The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:
-A big chunk of Zion Farms sells.
-Local restaurants add specials, change menus to keep diners coming in.
-'Failure Friday' to have an encore? (local banks are OK).
-More Hometown Business on the way--via radio.
Services set for First Sgt. John Blair: The body of First Sgt. John Blair, 38, is to arrive at Tom B. David Airport in Calhoun by 10 this morning. He will be transported along U.S. 41 to Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.. The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Trinity Baptist Church in Calhoun. After the funeral, First Sgt. Blair will be buried in the Georgia National Cemetery off Ga. 20 in Canton. He died during an attack in Afghanistan. (Stars & Stripes)
Weather:
-Monday: High of 90, low of 63.
-Tuesday: High of 90, low of 63
-Extended forecast> Weather
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable.
-Coach compares the BCS to Communism; banner year for the SEC .
-Braves bounce back, beat Augusta 7-6.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Stop us if you've heard the one about Publix coming to Rome . . .
The fate of Hight Homes might have a potential conclusion as both the Rome News and WRGA report that Madison Retail LLC wants the spot across from Floyd 
Medical Center (right) for development. One tenant: a major grocer.
The paper is dropping "Publix ties" and even has an image of a store on a story (click). Our guess: While the site has a tremendous amount of traffic, we'd be stunned to see Publix there. It don't fit the company profile.
But we've heard a lot of "Publix is coming" rumors since 2002 so let's review::
1) Play ball!: Seven years ago, considerable official buzz had Publix and Target rising next to the home of the Rome Braves, State Mutual Stadium. That plan died as did a few others and then came the Barron Stadium move, etc. Today, plenty of signs -- some erect, some down -- tell of the coming of The Boulevard with a potential "specialty grocery." We're told to expect some construction in June or July.
2) Easy access to Berry Farms products? Next came a smaller site sandwiched among the Bypass, Redmond Road and Turner McCall across from Berry College. It was to feature Publix and Cracker Barrel. On site now: CVS and smaller players to be named later.
3) Funnel cakes on the move: That was followed by talks of buying the Coosa Valley Fairground. Target was to be the dominant player; Publix was mentioned. On site now: Still home to the October fair and The Palladium.
4) 'Bypassed' again? The Harbin Clinic property on the Bypass was purchased and was to include apartments and retail, including--yup, Publix. For sale signs remain on the site just north of U.S. 411.
5) Down by the Levy: Up next was a plan to move Mathis Building Supply, combo adjoining property and build a store there, probably with out parcels, too. This one had traction but, so far, nothing really has changed there.
6) Take that, Wally Mart: Perhaps the most ambitious project was a massive retail center next to East Rome's Wal-Mart Supercenter, drawn with a big grocery near the hub off U.S. 411. Seven Hills Town Center 
is low profile today but not dead.
6.5) Down by the riverside? We never heard a definitive mention of Publix but the Ledbetter option across from RiverWalk had some store buzz attached to it. For now: Limbo.
7) Hight restrictions: So now comes the Hight Homes site. We're watching.
-Bottom line: Publix is on the "grow" and recently opened a new store in Paulding County. A second Cartersville store, at Carter Grove Commons (click), originally carried a 2010 opening date and was confirmed by the grocer (right). The project site remains up but the opening date is no longer posted. Publix continues to say no immediate plans exist for a Rome store.
SPLOST information session draws good crowds: A series of information 
stations were spread around the Riverwalk Ballroom at The Forum Thursday night as city and county officials as well as chamber and development teams offered highlights of the five proposals likely to go before voters Nov. 3 in an all-or-nothing package (final list).
The extension of the current seventh-cent tax-on-the-dollar would raise nearly $42 million over 32 months for a community public safety digital communications system; enhancements to Barron Stadium; renovations and expansion at the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center; fire department headquarters renovations and a "job creation" industrial park off Ga.140 and Ga. 53.
At each station, visitors found information packages about the projects, some as ''deep'' as small phone books. At the stadium table, in addition to the cost breakout and benefits summary, guests found two boxes of artificial turf. One, with a black background, was said to be a secondary choice as the surface of the sample in the companion box was designed to be 25 percent cooler. (We vote cooler).
Representatives said most comments were supportive and most of the questions were about the details and legacy issues such as would new costs would be needed to maintain the projects--or costs eventually deferred by the suggested projects.
The SPLOST must be OK'd by local government before going on the ballot.
The weekend:
-Weather looks good for tonight's Relay for Life at Ridge Ferry Park: Delayed by rain last month, the group's goal remains the same: raise money to beat cancer. For tonight's events and details on Saturday's car show, click Relay
-Political double header on Saturday morning: Their miles apart in the polls and on Saturday, they'll maintain that distance as Republican frontrunner John Oxendine visits the Floyd County GOP breakfast club meeting at 8:30 a.m. at Opi's Waterfront Grill ( Floyd GOP) while rival Karen Handel spends time with the Bartow County Republican Party at 9 a.m. at Slope's BBQ off Tennessee Street Bartow
-Parrot Heads, play ball: One of the best nights to go to a Rome Braves game is this Saturday. Look for the players to be wearing Hawaiian-style jerseys for the annual Parrot Head Paradise Night. Jimmy Buffett music and videos during the game are planned as well as an auction for the special jerseys the players will wear that night. Plus: Scott Thompson and Peachtree Station will provide live entertainment. Tickets> Rome Braves
>More weekend events> Click
Dining & Drink
-Latest updates from North Georgia's wineries: Busy weekend ahead; July 4th festivities set.
