Thursday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Schroeder's coming to downtown Cartersville with some twists: Schroeder's New Deli expands to downtown Cartersville this summer. The group behind the Armuchee location--Chad Whitefield, Wayne Robinson and Jason Watson--are opening in Integrity Plaza off Main Street in early to mid-June. Whitefield says. In addition to the traditional Schroeder's menu, look for a special game room for kids (and adults). Schroeder's will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday's hours are still being reviewed. In addition to the original Schroeder's on Broad Street in Rome, franchises are in business in Armuchee and Calhoun (120 Cornerstone Way, Suite 2)> Schroeder's

Politics

-Gingrey on Obama's first 100 days: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey issued a statement on President Obama's first 100 days in office. For the full statement, see the link at the end: "Given that more than two million Americans have lost their jobs in the past three months and families throughout our nation continue to struggle to get back on their feet economically, now is not the time for Democrats to be patting themselves or President Obama on the back. Instead, we should all use this opportunity to look back at the past 100 days and figure out how to do better in the next 100." > Gingrey

-Perdue signs Smith's 'life without parole' bill:  Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed Sen. Preston Smith's legislation to expand sentencing options in murder cases.  Prosecutors will now have the option to seek sentences of life imprisonment without parole in non-death penalty cases.  "With the governor's signature, this bill will ensure that Georgia's judicial system can operate effectively by giving prosecutors the tools to seek appropriate sentences," says Smith, R-Rome.  "Georgia is a state that stands for the justice of victims and their families, who can now be assured that convicted murderers will not needlessly be set free."  

-Deal's in; to confirm bid for governor on Friday: Look for U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal to declare his candidacy for governor on Friday. Deal's House district includes part of Gordon County> The Times, Gainesville

-District 9 candidate names continue to grow: Deal's potential replacements are said to include the following (from politics1.com): Max Burns (R); Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger); Rep. Lee Hawkins (R); Bill Stephens (R), former state senator; Mike Freeman (D), Hall County Democratic Chair; Wyc Orr (D), former state representative who ran against Deal in 1992; and attorney Ken Poston (D), state representative who ran against Deal in 1996.

-Legislative wrap-up by state Rep. Barry Loudermilk> Click

First Amendment lecture tonight ends Liberty Tree Week @ Berry: Ken Paulson, former editor of USA Today and president of both the Freedom Forum and the Newseum, will deliver the keynote address for Liberty Tree Week@Berry on Thursday, April 30.  His presentation, "Rebooting America: The First Amendment and a New Generation," begins at 8 p.m. in the Science Auditorium. Admission is free and open to all> Campus Headlines

Today/Registration for the 2009 Kindergarten class for Floyd County Schools: The registration and screening will be held from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at each primary and elementary school with Kindergarten classes in the school system> Details

Mall's management firm posts first-quarter loss: Jones Lang LaSalle, the company operating Mount Berry Square, reported a $61 million first quarter loss on Tuesday. That compares to a profit of $22 million a year earlier. The loss was attributed to acquisitions the company made in 2008> Details

Rhubarb Jones back on radio this Friday: One of the best known names in metro Atlanta radio, Rhubarb Jones, will be on South 107 and the stations carrying Moby in the Morning as Rhubarb fills in on the 5-to-10 a.m. shift. Rhubarb continues to teach and work at Kennesaw State University> Details

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

-Site offers continuous updates on swine flu> Emergency

-91 cases of swine flu confirmed in the U.S.:     Look for updates using the green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

-Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

-More tips from Cartersville Medical's chair of infection control> CMC

Saturday/God's Gift Shop returns to Second Avenue Baptist Church: The proceeds benefit three local charities: the Family Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity and Youth for

Christ.  The gift shop is open to all. Some of the donations: tour of the governor's mansion, photography sessions, art lessons by Siri, a weekend in a log cabin at WinShape; a night in the Berry Guest Cottages; chocolate pearls and handcrafted jewelry; woodcrafts; tennis; pool parties; a week at Lake Weiss; Rome and Atlanta Braves tickets. Hours: 1 to 3 p.m., including silent auction> Gift Shop

>For a copy of the flyer, please click Second Avenue

Darlington will host its first Tri for the Kids youth triathlon this Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. on the Upper School campus. Please be aware that Cave Spring Road from South Broad Street to the intersection at Darlington's main gate will be closed beginning at 2:50 p.m., as will a segment of Darlington Drive between the railroad crossing to the main gate. The roads will re-open once the last biker exits the road, which is estimated to take place between 4:30 and 5 p.m. > Healthy Living

-Hometown expands Facebook offerings with 'Hometown' identity> Click

-Latest Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Thursday: Partly sunny, high of 84.
-Thursday night:  30% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Low of 61.
-Friday: 50%  chance of showers, thunderstorms; high near 80.
-Friday night: 20% rain chance, low of 61.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Bobby Labonte only NASCAR driver in Twitter's fast lane; has 2,000 followers> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Lexington wins again, 4-2, over Braves.

