Gas down 7 cents a gallon. Look for a high of 90 today. Senate District 52 race drawing a crowd. Latest jail reports.

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What's buzzing in Northwest Georgia. Click Buzz
-Kyle Hensel 's new mission: Within the next four weeks, the Small Business Development Center returns to Rome to bring free advice to current and aspiring business owners as well as more tools to make the job even smoother.
-Suddenly crowded Senate District 52 race: Now too many candidates vs. too few?
-Tom Graves for VP? The congressman's late endorsement of Mitt Romney and his ties to the tea party, Club for Growth ignites a bit of speculation.

Former Mohawk plant in Shannon sells for $5.6 million: Ashley Capital LLC has purchased the 566,000-square-foot campus at 212 Burlington Drive in Shannon for $5.6 million, according to CoStar Group.

Georgia gas prices fall another 7 cents a gallon; average cost: $369. AAA South

Warm week ahead

-Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 90, low of 59.

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance, high of 87, low of 60.

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high of 88, low of 57.

 

Later today: Bartow  County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM
-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m.Listen online
-Please join our guests today including Sheriff Tim Burkhalter on seeking a third term; Charlie Williams and Jarrett Shadday on Thursday's prayer breakfast; and Hayden Collins on his bid for the Senate 52 seat.

 

Rome Braves fall 8-5 Sunday; play at home today beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Business: Latest spin on frozen yogurt: mobile unit. Political buzz. Latest jail reports. Warmer, mostly dry weekend

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Friday's business:

-United Community reports $11.5 million first quarter profit.

-Jandy's takes frozen yogurt on the road. Next stop: Cedartown.

 

Politics:
-Rome's Layla Shipman up for national honors at Young Republicans Leadership Conference in Washington ... Two GOP debates in Cartersville in early July...

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Warmer weekend starts today

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 80, low of 58.

-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 87, low of 57.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 84, low of 54.

 

Weekend events list for Northwest Georgia.

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-Please join our guests today including Tricia Seifert on the chamber's fifth edition of Spectrum of Technology, now set for next month; Chuck Hufstetler, who's running for state Senate District 52; and Atlanta's Phil Kent of the American Immigration Control Foundation on reports about the flow of illegals into America finally starting to ease.

 

Rome Braves bounce back, win 6-2.

Bartow's jobless rate drops to 9.3% in March. Hufstetler enters Senate District 52 race. Wind advisory: 35-mph gusts. Latest dining scores.

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Jobless rate drops again March
-Bartow's jobless rate drops to 9.3% in March.

-Floyd, Gordon still in double digits.

-Where jobs are growing -- and slowing.

Chuck Hufstetler returns to politics, seeks GOP nomination for Senate District 52.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Restaurant scores: Good week for Rome schools, coffee shops.

Meet Neal Freeman of Watkins Real Estate Group, one of the partners trying to put LakePoint Sporting Community and Town Center together. Freeman has a passion for baseball and kids,  piece from the Atlanta Business Chronicle shows.

2012 high school football schedules released

-Adairsville opens Aug. 31 by hosting Cass.

-Cartersville hosts Darlington Aug. 31.

-Woodland hosts Allatoona Aug. 31.

Wind advisory today, noon- 8 p.m. Gusts to 35 mph.

-Thursday: 20-30% rain chance, high of 80, low of 60.

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 83, low of 59.

-Saturday: Party sunny, high of 84, low of 56.

 

Rome Braves hammered, 24-2, by Hagerstown.

Latest updates on regional banks. Double honors for Broad Street. Spring's back; high of 80. Later today: Jail updates

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Double header for downtown Rome:
-Travel+Leisure ranks Broad Street among top 27 Great Main Streets.
-Downtown Development Authority  accredited by National Main Street Program.

Bank reports
-Big turnaround for Synovus, parent company of Citizens First Bank in Rome and GB&T in Calhoun and Cartersville.
-Regions reports $199 million in first-quarter net income, up from $69 million a year earlier.
-SunTrust's net income rises to $245 million vs. $180 million in the first quarter of 2011.
-United Community Banks' first quarter statement due Thursday.