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for the region.
Friday's Buzz:
-Floyd names Adams director of Floyd Healthcare Foundation> Health
-Floyd appoints chief residents; adds eight new residents> Health
Weather:
-Friday: Still hot, 96, with a lot of 69; 20% rain chance.
-Saturday: Sunny and blazing hot, 97; low of 72; 20% rain chance.
-Sunday: Sunny and hot, 94; low of 72. 30-40% rain chance.
-Extended forecast> Weather
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Oregon will be splendidly attired; stay off Mopeds if you've had a few beers.
-Augusta edges Braves, 7-6, in 11 innings
-At Augusta again tonight, 7 p.m.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
-The lowdown on the downtown from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com.
| Working in May 2009 | Unemployed in May 09 | Percent jobless 5/09 | Percent jobless 4/09 | Percent jobless 5/08 | |
| Bartow | 40,260 | 5,252 | 11.5% | 10.8% | 6.6% |
| Chatoooga | 9,577 | 1,455 | 13.2% | 13.4% | 8.1% |
| Floyd | 44,038 | 5,118 | 10.4% | 10.0% | 6.1% |
| Gordon | 23,677 | 3,316 | 12.3% | 11.7% | 6.7% |
| Polk | 19,403 | 2,279 | 10.5% | 10.8% | 5.9% |
| Georgia | 4,310,661 | 453,180 | 9.5% | 9.0% | 5.7% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor
The May jobless numbers show some ups and downs in Northwest Georgia vs. April 2009. Once again, all five counties reported unemployment rates of 10 percent of more with Chattooga coming in at 13.2 percent. That actually was good news: April's jobless rate was 13.4 percent in Summerville, Trion and other parts of the county.
-Bartow, Gordon and Floyd counties saw their respective jobless rates climb month over month while the percentage dropped in Polk County,
-But the numbers to watch -- the number of people unemployed in May 2009 vs. May 2008. Thirteen months ago, 3,038 people were out of work in Floyd County vs. 5,118 last month -- a 68.4 percent increase.
-State report: May's 9.7 percent jobless rate set another record. Included are "many discouraged workers who re-entered the labor force," says the Labor Department.
>June 30, July 2: Gingrey to host job retraining workshops> Business
Bartow civic center about to become a regional 'player'
Courtesy: Bartow County
Next Wednesday, community leaders in Bartow County will break ground on a yet-to-be named, 45,000-square-foot, $20 million, high-tech civic center. The project, rising just east of the Wal-Mart/Lowe's center off Ga. 20 before the I-75 interchange -- will be a "player." -It will have the credentials to host civic, business and social events.
-It will be teamed with Georgia Highlands College's Bartow campus across the two-lane highway in a number of ways.
-It will continue to "seed" a key part of Cartersville with additional growth coming, including a second building at Highlands.
-And it should open debt free thanks to a heavily favored countywide SPLOST project.
-Ground breaking ceremonies are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday with a new name and additional details set for release then.
E-mails urge large turnout for tonight's SPLOST informational meeting: The Greater Rome Chamber, Floyd County Republicans and other groups are urging a strong community showing tonight for at a public information meeting on the proposed 2009 SPLOST projects. It is set for 5 to 7 p.m. in the Riverwalk Ballroom at The Forum. The session is labeled a , "drop-in" style meeting with representatives from each of the final five projects on hand to answer questions. Free parking will be available in the Third Avenue parking deck.
Remembering First Sgt. John Blair, 38: We're awaiting funeral and memorial details on First Sgt. John Blair. We'll post the updates as soon as they are confirmed.
Thursday's Buzz:
-Gingrey, colleague aide stricken intern> Gingrey
-AAA/Fewer traveling this Independence Day: The number of Americans expected to travel this Fourth of July Weekend is projected to decrease by 1.9 percent largely because of consumer concerns over personal finances, rising unemployment, and the sluggish economy. Nationwide, 37.1 million are projected to travel for Independence Day gatherings, reports Triple A. Also: Latest gas prices> Gas
-Walter Dunn, 86, dies; had deep ties to Berry, Armuchee area> Chronicle
-Floyd offers 'I Can Cope' classes for cancer patients, care givers> Health
Weather:
-Thursday: Sunny and blazing hot, 94; low of 65.
-Friday: Still hot, 95, with a lot of 70; 20% rain chance day, night.
