Wednesday's updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

More changes on Rome's retail scene:

-'Broader concept' for Riverside Gourmet? Kevin Dillmon of Riverside Gourmet says he'll be moving within two weeks and will be opening up a new, "broader" concept in another location. Two sites are in the final running. The storefront at 233 Broad St. will soon give way to Johnny's New York Style Pizza> Gourmet

-Plum Yummy closing at River Crossing but will remain in business: Amy Gossett is closing Plum Yummy Gourmet Goodies for Bath & Body, a storefront in River Crossing (Hawthorn Suites) along Second Avenue. She says she'll continue to sell at the farmer's market. Her Web site is at Plum Yummy and you can follow her on Facebook, too.

-Two new closing rumors being tracked: Yet another retailer is rumored to be closing as is a Cartersville restaurant. So far, no confirmation on either but we'll be tracking both again today.

-Promising signs, smells on Broad Street: Passers by on Tuesday saw smoke coming from one of the main cookers at the home of several barbecue restaurants in recent years, including Cotton Block Barbecue. Look for new owners and a new name on the site soon. A worker was checking shop and cooker over on Tuesday.

-Savvy Scrubs closing in January as well: Yet another local retailer is calling it quits after the first of the year. Savvy Scrubs is announcing, via Facebook, that it, too is going out of business. Plus: Other closings> Business

-Wal-Mart on Redmond/Shorter due for remodeling: Maybe this will end 2009's worst rumor of the West Rome Wal-Mart heading to Armuchee. Remodeling bids of the existing store are being sought. New signage is among the changes.

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Dempsey's VoteSafe program clears Justice review> Access North Georgia

-Walburn, Creamer, Grizzards, Gammon to be honored by sports hall: Meet the four newest inductees into the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame: Jackie Miller Walburn for Amateur Athlete; Felton Creamer for Meritorious Service; Robert (Bob) Grizzard for Meritorious Service; and Vernon Grizzard for Meritorious Service. Also: special recognition in memory of Von Gammon> Details

-Habitat crews target Floyd's 'My House': Help Habitat for Humanity start the New Year by tearing things up. Floyd Medical Center is going to demolish "My House." Floyd is letting Habitat remove everything from this home that can be used. Crews are needed Monday and Tuesday. Bring cordless drills if you have them and good gloves and sturdy shoes. Workers will meet at "My House," 316 W. Fifth St. at 9 a.m. Please leave an RSVP at 706-676-1128.

Your latest forecast/Soggy end to 2009:

-Wednesday: High of 47, 30% rain chance; low of 38; 90% rain chance.
-Thursday: High of 50, 40% rain chance.
-New Year's Eve: 30% chance of rain/snow; 37 degrees.
-New Year's Day: Sunny, high of 46, low of 23.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

If skies cooperate, look for a 'blue moon' New Year's Eve: We've got a full moon forecast for Thursday night's skies if the weather cooperates. Dr. Bob Young points out that a blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a calendar month. "On the average, there are 41 Blue Moons in a century.  That comes to about one Blue Moon in two-and-a-half years. For more on Blue Moons, click: Blue Moon.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey
-Some of the stuff that's going on in sports really makes you wonder

Dining Guide> Click

-Latest restaurant public health inspection scores for Northwest Georgia

Wine News Vine> Click

-N. Georgia wineries offer 12/31 specials; some closed for holiday--and month. Tiger Mountain has '20-10' special.

Downtown Headlines> Downtown
-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania entertainment report.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

Tuesday's headlines

For more, please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Ending 2009 on a downer . . .

-Calhoun's Cherokee Closeouts closes next month: The recession has claimed another victim: Cherokee Closeouts Home Port in Calhoun. Manager Don Edwards says the store will close in January but an official date has not been set. Owners already closed a store in Duluth. The original store in Canton remains open. A going-out-of-business sale is under way at 645 E. Ga. 53. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It follows The Gap at Mount Berry Square and Chico's at Riverbend.

-More retail changes: The slow has claimed another victim, this time Alisha's Hallmark and Gift Shop in the Riverbend Center. According to Vik Sheth, shop owner, the store will close in late February. A going out of business sale will begin after the first of the year. "There is just not enough business to afford this rent," Sheth said. Sheth said the Alisha's Hallmark at Mount Berry Square will remain open.

-Riverbend: Hallmark's news comes just a week after neighboring store, Chico's, announced it is closing in January. Hibbett's could be expanding there.

... but 2010 looks like a ... 10. (click).

