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, May 24th, and happy 50th birthday to Bartolo Colon
***Colon Highlight***
I’m Brian Giffin and here the top stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty
Heated discussion, accusations fly in Rome commission meeting regarding ethics proceedings
Welchel to head leadership development for Floyd County Schools
And a Motorcycle driver dies in wreck on Cedartown Bypass
Plus, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets talk with our own Bruce Jenkins about cutting back on sugar
Plus Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets joins our own Bruce Jenkins to discuss high grocery prices and a little later we’ll hear from Gary Crawford of the US dept. of Agriculture on that same topic
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast
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STORY 1: Accusations
A premeeting caucus among Rome City Commissioners turned heated as longstanding disputes came to the forefront. The discussion focused on an ethics complaint against City Commissioner Mark Cochran. Attorney Chris Balch informed the commissioners that one of them had reached out to a member of the Ethics Investigation Panel, which raised concerns about influencing the proceedings. Balch asked Commissioner Bill Collins to recuse himself, but Collins refused, citing a previous relationship with the panel member. The exchange escalated with accusations and tensions between commissioners. Commissioner Craig McDaniel expressed frustration with attempts to interfere in the ethics process, and Mayor Sundai Stevenson and McDaniel engaged in a contentious exchange. The discussion also touched on a previous commission caucus where some commissioners were absent without explanation….stay up to date on this story at northwest Georgia news.com
STORY 2: Welchel
Tanya Welchel has been appointed as the new director of leadership development and instructional support for Floyd County Schools, starting on July 1. Superintendent Glenn White made the announcement, highlighting Welchel's extensive 29-year experience in education, including her role as the principal of Johnson Elementary School for the past six years. Welchel holds degrees in Business Administration and Early Childhood Education, as well as a certification in Educational Leadership. She has received accolades for her leadership at Johnson Elementary, including being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. Welchel's expertise and strong leadership skills make her well-suited to support educators and school leaders throughout the district. The school system will begin the process of filling her current position as principal.
STORY 3: Crash
A fatal accident occurred on the Cedartown Bypass involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck. The driver of the motorcycle succumbed to their injuries and passed away. The Cedartown Police Chief confirmed the fatality but withheld the individual's name until the family could be notified. First responders arrived at the scene, and the southbound lanes were temporarily closed. The Polk County Coroner confirmed the fatality, stating that the victim was a non-resident male. The victim received medical treatment from AdventHealth Redmond EMS but was pronounced dead at Polk Medical Center. One lane in each direction was reopened, and the Georgia State Patrol was called to investigate the accident. No further details or the preliminary report from the GSP were available at the time of the announcement……check for updates on this story at Northwest Georgia News.com…..we’ll be back in a moment.
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STORY 4: Appeal
A Travis Hare's appeal of his conviction on charges of felonious assault and using weapons while under disability has been rejected by the 11th District Court of Appeals. Hare, who was sentenced to five to six years in prison, filed the appeal claiming that the conviction was against the weight of evidence. The appeals court's opinion stated that Hare was convicted for shooting a person in Ashtabula in July 2020, with a gun recovered from his home and matching shell casings found at the scene. Surveillance footage supported the victim's testimony of a fight and Hare firing shots as the victim fled. The court found that the convictions were justified and upheld the original conviction.
STORY 6: Football
Head coach Jamie Abrams and the Cedartown Bulldogs had an unusual spring, with their annual Red and White Game serving as only their fourth official spring practice. Delays due to players participating in the state track and field championships and rain showers caused changes to their schedule. Despite the limitations, the team displayed solid effort in the intrasquad scrimmage. The Bulldogs are focused on identifying dependable players who can execute on the field. With 16 graduating seniors, Cedartown will need to fill several positions, but rising juniors like quarterback Drew Ledbetter and players Demarcus Gardner and Tae Harris showcased their skills during the scrimmage. The Red team emerged victorious with a score of 31-11.
Story 7: Tennis signings:
Cedartown High School tennis coach Matt Foster expressed his pride and admiration for two of his players, Sam Arnold and Kam Palacios, who recently signed with Gadsden State. The significant turnout at the signing ceremony showcased the strong support base that both seniors have garnered. Foster highlighted their commitment to the sport, emphasizing their dedication to practicing and playing consistently throughout their high school careers. He commended their leadership on and off the court and expressed confidence that Gadsden State is gaining two talented athletes. Both players were instrumental in helping Cedartown's boys' team reach the GHSA Class 4A state playoffs, finishing as the Region 7-4A runner-up. The signing ceremony was attended by Gadsden State men's tennis coach Buster Stewart, as well as the families of the students..…back in a moment
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Story 7: Leah
And now, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets talks with our own Bruce Jenkins about cutting back on sugar
***LEAH***
We’ll have closing comments after this
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