-Today-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends; home Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: First Friday returns> Downtown

-Annual Showcase of the Arts under way at The Forum

Updated/Stargazer's newsletter posted: Stargazers

-Next Star Party is Friday, May 15, with a weather makeup on Saturday, May 16.

-The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower is under way, with the peak viewing time on the evening and early morning of May 5-6. Best best: 4 a.m. until sunrise May 6.

Updated/Latest library newsletter posted> Link

-Storytime resumes June 5

-Free Sunday movies at the library> Details

Noon Optimists' Students of the Month:

Wednesday updates

 

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

'The Boulevard' gets new online look, additional updates:

-Listing Doc Kibler as the managing developer, a new online home for the proposed "work & play" center known as The Boulevard is posted. The project surrounds much of State Mutual Stadium on property owned by Kibler and Dee Yancey. The site's "The Team" page lists the key player in the deal. Also new: How investors can join the project. For additional updates, click The Boulevard

 

 

 

Smith leaves Brinson, Askew, explores new partnership based in Rome: David Smith, Rome's assistant city attorney and a partner at Brinson, Askew, Berry, is leaving the firm as of Thursday and is exploring a new partnership with Jason Lewis and Calhoun attorney W. Lane Haley. Smith joined the firm in January 2000 and later became a partner. The proposed new firm would see Smith focusing on elder law, estate planning and small business representation in addition to other genres. Lewis would do criminal, Social Security appeals and employment issues while Haley would focus on commercial and residential real estate, Smith says. Once established, the partnership plans an office in downtown Rome. Several sites are being studied. the new firm would be known as Smith, Lewis & Haley.  Smith also is the driving force behind the nearly completed Treehouse for Rome project.

Ripples begin amid rumors of Deal's bid for governor: As U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal studies a potential bid for governor, a list of forming of candidates who would run to fill his congressional seat and represent much of North Georgia in Congress, including parts of Gordon County. A few names from the Northwest Georgia side of the congressional district are popping up including Jeff Mullis and David Ralston. For more, scan the latest on The Times of Gainesville.

March for Babies brings in $70,000: The annual March on Dimes March for Babies generated more than $70,000 in pledges with additional support still coming in. This year's chair was Marty Bergstrom of Georgia Power and the utility's team raised the most money. The top walker was Will Woods (in terms of the individual raising the most money) and the special ambassador family was The Meads. For more, click March of Dimes

-Wal-Mart Foundation grants $36,500 to Red Cross chapter> Health

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

>CNN/Texas child believed to be first U.S. swine flu victim> CNN

>New page offers continuous updates on swine flu> Emergency

>64 cases of swine flu confirmed in the U.S.:     Look for updates using the green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

>Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

-More tips from Cartersville Medical's chair of infection control> CMC

MegaMillions jackpot jumps to $220 million for Friday night's drawing: Tuesday's numbers: 15-20-24-36-44, Mega Ball 6> Lottery

'Freedom Sings,' part of Liberty Tree Week @ Berry, is tonight>  Campus

Annual Showcase of the Arts under way at The Forum> Downtown

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Wednesday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 82.
-Wednesday night: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Low of 59.

-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms. High of 83.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Stafford learns quickly how to steer clear of controversy with Lions, Ford family> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Lexington takes first game from visiting Braves, 4-2.

-10 a.m. game today in Lexington

-Today-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends; home Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: First Friday returns> Downtown

Tuesday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

HealthWatch: Monitoring Swine Flu

>Updates on the swine flu from Georgia Emergency Management Agency: No cases reported in our state as of Monday> Updates

>New/Track swine flu updates link. Look for green box like the one to the right> Click Mobile

>Latest local update: Northwest Georgia health officials believe it is possible we "may see cases here, possibly as early as this week, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic. People need to pay attention to what's happening with the rapidly evolving swine flu epidemic and think seriously about their own personal readiness--and that of their family's--to deal with something like an influenza pandemic or any other type of disaster." Click Preparedness Tips

>Precaution tips from the medical community:

-Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol gel.

- If people have influenza-like symptoms, seek medical attention early.:

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

-If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Floyd, other areal hospitals staging disaster drill today: (Media release) Floyd Medical Center will join with seven hospitals, the Georgia Division of Public Health and Floyd County Emergency Management Agency to participate in a regional disaster drill. It begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Visitors to Floyd Medical Center and commuters using either Turner McCall Boulevard or North Second Avenue will see a tent erected outside and health care workers wearing respirator masks as part of the drill. Floyd is required to participate in two disaster drills annually to meet accreditation requirements of The Joint Commission. The scenario for this drill is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome event that escalates to add a complication of a tornado warning. Other hospitals participating in the drill are Redmond Regional Medical Center and Polk Medical Center.

