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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 24th and happy 63rd birthday to MLB HOF Cal Ripken Jr.
***08.24.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAL RIPKEN JR***
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: Shorter and Berry Welcome Students Back To School
Rome buzzed with activity as Shorter University and Berry College welcomed new students for the school year. Freshmen at Shorter moved in on Friday, and Berry's on Wednesday, with staff and volunteers assisting with the move. Shorter’s Welcome Weeks feature events like skate night and grocery bingo, along with a picnic hosted by Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Berry College's activities include a reception and orientation sessions, followed by game nights and karaoke. Both institutions aim to create a smooth and engaging transition for their students into campus life.
STORY 2: Longtime Gordon County Educator Passes Away at 103
Annie Mae Brown Bigham, a dedicated Gordon County educator, passed away at age 103 on August 18. Starting her teaching career in 1944 at Belwood Elementary, she retired after over 40 years, also teaching at Tolbert and Liberty Elementary Schools. Born on September 10, 1929, in Waleska, Bigham graduated from Reinhardt College and was a master gardener. She and her late husband, Henry Horace Bigham, married in 1940 and moved to Calhoun the following year. Services were held at Thomas Funeral Home, and she was buried at Blackwood Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Donations in her honor are requested for Reinhardt University.
STORY 3: Catoosa Government Approves Budget
Catoosa County officials have approved a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes a rollback of the property tax rate from 6.287 mills to 4.947 mills. This rollback addresses the increased property values due to state-required revaluations. The Board of Education has set an education millage rate of 14.870 mills, ratified by the Board of Commissioners. The county’s general fund budget is $42,986,444, reflecting a 4.3% increase due to higher revenues and expenditures. For a typical Catoosa County home valued at $275,000, the reduced millage rate will result in an estimated annual property tax of $534.28 for county government services. The 2025 budget is available for review at the Administrative Offices and online.
Back in a moment
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STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County?
The Rockmart City Council is hosting a Community Engagement Night on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. at City Hall for residents to discuss concerns with council members and city staff. Also on Aug. 27, the Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging will have its quarterly meeting at 10 a.m. in Rome, open to the public.
-Ongoing community activities include:
-Free groceries are available at Worldview Baptist Church in Cedartown on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-The Polk County Democratic Party meets monthly, with locations alternating between Cedartown and Rockmart.
-Polk Family Connection meets at 10 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, excluding July and December.
STORY 5: Ervin Coker Road Residents Petition for County Water Service
About 20 Floyd County residents on Ervin Coker Road are seeking county water service, but the estimated cost of $1.48 million for extending the service is a major hurdle. The project would require approximately 11,000 feet of piping and would be funded entirely by the new customers, with a $536 monthly surcharge for 10 years and additional meter installation fees. The county’s water department operates as an enterprise service, meaning it relies on customer fees rather than county funds.
County officials discussed the possibility of using SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) funds, which have supported similar projects in the past. However, this approach would take several years. Residents cited reliability, safety, and increased property value as reasons for wanting county water, noting issues with well water and power outages. The project’s cost and funding structure remain significant concerns for the community.
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STORY 6: Nursing Students from Japan Tour AdventHealth Gordon
AdventHealth Gordon recently hosted nine nursing students from Japan, in collaboration with Southern Adventist University and AdventHealth. The students toured various hospital departments, including a notable session with Dr. Hak Lee, who showcased the advanced technology and medical expertise at AdventHealth Gordon. They also gained insights into American health care systems, including insurance and finance. The visit ended with a reflective dinner, highlighting AdventHealth Gordon’s commitment to international learning and collaboration in health care.
STORY 7: Better Response for Special Needs in Catoosa
Catoosa County has introduced the Logan's Law database to enhance emergency response for residents with special needs. This new program allows individuals to register details about mental, physical, or neurological conditions, helping first responders to better manage emergencies. The database provides crucial information on communication preferences and potential sensitivities, ensuring a more tailored response. Registration is voluntary and involves a simple two-page form, with updates recommended annually. For more information or to register, residents can visit the E-911 department’s website or contact them directly.
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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