Wednesday's buzz:
-Model High grad Ben Hawkins pitches Tuesday night during Hagerstown's win over the Rome Braves. Photo/Mills Fitzner.
-Floyd breaks ground on new Rockmart office.
-May 5: Berry College Spring Commencement. Board of Trustee member/alumnus Bert Clark is guest speaker. 
-Tonight's Powerball jackpot at $173 million.

Spring's back; pollen on the rise, too.

-Wednesday: High of 80, low of 55.

-Thursday: 20-30% rain chance, high of 82, low of 60.

-Friday: Party sunny, high of 82, low of 59.

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-Please join our guests including Republican Layla Shipman on the Newt Gingrich campaign; Jordan Poole on Finster Fest and the grand reopening of Paradise Gardens; Georgia Emergency Management Director Charley English on Georgia's state of readiness a year after the fatal tornado outbreak.

 

Rome Braves drop opener to Hagerstown, 9-2.

New player, venue in frozen yogurt boom. More hints of new call center. Later today: updated jail reports. Spring ' thaw' begins Wednesday

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More hints at call center for Rome? Director of operations sought; $90,000-$125,000 pay.

Cedartown's turn for a swirl of frozen yogurt:
-The frozen yogurt craze continues to sweep Northwest Georgia with another new player -- this time in a new city, Cedartown. Top This Frozen Yogurt is on the way.

 

Calhoun's GEM Theatre honored for 'Excellence in Rehabilitation:' The award for The GEM comes from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and was made April 20 at the Trust's 35th annual awards dinner.

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Spring 'thaw' begins Wednesday 

-Tuesday: More sun, high of 69, low of 45.

-Wednesday: High of 78, low of 57.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 83, low of 58.

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-Please join our guests including Janet Eberhart, public health immunization coordinator; U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson on latest issues from Washington; and meet Kevin Karel, the newest member of the WRGA news team.

 

Rome Braves were off Monday, open home stand tonight vs. Hagerstown.

May 12: Employers and job seekers will meet at Chattahoochee Technical College's North Metro Campus for the college's first Commercial Truck Driving Career Expo

Media release: Employers and job seekers will meet May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chattahoochee Technical College's North Metro Campus for the college's first ever Commercial Truck Driving Career Expo. The event, which has been organized by Lead Instructor Ray Puckett, will feature approximately 11 companies looking to hire drivers for their fleets.

 

At Chattahoochee Technical College Commercial Truck Driving is an 7.5-week program that includes both classroom and road experience for interested students. Taught at the North Metro Campus of the college in Acworth, the program costs approximately $1,416 for in-state residents. Those eligible for HOPE funding pay $869.25. The next available class begins May 14 and runs through July 5.

 

"We're facing a driver shortage that this country has never seen before," said Puckett. "Baby boomers are retiring so we're seeing companies increasing wages, providing better benefits and increasing the amount of time that drivers can spend at home."

 

The number of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is expected to grow 13 percent by 2018. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 3.2 million Americans worked as truck drivers in 2011. Truck drivers and driver/sales workers comprise one of the largest occupations, holding 3.2 million jobs.

 

"Industry leaders are telling me they need drivers right now," Puckett said. "Our graduates are prepared to meet that challenge head on. Truck drivers are definitely in the driver's seat now."

 

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College and the college's Commercial Truck Driving Program, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Patchy frost possible; today; 35-mph gusts. Wedding business booms in Northwest Georgia. Gas prices drop 7 cents. Latest politics. Latest jail reports

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click Buzz
-'Something old' has a lot of something news as 2012 wedding season has local businesses swirling.
-Politics: Two more options for Senate 52 race?
-On a roll: Clocktower Classic prepares for eighth race in Rome; Streets Alive to bolster Saturday downtown events.

Cold start to the new week
-Unexpected chill: Cold start to the new week
-Our normal high if 76 and overnight low 51 this time of year (Weather.com) with record lows right around 32 degrees.
-Patchy frost also possible overnight.
-Wind advisory: 11 a.m. until 7 tonight with winds at 15 to 25 mph, gusts to 35 mph. Sunday saw gusts to 29 mph.

-Monday: Sunny, high of 60, low of 34.

-Tuesday: More sun, high of 67, low of 38.

-Wednesday: High of 78, low of 55.

Gas prices drop another seven cents a gallon.