Business

-Broad Street building sells: The offices at 411 Broad St., recently home to Disability Link, have sold with the deal closing Monday. We're checking with the new owners on their plans. Also: A newer Rome business is looking for space on Broad.

-New AJC debuts: With smaller pages and tighter sections, the AJC continues the industry's "less is more" trend with a new look today. It borrows some of USA TODAY's color themes and the Knoxville News-Sentinel's congested feel.

-Berry honors two with Martindale Awards: Longtime Berry College employees Alan Storey and Dr. Kay Gardner (who's retiring this year) are the 2009 recipients of Berry's Martindale Award of Distinction.

Politics

Rep. Nathan Deal, who's district includes part of Gordon County, considers run for governor: Several political Web sites report U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, right, is thinking of joining the race for the Republican nomination for governor. Deal would enter after another Hall resident, Casey Cagle, dropped out> The Times

-Also: Cagle continues to recovery from back surgery on Monday.

-Republican Eric Johnson joins race for governor> Politics

Tuesday's Buzz:

-New cemetery data program helps genealogists: Genealogy researchers have an easier time researching ancestors buried in the City of Rome's public cemeteries thanks to a new burial data program available online.  This new service will assist  researchers in their search for  burial information in the Eastview, Oakland and Myrtle Hill cemeteries.  Produced by Legacy Mark LLC, this search function allows for a convenient web-based search for ancestors, family and friends buried in city-owned cemeteries and also produces printable reports and maps for easy plot location.  Click: www.romega.us/cemetery. 

-Berry's Hope Stallings wins Interstate Oratory Contest> National honors

-Shorter announces promotions, tenure for Pearson, Lister> Campus

-Ex-mobster to speak at Gordon Hospital's prayer breakfast> Gordon

Latest Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-New/Shorter College students win top honors at music competition

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-New/Share your weather photos> Click

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
-Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. 
-Wednesday: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. 

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-More proof that the SEC is the top football conference--and the Pac-10 isn't
>Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Greenjackets win, 9-5, take series 2-1 vs. Rome Braves

-Tuesday-Friday: Braves at Lexington Legends

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: First Friday returns> Downtown

Thursday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

It gets worse: Chattooga's unemployment rate at 18% in March

-18,000 people out of work here last month; 5,000-plus each in Floyd, Bartow

-Update; State rate unchanged; two 'bright spots' in monthly report> Ga.

	March working	March jobless	March 09 % jobless	February % jobless	March 08 % jobless
Bartow	40,685	5,275	11.5%	11.3%	6.3%
Chattooga	9,796	2,149	18.0%	13.7%	14.3%
Floyd	43,242	5,078	10.5%	10.0%	5.5%
Gordon	23,887	3,148	11.6%	11.9%	6.2%
Polk	19,556	2,283	10.5%	10.2%	5.7%
Georgia	4,340,768	439,252	9.2%	9.2%	5.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

Over lunch on Wednesday, one of the state's leading economic forecasters told those attending Berry's Business Outlook luncheon that the economy had not

hit bottom yet. Dr. Rajeev Dhawan of Georgia State (click) perhaps had an advance look at the March jobless figures for Georgia.

In this part of the state, at least, the bleeding continues. Nearly 18,000 people in the five-county area were without jobs in March, or 11 percent of the workforce.

Recent store closings (Circuit City, Goody's, Office Depot) and layoffs (HON Co., Shaw, Kobelco, Super Kmart) continue to sweep the region. And some of those numbers won't show up until the April stats are released.

Hardest hit among the five local counties is Chattooga, where 18 percent of the county's labor force was idle last month. Some 2,149 people were unemployed while another 9,796 had jobs. Chattooga ranks second in the state's highest jobless rates with only Jenkins County (between Augusta and Statesboro) above it at 20.2 percent. Warren County was third at 16.9 percent.

By sheer numbers, Bartow had the most unemployed residents last month, 5,275 or 11.5 percent of the work force. Close behind was Floyd County, with 5,078 people without work or 10.5 percent. That was up from 10 percent in February and almost double the 5.5 percent posted in March 2008.

The only decrease in the number of people out of work was in Gordon County. Sixty-five more people were employed there in March vs. February, enough to drop the jobless rate from 11.9 to 11.6 percent.

Polk County saw an increase from 10.2 percent to 10.5 percent. Nearly 2,300 Polk residents were without jobs last month.

