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, July 13th and happy 83rd birthday to actor Patrick Stewart.
***07.13.24 – BIRTHDAY – PATRICK STEWART***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
- Rome School Board Approves Speed Camera On Lavender Drive
- Phase II of River District Streetscape Project Moving Forward
- Calhoun Jack’s Grand Opening
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: Rome School Board Approves Speed Camera On Lavender Drive
The Rome Board of Education approved the installation of a RedSpeed camera on Lavender Drive near West Central Elementary to curb speeding violations. Police Chief Denise Downer-McKinney presented a 2023 study highlighting significant speeding during school hours, prompting the need for the camera due to police manpower shortages. Greg Park from RedSpeed explained the camera’s operation: active during specified school hours, it issues citations for speeds exceeding limits by 15 mph (morning), 11 mph (school hours), and 11 mph (afternoon). Citations do not affect driving records but incur fines split between RedSpeed and Rome Police Department.
STORY 2: Phase II of River District Streetscape Project Moving Forward
The streetscape project in Rome's River District is progressing with Phase II, focused on burying utility lines and structural conversions on West Third Street. Despite initial budget constraints, $3.016 million has been allocated, including $1.7 million for underground power line conversions. Future phases (I and III) are contingent on Phase II's completion due to logistical reasons. Funding sources may include SPLOST allocations, city capital funds, and state grants. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about prioritizing Fifth Avenue over West Third Street, but assurances were made that all phases, including Fifth Avenue improvements, will proceed as planned. The timeline for completion is uncertain, possibly within a year or longer, pending additional funding arrangements.
STORY 3: Calhoun Jack’s Grand Opening
Jack’s Family Restaurants opened a new location in Calhoun on July 8, aiming to strengthen their presence in Northwest Georgia. CEO Todd Bartmess expressed excitement about expanding their Southern roots in the community and becoming good neighbors. The grand opening featured giveaways for the first 50 customers, including free breakfast for a month and Jack’s-themed prizes. Located at 701 Highway 53 East, the restaurant offers both drive-thru and dine-in options, showcasing their 'All About the South' cuisine. Bartmess emphasized Jack’s commitment to Southern hospitality and encourages local nonprofits to explore fundraising opportunities through their website. Customers are invited to download the Jack’s App for exclusive offers and rewards tailored to the Calhoun location's celebration.
Back in a moment
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STORY 4: Georgia Mail Delivery Ranked Worst in the Nation
Georgia's mail delivery performance in the second quarter of this year ranked the lowest in the U.S., with only 63.7% of first-class mail delivered on time within two days, according to a report from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. This figure falls significantly below the national average of 86.8% and the target goal of 93%. Earlier in the year, data revealed even worse performance, with only 36% of mail from a regional processing center in Palmetto meeting on-time delivery targets. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy attributed these issues to challenges during a restructuring plan rollout aimed at financial sustainability. In response to these concerns, the USPS has halted the restructuring plan and implemented operational adjustments to improve service reliability.
STORY 5: What’s Happening Around Polk County?
The American Red Cross will host a critical blood drive on July 18 at First Baptist Church of Rockmart from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time and search for "Rockmart."
FHF Hair Design in Cedartown is collecting school supplies and clothing for their Back To School Free Haircut Day. Donations can be dropped off at 305 Main St. Call 678-901-0643 for more details.
Worldview Baptist Church offers free groceries on the second Wednesday monthly, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 500 N. College Drive, Cedartown. No ID required.
Good Neighbor Center Food Pantry, 71 Woodall Road, Cedartown, distributes food on the second and fourth Thursday, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Call 678-901-9184 for details or donation inquiries.
Cross Factor Church provides a free monthly community meal on the third Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m., and free clothing and shoes every Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-6:45 p.m., at 1057 Nathan Dean Bypass, Rockmart. Email crossfactorterri@gmail.com or crossfactorkelly@gmail.com for information.
Bethlehem MB Church welcomes worshippers on the first, second, and fourth Sunday monthly at 10 a.m., 194 East Point Road, Cedartown.
Polk County Democratic Party meets on the second Saturday monthly (except December) at 10 a.m., alternating between Cedartown Welcome Center and Rockmart Library.
Sons of the American Legion Post 12 hosts a $5 All-You-Can-Eat spaghetti supper on the third Wednesday monthly, 5-7 p.m., at 1 Veterans Circle, Rockmart.
Polk Family Connection meets at 10 a.m. every fourth Tuesday (except July and December) at One Door Polk, 424 N. Main St., Cedartown.
Back in just a moment
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STORY 6: Bryant Hill opens at Calhoun Outlet Marketplace
Bryant Hill, a company specializing in organic skincare, grooming, beard care, and clothing, recently inaugurated its new store at Calhoun Outlet Marketplace. The grand opening, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, took place on July 6. Customers can explore and purchase their products both online at www.shopbryanthill.com and at their physical store located at 455 Belwood Road SE, Suite 28.
STORY 7: State Gets Green Light in Campaign Finance Case Against Voting Rights Group
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has secured a federal appeal victory allowing his office to proceed with a civil case against the voting rights organization New Georgia Project, co-founded by Stacey Abrams. The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a prior ruling that had blocked the state from pursuing action against the nonprofit through the Office of State Administrative Hearings. The case stems from allegations that the group failed to disclose millions in election spending between 2018 and 2019. Carr praised the decision as a win for campaign finance transparency, emphasizing the state's commitment to upholding electoral laws.
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 https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/
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