on tonight's Georgia Traveler; hear about the segment on Hometown Radio today (detatils below)
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.
 
Updates from the chamber of commerce.

Norman Arey's final No-Nos of the season.
-College football's final bowls includes big rematch: Alabama's revenge or LSU repeat? Norman says ...

Weekend:
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.
 
Weekend forecast:
-Friday: Sunny and 63, low of 41; rain chance: 20%
-Saturday: 50% rain chance, high of 65, low of 46.
-Sunday: 50% rain chance, high of 63, low of 45.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM.
-Friday's guests include U.S. Rep. Tom Graves and David Zelski of GPB's Georgia Traveler, which includes a segment on Tellus Science Museum this Friday night.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Cartersville City Council meets tonight. Warmer, wetter days ahead. Latest restaurant scores. Floyd tornado clean-up continues

 
Cartersville City Council meets tonight: Swearing in ceremony set for mayor, members.
-What's ahead in Bartow County.
 
Tellus camera catches meteor show.
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.
 
Community efforts continue to help areas hit hard by the Dec. 22 tornadoes. Hometown Headlines

Work to begin soon on SR 20 widening project after Georgia DOT awards the work to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc., of Marietta, for $7.7 million.

Public health restaurant inspection scores: From a 63 for an Armuchee diner to a perfect 100 of a Cartersville restaurant.

Mercury heading the other way; rain on the way, too

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 55, low of 30.

-Friday: Sunny and 62, low of 42; rain chance: 40%

-Saturday: 50% rain chance, high of 63, low of 49.

 
Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM, 7 until 9 a.m.
-On Thursday's show: Mike Morton of the Rome TEA Party; and Jay Shell, Zach Green and Stephen Smith talking about the chamber's Young Professionals group
 
Norman Arey's Bowl Week No-Nos
-Due this week: Final No-Nos of the 2011-12 season.

Rome Braves: Sports
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 

Jan. 7: 5th Annual Shorter Baseball Meet the Team Dinner will feature former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox as the keynote speaker. The event is at Huffman Center at Darlington School. Silent Auction at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7. Single tickets are $30; $250 per table, seats eight; and $500 for VIP tables. Details: goshorterhawks.com or contact Rachel Rogers at rrogers@shorter.edu

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Work to begin soon on construction of truck passing lanes on Highway 20 in Bartow County

  

Work could soon begin on widening State Route (SR) 20 in Bartow County. Georgia DOT has just awarded a contract valued at close to eight million dollars for a construction project in Bartow County. The project includes 1.729 miles of widening and reconstruction for truck passing lanes on SR 20, beginning east of Timberlake Cove Road and extending to just west of Bells Ferry Road in Bartow County. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of September 2014, at a construction cost of $7,761,359.

 

Information on construction and lane closure schedules on this project will be forthcoming before work begins.  Further details on this project are available via this link:  http://tomcat2.dot.state.ga.us/ContractsAdministration/uploads/A111118S01.pdf 

 

Every Child's A Star talent show auditions.

Advocates for Children announces auditions for the 2012 performance of Every Child's a Star talent show for teens and children.
 

Auditions will be held at Expedition Church (32 Center Road, Cartersville) on both Thursday, January 26 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, January 28 from 1-3 p.m.  (Choose whichever time is more convenient.) Children from kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to audition:  we are looking for lots of variety!  Acts can be solo or ensembles, and can include singing, other musical acts, dances, gymnastics, juggling, puppetry, pantomime, ventriloquists, magic, show choirs, comedic skits: the sky is the limit—because once again: that's where the stars are!

 

Musical contestants should bring CD audio for their 2-3 minute auditions and plan to arrive early to complete registration materials.

 

There is no fee to participate.  However, each child in every act selected to be in the show is required to sell at least 10 tickets (at $10 each) to the performance, which will be held Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Woodland High School Performing Arts Center.  All proceeds will support Advocates for Children's many child abuse prevention and support programs and services.

We are happy to announce that Mary Clayton Gilbert, the reigning Bartow and Georgia Distinguished Young Woman, is the producer and director of this year's show.

 

For more information about Advocates, please visit AdvoChild.org, or call 770-387-1143. Ms. Gilbert can also be reached for comments, interviews or quotes at  678-767-9558.

 

 

  

Even colder this morning: 18 degrees. Romney edges Santorum in Iowa. Cartersville man indicted on wire fraud charges. Latest jail reports.

 
Even colder today: 18 degrees so far
-No wind chill to report as of 5:30 a.m. as winds were calm. Look for slightly warmer temperatures to move in later today.
-Wednesday: High of 48, low of 27.
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 54, low of 34.
-Friday: Sunny and 61, low of 45; rain chance: 20%
 
From CNN: Romney edges Santorum for Iowa Caucus win:
-Mitt Romney has edged Rick Santorum by eight votes in the tightest presidential GOP contest in U.S. history, reports CNN. Texas Rep. Ron Paul finished third, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich placed fourth.
Cartersville man indicted in wire fraud case.
-Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Final month of 2011 sees 21% spike in home sales
-62 home sales were closed in December vs. 51 a year earlier.
-Mortgage rates remain at 'extremely low' percentages.
Cartersville Anheuser Busch brewery crafting new Bud Light Platinum due Jan. 30. Sweet, more calories than Bud Light.