Statewide, the jobless rate stayed the same as February, 9.2 percent.  But there were several bright spots found in the monthly reports.. (Click State)

Berry Outlook economist--We've yet to hit bottom: Dr. Rajeev Dhawan told 250 business and community leaders attending the 27th Berry Business Outlook Conference Wednesday that the economy will fall still more before the recovery in mid-2010. For more, click Business

Synovus (Citizens First parent company) loses $136.7M in first quarter: Synovus reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2009 of $136.7 million compared to net income of $81 million a year earlier. The first quarter 2009 results include provision expense of $290.4 million> Complete release

>UGA joins Secure Vault Payment Network> UGA

-Mohawk's first quarter financials due today: Net earnings for the 2008 period were $65 million> Mohawk

Day two of handcycling events in  Rome/Floyd

>Today: 10 a.m. 48km Road Race. Start/Finish line at Wildwood Cove entrance to Rocky Mountain Recreation Area. Road closures: 9:30 a.m. until noon. Big Texas Valley Road from Texas Valley Road to Friday Road. Texas Valley Road to Sand Springs Road. Sand Springs Road (and where it merges with Fouche Gap Road) from Texas Valley to Big Texas Valley Road. Please note: as the last rider passes, the roads will open to traffic. Best viewing spots: Rocky Mountain Recreation Area (parking pass required), Antioch Baptist Church, Armuchee Baptist Church (park there and walk to turn)> Details.

Thursday's Buzz:

/Georgia Northwestern announces leaders for administrative services, adult education, student affairs> Campus Headlines

-Glenda Almand named Floyd's Good Samaritan Volunteer of the Year

-Davis, state university chancellor, to speak at GHC graduation> GHC

On Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-Hopkins Institute speaker to educate community, Shorter College students about ethical decisions in the workplace Thursday

-Berry Singers in concert Thursday night

-Plus earlier releases.

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 84.
-Thursday night: 20% rain chance before midnight. Low of 52.
-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-We all know that it's what up front that counts so look out for Notre Dame >Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Braves fall to first-place Sandgnats, 4-2

-Rome vs. Savannah tonight, Friday; home vs. Augusta Saturday.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-Busy weekend for entertainment, says Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: handcycling> Click Downtown

Wednesday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com

Business Buzz:

-Ledbetter Properties' new retail center in Jasper gets key OK: The Coosa Valley Regional Development Center Tuesday announced the Jasper Crossing project is " in the best interest of the region and therefore of the state." Planned on Ga. 515: A 65-acre shopping center including a Wal-Mart, 13 out buildings> Click  

-Regions bank reports $26 million first quarter profit: The earnings statement surprised some given current market conditions. First quarter 2008 profits were $337 million. Details (a PDF file)> Regions

-Synovus first quarter report due today It is the parent company of Citizens First Bank and Georgia Bank & Trust> Release

-Deano's opening reset for Monday, April 27: Citing unforeseen circumstances, Deano's Pizza grand opening has been pushed back to Monday, April 27. The restaurant will be open from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4:30 until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and from noon until 8 p.m. Sundays.

-Rome attorney Bob Finnell, partners showcasing newest 'ExhibitView': System is designed to help lawyers avoid "high-priced litigation support if their courtroom defense included powerful, electronic evidence such as pictures, audio recordings, video depositions, or web-based material."> Details

Celebrating Earth Day---every day:

Earth Day is today although activities are spread throughout the weekend. Among the highlights:

>Greater Rome Bank celebrates today by giving customers recyclable bags and "encouraging them to recycle, reduce, and reuse." And catch the slogan of the day: "We've always been green."

>Coosa River Basin Initiative marks the day with a special paddle this weekend on the Etowah (Hometown PR)

 

Handcycling events begin this morning at Darlington: The schedule:

-Road closures: 9:30 a.m. until noon. Darlington Drive from the Rail Road Tracks to Cave Spring Road. Cave Spring Road from Tiger Way to Park Road. Park Road from Cave Spring Road to Blacks Bluff Road. Blacks Bluff Road from Walker Mountain Road to the entrance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Best viewing spots: Start/Finish line on Darlington Drive, or Desoto Park Baptist Church parking lot.

-10 a.m.: Individual Time Trial. Start/Finish line on Darlington Drive at Darlington's Huffman Center.

-Weather: Sunny skies, around 62 degrees at race time

-What's happening Thursday, Friday> Downtown

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Blogging for blood: In addition to Twitter feeds, Blood Assurance has a new blog, "Donor Connect," to announce promotions including a spin on the baseball fan line, "I Live for This." The BA take: "I Give For This."> Blog

-Spring Academy Day is May 9; register by May 1: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey and senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss are inviting area residents to Dobbins Air Reserve Base to meet with representatives from all five military academies. Register Here. For more: Linda Liles at 770-290-1776.

-Greater Rome Bank donates $10,000 to The Breast Center> Health

-Shorter Hawks football 11th in Top 25 NAIA spring poll> Click

On Northwest Georgia Press Releases>Click Hometown PR

-Today, Redmond Regional Medical Center's Occupational Health Department will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first on-site nurse program.

-Heyman Hospice Care at Floyd will host a Diversity and End-of-Life Care Teleconference on Wednesday, April 29 at Coosa Valley Technical College.