-Extended forecast> Weather
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Hey, do I have a deal for you on a few wigs; Mustain saga continues
Rome Braves updates:
-Braves open second half of season at Augusta Thursday, Friday.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines: -What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
Group behind Berry Crossing has new CVS on Cartersville's West Side: 
Metro Group Development, which built the new CVS at Martha Berry and the Bypass in Rome, is planning another drug store on the site of the former skating rink and bowling alley on Ga. 113 (West Avenue) near Douthit Ferry Road. Crews have been demolishing the old buildings in recent days. They'll soon give way to a 13,000-square-foot CVS as well as additional development. The new Rome store is about the same size. Developers recently won approval for zoning variances at Berry Crossing to allow for individual ownership of some of the vacant pads there (click).
-Map by Google; click here for StreetView
Author of 'The Fixer Upper' helping with benefit for Free Clinic of Rome: On Tuesday, author Mary Kay Andrews' new book, The Fixer Upper, was released. She'll be in Rome July 17, starting at 6:30 p.m., for "A Fixer Upper for the Free Clinic," a benefit set for the DeSoto Theatre. For $40, patrons get a light supper, cocktails and hear Andrews share stories. Tickets are now on sale at RACA and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also under way: A book fair at Barnes & Noble where 10 percent of your purchase goes to the Free Clinic, now through Saturday> Details
-There's something about 'Mary,' reports Like the Dew
More free food--if you dress accordingly: Just days after giving dads free milk shakes for Father's Day, Chick-Fil-A is offering all a free sandwich--provided you come dressed as a cow. It is the fifth annual Cow Appreciation Day July 10 at all Chicks. New this year: Kids are invited to send in their special cow pictures. Also on the way: A Facebook photo contest, which could get interesting as Chick has nearly 945,000 friends as of today. Details: http://www.cowappreciationday.com/
Politico's 'This Day in History' remembers the Woodrow Wilson-Ellen Louise Axson wedding in 1885 right her in Rome: "On this day in 1885, Woodrow Wilson, the nation's future 28th president, married Ellen Louise Axson, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. The couple, who first met in 1883 at her father's church in Rome, Ga., shared strong religious beliefs as well as a passion for the arts"> Click
Georgia Highlands opens fall registration: Classes begin on Aug. 17. For more, click Highlands
Wednesday's Buzz:
-Registration begins for Southern Women Writers Conference> Berry
-Darlington's alumni weekend set for Sept. 25-27> Facebook
-Floyd earns Silver Award from American Heart Association> Health
Remembering First Sgt. John Blair, 38
-U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey on Tuesday delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of First Sgt. John Blair, who was killed in action in Afghanistan last weekend> Video
-Read the text of Gingrey's tribute> Gordon Headlines
-Moving tribute to Blair on Stars & Stripes: An emotional recount of how First Sgt. John D. Blair met his death--and led his life--is now posted on Stars & Stripes (source of photo)> Click
-More about Sgt. John Blair: You'll find dozens of stories about the war hero, many from towns where he once lived> Google News
Weather:
-Wednesday: High of 93, low of 67.
-Thursday: Sunny and 95, low of 70.
-Extended forecast> Weather
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Anybody know what the plural of asparagus is? Do you like Broadway musicals?
Rome Braves updates:
-North edges South (Rome Braves' team) in All-Star Clash, 8-7
-Braves open second half of season at Augusta Thursday, Friday.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
Remembering First Sgt. John Blair, 38
-Moving tribute to Blair posted on Stars & Stripes: An emotional recount of how First Sgt. John D. Blair met his death--and led his life--is now posted on Stars & Stripes> Click
Photo of Sgt. Blair courtesy of stripes.com
-Here's the official report from the Department of Defense: 1st Sgt. John D. Blair, 38, of Calhoun, Ga., died June 20 in Mado Zayi, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle> Click
-WEBS quotes Gordon sheriff as calling Blair 'a patriot, a truly dedicated and excellent peace officer'> WEBS
For sale: Mount Berry Square
-The real estate Web site Loopnet has a new client: Jones Lang LaSalle, the company currently running Mount Berry Square. Loopnet features a new ad listing the 476,778-square-foot mall with a 71 percent occupancy rate as being on the market. Not posted: the asking price. Click Listing. The ad also includes shopping centers in Cleveland, Tenn., Hermitage, Penn., and Martinsburg, W. Va. Jones Lang LaSalle was appointed receiver of all four malls last January after owner the Lightstone Group went into default> Archive
AJC seeing growth--in time spent on its Web site: Some good news on numbers for the AJC for a change. While circulation has been nose-diving thanks to cutbacks and reader choice, online use of the newspaper jumped. In May 2008, the average visitor spent 11 minutes, 11 seconds on ajc.com. As of May 2009, the average was 16 minutes and 13 seconds. The trend among the nation's major papers: A decrease in time spent on newspaper Web sites> Time
'Economic Outlook Through a Wider Lense' set for August: Are we at bottom or not? The next major forecast on the national and Georgia economies by Rajeev Dhawan, Director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State, is set for Wednesday, Aug. 26, at GSU. Dhawan, who spoke at Berry College Business Outlook Conference in April, doesn't sugar coat his predictions. His most recent forecast (click) was that we have at least another year of slack times before beginning a sustainable rebound> Forecast
Number of the day: 100,000. That's the number of guests to have toured Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum since it opened on Jan. 12. The lucky guests: Deb and Les Kalman and their three children. Adding to the day: Tellus executives thought the first year would see 100,000 total> Tellus
Blanchard to chair Synovus' executive committee: Reports the Columbus newspaper: "Nearly three years after retiring as chairman of Synovus Financial Corp., James Blanchard has been elevated to the top of the regional bankholding firm's executive committee." Synovus is the parent company of Citizens First Bank and Georgia Bank & Trust in Calhoun and Cartersville> Details
Stress that international in RIFF this year: Rome International Film Festival. 