Natalie Simms' special report checks local economic sectors to find:
-Harbin's Cancer Center, Floyd's electronic medical records on the way.
-Colleges already experiencing huge year with new programs, overall growth.
-Gordon County already sees 200 new jobs, millions in new growth.
-Clarence Brown Conference Center, booming Tellus pace Bartow County.
-Downtown: More shops coming; 3-year vet Great Harvest has new ideas.
-Second, third quarter look promising to banking executive.
-Economic potential, possible tennis center on Floyd's agenda.
-Internet, social media key to Cedartown's Bussey Florist & Gifts' growth

New since our morning e-mail, Twitter alerts:

-Shorter College celebrates 'The Year of the Hawk: Shorter has become one of the top NAIA programs.Harold the Hawk> Click

-Georgia High School Football Daily: Roster for today's North-South game; end of season honors> Click

-Latest weather forecast below; snow possible New Year's Eve.

-Latest state business updates from Ga. Trend> Ga. Business

-Track today's Dow, other markets> Google Finance

-Georgia Political & Policy Digest's daily headlines> Ga. Politics

-Join us/Hometown Headlines has had a record year of daily visitors. Join us each morning with a link from our free e-mail update. Click Subscribe.

Tuesday's Buzz:

-No tour in 2010: The Tour de Georgia has been canceled for the second year in a row because of the economy and lack of sponsorships. The event had a six-year run from 2003-2008, with stops in Rome during the first five years> Cycling News

-Floyd names Cherry Jones a Hero> Health

Your latest forecast/New Year's Eve snow?
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 46, low of 26.
-Wednesday: High of 54, 20% rain chance; low of 38; 80% rain chance.
-Thursday: High of 52, 40% rain chance.
-New Year's Eve: 30% chance of rain/snow; 36 degrees.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable:
-'Kourage' and Michael Vick? Not hardly; there must be something in the Gainesville water.

Thursday's updates: Healthcare reform passes Senate; Chico's leaving Riverbend; more wind, rain on the way

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com.

 

Next scheduled e-mail alert: Monday morning. Have a wonderful Christmas.

 

Chico's to exit Riverbend Center in January:

-Yet another local retail outlet is leaving Rome after the first of the year. Chico's, which is near Kroger and Hibbett's at Riverbend Center, is closing in January, says Robert Atkinson, vice president/investor relations for Chico's FAS. . There is talk of Hibbett's expanding into the nearly 3,000-square-foot storefront. As for retail: The Chico's news comes a day after confirmation that The Gap will leave Mount Berry Square by late January.

-Year-end deja vu: With two closings now confirmed, the end of 2009 is sounding a bit too much like the final days of 2008. That's when we were hearing talk of the closing of Goody's, the final days of Circuit City and the just-closed location of Office Depot on Shorter Avenue. Two of those spots remain vacant.

-Mount Berry Square is open today from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

-Prime Outlets in Calhoun are open today from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Updated/Wind advisory, 1 this afternoon until 7 a.m. Christmas Day> Click

-Weather updates all day, evening from Hometown Headlines.

-Today: 80% chance of rain, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 57. East wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
-Tonight: 100% chance of rain. Low around 43. Southeast wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
-Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
-Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Senate approves healthcare reform package, 60-39, along party lines> CNN

-Says an angry Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.: "This process is not over by a long shot, and I will continue to fight against it every single day. Ramming through a bill drafted behind closed doors and stuffed with special deals to secure the votes of certain senators was the wrong way to go about this debate. The health care of the American people is too important for the Senate to exploit it so politically in this manner. This has not been a thoughtful process, and it is an unfortunate way to do business. At a time when Georgia and most states are already under tremendous budgetary stress due to the economy, the proposed expansion of Medicaid contained in this bill is a recipe for disaster. It's not fair to say we're covering more people if we are bankrupting our states through this massive unfunded mandate. The unintended consequences of this legislation are disastrous."

Vanishing jobs as big a concern as unemployment. Nov. '09 vs. Nov. '08

	Working	Jobless	Percent	Working	Jobless	Percent
Bartow	40,048	5,825	12.7%	42,432	3,849	8.3%
Chattooga	9,037	1,211	11.8%	10,063	1,203	10.7%
Floyd	43,813	5,180	10.6%	45,498	3,617	7.4%
Gordon	21,687	3,271	13.1%	24,613	2,342	8.7%
Polk	18,992	2,257	10.6%	20,083	1,549	7.2%

-The good news from the state Department of Labor is the jobless rated eased a bit in November when compared to stats from October. Floyd saw a drop of 0.3 percent while Gordon's rate dropped from 13.6 to 13.1 percent.

-But what is study just as close is the number of jobs that have left the market. The November workforce in Floyd in November 2009 was 43,813 compared to nearly 45,500 a year earlier. That's a drop of 1,685 jobs while the number of people without work in those months differed by 1,563. In fact, fewer people were working in November compared to October stats.

-In Bartow, 2,384 fewer people were working last month vs November 2008 while the number of people without jobs climbed by 1,976, or from 3,849 to 5,825. That's 400 fewer overall jobs.

-Hardest hit was Gordon County. 2,926 fewer jobs were last month vs. November 2008 while the number of people without jobs climbed by 929.

-Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in November 2009 was 3,874,200, a decrease of 192,400, or 4.7 percent, from 4,066,600 in November 2008.