 

Later today: Weekend Bartow  County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-Please join our guests including Dr. Brian Carroll of Berry College on changes in the web media world; Republican sheriff's hopeful Cary Cooper.

 

Braves split road series in Asheville, win 6-1 Sunday
-Braves off Monday, open four-game series at home vs. Hagerstown on Tuesday.
-Mills Fitzner's game photos.

Busy weekend ahead in Bartow County. Rain likely today, Saturday; cooler, too. Call center looking at Rome, 200-plus jobs?

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Busy weekend ahead in Bartow County.

-Doc Stovall tribute; environmental gatherings; Democratic convention; more.

 

Georgia call center reportedly looking at former Legacy Marketing building. Several hundred new jobs by July?

Health department urges infant vaccinations; region best in state for increasing number of immunized children.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail updates.

Rain could disrupt some of those weekend plans.

-Friday: 20-30% rain chance, high of 71, low of 57.

-Saturday: 70% rain chance, high of 72, low of 42.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 69, low of 42.

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-We are live at The Partridge today. Please join our guests including Alana Ellenburg, director of the 2012 Rome/Floyd County Safe Driving Expo, and Cassidy Carter with Floyd Healthcare Foundation, on the expo; Robert Smyth from the Exchange Club on Believe in the Blue balloon event set for Saturday; and Mary Hardin Thornton from Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful on E.C.O. Jubilee this Saturday.

 

Today's Sports:   

-Rome Braves skid to seventh straight loss; Asheville wins, 10-6. Braves in Asheville through Sunday, off Monday.
-Mills Fitzner's game photos.

May 4-8: Rome set to host 2012 GSC Baseball Tournament: The NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference brings 2012 Baseball Tournament to State Mutual Stadium.

Cartersville's Applied Thermoplastic Resources named 2012 Manufacturer of the Year - Small Business Division.

Media release: Chattahoochee Technical College announced Thursday Applied Thermoplastic Resources is walking away a winner today as the 2012 Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business Division. The company was recognized by the Technical College System of Georgia and Georgia Department of Economic Development during the annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week Luncheon in College Park.

"ATR is a perfect embodiment of what makes manufacturing so powerful and distinct in Georgia," said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. "The company has a strong commitment to quality, customer service, the community and the environment."

ATR, which began at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a research project, has been at its South Erwin Street in Cartersville location for more than 17 years. An environmentally friendly company, ATR's core business is re-manufacturing other companies' waste. The company saves well over 40 million pounds of plastic, wood pallets and cardboard from going to landfills. Additionally, ATR sponsors local environmental education through programs at the Margaret and Luke Pettit Environmental Preserve.

Since 2008, the company has almost tripled the size of both its workforce and revenue. Currently, the facility is 850,000 square feet and includes extrusion, silo storage, weight systems and a laboratory. The company projects another 30-50 percent increase in in its workforce and doubling its revenue by 2013.

ATR recently signed an agreement with Georgia Quick Start and Chattahoochee Technical College to develop customized training plans for the company's current, new and future employees. The training focused on the long-term needs of ATR's production and maintenance staff, as well as providing consultation in the areas of human resources and safety.

The Cartersville based company is the second win for Bartow County since 2009 when Toyo Tires North America took home the prize in the Large Business Category. Bartow County is one of only two communities to see two winners in the awards that began in 1995.

Chattahoochee Tech to graduate 400 students in May

(Media Release) This May more than 400 graduates of Georgia's largest technical college will be honored in a ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Approximately 120 are expected to walk in the ceremony. Scheduled for Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m., the ceremony will honor those completing their programs of study during the spring semester.

This marks only the second graduation since the college transitioned with the other technical colleges in Georgia from quarters to semesters. Popular programs for graduates this term include Accounting, Automotive Technology and Early Childhood Care and Education.

This semester's graduation speaker will be Georgia Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. A native of Carrollton, Butler had served the previous eight years in the Georgia General Assembly, representing House District 18, comprised of Carroll and Haralson counties. During that time, he served as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Human Resources Sub-Committee, which oversees all operations of the budget for several of the largest state agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Human Services, and Behavioral Health.

First-time jobless claims down by 33% in March. Party City coming to former Circuit City; another retailer to join them. Latest dining scores. One-day break from the rain

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Party City coming to former Circuit City; another retailer close to signing, would share 33,000-square-foot building.