Harbin Clinic opens new rehabilitation center on Redmond Road.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM, 7 until 9 a.m.
-On Wednesday's show: Layla Shipman on the results of the GOP Caucus in Iowa; Rome Mayor Evie McNiece on the 2012 SPLOST package; and Keith Mickler, County Extension Coordinator, on the recent cold snap, your plants and surviving winter.
 
Norman Arey's Bowl Week No-Nos
-Due this week: Final No-Nos of the 2011-12 season.

Rome Braves:
Sports
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 

Jan. 7: 5th Annual Shorter Baseball Meet the Team Dinner will feature former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox as the keynote speaker. The event is at Huffman Center at Darlington School. Silent Auction at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7. Single tickets are $30; $250 per table, seats eight; and $500 for VIP tables. Details: goshorterhawks.com or contact Rachel Rogers at rrogers@shorter.edu

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Cartersville man indictedin wire fraud case

Media release: ANDREW KENT ANDERSON, 57, of Cartersville, Georgia has been indicted for wire fraud and conspiring to commit wire fraud. ANDERSON was arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson.
 
 "The Federal Aviation Administration works diligently to ensure the safety of this country's airspace, and does so, in part, by ensuring that modifications to aircraft are certified as safe," said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. "Andrew Anderson is charged with bypassing the certification process by providing false and fraudulent FAA certifications to his clients who sought his assistance with obtaining legitimate FAA certifications."
 
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: ANDERSON, an aviation consultant, was hired to assist his clients in obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for certain modifications they wanted to make to several airplanes, including one Boeing 747 and two Avro jets. The planes are owned and operated by the Dubai Air Wing (DAW), an agency of the government of Dubai. 
 
The indictment charges that ANDERSON provided his clients and DAW officials with certificates for the planes purportedly issued by the FAA but which, in fact, were never issued by that agency. ANDERSON is charged with defrauding his clients of more than $630,000, which they paid him to assist in obtaining legitimate FAA certificates. The fraud allegedly occurred between April 2008 and June 2010. ANDERSON was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 20, 2011. 
 
He is charged with nine counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
 
ANDERSON is charged with conspiring with TOD ANDERSON, 54, of Portage, Michigan. TOD ANDERSON pleaded guilty to a criminal information on December 14, 2011. The criminal information charged TOD ANDERSON with conspiring to commit wire fraud in relation to the certificates provided for the Boeing 747 aircraft. That charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 
 
TOD ANDERSON is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert L. Vining, Jr. on February 23, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.
 
 

Frigid dawn: 15-degree wind chill, low (so far) of 24. Buzz: $30 million in upgrades coming to Cartersville Medical Center.

 
Wind chill at 15 degrees at 5 a.m. Low so far: 24. Flurries possible.
-The first work week of the year begins with a gusty blast of cold air with a wind chill of 15 degrees -- and possibly lower throughout the morning. Also possible: Flurries through 10 a.m.
-Updates all day on Bartow Headlines.
-Tuesday: High of 36, low of 18. Gusts to 25 mph.
-Wednesday: High of 49, low of 29.
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 52, low of 29.

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
Buzz
-$30 million investment into expansion, renovation, new equipment planned at Cartersville Medical Center this year.
-Schroeder's sprucing up a bit inside, outside this year.
-Retail updates: Closings, openings and ... changes?
-Georgia Trend honors: Gingrey, Dempsey, Hodge, Cook make magazine's 'notable leaders' list for 2012.
 
Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM, 7 until 9 a.m.
-On Tuesday's show: David McLaughlin of Kudzu Vine takes a different look at the Iowa caucus; state Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, discusses his new duties in the General Assembly which convenes Jan. 9; and Dr. Frank Stephenson, chair of Berry College's Department of Economics, looks at the Iowa vote and what it could mean to business.
 
Norman Arey's Bowl Week No-Nos
-Due this week: Final No-Nos of the 2011-12 season.

Rome Braves: Sports
-Fredi Gonzalez, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to speak at 10th Annual Hot Stove Gathering Jan. 30 at The Forum. 

Jan. 7: 5th Annual Shorter Baseball Meet the Team Dinner will feature former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox as the keynote speaker. The event is at Huffman Center at Darlington School. Silent Auction at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7. Single tickets are $30; $250 per table, seats eight; and $500 for VIP tables. Details: goshorterhawks.com or contact Rachel Rogers at rrogers@shorter.edu