- The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction.

-Educational and health services added 13,800 jobs over the year. Also, 8,500 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education and health care vs. October.   
-The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in November, up from 10.1 percent in October. 

Thursday's Buzz:

-Early word is that we'll soon smell barbecue on Broad Street again.

-Later today: Restaurant public health inspection scores.

-What the NAIA football columnist has to say about Rome and the championship game: Simply put, he couldn't be nicer> Details

Downtown Headlines> Downtown
-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania entertainment report--a day early.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Surprise college coach and player-of-the-year awards go to Patterson, Suh.

-Norman's next column: Monday, Dec. 28.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Christmas Week services:

First Baptist Church, Lindale, 9 Park Ave: Click

-10 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Children welcome to come in their PJs and bring their stuffed animals.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, downtown Rome: All services in the church.

-Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. Children's Service; Holy Eucharist; 11 p.m. Eve of the Nativity; Holy Eucharist; broadcast live on WLAQ 1410 AM.

-Christmas Day: 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist

St. Mary's Catholic Church, 911 N. Broad St. All services in the church

-Christmas Eve:  4 and 5:30 p.m. (childrens pageant); 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. (Spanish); 10 p.m., choir program; 11 p.m., Midnight Mass.  

-Christmas Day: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Spanish)

Thanks to NORAD, you can track Santa again this year> NORAD

Christmas week guide:

-Grim predictions for Christmas, New Year's travel: From the state patrol -- The Christmas holiday traffic count will begin Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. and end at midnight Sunday, Dec. 27.  During the 78-hour period, the Georgia State Patrol estimates 2,226 traffic crashes will occur with for 976 injuries and 18 fatalities.  The New Year's holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and ends at midnight Sunday, Jan. 3.  Estimates are for 2,330 traffic crashes, 1,004 injuries and 16 fatalities. Click State Patrol

-Gas prices down from last month, way up from December 2008: There's a little relief at the pumps this week as the average price of a gallon of unleaded was $2.42, down four cents from last month but up 84cents from a year ago> Gas

-Check state highways before hitting the road> DOT

-Get banking done early: Many banks will close at noon today with some not opening again until Dec. 28.

-No mail Friday, Christmas Day.

-The remote solid-waste collection sites in Floyd County will be closed
on Friday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. Normal operating schedule will resume Saturday, Dec. 26> Details

Slight dip in November jobless rates

First look at November jobless rates: a bit of relief vs. October

-The Georgia Department of Labor is releasing November jobless rates this morning. The first look shows as follows:

	Bartow	Chattooga	Floyd	Gordon	Polk	Georgia
November	12.7%	11.8%	10.6%	13.1%	10.6%	10.2%
October	12.9%	13.4%	10.9%	13.6%	10.7%	10.1%

-Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in November 2009 was 3,874,200, a decrease of 192,400, or 4.7 percent, from 4,066,600 in November 2008. The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction.

-On a positive note, educational and health services added 13,800 jobs over the year. Also, from October to November, a total of 8,500 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education, and health care.   
-Meanwhile, the state 's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in November, up one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.1 percent in October. 

Wednesday's headlines: Gap leaving Mount Berry Square

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

The Gap leaving Rome, Mount Berry Square after holidays: Look for a big vacancy at Mount Berry Square as The Gap/Gap Kids leaves. A manager confirmed shopper reports that the story is leaving the mall "by the 23" (January). We contacted company headquarters and got this response for Daniel Rubin:  "We can confirm this to be the case. The decision to close a store is always a difficult one -- a number of factors impact the decision including store location, store performance and number of stores in the market. We are constantly evaluating our store fleet to ensure we have the right stores in the right locations to best serve our customers." A Gap Outlet remains in business at Prime Outlets in Calhoun.

Busy final days to Christmas shopping season:

The stores and parking lot at Prime Outlets in Calhoun were bustling Tuesday afternoon. At 4:15 p.m., there was a short wait to turn into the center from the highway.

With the Christmas shopping season in the final hours, we're hearing about deals galore up and down the highway.

-Prime Outlets in Calhoun: General Manager/marketing manager Janet Paulsen says store hours have been extended today ( 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.) with Christmas Eve hours set for 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Here's why: Paulsen cites a survey by August Partners that concludes "more than 2 million people across the U.S. will start their holiday shopping with just days to spare before Christmas." So Prime Outlets launched the  "Done in a Day for Less" push with the "top 10" tips for last-minute holiday shopping on a budget. Click Gordon

-Start 'After Christmas Sale' before Christmas starts: Bill Pelfrey didn't wait until after Christmas to launch World Hi-Fi's After Christmas Sale. The store's Twitter followers on Tuesday got word of the "After Christmas $ale before Christmas $ale." Pelfrey is offering "25 percent off storewide -- Black Friday prices -- except for Sanyo and Octane Sounds." The sale ends New Year's Eve.

