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 Wednesday, July 17th and happy 48th birthday to singer Luke Bryan
***07.17.24 – BIRTHDAY – LUKE BRYAN***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seedless watermelons.
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: Floyd Commission Continues To Discuss Budget In Tax Rate Talks
Floyd County commissioners addressed a $3.6 million budget shortfall and debated potential solutions, including a millage rate increase. County Manager Jamie McCord highlighted salary increases as a major budget driver, necessary to fill numerous vacant positions amid competitive private sector wages. Public safety roles like police and fire departments face particular challenges with retention due to comparatively lower salaries than neighboring counties. McCord also discussed the potential impact of Georgia House Bill 581, which proposes property tax reductions and offers municipalities an option for a sales tax increase. Commissioners sought comparative spending data from neighboring counties to inform their decisions.
STORY 2: Polk’s Status Improves In Annual Economic Report
Polk County has improved its economic status, moving from "at-risk" to "transitional" according to the latest annual report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). This designation reflects progress in unemployment rates, per capita income, and poverty rates compared to national averages. However, two census tracts in Polk County still qualify as economically distressed, affecting about a third of the population. Nearby counties like Chattooga remain economically distressed, while Floyd and others in Northwest Georgia are classified as transitional. These designations influence ARC grants aimed at boosting economic competitiveness across the region. Overall, the ARC's report highlights ongoing economic challenges and improvements in Appalachia.
STORY 3: Carson Appointed to State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Governor Brian Kemp appointed Kenneth Carson, currently a Lt. Colonel in the Calhoun Police Department and Mayor of Adairsville, to the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Carson, who has over three decades of service with the Calhoun Police Department and nearly ten years as Adairsville's mayor, brings extensive experience to the role. He also serves on several boards and councils related to law enforcement and municipal governance, reflecting his commitment to community service and public safety. The CJCC aims to enhance criminal justice programs and support victims throughout Georgia.
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Back in a moment
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STORY 4: Twin Brothers Build Foundations for Construction Careers at GNTC
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students Rance and Ryder Smith from Calhoun are advancing their construction careers through summer internships with local firms. Both enrolled in GNTC’s Construction Management program in fall 2023 and expect to graduate in spring 2025. This marks the first time Donny Holmes, their program director, has guided twins through the curriculum together.
Ryder, interning with America’s Home Place in Calhoun, manages projects from inception to completion, emphasizing client relations and hands-on construction. Rance, interning at JBrennon Construction Inc. in Dalton, oversees pre-construction bidding and on-site project management.
Their internships complement their classroom learning, preparing them for future roles as project managers. Both brothers express gratitude for GNTC’s education and Donny’s mentorship, highlighting the program’s practical courses and the invaluable skills they’ve acquired.
Their respective employers, impressed by their dedication and capabilities, foresee promising futures for the twins in the construction industry beyond their internships.
STORY 5: New Driver Services Building For Floyd County In The Works
State and county officials broke ground for a new Department of Driver Services (DDS) facility in Armuchee, set to replace the aging building from the 1950s at the same location. Floyd County Commission Chair Allison Watters credited Commissioner Scotty Hancock for his seven-year effort to secure funding and push the project forward. The new state-of-the-art facility aims to improve service for residents, as the current building is among Georgia's oldest DDS centers. DDS Board Chair David Connell highlighted the facility's role as a crucial point of contact for residents and emphasized its importance as Floyd County grows. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to start in the fall and completion anticipated within six months.
Back in just a moment
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And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seedless watermelons.
***Leah McGrath Interview***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL: DRAKE (GEOFF)
Sign off--
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at northwestgeorgianews.com
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