Executive Director Harry Musselwhite has sent 86 invitations to American filmmakers and other filmmakers from Indonesia, Haiti, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, Kosovo, New Zealand, Australia, Albania, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. Musselwhite says RIFF have been very selective this year with screenings limited to Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, at The DeSoto and Heritage Hall. More than 300 entries were received this year. Click> RIFF
Tuesday's Buzz:
-Sheriff's gang awareness, prevention seminar is Aug. 11: The Floyd County Sheriff's Office presents the Gang Awareness & Violence Prevention Seminar beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Forum. Topics include the history of gangs, who joins and why, initiation practices and other updates. RSVP by calling Capt. Bobby Pearson at (706) 291-4111, ext 847.
-Rome Judicial Circuit named top Child Fatality Investigation Team> Buzz
-Correction: SPLOST information meeting is Thursday> SPLOST
-Hawthorn Suites earns new honors> Business
-United Community Banks adds Southern Community Bank: United Community Banks Inc., in an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is purchasing the assets of Southern Community Bank> Bank
-Cycle Therapy grand opening set for Saturday: The bike shop is at 608 Broad St. next to Great Harvest> Cycle
Reports: Another Northwest Georgian killed in action
-Just weeks after the death of Sgt. Jeffrey Jordan of Cave Spring comes reports of another Northwest Georgian killed in action in Afghanistan. Official word has yet to come from the military but former employers are saying a Calhoun man has died on duty in Afghanistan. We'll have additional coverage later today.
The Buzz of Northwest Georgia:
-Monday Focus: Town Green under way; much more to come.
-Some pros, cons and prose about the proposal 2009 SPLOST package.
-Economic slump hitting Rome Braves, too; ticket sales down.
-$pecial $ession? Steeplechase splash. Over/under on City Market.
-Peaks & Valleys: Library reading program, Gingrey job retraining; colleges pitch community projects; Canton planning.
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Zook just laughs as he's mentioned as cause of Gators' law problems..
Rome Braves updates:
-Braves end first half with a thud, lose 6-4 to Augusta.
-Up next: All-Star break through Wednesday; in Augusta Friday, Saturday.
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
What's below:Proposed SPLOST, take one:
![[RFPRAFINALview3-704576.jpg]](http://www.hometownheadlines.com/images/RFPRAFINALview3-704576_000.jpg)
Barron Stadium renovation rendering/Mike Page P & C Design Build
The pros and cons started the day the idea of a 2009 SPLOST surfaced:
-Pro: 40 percent of the penny sales tax is paid by out-of-towners.
-Con: The economy stinks and people can save a penny per dollar.
-Pro: This isn't an additional penny tax; it is an extension of the current one.
-Con: Where are all the projects funded by the 2006 tax? (Archive & see below)
-Pro: This is a municipal election year (Rome and Cave Spring city posts).
-Con: This is a municipal election year (only thing on the ballot for county voters will be the SPLOST proposal on Nov. 3 which means low turnout).
And we could go on and on. But the new package comes with a critically needed digital communication system that will help first responders communicate, especially in times of crisis. We've seen chemical spills and a fatal tornado in recent years, helping underscore a need for precise communication with modern equipment.
Add to that list an investment into Barron Stadium. At $3.369 million, and $400,000 from Shorter College, Barron would be dressed up to become an even larger sports hub. For one, it would land us the NAIA football tournament for a multiyear contract. As the first one left $1.5 million in economic impact, we'd realize the return on that investment in two additional years.
The industrial park money is needed as Rome/Floyd County watches surrounding communities rollout massive new potential homes for industry (Highlands 75, Highwoods in Emerson). Think of this as leveling the playing field--a bit.
What did surprise us: the timing of the Berry tennis center announcement. It went public June 17, the day before the SPLOST advisory committee was to make its final list of funding possibilities. With $20 million needed to make the center a reality (Berry College would donate the land), the big question remains: Who pays and how? Can this wait until 2012 for a future SPLOST?
94,590 tickets sold so far this year at State Mutual Stadium
We're at the All-Star break for the South Atlantic League, home of the Rome Braves, and the numbers are disappointing. The Braves, over 32 home games in the first half, drew 94,590 in ticket sales or 2,955 per outing. The average for 2008 (full season) was 3,243, so the new year is down about 9.7 percent. The economy is being blamed for reduced ticket sales in a number of baseball venues and Northwest Georgia has had a rough few months with layoffs and cutbacks. As for the rest of the season: Time to put on the rally caps with 35 home games to go in 2009.