-Even restaurants are taking part: Tuesday night at Antonio's Restaurant in downtown Cartersville, kids got free hot chocolate and candy in addition to a last-minute visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

RaceWay convenience store/fuel center to enter Rockmart: Look for the shop to rise at the corner of U.S. 278 and Ga. 113 in front of the Wal-Mart Super Center. RaceWay is part of the RaceTrac group but the stores are leased to others; RaceTrac stores are company owned. The nearest RaceWay is in Acworth. With RaceTrac charging $2.32 a gallon for unleaded Tuesday evening in Cartersville vs. $2.45 in Rome, perhaps we'll see a fresh wave of competition> Background

First signs of new cancer center: Look for demolition work to begin soon as Floyd removes the former "My House" and Cancer Navigators offices to make way for 64 additional parking spaces in preparation for the start of construction of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center along Second Avenue on the FMC campus. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot cancer center should be open next December. Click

More sports tourism due/Ga. State Junior Winter Open Championship:

-Just days after the successful NAIA National Championship football game at Barron Stadium, West Third Street is coming alive again Monday with the Georgia State Junior Winter Open Championship. Here's a look, by the numbers:

-489 players qualified Southern Division of U.S. Tennis Association 18-and-younger.

-Almost 70, or 14 percent of the players, are in a 50-mile radius.

-Expected economic impact $165,886.

-Guaranteed two singles matches; doubles guaranteed three matches

-Court action starts at 8 every morning, playing on the Rome Tennis Courts as well as Alto, Pepperell, Darlington, Calhoun, Shorter, Georgia Highlands, Etowah

-Bobby Walker, former pro at the Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority, is bringing a rough team in from Louisiana. Source: Lisa Smith, CVB

Floyd designated a Certified Work Ready Community:.Floyd County was cited for: 3,274 Work Ready Certificates earned (233 percent above goal) and increased high school graduation rate, from 71.4 to 76.6 percent> Details

-Karen Handel resigns to focus on GOP bid for governor. Details

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
-Wednesday night: Some clouds, low of 40.
-Thursday: 70% chance of rain. High of 51.
-Christmas Eve: 100% rain chance, low of 43.
-Christmas Day: Partly sunny, with a high of 51.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

New York ticket wins $162 million MegaMillions jackpot: The numbers:

03-33-35-39-45 and MegaBall 13> MegaMillions

Downtown Headlines> Downtown
-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania entertainment report--a day early.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Is it true that the ACC basketball coaching is no match for the ACC talent?

Tuesday's headlines

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

NAIA 2009 game leaves estimated economic impact of $1.83 million:

Members of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau spent part of Monday collecting and grinding first-phase expenditure quotes and conclude this year's NAIA National Championship Game had a $1,830,886 impact on Rome and Floyd County. The estimate is based on last week's activities and the state formula for tabulating how dollars were churned. The 2008 game had an economic impact of $1.5 million. As for 2009: The CVB will be surveying downtown merchants, area hotels and restaurants to get additional "observations." The 2010 game also will be played at Barron Stadium next December with additional years possible; negotiations between the community and NAIA resume next month.

-Two NAIAs 'equal' one Barron/SPLOST enhancement: Something to consider as negotiations begin for extending the championship contract: The combined economic impact of the first two NAIA games in Rome is $3.33 million. The estimated cost to enhance Barron Stadium with turf, other amenities: $3.37 million.

-Updates to the 'further review' of game's impact from readers> Buzz

Below/Your Christmas week guide> Click

The elves at Petit Creek Farms in Cartersville were busy Monday evening getting ready for Santa's worldwide run on Christmas Eve. You can catch the elves and "a mile of lights" at the farm now through Dec.30 Donation: $10 per car. Details: Click.

-For more photos from Monday night, please click Bartow.

-Christmas Eve, Day services are area churches.

-Gas prices, extended shopping hours, road conditions, closings, weather.

-Thanks to NORAD, you can track Santa again this year> NORAD

Building boom at Berry to continue into new year

Monday photo by Jack Druckenmiller

Work continues this week on the Kilpatrick Commons area rising between the Krannert Center and The Cage athletics center. The commons will feature an outdoor seating area as well as a fountain, and should be finished this spring. Krannert has undergone a major refit this year as the size of the dining hall has been doubled and the ballroom expanded. The year's other big projects include the completion of the Morgan and Deerfield Residence Halls with nearly 350 new beds for students. For more on Kilpatrick Commons, please check this page from the spring edition of Berry magazine (Click)

or this from the fall edition (Click)

-'You are looking live...': Take a look at the project as it comes together via this live Web cam from Berry> Click

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Gonsalves joins Floyd Primary Care in Summerville> Health

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. 
-Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.
-Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
-Wednesday night: Some clouds, low of 40.
-Thursday: 70% chance of rain. High of 50.
-Christmas Eve: 90% rain chance, low of 48.
-Christmas Day: 30% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high of 51. -Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $162 million>MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-The best and worst college football conferences of the decade.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

