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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, December 30th, and happy heavenly birthday to singer Donna Summer.
***12.31.23 – BIRTHDAY – DONNA SUMMER***
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 Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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STORY 1: Waleska Woman Arrested After 62 Cats Found on Property
Sara Smith of Waleska, Cherokee County, was arrested and charged with 62 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after authorities found 48 cats in unsanitary conditions on her property. Officers discovered the cats split between two sheds and an additional 14 cats in a camper, all with overfull litter boxes, piles of feces, and urine puddles on the floor. The sheds lacked proper air circulation, and one shed housing sicker cats emitted a strong ammonia smell. Smith was released on a $2,500 bond with a condition prohibiting ownership of domesticated animals, livestock, or fowl. The cats were relocated to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter.
STORY 2: Cobb State Senators Targeted by Swatting Calls
Swatting calls targeted Georgia officials during the holidays, including State Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick and Sen. John Albers. Kirkpatrick's neighbor alerted her to SWAT officers heading for her home, responding to a false call about a hostage situation. The officers found a history of swatting calls associated with the phone number. Albers, who was out of town, learned that Roswell police responded to a swatting call at his home. Other officials, including Sen. Clint Dixon and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, were also swatted. Swatting is a dangerous criminal act that diverts law enforcement resources and poses serious risks.
STORY 3: Ossoff's efforts help Georgia farmers sell more pecans
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has successfully influenced U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to start collecting assessments on imported pecans, a move aimed at supporting Georgia farmers and boosting sales of American pecans. The collected assessments fund the American Pecan Promotion Board, which works to level the playing field for domestic pecan producers. Ossoff had urged CBP to initiate the collection, and now, with the senator's request, CBP has started this process. The assessments will strengthen the Pecan Research and Promotion Program, benefiting the pecan industry in Georgia and across the nation.
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STORY 4: Four Year Pattern Of Harassment Against Elections Officials Continues in Floyd County
Floyd County's elections supervisor, Akyn Beck, has been targeted with personal attacks on social media by extremists and conspiracy theorists, accusing her of election fraud and making false claims about her hiring. This pattern of harassment against election workers started in 2020, with the latest incidents stemming from complaints about the 2023 municipal elections. Despite online attacks, the Floyd County Elections Board supports Beck, praising her performance in her role. The board is addressing concerns and working to improve conditions for poll workers, including recent increases in compensation. The harassment has also involved theft of precinct signs during the 2023 election, prompting a criminal investigation.
STORY 5: Even With a Record Number of Jobs in November, Region Sees Rise in People Out of Work
Rome's jobless rate dropped to 2.8% in November, matching numbers from the previous year. The region recorded a record 45,400 jobs for the month. However, the number of unemployed people in the five-county area (Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, Chattooga) rose to 4,060, up 4.7% from November 2022. Monthly job increases were attributed to the Christmas hiring season, with many of these jobs ending. The fate of 50 to 70 Summit Hill Foods employees losing their jobs at the end of December is also being monitored. The company is moving operations to an out-of-state mill.
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STORY 6: Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights, running until January 6, 2024, offers a festive experience atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 4,100-foot walking trail showcases rock formations, caves, and lush gardens, attracting visitors from around the world. Located at 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA, 30750, guests must reserve entry times online. The event creates a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights, making it a popular holiday destination. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit seerockcity.com.
STORY 7: Kemp announces funding for employee retention, school safety
Governor Brian Kemp is allocating $330 million in the fiscal 2024 midyear budget for one-time $1,000 pay supplements to approximately 112,000 state employees and 196,000 teachers and school support staff. Additionally, over $100 million will provide each public school $45,000 for personnel and infrastructure improvements, enhancing campus security. Kemp acknowledges the dedication of state employees during challenges like the pandemic and civil unrest, emphasizing that the retention pay supplements are a token of appreciation. The ongoing school safety funds will be integrated into the state's annual base budget. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns express support for these initiatives.
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