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, August 10th and happy 66th birthday to actor Antonio Banderas.
***08.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – ANTONIO BANDERAS***
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: Gordon County 'Dumpster Day' Event Looking to Help Locals
Gordon County will host its second “Dumpster Day” of the year on Friday, August 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering select households a chance to dispose of unwanted items. The event, organized by Keep Calhoun Gordon Beautiful with support from Liberty Tire Recycling and Republic Services, is by invitation only. Residents must contact Jim Bradford or Michael Lackey at 706-879-2319 to check eligibility. Accepted items include household waste, tires (with approval), furniture, and appliances. Hazardous materials and certain chemicals are not accepted. Invited participants must present a flier at the event.
STORY 2: Walker County Seeks Public Input on Broadband Plan
Walker County will hold a public forum on August 26 at 6 p.m. at the Walker County Civic Center to discuss the first draft of its Digital Connectivity Plan. The session aims to gather community feedback on internet access issues such as affordability and slow speeds, identified in a previous meeting. The plan’s goal is to achieve "Broadband Ready Community" status, unlocking state and federal grants to improve broadband infrastructure. Residents can also provide input online at walkercountyga.gov/feedback. This effort aligns with Georgia’s $1.3 billion federal funding boost for broadband expansion.
For more details or to register, call 706-624-1456.
STORY 3: Pepperell Middle Principal's Challenge Inspires Acts of Kindness
Pepperell Middle School staff participated in a kindness challenge presented by Principal Courtney Hampton, where each team used $20 to give back to the community. Six teams took part, using their funds creatively: the fifth-grade team provided donuts to Renaissance Marquis, the connections team did the same for Rome Barber Studio, and the seventh-grade team delivered Krispy Kreme donuts to local fire stations. The sixth-grade team paid for someone’s grocery bill, while the special education team initiated a giving wall at Dragon Drive-In for prepaid meals. Administration staff used their money for laundry at a local laundromat. The challenge fostered community engagement and team bonding, with staff eager for a repeat next year.
Back in a moment
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STORY 4: What’s Happening Around Polk County?
The Sara Hightower Regional Library Board will meet on August 15 at 4 p.m. at the Rome/Floyd County Library, and the public is invited. Polk County Emergency Management Agency seeks volunteers for its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which trains individuals in disaster preparedness. Free groceries are available at Worldview Baptist Church on the second Wednesday of each month, and the Good Neighbor Center Food Pantry is open on the second and fourth Thursdays. Cross Factor Church offers a free community meal on the third Wednesday and a Blessings Closet for clothing and shoes. Bethlehem MB Church holds services on the first, second, and fourth Sundays. The Polk County Democratic Party meets monthly, and Sons of the American Legion Post 12 hosts a $5 spaghetti dinner on the third Wednesday. Polk Family Connection meets on the fourth Tuesday.
STORY 5: Carjacking Suspect Arrested in Calhoun Returns To Floyd County To Face Charges
Alex Bernard Joyner, 33, has been returned from prison to face new charges for a carjacking spree and murder. On March 18, 2022, Joyner allegedly stole a car at gunpoint in Floyd County, crashed it, and then robbed a gas station. After fleeing to Gordon County, he crashed again and was arrested. Joyner is charged in Floyd County with armed robbery, aggravated assault, and other offenses. He also faces murder charges in Bartow County for the death of his ex-girlfriend, Malayca Jones, found dead on March 19, 2022. Joyner, previously convicted of assault and theft, remains in jail on holds from multiple counties.
Back in just a moment
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STORY 6: Dispute Leads Move of South Floyd Voting Precinct to GHC
The South Floyd voting precinct is relocating from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Outpost 4911 on Cedartown Road to Georgia Highlands College’s Lakeview Building due to a dispute. Floyd County Board of Elections Chair Jerry Lee cited safety concerns and an uncooperative environment as reasons for the move. The VFW had reportedly threatened to discard election equipment if poll workers did not arrive as scheduled. The new location at GHC’s Lakeview Building offers ample parking and is ADA compliant. The board is considering this site for early voting but is also exploring other options due to potential space constraints.
STORY 7: School Chief Reverses Course on African American Studies
Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods has reversed his decision not to include an Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course in the state curriculum. This change follows a legal opinion from Attorney General Chris Carr, which clarified that the state's 2022 “divisive concepts” law does not apply to AP, international baccalaureate, or dual enrollment courses. Woods had initially opposed the course, citing potential conflicts with the law, which aims to prevent teaching U.S. history in a way that could make students feel guilty or superior based on race. With Woods' reversal, any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course developed by local districts will be automatically approved by the state.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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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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