NAIA game had $1.83 million impact on Rome/Floyd

NAIA 2009 game leaves estimated economic impact of $1.83 million

 

Members of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau spent part of Monday collecting and grinding first-phase expenditure quotes and conclude this year's NAIA National Championship Game had a $1,830,886 impact on Rome and Floyd County. The estimate is based on last week's activities and the state formula for tabulating how dollars were churned. The 2008 game had an economic impact of $1.5 million. As for 2009: The CVB will be surveying downtown merchants, area hotels and restaurants to get additional "observations." The 2010 game also will be played at Barron Stadium next December with additional years possible; negotiations between the community and NAIA resume next month.

 

for more,click www.hometownheadlines.com

Monday's updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

This week's Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-'09 NAIA football championship & Rome: Upon further review...: The highs and lows of the championship events and what they meant to Rome/Floyd.
-Tight times hitting non-profits; RACA faces tough decisions early next year.
-3Dot Buzz: Pizza Hunt switch almost ready; Bobby Lee Cook on Broad.
-Peaks & Valleys: A salute to a fresh it of air in the House.

Your Christmas week forecast suddenly looks soggy:

-Welcome to the first day of winter--and the shortest 'day' of the year.

-We once had a possibility of snow in the Christmas Eve forecast but now it looks all wet with up to three inches of rain possible. Click Outlook

-Monday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Low of 32.
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Low around 37.
-Christmas Eve: 80% rain chance, low of 34.
-Christmas: High of 47, 30% rain chance.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Christmas week guide> Click

-Gas prices, extended shopping hours, road conditions, closings, weather.

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tuesday's MegaMillions jackpot: $162 million>MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-The Saints are human after all; there might yet be hope for Georgia basketball.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

Christmas week guide:

-Last-minute shopping: Mount Berry Square is really stretching the final hours. The mall is open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 7 a,.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve. And those day after Christmas sales? Doors open at 7 a.m.

-Gas prices down from last month, way up from December 2008: There's a little relief at the pumps this week as the average price of a gallon of unleaded was $2.42, down four cents from last month but up 84cents from a year ago> Gas

-Check state highways before hitting the road> DOT

-Get banking done early in the week: Many banks will close at noon Thursday with some not opening again until Dec. 28.

-No mail Friday, Christmas Day.

 

'09 NAIA championship game & Rome: Upon further review . . . :

One of the nearly 150 pictures from Aimee H. Madden and Alan Storey available on the NAIA site following Saturday's Sioux Falls-Lindenwood game. Click

A look at what did and didn't work with Rome/Floyd County's second year of hosting the NAIA national championship football game:

-Touchdown: The game itself. It was a thriller following a somewhat slow 8-0 first quarter start. The last two minutes are what college football is all about. A pensive three-point lead, a critical fumble, a defensive struggle and a win.

-Field goal: The weather. From 1.40 inches of rain on Friday to the threat of snow to a brisk mid-40s to a wind chill of maybe 32, it was a step up (thankfully) from the 2008 edition. We were sure someone would demand a dome from Rome before the next game is played, let alone the new turf now on the way.

-Fumble: Shirt vendors. A long-sleeved T-shirt with "custom" decals on the front and back costing $35 each? These vendors need to sign that NAIA "champions of character" pledge if they're allowed back next year.

-Touchdown: The crowd. In addition to the teams and visiting fans, a healthy mix of some of Rome/Floyd County's most dedicated sports fans were there, from kids to church buddies and high school groups to Rome Braves' executives and a fleet of Shorter College leaders. This was the place to be Saturday.

-Field goal: The parking. Barron's fabled parking scramble was actually a breeze. Locals knew where to park; visitors had ample opportunities.

-Touchdown:  The hometown atmosphere. The "feel" of the game was complete with an excellent performance by the Rome High Band and the soothing sounds of John McClellan's voice on the PA system.

-Fumble: Blown TV exposure. The broadcast was fine but Rome/Floyd County missed a ton of national exposure opportunities as the CBS College Sports cameras flashed around Barron Stadium. The most dominant image: A Floyd ambulance. This game is a "three-hour infomercial" for the community; take advantage of it.

-Fumble: That Diet Dr. Pepper can. If you sat in the seats closest to the tennis center on Saturday, a big inflatable Diet Dr. Pepper can blocked most of the scoreboard. Next time, try it on the fitness center side. We understand product placement; we also understand $25 seats and a high-scoring game.

-Touchdown: Amen, Mr. Mayor: Perhaps the proudest moment for Rome/Floyd County came Friday during the banquet presentations. Rome Mayor Wright Bagby reminded the audience that even amid a recession, local voters in November approved a $42.3 million SPLOST package that will enhance Barron Stadium with artificial turf and other amenities. "I'm proud of our town," Bagby said. And we're proud of the mayor for letting visiting guests know we've done our part.

