COMMERCIAL:
From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard.
Today is Saturday, May 4th, and happy 51st birthday to Greenday’s bassist Mike Dirnt.
***05.04.24 – BIRTHDAY – MIKE DIRNT***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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STORY 1: Alabama Man Charged with Exploitation Of Elders
Truitt Clifford Alford III, a 48-year-old man from Centre, Alabama, stands accused of exploiting an elderly couple from Lindale, Georgia, through unauthorized credit card transactions. Between October 15, 2023, and January 8, 2024, Alford allegedly accrued charges totaling $2,210.19 on a credit card owned by the couple, without their permission. He faces serious felony charges, including unauthorized use of a financial transaction card and exploitation of elderly persons, against the victims, aged 91 and 87. As of the last report on Wednesday, Alford was detained in Floyd County Jail, held without bond.
STORY 2: Husband Charged in Elliott Drive Drug Bust
Michael Bruce Jordan, 42, has been apprehended following a significant drug bust at a house on Elliott Drive in Garden Lakes. In the operation, agents from the Rome Floyd County Metro Task Force seized an array of illegal substances including 4.6 pounds of marijuana, 46 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 50 THC vapes, and 83 packs of THC edibles. Additionally, eight firearms were found on the premises. Jordan is now facing numerous charges that include felony possession of Schedule I and II narcotics with intent to distribute and felony possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony among others. Kayla Diane Jordan, 35, his wife, has also been arrested on similar charges. Both are currently being held without bond.
STORY 3: Even With More Jobs, 5,036 Area Residents Unemployed in March, Up 2.5%
In March, the unemployment rates in Floyd, Bartow, and Gordon counties experienced a rise, contrasting with slight declines in Chattooga and Polk counties compared to the previous year. This surge can be partially attributed to the layoffs of 50 to 70 workers at Summit Hill Foods in Rome, albeit with plans for rehiring as the company undergoes expansion. Specifically, Floyd County reported a 3% jobless rate, Bartow and Gordon counties both stood at 3.1%, while Polk and Chattooga counties reported 3.3% and 3.4%. The Rome/Floyd area witnessed growth in the labor force alongside a reduction in initial unemployment claims. The broader region saw an unemployment rate of 3.1%, reaching a peak labor force of 448,089 people. Furthermore, the Rome Floyd Chamber and Cartersville-Bartow Chamber's websites highlight numerous job openings in the higher education sector.
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STORY 4: Kemp Inks Bills Targeting Illegal Immigrants, No-Cash Bail
Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed multiple public safety bills to enhance security measures, including House Bill 1105, which mandates local authorities to inform ICE of suspected illegal immigrants in custody, spurred by Laken Riley’s murder. Despite objections from Democrats fearing racial profiling, this bill, along with Senate Bill 63—championed by Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to restrict no-cash bail for serious offenses—advances. Critics argue Senate Bill 63 discriminates against the economically disadvantaged and mentally ill. Additional legislation addresses "swatting," drive-by shootings, and contraband in prisons, underpinning Kemp’s initiative to bolster public safety, even as disputes over these approaches persist.
STORY 5: Kemp Signs Farm Package Including Anavitarte's Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Land
Governor Brian Kemp has enacted several legislative measures to reinforce the significance and security of Georgia's agriculture sector, pivotal to the state's economy. Among the notable bills, Senate Bill 494 aims to enhance hemp farming regulations to ensure consumer safety, while Senate Bill 420 seeks to protect national security by prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning Georgia farmland. In addition, the legislation introduces Austin's Law, targeting the opioid epidemic by making the sale of fentanyl leading to death a felony. Collectively, these initiatives underscore Georgia's dedication to fostering agricultural prosperity and bolstering public safety.
STORY 6: Greene Says She'll Seek To Unseat Speaker Johnson Next Week
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her intent to initiate a vote to remove Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of being "the uniparty's speaker" due to his alignment with Democrats on several high-profile issues. These include funding for the FBI, aid for Ukraine, and support for what Greene calls the "trans agenda." She also criticizes Johnson’s cooperation with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as a betrayal of Republican principles. Despite anticipating opposition from both party lines, Greene is determined to proceed with her motion, aiming to challenge and bring to light those she believes support establishment politics.
STORY 7: GNTC’s Deanna Hulsey Named Finalist for TCSG Instructor of the Year
Deanna Hulsey, a Cosmetology instructor at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has been recognized as a regional finalist for the 2024 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award by the Technical College System of Georgia. A Rome resident and domestic abuse survivor, Hulsey's transition into technical education led her to a fulfilling career in cosmetology and a role as an educator at GNTC, where she is celebrated for empowering students and aiding the community, particularly domestic abuse victims and needy families. The award winner, set to be announced at the upcoming GOAL and Rick Perkins State Conference, will receive a $2,500 cash prize and act as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia.
Sign off--
Thanks again for listening to today’s Northwest Georgia News podcast. For more on these stories and other great content visit northwestgeorgianews.com. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.
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