-One more reason to go: Try the new buffet in Three Rivers Club. For about $10, you get the entree of the day, soup, salad, sides and dessert (lots of desserts). Recent entrees: Shrimp one day, pork chops the next.
Stories in a sentence or two (Twitter news?):
-Can we afford a special session? Just so we have this straight. Talk continues about convening Georgia's legislators for several million dollars--errr, several days--to help with state budget issues. (Click) Let's save a few million and let the administrative side sort through it all. Remember: election year is next year.
-Rome City Market gets another 'exclusive preview' this Friday when the Downtown Development Authority Coffee Break meets there at 8:30 a.m. We hear there's an over/under bet on opening day (even year) given all the delays so far.
-The 2009 Steeplechase got a page with six color photos in the "early summer" edition of Southern Seasons. Big hats got the most play (page 72).
Town Green: Labor Day debut with a lot more to come
This rendering shows what to expect as Town Green rises between The Forum and the new Third Avenue Parking Deck along the Oosatanaula.
By Natalie Simms
The long-range goal of developing Rome's urban riverfront is coming one step closer to reality with the construction of the Town Green. The project, which is under way along the Oostanaula River between The Forum and the new Third Avenue parking deck, is just the first phase of the city's master plan for downtown development.
"We have a master plan with a focus on downtown development," said Sammy Rich, Rome's assistant city manager (right). "With the Town Green and the new pedestrian bridge over toward Floyd (Medical Center), we really have a refocus on the river. We want to be like Chattanooga, which has created a successful downtown area along the river … they've had a real economic boom and are a good example."
Rich said the city has worked for the past several years to acquire property along the river. The city currently owns four acres along the West Third Street riverside.
"Rome has a great love affair with water," he says. "This is really a phased approach for our urban riverfront that will take several years to finish."
The next phase after the Town Green completion will be the extension of the green down to the river with a new dock for the Roman Holiday. Development will depend upon money.
"Funding is a challenge," Rich says. "We do have some city capital funds for urban waterfront along with a $950,000 transportation enhancement fund but we project the riverfront development will cost $1.4 million. When the economy picks up, then we will look at development along the river."
Meanwhile, the completion of the Town Green--which was included in the 2006 SPLOST with a budget of $1.69 million -- is on schedule to be completed by Labor Day, just in time for Rome's 175th Anniversary. The Town Green is a joint city and county project with the city funding the project through its SPLOST funds and the county providing the property.
"We've been very fortunate to work so closely with the county on this project," Rich says. "We are still having ongoing discussions about who will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep between us."
The centerpiece of the area will be an interactive fountain that is designed to look like the river patterns of the city. The design also incorporates green space, spring pedestals, reflecting ponds, sidewalks and berms to represent the city's seven hills.
"There is also a rain garden to filter storm water," Rich says. "Ninety-five percent of the water from the parking deck will be filtered out keeping a lot of pollution from making it to the river."
While the landscape will be irrigated, the water in the fountain will have to be specially treated like water in a swimming pool, says Rich, because kids will be allowed to play in the fountains similar to what happens with Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta..
"We've seen how successful interactive fountains have been to communities like Suwanee and Duluth," he says. "We could potentially have kids come from outside our community to enjoy the fountain."
When all is said and done, one thing is certain: Rome will have a new area to attract visitors to downtown.
"This brings about a new heart to downtown that we have not had," Rich says. "With the new bridge and the Town Green, we have a refocus along the river. Folks will stroll on over to the green after dinner or shopping on Broad Street."
PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia
Peak to the Sarah B. Hightower Library System's summer reading program:: 
Some 4,782 children and teens are involved in this year's "Be Creative at Your Library" reading program at libraries in Floyd and Polk counties. That's almost enough to fill State Mutual Stadium (5,105). This is a wonderful program that keeps kids reading, learning and plugged in throughout the summer. It helps them develop a healthy reading habit and they earn prizes for each two hours read. Those prizes include donated items from area merchants. This is a win-win scenario and one of the best services provided by your public library. (Background)
Peak to the college/community projects:
Last week, we heard about an ambitious plan from Berry College to create a championship tennis venue for all of Northwest Georgia (click). Earlier in the year, Shorter College offered $400,000 -- the amount budgeted for a campus-based all-purpose practice field--to go toward getting artificial turf at Barron Stadium. That helps the Hawks, the Rome Wolves, Peach State and many, many others should Rome/Floyd voters OK the latest SPLOST idea. Both Berry and Shorter are huge economic engines for the community, and both provide excellent arts, athletics and recreation options for the area. These two proposals show leadership and we hope to see one more blossom soon: a college-community performing arts center.
Peak to U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's job retaining events: US. Rep. Phil Gingrey has organized two job retraining workshops, on June 30 at Coosa Valley Technical College and the other July 2 at North Metro Tech. The idea is excellent for these times. As the technical colleges and Georgia Highlands officials will tell you, they're seeing a surge in students looking to expand their job options because of the economy. Great idea.> Click
Valley to the planners of Canton Marketplace: Is it just us or did someone forget to put in needed four-lane highways going east from Sembler's new shopping mecca? It is a huge new investment for that part of the region, the sprawling retail center with plenty of big-box stores, shops and restaurants. But unless you're turning into the center, you're in trouble just about as soon as you exit I-575 to get back on Ga. 20. This should have been handled in the planning phase. Of course, if we had the Northern ARC of another major four-lane connection I-75 and I-85, it wouldn't be a problem. But solving traffic woes is not something Georgia governments understand.