-Touchdown: The game hosts and host committee. Once again, a near-flawless job. Even as the rain forced the cancellation of FAN-atic Friday, the crew moved to "Plan B"--as in the Georgia Blues Brothers. The group was to entertain fans on Town Green. When plans changed, the committee brought them indoors to close out the Friday night banquet. That gave 500 guests something to "Shout!" about.

-Final score: Rome/Floyd County is 2-0 with NAIA hosting duties with a chance to make it a three-year sweep next December. And maybe many more Decembers if negotiations go the right way starting next month.

Three-Dot Buzz . . . :

Pizza Hut switch set for this week: Look for the East Rome Pizza Hut to complete its moves to the new Pizza Hut/WingStreet on Martha Berry on Wednesday. The current site eventually will give way to a new Zaxby's as Turner McCall's Fast Food Freeway picks up another restaurant and drive-through . . .

Bobby Lee on Broad Street: Insiders says Summerville's super lawyer Bobby Lee Cook has purchased the building at 510-512 Broad St., now home to Victorian Tea Room and Harbin Clinic's behavioral center. The property, once owned by Mario Armas, was ordered to be auctioned by federal marshals. Cook is said to have been the high bidder during Friday's auction. We hope to have more on his plans for the location soon. Bobby does have a few unique ties to the community. Background . . .

Tough times rack RACA; arts group's board of directors to face some tough decisions in early 2010 as economy cuts donations

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

It's been a tough year all around and few have been hit harder than the local non-profit sector. When people are tightening their budgets, it usually means their donations are cut or reduced.

One program facing serious financial decisions in the coming months is the Rome Area Council for the Arts. With dropped memberships and donations way down, it's been a tough fourth quarter of 2009.

"We're like every other non-profit in our community. When personal income is down, we're the last place they are thinking about giving money," says Rebecca Koontz, executive director of RACA. "They will choose food over donations. We are surviving but it's a struggle."

The organization had to lay-off its part-time office manager in late November, leaving Koontz as a one-woman show to run the group along with the Board of Directors. RACA has a gallery at 248 Broad St. that features local and regional artists as well as provides a number of programs for adults and children.

"Right now we have to ask, what is our budget going to allow us to do?" says Sherry Childs, president of RACA's Board of Directors. "We hope to still offer these programs in the future. Since we had to let our office manager go, that puts a huge burden on our Executive Director. But we're continuing to look at where to make cuts if needed."

Childs says January and February will be important planning months for the group as it will decide what direction to move with the organization given its current financial situation.

"Our organization has been around since the '70s and our mission is to promote the arts and emerging artists, especially highlighting local artists," she says. "At this point, we're like all non-profits in an economic downturn…but we've been a longstanding organization and done a lot to promote the arts, so we would encourage our community to support us."

Founded in 1976, RACA is recognized for producing, promoting and supporting the arts in Rome and Floyd County. RACA also helps artists and organizations working in the visual arts, literary arts and performing arts, including music, theater and dance. Programs also include classes, workshops, summer art camps, school performances, after school programs and outreach programs to senior centers and mental health facilities.

"If folks look around, you will see the arts do so much to enhance our way of life," Childs says. "Arts are thriving in our community. Just walk up and down Broad Street to see proof of that with music, theatre and art."

RACA works to "parent" other organizations including the Rome Area Songwriters Association and the recent Georgia Literary Festival in October. The group also served as the "incubator" for the Rome International Film Festival.

"We need arts in this community because any industry that comes to town is going to look at our quality of life. They look at everything from arts to schools because they want their workers to have a well-rounded life," Koontz says. "Art affects all of us…everything you touch has a creative person behind it."

And there are a lot of art supporters in this community. RACA held "A Holiday Tasting of Downtown" last Thursday. Approximately 145 participants sampled food and beverages at one of seven participating businesses including 333 on Broad, Harvest Moon Cafe, Jefferson's, La Scala, Old Havana Cigar, Opi's and Schroeder's. Tickets were $15 each.

"The event went very well and we had a lot of positive feedback from the restaurants that participated," says Scott Moody, event organizer and RACA past president. Koontz says RACA made an $1,800 profit from the event and is considering doing a tasting each quarter. The first one was held last fall.

"The tasting of downtown drew a very diverse group of people. There were several folks that came in that had never been inside our place before," says Jay Shell, owner of 333 on Broad. "It gave us a chance to meet those people, let them sample our food and put a menu in their hand so they can see what we are all about. Not to mention it helps a great cause in RACA. Being a new business, we have been honored to have been asked to take part. The Tasting of Downtown not only helps RACA and our business, but it also promotes our beautiful downtown as well."

Steven McDowell of Old Havana Cigar Co. agrees. "Our business was not only a participant but my wife and I attended and saw all seven businesses. We enjoyed all the places in downtown Rome and got to meet with others. The event was very successful and brought some new faces into our business.