Mixed employment report for March:

-First-time jobless claims drop 33 percent in March vs. March 2011.

-Local work force level down 1,000 jobs vs. March 2011.

-State jobless rate at 9%, lowest in more than three years.

Politics:

-Cagle coming to Rome to support Doss' Senate bid.

-Jeff Anderson to run as Democrat in 11th Congressional District.

 

Another longtime favorite gets a 62 in latest public health restaurant inspection reports.

Lottery: Powerball jackpot rises to $152 million Saturday.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

Weather: A break from the rain but not for long

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 75, low of 54.

-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 78, low of 57.

-Saturday: 50% rain chance, high of 78, low of 53.

 

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition
-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online
-Please join us for Jeff Anderson, a Democratic candidate for the District 11 Congressional seat; Shannen Ferry on Georgia Northwestern Technical College's plant sale; and Mark Baker, Georgia's labor commissioner, on 'Resimania' and the latest job stats.

 

Rome Braves swept at home by Savannah; on the road starting tonight.

Gingrey has nearly $2 million in campaign account; Graves, $153,000. More rain today; wet weekend, too. Later today: Updated jail reports.

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Gingrey's campaign war chest just under $2 million; Graves at $153,000.

-Gingrey's GOP opponents: Opitz at  $3,500, Levene shows zero.
-Democrats' district convention in Cartersville Saturday.

More rain today and the weekend looks wet, too.

-Wednesday: 80% rain chance, high of 71, low of 50.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 76, low of 53.

-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 79, low of 55.

 

El Zarape returns to Broad Street next week: Look for expanded bar area, more open look.

Daily Report profiles U.S. District Judge Harold Murphy of Rome.

Powerball jackpot at $131 million tonight.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition

-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online

-Please join our guests including Joe Schulman of Tellus Science Museum on the Hubble/Twitter event; Rome Mayor Evie McNiece on tonight's City Commission candidate forum; and Wendy Davis on what to expect from the Democratic Party this election year.

 

Rome Braves game suspended because of power issues; resumes in fifth inning today at 1 p.m. to be followed by seven-inning game vs. Savannah.

April 28: Booth and Bartow History Museums Present Civil War Comes Alive!

^{Media release: Through the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, two Cartersville museums, Bartow History Museum and Booth Western Art Museum, have partnered to produce an event, Civil War Comes Alive! each April through 2015. Meant to teach visitors about all aspects of the Civil War, this year's event will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Booth Museum, Bartow History Museum, and the Booth Museum festival grounds.}

While there will not be any battle re-enactments at Civil War Comes Alive!, there will be plenty of stations set up on the festival grounds demonstrating the various aspects of the war. Stations include a medical/hospital tent, blacksmith, music, signaling, life on the home-front, Confederate and Union Infantry camps, a sutler, and Cavalry Camp. An Artillery Camp will also be set up on the Booth Museum grounds and will demonstrate cannon firings at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

"We are excited to announce this educational event, not only because it coincides with the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, but also because Bartow County has so many ties to the war," said Bartow History Museum Executive Director Trey Gaines. "We had the Battle at Allatoona here in Bartow County, and also produced several Officers from this area. Civil War Comes Alive! will be an opportunity for visitors – of all ages – to experience the various aspects of the war and hopefully gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the men who served."

When visitors are not walking around to the various stations, they may sit back, relax and enjoy entertainment provided on stage at the festival grounds. The 8th Regiment Band will play music from both the Confederate and Union armies at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. At 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, guests may listen to Abraham Lincoln recite the Gettysburg Address. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to tour the Booth Museum's Civil War art gallery, War is Hell, and visit Bartow History Museum to see their exhibitions highlighting life in Bartow County from before the Civil War, through present day.

Admission to Civil War Comes Alive! is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students, $3 for children 12 and under, and free for Booth Museum members, Bartow History Museum members, and active military with ID. Prices include access to the Booth Museum festival grounds, as well as admission to Booth Museum and Bartow History Museum.

For more information about Civil War Comes Alive!, including details about the school program which will be offered on Friday, April 27, please visit www.boothmuseum.org or www.bartowhistorymuseum.org, or call 770-387-1300.