-The Georgia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will hold its annual chapter meeting this Saturday, April 25, on the campus of Berry College.

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
-Thursday: 20% chance of showers, thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 83.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Hey, this ain't rocket science; oh yes it is to Braves' newest player> Arey

Rome Braves updates> Click sports

-Dramatic double play in the ninth preserves 5-4 for Rome Braves

-Rome opens three-game set in Savannah tonight.

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: handcycling> Click Downtown

Monday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:

-Economy a factor in this year's Steeplechase at Kingston Downs

-Sponsorship changes, missing tents don't both Rome vendors
-New look, new features for Advance Rehabilitation's Web site
-Closer look at new ownership group behind WRGA, Q102
-Barry Loudermilk for governor?
-Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court

-Weather recap: After another night of watches and warnings, look for clearing skies. Overnight rainfall: just over half an inch.

-Today: 20% chance of showers after 2 p.m. High of 69. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Tonight: 20% chance of showers. Low around 46.

-Tuesday: 30% chance of showers. High near 69. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Don't look now but the Gators may even be more dangerous this fall> Arey

Rome Braves' updates

-Grand slam puts Braves out front for good, 7-4

-Next five games: On the road; home again Saturday

-Recent game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: handcycling> Click Downtown

Steeplechase can't outrun economy's slippery track but the show goes on with new sponsors, perhaps fewer tents than before

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

The 43rd Steeplechase rides into town this Saturday promising to live up to its title as the "Best Lawn Party in Georgia." But economic woes have forced several local companies to withdraw their sponsorship of the event, leaving room for several newcomers to join in. Also, some familiar tents won't be back this year.

"We have more sponsors this year and have exceeded our sponsor levels," says India Watson, Steeplechase Marketing and Sales Director. "We really are doing a lot better than we expected."

New sponsors include AT&T Mobility at the Platinum level; Maker's Mark sponsoring the event's signature cocktail, the Peach Julep; and national retailer Macy's, which will have two fashion shows between the races as well as "spa tents" at the in-field for makeovers. The event also has several new corporate tent sponsors.

"Right now, we have 43 corporate tents, which is one or two tents shy of our total from last year," Watson says. "We have seen a drop in sponsorship from banks and real estate companies but we have several new tents on board."

Of those 43 tents, 10 are new sponsors: Raymond James, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Merial, Transperfect Translations, Lowry & Lowry, Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia, IBM, The Tavern & Blue Sky Outfitters, Century Fire Protection and Kappa Sigma Atlanta Alumni.

But missing from this year's event will be several companies who have been tent sponsors for several years, including some banks and even media. But others are holding steady.

"I've really seen an impact and know there will be fewer tents," says Ian Griffin with V3 magazine and a corporate tent sponsor. "At the tent meeting, there was definitely a smaller crowd."

 

V3 is back for a third year as a tent sponsor (that's the Coopers and Harbins from an earlier Steeplechase, above right, V3 photo). This year's party is themed "Fistful of Dollars: A Stimulus Party," featuring western saloon décor.

"We have scaled back a little bit but we are still spending as much as we have in the past," Griffin says. "Our tent will look like an old western bar. Our guests will not notice any difference from years past."

V3's guests will be treated to full-buffet, full-bar and entertainment by Atomic Boogie. Tickets are $125 for a tent pass or $200 for the VIP ticket including access to the "RV Lounge." Call 706-235-0748 or email v3mag@bellsouth.net.

The magazine's April issue features a cover story on Steeplechase as well as promotional ads. (Click V3)

Another returning sponsor is Old Havana Cigar Co. of Rome and Cartersville, which will have a sales tent, mobile cigar trailer (right) and "cigar girls."

Owner Steven McDowell is preparing for a busy day.

"Our cigar girls will be traveling around in the stands and in-field," McDowell says. "Along with the trailer, we will have a tent lounge featuring music by Thunderbolt Patterson. We're doing everything we can to help draw attention."

McDowell says Steeplechase is historically one of his best sales days, including several pre-orders for cigars stocking company tent parties.

"We usually have fantastic sales, better than at the holidays," he says. "Last year, we were down about 10 percent from the previous year so I'm not sure what to expect this year."

McDowell believes a lot of big money will not be spent at this year's event but he feels people are still going to enjoy the party.

"Steeplechase is a good tradition, so people will probably buy less expensive tickets and do it on a budget," he says. "As for our business, we are trying to grow. People are still going to enjoy themselves so we will have everything from inexpensive to more expensive items so that we can serve with a price that everyone can afford."

About the event: Gates open at Kingston Downs this Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. with a full-day of events. For a complete schedule, click Steeplechase.

Three-Dot Buzz ... :

New look, features for Advance Rehab's Web site

(From a media release) Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy launches a new Web site this week (click www.advancerehab.com), designed to assist patients, students and physicians with information.