"RACA works hard to maintain an excellent reputation," he added. "The current board and volunteers are very good at creative ways to raise money that not only benefits them but benefits the city of Rome…its very positive for downtown."

RACA also is wrapping up a "Clothesline Sale" through Thursday to help raise additional funds. Artists from the group's Art Coterie have donated pieces that are on sale for $50 or less. All proceeds benefit RACA. The studio is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will open at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve for those last-minute shoppers.

For more information about RACA and how you can donate, visit www.romearts.org or call 706-295-2787. To become a member, click here.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to the majority of state House members: Nice to see a breath of fresh air sweep through the Georgia House of Representatives following the era of "hawks" and other abusive techniques of the Glenn Richardson regime. State Rep. David Ralston, D-Blue Ridge, still must stand for election before the entire House in January, and certainly will have Democratic opposition. But Ralston and supporters have toppled Richardson's remaining regime. We sure wish the list of how each lawmaker voted in Thursday's caucus was public.

Peak to state Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville: The local lawmaker was getting some major looks as a potential speaker's candidate himself. The three-term Republican did the right thing on Wednesday, removing his name from consideration in favor of focusing attention on a single candidate from the conservative pack. Both his short-lived candidacy and the stepping aside have increased Loudermilk's awareness in the district, the House and even statewide if such an opportunity ever arises.

Friday's updates: Weather alerts

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Wind watch, flood watch in effect today; snow tonight, Saturday?

-Weather updates today, all weekend from Hometown Headlines

Source: intellicast.com

So much for the chamber of commerce weather earlier predicted for the NAIA football championship weekend in Rome/Floyd County. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain are possible in some parts of the region today as another storm system moves through. Plus: A wind advisory is in effect through midnight tonight. And let's not forget the snow: The's a 40 percent chance of rain and snow tonight and a 20 percent chance of a rain-snow mix Saturday and Saturday night.

-Game-time forecast looks cool but clear: Look for highs in the low 40s with a 10 percent chance of rain Saturday afternoon, according to weather.com.

-Flood watch in effect through this evening> Click

-Wind advisory in effect through midnight> Click

Your latest forecast:

-Today: Rain. 100% chance of rain; high of 43. Winds 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. New rainfall: 1 to 2 inches.

-Tonight: 40% chance of rain and snow, low of 35. Winds 5-10 mph.
-Saturday: 20% chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Wind to 10 mph.

-Saturday night: 20% chance of rain showers before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Low around 33.

-Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Gusts to 15 mph.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Rain cancels Friday's NAIA FAN-atic events: Friday's dicey forecast, including a 100 percent chance of rain in the day and 40 percent chance of rain and snow overnight, has led to the cancellation of the FAN-atic Friday events on Town Green. The party was to follow the NAIA banquet at The Forum, which is a sellout.

-For more on the NAIA game and events, please click Football Report.

-Read the AJC's take on Rome hosting the NAIA game. Click AJC

-Live streaming of NAIA events again today.

-NAIA banquet tonight a sellout.

-Tickets remains for Saturday's national championship game ($25 each, available at The Forum. Click Here)

-Downtown entertainment report, including NAIA events> Downtown

Politics:

-Georgia Senate now on Twitter: You can get updates from the Senate press office by following www.twitter.com/GASenatePress or click here

Downtown Headlines: (click)

-What's ahead in downtown Rome: NAIA, dinner theater.

-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania gets an early jump on the weekend.

Dining Guide (click)
-Latest health department restaurant inspection scores.

-Also, updates on the local restaurant scene.

Talk about Christmas jingle: Tonight's MegaMillions jackpot: $140 million> MegaMillions

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Norman's No-Nos, Bowl Edition (volume one):I see Boston College, North Carolina, Kentucky all losing.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Click

-More honors for Calhoun's Da' Rick Rogers.

Atlanta Braves release spring training 2010 schedule> Braves

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Atlanta Braves' ace Tommy Hanson to appear at Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum Jan. 25> Sports

-Ingle, Moore, Czajkowski, Chase return to Rome Braves in '10

-Rome Braves offer new 12-pack flex ticket plans.

-Registration, training begin for 3rd Berry Half Marathon March 6.

 

900 fewer jobs in Rome last month

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

900 less jobs here last month vs. Nov. 2008; down 400 vs. October

Source: The Georgia Department of Labor

The November report from the state Labor Department shows a 900-job year-over-year loss for Rome/Floyd County. Compared to October, the area lost 400 jobs in a month when hiring was supposed to pick up for the Christmas shopping season. Labor officials say the state's unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent in November compared to 10.1 percent in October. The November 2008 rate: 7.1 percent.

-Rome's job loss, 2,2 percent, was among the smallest in the state; Dalton topped the list at 7.4 percent followed by Macon, down 5.8 percent.