Half-inch of rain due today, maybe more. Tweeting for Tellus. Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

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Forecast: Half inch of rain, perhaps thunderstorm

-Monday's storm hit just after rush hour in Northwest Georgia, spawning several storm advisories in Bartow, Floyd and Gordon counties. Rain delayed the Rome Braves' game by 49 minutes. But little rainfall was recorded at the airport. That will change today.

-Tuesday: 90% chance of rain, high of 73, low of 54.

-Wednesday: 60% rain chance, high of 69, low of 50.

-Thursday: Sunny, high of 75, low of 52.

 

Meet Berry Football Coach Tony Kunczewski:

-His goal, in part: "Make a great institution just a little bit better." And that's what Tony Kunczewski hopes to do as Berry College's first football coach.

-Also on today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Kunczewski joins us at 8:40 a.m. WRGA 1470 AM.

Tweet on Tellus, get Hubble exhibit behind-the-scenes access: The first Tellus Science Museum Social Media Event is May 4 and the prize is a behind-the-scenes look at the new Hubble Telescope.

Lowe's selling debt with goal of making $2 billion: Keep in mind the regional distribution center rising in Shannon alone is costing the home improvement retailer more than $125 million.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition
-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online
-Please join our guests including Beth Smith from Darlington on this year's Tri for the Kids; Allan Levene, a Republican candidate for the 11th Congressional District seat now held by Phil Gingrey; and Tony Kunczewski. Berry's first head football coach.

 

Savannah edges Braves in extra innings, 6-5.

Rain, maybe storms, return today-Wednesday. Bartow candidates sought for Senate race. Latest jail reports later today.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click
-On our radar: Commercial real estate deals close to closing; new interest in state Senate race.
-Business profile: Amid all the chains and grocers, independent Winslette Pharmacy continues to grow.
-Wild Wednesday: From the Wheeler auction to City Commission forum to Berry's business conference to Mark Richt, there's something about April 18.

Storms possible; about a half inch of rain today, Tuesday

-Monday: 30-50% rain chance, high of 82, low of 58.

-Tuesday: 60-70% chance of rain, high of 77, low of 52.

-Wednesday: 50% rain chance, high of 71, low of 52.

 

Later today: Weekend Bartow County Jail reports.

 

What's ahead in Bartow County.

Later this morning: Berry to name first football coach.
-11:30 a.m. announcement set at Cage Center.

Gas prices dip 3 cents in Georgia; 12 cents higher than a year ago.

Hometown Headlines: The Radio Edition
-Weekdays, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM. Listen online
-Please join us Monday for Tony Miller of First Bank Mortgages on record-low rates; Dr. David Carlton of the Rome office of Atlanta Allergy and Asthma; and Layla Shipman, who's just been elected a delegation to the Republican National Convention.

 

Rome Braves:
-Riverdogs take series finale, 7-5, and win series, three games to one.
-Three-game set vs. Savannah begins tonight.
-Mills Fitzner's game photos. Click

Booth Western Art Museum Executive Director Seth Hopkins among 10 leaders named as outstanding contributors to the western art world

Media release: Readers of the May 2012 issue of Southwest Art Magazine will meet 10 leaders who have been identified as outstanding contributors to the western art world. One of the Prominent People featured is Booth Western Art Museum Executive Director Seth Hopkins. Recognized for his leadership in bringing the culture of the West to the Southeast, Hopkins explains in an interview how the business of art has evolved over the years, and how Booth Museum helps preserve our Western heritage through paintings and sculpture.

As the only museum director highlighted, Hopkins is among famed Western art painters, sculptors, and gallery owners in the feature article. Said Hopkins about being named one of Southwest Art's Prominent People, "I am flattered Southwest Art chose to include me among this group of incredibly talented people. I feel it is recognition of all that our team of board members, staff, museum members and volunteers here at the Booth has accomplished over the past decade. I am honored to be able to represent this great institution and the people who support it."

Southwest Art is one of the leading magazines devoted to covering the world of American Western art. Later this year the magazine will celebrate its 40 year anniversary. The magazine prides itself on putting readers in touch with the artists, galleries, and collectors that shape the market.