What's new: Patient forms, frequently asked questions, Google Street maps and a student section.

The details:

-Patients are able to download all the paper work needed in assisting them with the registration process for physical therapy care.

-The new location section is tied to Google Street maps which gives visitors virtual directions to each clinic (panoramic and real street views).

"We are very excited about the new look and available information on our site," says Chad Whitefield, a partner with Advance Rehabilitation. "We are continually striving to make our patients' experiences better through all means possible."

The newest section of the website is geared toward physical therapy students, giving them information and a rotation option with Advance.

"Advance Rehabilitation is strongly committed to providing an optimal learning environment so students can have an exceptional clinical experience," says Whitefield.

More updates on WRGA, Q102 ownership:

Another batch of files at the Federal Communication Commission shows that Howard Toole is the majority owner of Rome Radio Partners LLC, the team buying WRGA 1470 AM and Q102.

General Manager Randy Quick has a 20 percent stake as does Cheryl Scott, the stations' comptroller. The majority owner, at 40 percent, is Howard Toole, now listing a Rome address and owner of the new FM signal assigned to Plainville (not part of this deal). The final partner, at 20 percent, is James Smith of Elberton. > Details

Vote Loudermilk for governor?

Seven Republicans did just that at Saturday's District 11 convention. State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, who represents parts of Bartow County and east Floyd, picked up seven write-in votes when delegates were polled for gubernatorial choices. Finishing first: John Oxendine. Getting one write-in: Phil Gingrey. Also interesting to note: In the lieutenant governor's race, incumbent and one-time gubernatorial front-runner Casey Cagle came in second to Eric Johnson. Among the write-ins: two votes for state Rep. Tom Graves. Click Peach Pundit

 

 

 

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Tony Dungy and Berry College: Once again, the college's Gloria Shatto Lecture Series has hit a home run -- or make that a game-winning touchdown in the case of Tony Dungy. The retired NFL coach and player took just 40 minutes to deliver a conversation that will stay with more than 2,000 guests forever. At times funny, at times sad, Dungy stressed the need to persevere -- even excel -- when things seem their worst. As a veteran entrepreneur said to a relative afterward, "You missed the speech of a lifetime." Well done, coach, and well done, Berry (click Campus Headlines)

Peak to the renewed interest in the Avenue A/Turner McCall neighborhoods: Four serious bids are in for use of the Charles Hight Homes property, including one that would keep many of the structures and trees in place as opposed to a "scrape and pave" approach. Just as key: the next Neighborhood Focus by Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful highlights the area April 27-May 1. With some wise investment and TLC, this community has unlimited potential as some property owners have shown when restoring some of the beautiful homes here.

Valley to the Tour de Georgia: This most likely would have been the week set aside for the annual Tour de Georgia cycling event. For five years, Rome and Northwest Georgia were a tour stop as well as a critical part of the overall race. Few will forget Lance Armstrong's domination of the race to Rome and the trip around Mount Alto. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle took over the race in 2008, moving it to a mostly Northeast Georgia venue including laps around a racetrack! The seventh edition was canceled, citing a lack of financial support, but a 2010 return is promised. To let an event of this stature--with worldwide recognition and media coverage--drift away and yet spend millions promoting Georgia as a fishing destination is beyond us. Go fish, indeed.

Peak to No. 31, Craig Maddox of the Rome Braves: The A-Braves and Cubs fans among us did a double take the other night when we thought we heard PA announcer Eddie "So if you want a prize.... and I know you do!" Brock call what sounded a lot like Greg Maddux, retired ace pitcher. Brock got it right, calling Craig Maddox. Note the Craig, not Greg. Note the MaddOx, not MaddUx. But what really confused us: The Rome Braves catcher is wearing No. 31, the same number worn by the Cy Young winner. Mr. Maddox, you have new fans in Rome.

Peak to the Rome Braves' Sunday ticket four-pack: Time for a little Clark Howard here. The $25 four-pack offered for Sunday games is the best steal available, on or off the bases. We tried it on April 19: Four box seats ($6 each normally), four regular hot dogs, four small drinks and four boxes of popcorn. Even better: when the two kids with you snare free T-shirts thrown by Romey and one gets a ball from the players. It's like getting the food items for free.  Next opportunity: This Sunday, 2 p.m. No guarantee on the shirts or ball.

Tornado watch until 3 a.m. Monday

Tornado watch in effect until 3 a.m. Monday in all of Northwest Georgia, other parts of the state. For details, click:

http://www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Friday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Tony Dungy's speech focuses on faith, family, football

Tony Dungy, as historic as he is humble, talks from the heart and soul to more than 2,000 people at The Cage on Thursday night. Photo courtesy of Berry College.