NAIA update/SPLOST vote key to bringing December football title match to 
Rome/Floyd on a permanent basis, Berry says: A yes vote on this November's proposed SPLOST extension would trigger an all-but-automatic done deal from the NAIA in terms of bringing the football national title game to Barron Stadium every December, says Bob Berry of the local host committee. NAIA executives would "jump on a plane" and fly here immediately to sign a long-term pact provided Barron gets artificial turf--in addition to other enhancements proposed for the stadium as part of a SPLOST package now on the assembly line. For more, click NAIA
-Hear Berry's live discussion of the NAIA game at 9:30 this morning on WRGA's Talk of the Town. The program starts at 9 a.m. 1470 AM, 93.5 FM.
Berry's new student-run enterprises continue to grow: Already, you can buy milk from Berry College's herd at Magnolia Market on Kingston Highway and Jersey beef from Berry Farms goes on sale there Monday. Next up: an organic farmers market on the Berry College campus set for Friday, July 24, probably from 7 a.m. until noon. At least 10 student ventures, including a video service and a bio-diesel component, also are on the way, says Rufus Massey, Berry's vice president for enterprise development.
Weather
-Upper 90s. no rain all Father's Day weekend: The thing to really watch is the heat index, which should top 100 each day. The heat index hit 101 degrees on Thursday> Weather
Friday's Buzz
-Shaw executive: Carpet outlook brightening> Chattanooga
-'Moby in the Morning' empire grows: The country jock, heard locally on South 107, is growing the Moby Radio Network thanks to a syndication deal. Click Moby
-Gingrey, GOP go down swinging to Democrats--in baseball> Buzz
-Stewart named clinic coordinator of Redmond's diabetes center> Health
Dining & Drink
-Latest public health restaurant scores from Northwest Georgia> Dining
-Updates from Georgia's wine country including a weekend filled with special Father's Day dining, music--and wine. Click Wine News Vine.
Weather:
-Friday: High near 97, sunny skies.
-Friday night: Low of 72, crystal skies.
-Saturday: High of 98; low of 72.
-Sunday: High of 96, low of 72.
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-A billion-dollar Tiger; Matt Stafford among rookies likely to start in NFL this year.
Rome Braves updates:
-Augusta's ninth inning homer beats Braves, 5-4.
-Away-game photos from Mills Fitzner> Gallery
-Up next: Friday-Sunday in Augusta; then three-day All-Star break
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
- The lowdown on downtown entertainment from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com
-3,000 due each day at Jehovah's Witness convention at The Forum.
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
NAIA update/SPLOST vote key to bringing December football title match to 
Rome/Floyd on a permanent basis, Berry says: A yes vote on this November's proposed SPLOST extension would trigger an all-but-automatic done deal from the NAIA in terms of bringing the football national title game to Barron Stadium every December, says Bob Berry of the local host committee. NAIA executives would "jump on a plane" and fly here immediately to sign a long-term pact provided Barron gets artificial turf--in addition to other enhancements proposed for the stadium as part of a SPLOST package now on the assembly line. For more, click NAIA
-Hear Berry's live discussion of the NAIA game at 9:30 this morning on WRGA's Talk of the Town. The program starts at 9 a.m. 1470 AM, 93.5 FM.
Berry's new student-run enterprises continue to grow: Already, you can buy milk from Berry College's herd at Magnolia Market on Kingston Highway and Jersey beef from Berry Farms goes on sale there Monday. Next up: an organic farmers market on the Berry College campus set for Friday, July 24, probably from 7 a.m. until noon. At least 10 student ventures, including a video service and a bio-diesel component, also are on the way, says Rufus Massey, Berry's vice president for enterprise development.
Weather
-Upper 90s. no rain all Father's Day weekend: The thing to really watch is the heat index, which should top 100 each day. The heat index hit 101 degrees on Thursday> Weather
Friday's Buzz
-Shaw executive: Carpet outlook brightening> Chattanooga
-'Moby in the Morning' empire grows: The country jock, heard locally on South 107, is growing the Moby Radio Network thanks to a syndication deal. Click Moby
-Gingrey, GOP go down swinging to Democrats--in baseball> Buzz
-Stewart named clinic coordinator of Redmond's diabetes center> Health
Dining & Drink
-Latest public health restaurant scores from Northwest Georgia> Dining
-Updates from Georgia's wine country including a weekend filled with special Father's Day dining, music--and wine. Click Wine News Vine.
Weather:
-Friday: High near 97, sunny skies.
-Friday night: Low of 72, crystal skies.
-Saturday: High of 98; low of 72.
-Sunday: High of 96, low of 72.
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-A billion-dollar Tiger; Matt Stafford among rookies likely to start in NFL this year.
Rome Braves updates:
-Augusta's ninth inning homer beats Braves, 5-4.