Hired as Executive Director of Booth Western Art Museum in 2000, Hopkins holds a Master's degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and has had articles published in many leading art publications. Hopkins was honored in September 2010 with the Kennesaw State University Flourish Award as Outstanding Arts Leader, and is the current President of the Museums West Consortium. During his tenure at Booth Museum, he has mounted nearly 100 temporary art exhibitions, many of which he has curated or co-curated.

'Three Stooges,' filmed in Cartersvile, premieres at Carmike 12. Big quarter for Bank of the Ozarks. Rome Braves open home season with 9-3 loss. Perfect weather for Steeplecase

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'Three Stooges' premieres just miles from where it was filmed: About a year ago, Cartersville was abuzz with the filming of "The Three Stooges" at the Ryals-Davis Farm near Cartersville. Today at the Carmike 12, the Stooges return to the big screen.

Bank of the Ozarks' net income for the quarter ended March 31 was $18 million, up 23.1 percent.

Sheriff's office, partner make big donation.

-Latest Bartow  County Jail reports later today.

 

Rome Braves open 2012 season with 9-3 loss

-Even Atlanta's Tim Hudson, above, here for a rehab start, couldn't pitch Rome to a win.
-Sentimental time as 2003-06 manager Rocket Wheeler tosses first pitch.
-Photo, above, and 25 more by Mills Fitzner (click)

Weather looks great for busy weekend
-Tonight: Relay for Life, Ridge Ferry Park.
-Saturday: Steeplechase at Kingston Downs.
-Opening weekend: Rome Braves vs. Riverdogs.
-Additional weekend events on our Calendar
-Plus: Public health restaurant scores.

Your weekend forecast:
-Friday: High of 74, low of 45.
-Saturday: High of 77, low of 54.
-Sunday: Sunny, high of 77, low of 60.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: 7-9 a.m. WRGA 1470 AM

-Please join our guests including Zach Green and Lindy Lee on the chamber's annual membership drive; Jason Free of Keller Williams and president of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors, on local home sales.

May 12: Duck Dash and Fun Run return

Media release: Advocates for Children's 5K Duck Dash and Fun Run is back! On-site registration will begin at 7 a.m. on May 12 at our Cartersville Primary School starting location. Take advantage of our Early Bird registration which gets you a reduced registration fee and guaranteed shirt size of your choice if you register before May 1…so get to Quackin'! The Duck Dash will begin at 8 a.m. and Fun Run racers will gear up for their race at 8:45 a.m.

Both races are fun, friendly and non-competitive, welcoming all runners and walkers looking to have a great time and support the children of our community. Not only will you be racing for a good cause but the Top Three Overall Male and Female Runners as well as the Top Three Male and Female Masters Runner will receive cash prizes!

Thought it couldn't get any better? This year there will be a chip timing system on our flat, fast course, so that those runners can use the Duck Dash as a qualifier. So come pound the pavement with your fellow runners/walkers to support Advocates for Children!

Register online now at AdvoChild.org or call 770.387.1143 and we hope to see you running (or waddling!) across the finish line on May 12!　

 

Mark your calendars!

May 11- Rockin' on the River with FreeFlight

May 12- 5K Duck Dash and Fun Run

May 12- Duck Derby! Adopt your Quack Pack now!

  

Rome Braves open home season tonight. Chilly start but great weather for big weekend for Steeplechase. Latest restaurant scores. Later today: Jail updates

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Impact Furniture closing Redmond Road store:
-A going-out-of-business sale begins today.

Rome Braves open 10th home season tonight
-Area fans get their first local look at the 2012 Rome Braves as the team opens the home part of the season.
-2003-06 manager Rocket Wheeler tosses the first pitch. Country star John Berry, sings the National Anthem.
-Also due to pitch: Atlanta Brave Tim Hudson
-First pitch forecast: 63 degrees at 7 p.m.
-Savannah beats Braves 10-5 to end season's first road trip.

April 16: Job fair set for Neaton Rome positions: Goodwill and Kelly Services are holding a job fair for "long-term" positions at Neaton Rome for all shifts with positions starting at $9. Details: (706) 292-3304.

Public health restaurant scores: 61 for local favorite
-Area schools, Jandy's score 100s.
-Alex's Fro Yo shop sets Saturday grand opening in Armuchee Village. Or you can stop by now.

New four-way stop near Clocktower.
-Spaghetti Challenge returns Friday.