More than 2,000 people packed Berry College's Cage Center Thursday evening to hear NFL great Tony Dungy deliver a message of hope and perseverance. The recently retired head coach of the Indianapolis Colts used story after story from his football playing and coaching days to urge listeners to push themselves to be better even when times are at their toughest. The message was well received by a crowd almost evenly split by the extended Berry College family as well as business and community leaders from Northwest Georgia.

>Dungy delivers critical message: Don't surrender to adversity> Campus

>Web cast of Tony Dungy's news conference prior to his speech Thursday night at Berry College, courtesy of Berry> Video

Some of Dungy's comments while at Berry on Thursday:

-On absent fathers: "Our kids are bombarded with messages of what's important and what isn't.  As we're finding out now, there are so many young men growing up without that positive male influence. We've got to fill that void.  Being a dad isn't just a financial responsibility.  For young men during their formative years, they get messages from everywhere, but they need to come from dads."  

-On his son's loss: "Even in tough situations in life, I've really tried to rely on the Lord.  Losing a child is touch. I've learned that when you get real adversity, it either pushes you further from the Lord or draws you closer.  We've tried to draw closer."

-When asked to name the favorite person he's coached:   "I like them all, but Warrick Dunn was probably the player I was closest to.  His mother passed away when he was a teenager, and he raised his siblings.  On top of being a great player and buying homes for single mothers, he was raising five kids as a 22 year old."

Rome Braves pummeled in 10th inning as RiverDogs win, 7-2> Sports

Rome Braves catcher Braeden Schlehuber stands tall as Riverdogs second baseman

David Adams heads for the plate. For a stunning six-photo sequence of the play by Rome photographer Mills Fitzner, please click Sports

Rome man held in Ala. accused of plotting to have 7 killed: Al.com reports that Alabama authorities have arrested Dwight Herschel Green, 54, of Rome. and charged him devising a murder-for-hire plot against seven people. Green was taken into custody between Cedar Bluff and Centre around noon EDT, an FBI spokesman tells the news service> Suspect

A hint of better times?

State's jobless rate holds at 9.2% in March; Georgia picks up 3,000 jobs:

(Media release) The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.2 percent in March, unchanged from a revised 9.2 percent in February, the state Labor Department reports. The March report is significant because it was the first time in 20 months that the rate did not increase over the previous month.

"With apologies to Sir Winston Churchill, the better-than-expected March jobless rate does not represent the end of this recession," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "It is not even the beginning of the end. However, it may be the end of the beginning of the most severe economic downtown since the Great Depression."

A year ago, the jobless rate was 5.6% in Georgia.  The number of payroll jobs in March decreased 185,900, or 4.5 percent, from March of 2008. The over-the-year losses came in manufacturing and construction, trade, transportation and warehousing, along with professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies.

However, Georgia added 3,000 jobs in March, the first monthly increase since October. A majority of the new jobs were created in the retail and hospitality sectors. During the first two weeks of April, initial jobless claims in Georgia, which have sustained over-the-year triple-digit increases, grew at about one-half that pace. Initial claims are generally considered to be a leading indicator of future economic activity.

-County to charge for some yard waste collection fees: Floyd County commissioners adopted a new yard debris ordinance which goes into effect immediately. Debris needing to be picked up more often than once a quarter or an amount of debris of more than three cubic yards will require payment to the County Public Works department> Details

-Reece, Doss help secure $1.3 million in upgrades at airport> Buzz

-Shorter inducts 22 students into Sigma Deta Delta Honor Society: The Shorter College Professional Studies Program inducted 22 students into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society on April 15> Details

What's ahead at this weekend's Waterfest IX> Details

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court
-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 72. Gust as high as 15 mph.
-Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
-Saturday: 20% chance of showers; thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High of 71.
-Saturday night: 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, low of 52.
-Sunday: 60% chance of showers, thunderstorms, high near 70.
-Sunday night: 40% chance of showers, thunderstorms. Low around 52.
-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Surely Animal Planet will stay away from Vick reality series> Arey

Rome Braves' updates

-Braves pounded by RiverDogs in 10th inning, lose 7-2.

-Next game: Tonight at 7 vs. Charleston

-Latest roster moves

-Game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headline

-Big entertainment weekend ahead with River Days, International Festival, other events> Click Downtown

-Updated/Stargazer's newsletter posted: "Wednesday morning, before sunrise, we have a chance to see a beautiful meteor shower (Lyrid)" Stargazers

-Updated/Latest library newsletter now posted> Link

Thursday updates

Click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The odds of a Cagle-to-Gingrey Domino Effect:

-Were it on the board in Las Vegas, we'd bet $100 on Phil Gingrey to enter the Republican hunt to be Georgia's next governor. Twenty-four hours ago, we might have wagered $1 just for grins. But with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's mystifying exit, a race that seemed pretty much Cagle's to lose is now most anyone's to win.