-Away-game photos from Mills Fitzner> Gallery
-Up next: Friday-Sunday in Augusta; then three-day All-Star break
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
- The lowdown on downtown entertainment from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com
-3,000 due each day at Jehovah's Witness convention at The Forum.
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
Two signs of optimism in the housing market; not so with jobs
1) Realtors' president: 'We've already hit bottom,' sales increasing
-Graham Dixon doesn't need optimism. He's seeing the hoped-for rebound in local home sales in Rome/Floyd County. As president of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors and a partner in Lambert, Dixon & Tate, Dixon keeps a steady eye on sales trends and he likes what he's seeing deep into the second quarter of' 09. Here's why:
-Single-family home sales already are up 16 percent vs. the first quarter.
-Through June 15, local home sales are at 262.
-Prices are remaining mostly steady, maybe down 4 percent.
-Starter homes are doing the best, those in the $99,900 range, Dixon says. A big help: the $8,000 federal and $1,800 tax benefit for first-time buyers (including those who haven't owned a home for at least three years).
-Homes selling for up to $150,000 are doing well, he says.
-There is less demand for executive homes, those $600,000-and-above.
-There's "still an over supply" of homes on the market, Dixon says, but he's confident "we've already hit bottom" and that those waiting for the basement prices might have waited too long.
- "It's a great time to buy," says Dixon, citing mortgage rates, home prices and the nearly $10,000 in federal and state tax benefits.
Dixon was a guest on Wednesday's Talk of the Town on WRGA 1470 AM.
2) Plans filed for Park Village in Cartersville: residential, commercial, mega-church: A 135-acre all-in-one community, ParkVillage, is being proposed near Douthit Ferry Road and Pine Grove Road on Cartersville's exploding West Side. (See the "A" pin in the Google Map below). A development of regional impact statement filed with the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center shows:
-135.3 acres for mixed use.
-19.1 acres would be set aside for 230,000 square feet of commercial use with potential for loft/townhome residences (no more than 40).
-49 acres for 156 single-family lots.
-12 acres with 115 senior living residences.
-56 acres to be sold to a large congregation church "relocating from in town." One option: Tabernacle Baptist Church. Notes in city records have discussed possible uses of the Tabernacle site should the site become available.
-The project would be built in several phases with the first taking 24 months; the second, up to three years; and build-out within 10 years.
-The developer: NPO Investments; contact: Karl Lutjens, Southland Engineering.
-For more, click DRI files One and Two.
-What's next: The development center will review the application, perhaps seek additional information and then decide whether it benefits the community. We'll have more updates.
3) State unemployment rate climbs to record 9.7% in May
We're a week away from the local reports but the May jobless rate for Georgia sends a ominous signal. The state's unemployment rate was at 9.7 percent last month, the highest ever, vs. 5.9 percent a year earlier. The fear is a double whammy could hit with the June numbers: College graduations plus an influx of high school summer workers.
"Georgia's record unemployment rate of 9.7 percent is a stark reminder that the road to economic recovery will be long and difficult," says State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.
Last month, 463,883 unemployed Georgians were looking for work, an increase of 62 percent from May 2008. Of that number, 157,544, or 34 percent, were receiving state unemployment insurance benefits, while another 90,000 are receiving federal extended benefits, a Labor release shows.
The number of payroll jobs in May decreased 217,000, or 5.2 percent, from May 2008. The over-the-year losses came in professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, and in the construction industry. Job gainers totaling 16,200 were recorded in health care and educational services.
Suddenly, community has two key offers from private colleges to consider
The above image is a rendering of the 55-court tennis center Berry College is proposing as a college/community endeavour. Berry is offering the land; what's needed is funding. In the case of Shorter College, the offer is $400,000 to help enhance Barron Stadium for future college, high school and community use. And there's another joint venture now in rumor stage. For more, click Campus
Thursday's Buzz:
-Rome Braves summer camp set for June 29-July 1> Kids
-Shorter Hawks' home opener to be Web cast live Oct. 1> Campus
-'Hawk Spotlight' returns to Comcast thanks to Shorter, Coosa> Click
-Chamber After Hours tonight from 5:30-7 p.m., Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia, 211 E. Main St.> Chamber
-Still a few spots available at Kiki's camp for diabetic kids> Health
-Free recital at Shorer Thursday: A public recital featuring vocal performances from Shorter College student participants in the National Association of Teachers of Singing intern program will be held at 2 .p.m. Thursday in Brookes Chapel> Details
Weather:
-Thursday: 20% rain chance and a high of 94.
-Thursday night: Low of 70; 20% chance of rain.
-Friday: High near 96, sunny skies.
-Friday night: Low of 72, crystal skies.
-Weekend: More of the same Saturday, Sunday
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
![[IMG_0128_edited-1-772960.jpg]](http://www.hometownheadlines.com/New_Site/images/IMG_0128_edited-1-772960.jpg)
Photo by Mills Fitzner/More water photos: Click Gallery
Centerfielder David Berres returns fire on the Braves Brigade during a wet and wild Wednesday afternoon at the ballpark. Temperatures climbed to 96 degrees on the field.
