50% of Floyd has responded to Census. Latest politics. 79 & sunny

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Polk first, Chattooga last in Census forms by Thursday's deadline

Thursday's the deadline for returning the Census questionnaires mailed to local households in recent weeks.

-As of Tuesday, an estimate from the U.S. Census office showed 51 percent of Polk's questionnaires had been returned, followed by 50 percent each in Floyd and Gordon; 49 percent in Bartow and 48 percent in Chattooga. The state: 45 percent. Track your town here

-In the 2000 Census: Floyd was tops with 72 percent followed by Gordon County. Chattooga had 58 percent participation a decade ago.

-Census help available at the library: A Census Question and Answer Center is available at the Rome Library through April 19. Assistance is offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays> Census 2010.

Several closings to note on Good Friday, Easter:

-Several governments, including he city of Rome and Gordon County, will be closed Friday to observe Good Friday.

-Some merchants will be closed on Easter as well. Open for business at Prime Outlets in Calhoun (noon-6 p.m.) Old Navy, Nike, IZOD, Van Heusen, Bass, Gymboree and rue 21.

-Holy Week services continue> Click

Rome Floyd Spring into Peace opens tonight at 5 at the library: 'Building a Culture of Peace' exhibit at the library all month. You'll find a complete, week-by-week list of activities by clicking Peace

Politics

-Isakson back in the hospital; blood clot found> Click

-Qualifying continues in state, U.S. House races; voter registration deadline is Friday. Details> Gordon Headlines

-Latest legislative update from Rep. Barbara Massey Reece> Click

Wednesday's Buzz (subscribe here)

-May 22: Clean Rivers for Rome Medication Drop-off> Details

-Shorter's longtime music faculty members William and Mary Ann Knight have been selected as the 2010 National Teachers of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association> Click

-Dr. David Fillingim, associate professor of philosophy at Shorter College, recently published Georgia Cowboy Poets> Click

-Four faculty members were granted tenure and two others were promoted to professor during the recent College Board of Trustees meeting> Click

-Redmond Regional's donations help honor Doctors' Day 2010> Health

Your latest forecast:

-Red flag warning: watch for outdoor fires today> Details

-Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 79.

-Wednesday night: Clear skies, low of 42.

-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 83.

-Thursday night: Crystal skies with a low of 44.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Norman's nine burning questions in the World of Sports -- with guaranteed answers.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

April 27/The Masons' Challenge for Children's Health Care of Atlanta is a fund raising event for the new RiteCare Speech and Language Clinic at the Scottish Rite Hospital. Masons are selling sponsorship packages to businesses and individuals for the Spring Classic, an annual baseball game between Georgia and Georgia Tech, to be held at Turner Field on April 27. Packages are from $100 to $5,000. All proceeds from ticket sales by Masons will go directly to support the RiteCare Clinic. To help, write  bkayma@bellsout.net or call 770-973-0628.

April 17/Pep rally, meet-and-greet for RHS Football Coach Franco Perkins. The Rome High School Football Wolfpack Club invites all to a Community Wide Pep Rally to meet and greet former West Rome standout and newly appointed Head Football Coach Franco Perkins from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Rome Civic Center, Jackson Hill. Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers while meeting Coach Perkins and his staff. Admission is free.

Final Four to be served, Fusion style: That is, Viking Fusion style as Berry College's converged media site provides "exclusive student coverage of the NCAA tournament all weekend long from the games with photos" beginning Thursday. You can bookmark the Viking Fusion sports page now by clicking Here.