Chilly start, cooler today; great weekend forecast
-We've got a lot on the agenda this weekend with the Rome Braves' home opener tonight-Sunday, Relay for Life Friday night and Steeplechase Saturday. Perfect weather is expected through Sunday night.

-Thursday: High of 66, low of 36.

-Friday: High of 73, low of 45.

-Saturday: High of 77, low of 52.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: 7-9 a.m. WRGA 1470 AM
-Please join our guests today including Chris Parker, who's in The Glass Menagerie' beginning April 20 at the DeSoto Theatre, the first stage appearance for the Rome veteran and teacher since leaving Berry 17 years ago; Mike Morton of the Rome Team Party on the United Nations' Agenda 21 plan; and Dr. Joel Rosenfeld, a urologist who's using Robotic Surgery at Cartersville Medical Center.

Frost advisory tonight; low of 34 forecast. Eco-Energy opening ethanol facility in Cartersville. Latest jail reports.

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Frost advisory set for 2-10 a.m. Thursday

-We'll see overnight lows in the low 30s tonight as a late-season cold snap continues through Friday.

-Wednesday: High of 66, low of 34.

-Thursday: High of 68, low of 36.

-Friday: High of 77, low of 45.

 

Later today: Latest Bartow County Jail reports.

Eco-Energy Holdings has been plans for ethanol facility in Cartersville.

Eighth Clocktower Classic, handcyclists just part of the story of downtown event April 28.
-Four-day competition by some athletes shooting for London Paralympics also comes with Streets Alive, Playtona 500.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: 7-9 a.m. WRGA 1470 AM
-Please join our guests today including Joe McCutcheon on the Romney nomination; Dr. Chris Piller of Harbin Clinic Orthopedics; Dr. Peter Lawler from Berry College on the now settled GOP race.

 

Today's Sports: 

-Finally: Braves beat Savannah, 3-1.
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium. First pitch: Rocket Wheeler, team's first manager. John Berry to do National Anthem. 

-Miracle Field opening is April 14.   

Whitefield leaves Senate race; what changes also mean to Advance Rehab, management group. Gas up another two cents. Low of 34 Wednesday night. Later today: Jail reports

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Whitefield leaves state Senate race vs. Doss, citing ARMG's pending deal, expansion.
-More changes for Advance Rehab, ARMG, downtown.

-What it means to Senate race. Click Politics.

-On radio: Whitefield, Doss on today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM.

Gas up another two cents a gallon last week: We're paying $3.86 a gallon for unleaded in Georgia, according to AAA South.
 
Georgia Department of Economic Development enhances business, tourism sites to 'reflect and complement the state's new marketing campaigns.'

What's ahead in Bartow County. Later today: Latest jail reports.

 

Rome Braves off to 0-4 start this season; home opener Thursday.

Cool snap to end by Friday

-Tuesday: High of 77, low of 41.

-Wednesday: High of 65, low of 34.

-Thursday: High of 68, low of 37.

 

Rome Braves off to a cold start in 2012; 0-4 so far. Savannah wins 12-inning marathon, 1-0.
-Tonight in Savannah; home opener Thursday.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM.

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.  Listen live online 

-Please join our guests today Chad Whitefield at 7:10 a.m. on his decision on the state Senate Race; at 7:40 a.m., David Doss discusses what's next in the District 52 Senate race; Ginny St. Onge on the Relay for Life this Friday night; Tammy Bryant on the Challenger series

Cabela's flirting again with Atlanta area. Big box plaza a go in Rome? Cooler days, nights ahead.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click Buzz
-Ledbetters' City Center seeks bids.  Construction website provides brief outline of what is planned for Riverside Parkway and Turner McCall. CRBI has a different view.
-Cabela's flirting with North Georgia again? Atlanta, Birmingham among possible sites for jilted retailer that had big plans in Adairsville.
-Rome OB/GYN ices state curling title. Dixon Freeman edges Darlington grad John Farrar.

 

Sunny, cooler days and nights this week

-After a toasty 77 on Easter, get ready for more normal temperatures this week -- and 34 overnight Wednesday.

-Monday: High of 76, low of 43.

-Tuesday: High of 73, low of 39.

-Wednesday: High of 65, low of 34.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM.