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-In Tennessee, it's Dolly Parton, Elvis and Lane Kiffin--not necessarily in that order.
Rome Braves updates:
-Braves knocked out of playoff hunt, 3-2, by Savannah
-Up next: Thursay-Sunday in Augusta; then three-day All-Star break
-Braves baseball camp for kids set for June 29-July 1.
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
- The lowdown on downtown entertainment from Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania.com
-3,000 due each day at Jehovah's Witness convention at The Forum.
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
Weather
-Near-record heat wave sets in today: Get ready for afternoon highs in the upper 
90s this week with the century mark--100--predicted for Friday afternoon. Highs today and Thursday should top out at 98 degrees with overnight lows near 70. Our records for this time of year: 101 and 102 degrees (1974) while the average temperatures for mid June range from a low of 63 to a high of 85. Remember: drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing, avoid excessive time outdoors> Weather
Education
Darlington's new middle school to feature latest high-tech teaching tools
This photo from Darlington's Facebook page show how close the new middle school is to completion. For more, click Gallery
As the finishing touches begin on Darlington's $21 million middle school building, administrators are preparing to orientate themselves, faculty and students to the
state-of-the-art education center.
-For one, students will find high-tech "white boards" in every classroom, says James Hutchins, associate director of Darlington's Middle School. Also on the way: wireless access, library/media center, commons area, band room, music instruction area and cafeteria. Many of the middle school activities will now be centered in the new building and not spread to the upper campus.
-Also, the building will be highly energy efficient.. Ryan Jacobs with R.J. Griffin & Co. says key environmental savings have gone into creating the building--including limiting construction wastes. Also, says Jacobs, some of the just-demolished junior school will be used to help finish the new building.
-Fund-raising efforts continue to go well, says Julie Lucas. The project is part of Darlington's $90 million Second Century Campaign and, already, more than $60 million has been pledged. Donations continue to be accepted.
-Another key number to watch is middle school enrollment, says Hutchins, adding that it already has passed projections but room remains for additional students.
-A community tour/open house will be scheduled later in the fall.
-Hutchins, Lucas and Jacobs were guests on Tuesday's edition of Talk of the Town on WRGA 1470 AM and WSRM 93.5 FM. For more, click Darlington
Business
-New day spa joining RiverWalk: A new day spa is coming to one of the few remaining sites in the RiverWalk development, home to Olive Garden, Shane's and Sundae's. The spa will move into a 1,200-square-foot slot near the opposite end of Shane's. The shopping center site shows another "pending" tenant as well.
-'Town West' developer sells timberland: Forestar Group Inc., the company planning to build more than 2,550 residences just west of Adairsville, has completed its sale of 75,000 acres in Georgia and Alabama to Hancock Timber Resource Group for $120 million. Says a Forestar announcement: "The company intends to use proceeds from this sale to reduce debt in accordance with its strategic initiatives announced on Feb. 11."> Additional release
-100-plus openings at job fair set for June 23 at Kennesaw State: Sodexo, a national food service vendor, is interviewing food service workers on Tuesday, June 23, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Immediate needs are: Cooks, Cashiers, Stock Workers, Supervisors, utility personnel, Dishwashers, Food Prep Workers. The job fair is in the student center at Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road. Source: State Department of Labor.
Media
Fall football taking shape on local radio:
-Look for the Rome High Wolves to be on Q102 this fall. Rome opens at home Aug. 28 vs. East Paulding. Click 2009 schedule
-Pepperell High Dragons will continue to do its own broadcast on WSRM 93.5 FM this fall. The Dragons open Aug. 28 on the road at Paulding County>2009
-WBHF 1450 AM once again will be home to the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes. CHS opens the season Aug. 28 at home vs. Cass> Click 2009
Dining
Whole lotta shake'n going on for dads Saturday: We're suckers for freebies and this one from Chick-Fil-A is too good to pass up. Fathers get free 14-ounce milkshakes when visiting the Chicks in Rome, Calhoun and Cartersville as well as the Chick-fil-A Dwarf House on Shorter Avenue in Rome. The catch: Dad and a child need to be present. Chocolate for us, please> Chick-Fil-A
Wednesday's Buzz
--HCA, parent of Redmond, CMC, Polk, honored by Computerworld> HCA
-Dr. Andrea Strauss named director of Shorter's marching band> Campus
-Chris Delfausse to serve as Berry's first men's lacrosse head coach> Berry
Weather:
-Wednesday: 20% chance of rain, high of 98.
-Wednesday night: Clearing skies, low of 69.
-Thursday: Another scorcher: 98 degrees.
-Latest local Radar / Latest regional Radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-Absolutely nobody wagers on National Football League games. Ha! You wanna bet?
Rome Braves updates:
-Savannah wins, 6-3, crippling Rome's first-half hopes
-Up next: This afternoon at 1 vs. Savannah
-Latest Mills Fitzner game photos> Gallery
Downtown Headlines:
-3,000 due each day at Jehovah's Witness convention at The Forum.
-What's ahead this week in downtown Rome.