Tuesday: 2010 ballot a month away; 55 lots, 107 acres up for auction in two subdivisions

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Key one-month countdown begins to set stage for Campaign 2010:

-By noon Friday, April 30, we'll know who's qualified to run for a host of offices starting on the county level and continuing to General Assembly, governor's mansion and Congress. Qualifying opens April 26 and continues until noon April 30. With a month to go, speculation on potential challengers on the local level has been almost scarce. There are a few "what if" scenarios in place, assuming one incumbent might move to a different post, creating a set of dominoes that gets confusing in a hurry. For a look at key 2010 election dates, click Secretary of State

-May 11 special elections/Qualifying enters day 2: You'll find links to the candidates who have qualified to run for the congressional seat vacated by Nathan Deal and the state House 12 seat left by Tom Graves as he and others seek the Deal seat in Congress> Gordon Headlines

Mountain Crest, North Quarters auction includes combined 55 lots, 107 acres April 6: Two recent subdivisions in Greater Rome are part of a bank-ordered short sale (less than owed) auction April 6 to be conducted by Dempsey Auction Co. Mountain Crest, which is on the ascent of Mount Alto, includes 17 lots and an adjoining 52 acres. North Quarters, off Kingston Highway, includes 38 lots and an adjoining 55 acres. Details

Final Four to be served, Fusion style: That is, Viking Fusion style as Berry College's converged media site provides "exclusive student coverage of the NCAA tournament all weekend long from the games with photos" beginning Thursday. You can bookmark the Viking Fusion sports page now by clicking Here.

April 13 open house set for The Shelter:  An open house is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the William S. Davies Homeless Shelters, 228 S. Broad St.

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Darlington School names Matthew Peer director of student life> Click

-Senior A.J. White has earned the honor of being named a Morehead-McCain Scholar by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill> DAR

-Roman Roast on the River's Battle of the Bands contest update: Area residents will be able to listen to and vote on their favorites with "the final four" playing at 333 on Broad on Friday, April 23. Here's how to vote> Click

-Amanda Holliday of Model High wins Exchange Club speech contest> Click

-Exchange Club's Book of  Golden Deeds honors young contributors> Click

-April is Parkinson Disease Awareness Month: The Northwest Georgia Parkinson Disease Association is asking area churches to designate a time of prayer for those affected by Parkinson Disease during services on Sunday, April 11 – World Parkinson's Day. As we join together, with one voice, we look forward with hope to the day when Parkinson's disease will be no more.

-Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk set for Sept. 18> Click

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
-Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

-Wednesday: Sunny with a high of 78.

-Wednesday night: Clear skies, low of 43.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Arenas' sentence is a joke; can the St. Louis Rams really be that bad?

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

Monday's updates: What's next in local banking; Rome Braves on deck for 2010 season

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia

-Post Unity National: What's next in local banking?

-Today's focus: What's ahead for fans as the countdown continues for the '10 Rome Braves: promotions, new menu (adding Chick-Fil-A and 'Oasis Island).

-Record-setting concert crowd at Forum; 10,000 due at Rome River Jam.

-Three-Dot Buzz: Qualifying for special elections; eating for a good cause; Bartow CVB's discount coupons.

-Peaks & Valleys: Jim Van Es and Jason Heyward.

Your latest forecast: -Monday: 20% rain chance, high near 61. Gusts as high as 25 mph. -Monday night: Partly cloudy, low around 43. -Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69; gusts as high as 15 mph. -Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-And exactly who might you have gotten that would have been better than Hewitt?

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

April 17/Pep rally, meet-and-greet for RHS Football Coach Franco Perkins. The Rome High School Football Wolfpack Club invites all to a Community Wide Pep Rally to meet and greet former West Rome standout and newly appointed Head Football Coach Franco Perkins from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Rome Civic Center, Jackson Hill. Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers while meeting Coach Perkins and his staff. Admission is free.

Local updates from the Georgia High School Football Daily report> Click

Cycling/Deloitte title sponsor of National Multiple Sclerosis Society's first cicycle fundraising ride from Atlanta to Athens April 10-11> Click

Dining & Drink> Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

-Plus/Wine News Vine: Busy spring at the wineries> Click

Downtown Headlines> Downtown -What's ahead this month in downtown Rome.

Post-Unity: What's next in local banking?

-Friday's closure of Unity National Bank and conversion to The Bank of the Ozarks wasn't as stunning as some believed. Several members of the banking community and a few others were expecting it a week earlier while others predicted an announcement just hours before it came down. All accounts are in safe hands today with the local offices of the Little Rock, Ark.-based banker. Click Unity

-So what's next? You might see some bids to lure Unity clients to locally or state-based institutions. We recall a bank sale in Northeast Georgia a few years ago. As Home Trust was purchased, a rival advertised as follows: "Looking for a new bank to call Home?" (That bank, by the way, eventually was purchased as well).