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.  Listen live online 

-Please join our guests today including Thomas Clarke on what's next for Action Ministries of Rome; Dixon Freeman of Rome on a rare sports achievement: His team took top honors in the state curling -- yes, the Olympic sport -- curling competition; and Dr. Lynn Plunkett who's retiring after almost five years as superintendent of Floyd County schools.

 

Today's Sports: 

-Riverdogs sweep Braves; Rome in Savannah tonight.
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium. First pitch: Rocket Wheeler, team's first manager.

-Miracle Field opening is April 14.

April 21: Booth plans tribute concert to Doc Stovall

Media release: Booth Western Art Museum will honor the life, spirit and legacy of the late Doc Stovall with a Tribute Concert on Saturday, April 21. The event will celebrate the influence Stovall had in preserving the cowboy culture, and will include performances by members of his band, The Tumbleweed Cowboy Band, several people reciting cowboy poetry, and gun tricks and humor by Emcee Jim Dunham, who also serves as the Booth's Director of Special Projects.  

"Doc Stovall was very influential in passing along the love and interest in cowboy music - and especially cowboy poetry," said Booth Museum Executive Director Seth Hopkins. "This Tribute Concert is meant to honor him and the legacy he has left and also to allow those he influenced to share some of Doc's favorite cowboy music and poetry. It will be an uplifting event, and we invite everyone interested in honoring his life to attend."  

Free and open to the public, Doc Stovall Remembered: The Tribute Concert, will be held in the Booth Ballroom beginning at 2:00 pm on April 21. For more information about Doc Stovall Remembered: The Tribute Concert, please contact Jim Dunham at 770-607-6362.

Sheriff's deputy involved in shooting; one hurt, two in jail. Plenty of sunshine this Easter weekend. Carmike sees surge in attendance, sales. Later today: Jail reports

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com

 

Deputy involved in shooting; one injured, two arrested.

 

Business:
-Carmike Cinemas see spike in attendance, admissions.
-Regions repays $3.5 billion in TARP funds.

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

Easter Weekend forecast: Plenty of sunshine

-Friday: High of 66, low of 42.

-Saturday: Sunny, 73, low of 44.

-Easter: Mostly sunny, high of 75, low of 46.

 

Rome Braves opener suspended by rain. Rome was up 1-0 over host Charleston when the game was called. They play again tonight. .

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM.

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.  Listen live online

-Please join our guests today including John Pillsbury, Floyd school's volunteer of the year, and the man that nominated him, Pepperell High principal Phil Ray; Floyd Emergency Management Director Scotty Hancock on one year after the April 27 storms.

70% chance of storms this afternoon, evening. Cartersville council meets tonight. Latest restaurant scores. How to help in cancer study.

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'Good signs' for local real estate sales. Area residents asked to participate in historic cancer study. 

 

Redmond, cancer coalition seeks community involvement in cancer study.
Surprising score for local favorite: Get the latest public health restaurant inspection scores from Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties.

 

Later today: Bartow County Jail reports.

 

Tonight: Cartersville  City  Council meeting.

Rome Braves open 2012 season tonight in Charleston:
-The 10th edition of the Rome Braves begin the new season tonight at 7 in Charleston vs. the RiverDogs. The same two teams will be on hand a week from tonight, April 12, for the home opener of the season at State Mutual Stadium. 

 

70% chance of storms after 2 this afternoon
-Look for afternoon and evening thunderstorms today stretching into Friday morning thanks to a cold front sweeping the state and bringing much more normal temperatures. 

-Thursday: 70% rain chance, high of 79, low of 51.

-Friday: 30 % rain chance, high of 69, low of 43.

-Saturday: Sunny, 73, low of 46.

-Easter: Mostly sunny, high of 74, low of 48.

 

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 1470 AM.

-7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.  Listen live online

-Please join our guests today including Dr. Steve Briggs, president of Berry College, on the bid to offer a four-year nursing program; Rome native Chris Crumbly who's been named director of NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans; and Dr. Frank Stephenson on Berry College's Business Outlook Conference set for April 18. 

 

Today's Sports:  

-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium. First pitch: Rocket Wheeler, team's first manager.

-Miracle Field opening is April 14.  

-The Rome Braves release 2012 Promotional Calendar; filled with events celebrating 10 years of the club calling Rome home. Sports