- "Georgia's job market is mired in a prolonged and painful economic downturn," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.  "The solution to America's economic crisis is job creation. The Georgia Department of Labor will host a bipartisan Jobs Summit on Jan; 18 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Convention Center. We will bring together the best minds in the state to develop a state-level strategy that will help spur economic growth and job creation."
-Statewide, the over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction

-Educational and health services added 13,800 jobs over the year. Also, from October to November, a total of 8,500 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education, and health care.

-Thurmond outlines bid for federal help for unemployment benefits> Click

Shorter's Phil Jones stresses key relationships during FCA Champions of Character breakfast today: Keynote speaker Phil Jones, coach of the Shorter Hawks, told a sold-out crowd of 500 about the value of relationships with family, team and the Lord. The breakfast is part of the NAIA football championship celebration in Rome now through Saturday> Details

Thursday's updates; snow in the forecast

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Snow in Saturday's forecast. And maybe more on the way. Details below.

Edible Arrangements coming to Rome's RiverWalk: The retail center at Turner McCall and Riverside Parkway will soon be home to an Edible Arrangements franchise, one of nearly 950 around the world. Founded in 1999, Edible Arrangements offers "fresh fruit bouquets to make any occasion special - from birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations to business events and client gifts." The shop is opening in a 1,200-square-foot storefront next to Stella Blu in RiverWalk. For more on the company, please click Edible

Loudermilk: I will not be a candidate for House speaker

-Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, has announced he will not be a candidate for House Speaker when Republicans convene today. Wrote Loudermilk in his "Dear Friends" letter: "I am very grateful to those who have given their public and private endorsement to me, and I believe this overwhelming support shows the desire for true conservative leadership in our state. After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided that, at this important juncture, the state would be best served if I, and other conservatives, combine our support behind a candidate who also holds to the principles of less government, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and traditional American values." For more, click Loudermilk 

-Awaiting House speaker updates later this morning: Keep an eye on Peach Pundit and the AJC's Gold Dome.

More executive changes in local banks: Yet another significant change has occurred at a community bank in Northwest Georgia, this time in Calhoun. David Lance Sr. is out as president and chief executive officer of North Georgia National Bank. Lance in a note to the media and others, said he and his board had had differences in recent years concerning how to manage the financial center. Lance also wrote that he has a "100 percent commitment" to Calhoun/Gordon County and recalled how the bank has grown from $11 million in assets to $160 million during his tenure. Calls to George Crowley, executive vice president of the bank, were not returned late Wednesday. Background: North Georgia reported assets of $164.7 million as of June 30, down 6.2 percent from June 2009. Deposits were $138.2 million, up 1.3 percent for the period, according to a Hometown Headlines review of FDIC reports. (Archive) For Lance's letter, please click Gordon.

-Previous changes: This past summer, Heritage First Bancshares saw Dr. Ken Davis named as chairman, replacing Barry Hurley. Weeks ago, River City Bank CEO Eddie Wilson was succeeded by Roger Smith. Wilson has since landed nicely at State Bank & Trust based in Macon.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will hold a press conference at 10 this morning to release November's unemployment rate and to "discuss the state's plan for funding future state unemployment insurance benefit costs and announce details regarding a Georgia Jobs Summit that will be held in January."

- AJC: Here's what to expect> Click

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Weather could become an issue for Saturday's game. Forecast calls for highs in the upper 40s but also a 40% chance of rain/snow.Weather below.

-Live streaming of NAIA events begins today.

-Later today/Coverage of the NAIA/Fellow of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Breakfast.

-NAIA banquet Friday night a sellout. Tickets remains for Saturday's national championship game ($25 each, available at The Forum. Click Here)

-Hickman, McDaniel are miracle workers for NAIA championship> Click

-FANatic Friday features teams, RHS band, Ga. Blues Brothers> Latest

-Downtown entertainment report, including NAIA events> Downtown

Today's Buzz:

-Beer, menu samples posted for 'A Holiday Tasting of Downtown'> Click

-Longtime nurse Nancy Bell, 'driving force' behind Kiki's Kids Camp, honored by state group> Health

-Berry College's Wendy Dahlgren awarded the 2009 Ruth Knight Outstanding Advisor Award> Details

-Latest edition of Virtually Shorter now online> Click

-Ga. Highlands, W. Georgia sign lease for Douglasville classes> Campus

-Dec. 18/The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority will meet at 8:30 am at the Forum in the Floyd Room.  This will be a joint meeting with The Development Authority of Floyd County.

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: More sun, high of 52, low of 37. Rain chance: 70%
-Friday: High of 41, 100% rain chance. Low of 35; 50% rain chance.
-Saturday: NAIA game: 47 degrees,  40% chance of rain/snow; low of 35; 30% chance of rain/snow.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-No matter that it might be a little early: here are the top 10 college football teams for 2010.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Details

-Several local names make North-South All-Star game rosters.