-Karen Handel and John Oxendine can say they're front-runners but the new No. 1 is a player to be named sooner, not later. Gingrey might be that person. Even as he ran for a fourth term representing District 11 in Congress, Gingrey was hearing calls to run for governor.  He's got the resume: congressman, longtime local and state lawmaker, staunch conservative and rabid fund-raiser. Also, Gingrey is known in much of the state, especially as a very vocal Republican first-responder against Democratic challenges and legislation.

The negatives start with that same quick lip: Gingrey "had" to apologize to talk show host Rush Limbaugh earlier in the year. It cost him on several levels but he remains popular among conservatives. Another factor: Gingrey would take office at age 68.

And earlier this month, in an editorial board meeting with the Marietta paper, Gingrey pretty much said he and his family had ruled out a bid for governor, citing too much to be done on major issues before Congress (MDJ).

-Others are looking, too: Today, Jerry Keen has a 10 a.m. news conference and is expected to join the GOP race. Overnight, we got an e-mail from state Rep. Austin Scott on his candidacy.

-What to watch: Should Gingrey make the jump, the dominos would fall quickly. Anxious candidates for Congress certainly would come from Cobb, Bartow and Floyd counties, and some would be giving up existing seats in the General Assembly. Already, perhaps three or four candidates are watching to see if Preston Smith runs for attorney general (he's previously confirmed plans to seek a new Senate term). Some of those same Senate candidates will look at Gingrey's seat.

-The bottom line: The next seven days could shuffle many 2010 ballots, including those in Northwest Georgia.

Updates on May 8 auction(s): We've added an "s" for several reasons. First, you can now view the site of the U.S.  411/Dodd Boulevard auction of 39.4 acres owned by G. H. Riddle by clicking Dempsey. The auction begins at 10 a.m. that Friday. Also, scroll down the page to see the 1 p.m. auction of the .55-of-an-acre site that once was home to Owen's BBQ on U.S. 27  and Dixie Park Road.

'Hail of a sale' following Friday's storms: You tell us--smart marketing or not? Courtesy Ford in Rome is having a "hail of a sale" following Friday's tornadic-like storms. Also, the dealership is advertising car dent repairs. That comes as the state Insurance Office raises statewide storm damage estimates to $100 million.> Click

Rome High junior follows mom's cause to battle cancer: Ann Hook, a two-time cancer patient, is a force in the community battle to beat the disease. Now her oldest daughter, Jessica, a junior at Rome High, and some friends are dancing to 'Bust Cancer' > Healthy Living

Recycling helping homeless in Greater Rome: The William S. Davies Homeless Shelters have partnered with Paper Recovery of Georgia to benefit from the collection of newspapers, magazines, junk mail and shredded paper. Collection bins are at the end of Hicks Drive just past Home Depot; West 10th and Martha Berry Boulevard across from Scants Corner; the old Burns car lot (most recently Vast Supply) on Martha Berry ; and at Mount Berry Square. For more information, contact the Davis shelters at 706-290-1562 or click Davies.

Thursday's Buzz:

-Redmond Regional earns 3-year cancer care accreditation> Health

-Heart of the Community donated defibrillator to Boys, Girls Club> HOC

-No tickets left for Tony Dungy's lecture at Berry tonight: Says Berry College spokesman Rick Woodall: "All tickets for Tony Dungy's public lecture have been exhausted." Hometown will have coverage Friday> Berry

-Floyd County's Got Talent set for Saturday, April 25: Sponsored by the Modern Woodmen of America, the talent contest benefits the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth. It is set for 7 p.m. at the City Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children and $5 for those 12 and under. Reserved seats are available for $15.  For more, call 706-232-0703.

-Saturday/St. Mary's golf tournament: Teams and individuals can sign up to play in Saturday's St. Mary's Golf Tournament set for the Plantation of Horseleg. Teams of four, $300; individuals, $75. Proceeds benefit St. Mary's Catholic School. Call 706-506-0954 or see the event flyer by clicking SMS

-What's ahead at this weekend's Waterfest IX> Details

WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court
-Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near71. Gusts as high as 15 mph.
-Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

-Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Gusts to 15 mph.

-Friday night: Mostly clear, low of 42.

-Live radar views:  Click The State or The Region

-For more, click WeatherCenter

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

- Be careful duck hunting in Oregon; Paulus for president; Yoculan's new career> Arey

Rome Braves' updates

-Braves take two-game series vs. Sandgnats, win 5-3.

-Next game: Tonight at 7 as Charleston comes to town.

-Game photos courtesy of Mills Fitzner> Click

Downtown Headlines

-Big entertainment weekend ahead, starting tonight and continuing through Sundays, says Bryan Mullins of Mullinsmania.com> Click Downtown

-Updated/Stargazer's newsletter posted: "Wednesday morning, before sunrise, we have a chance to see a beautiful meteor shower (Lyrid)" Stargazers

-Updated/Latest library newsletter now posted> Link