-What to watch: The first quarter is just about over so the 90-day analysis of bad loans vs. the ability to absorb them (the so-called Texas Ratio) won't be far behind. It will show which banks could be in trouble with regulators as well.

A record-setting Saturday at The Forum; putting the 'J' in jam.

-Local fans of Corey Smith--all 3,300 of them--set what is believed to be a musical performance attendance record at The Forum on Saturday night. Original estimates put the crowd at 1,500 or so; it was easily doubled. In fact, it was a big weekend for The Forum with country legend George Jones playing there Friday night.

-Another record could be brewing as well. The 2010 edition of Rome River Jam at Ridge Ferry Park on May 15 could bring in as many as 10,000 fans for a long afternoon and evening of continuous performances. Stephanie Fisher has a preview of what to expect at the third annual music festival> Click

Three-Dot Buzz . . . :

-Qualifying today-Wednesday for state, U.S. House seats: Through midday Wednesday, you'll be hearing a lot about who qualifies to run for the congressional seat vacated by Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal and the state House seat vacated by Tom Graves (who is running for Deal's former post) . . . Local restaurants continue to step up to help with community needs. On May 22, Shane's Rib Shack at Riverwalk will have a deal from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with 35 percent of the proceeds going to the Safe Kids of Floyd County organization. A similar event earlier this year netted more than $1,700 for the YMCA . . . Bartow CVB's money-saving idea: You'll find some discount coupons on the online home of Cartersville-Bartow County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The one that caught our eye: one night's accommodations at The Lodge at Red Top Mountain. Included: dinner buffet, two glasses of wine, continental breakfast for $125> Click . . .

Rome Braves 2010: More promotions, fireworks, even Chick-Fil-A and slushies added; eighth-season home opener set for April 16

BirdZerk! returns to the home of the Rome Braves this season as one of dozens of

promotions planned for 2010. Photos (above and below) courtesy of Mills Fitzner. For more 2009 season photos by Mills Fitzner, click here.

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

In just a few short weeks, State Mutual Stadium will come to life as the Rome Braves take the field for their eighth season in Rome. And with a calendar full of promotions and with advance ticket sales up 30 percent over last year, Braves' officials hope last season's attendance slump is behind them.

"We are really reaching more people now in a concentrated effort," says Mike Dunn, general manager. "We have to draw outside of Floyd County and we're seeing a big increase from folks outside the area like Bartow, Cobb, Polk and Alabama because they realize how much easier it is to get to Rome than Atlanta … it's definitely more attractive."

Ticket sales for 2009 were 183,750, down 17.3 percent from 2008 sales of 222,168. Dunn says they are doing a number of things to draw in crowds and are already seeing results.

"We have neighborhood watch programs who are concentrating efforts in surrounding communities," he says. "We're already up 30 percent over last year in outside sales including birthday party reservations and Little League nights. Season ticket sales are good. Never good enough but we've not lost any from last year."

Individual game tickets just went on sale and Dunn hopes the low ticket prices and line-up of promotions will draw larger crowds.

"There is no better place to spend a spring or summer night than at State Mutual Stadium," he says. "For family fun and affordability, there is no better place in our area."

Ticket prices remain unchanged over previous years with club level seats at $10, field level seats at $8, box level seats at $6, and general admission on home-run hill, $4.

The Braves also have put together a number of deals and added a few things to boost fan interest.

"Sundays we will continue to offer our family fun packs for a family of four to enjoy the game, get four hot dogs, drinks and popcorn for $25," Dunn says. "And new this year, college students can get $1 off each ticket with their college ID. We will also offer the same discount for military personnel."

A new Oasis Island Frozen Drink station has been installed for kids to get "slushee-type" drinks. The station is self-serve for kids to flavor their own drink that comes in a collector cup. To add to the food line-up, Chick-Fil-A will have a food stand at the stadium this year.

"We have a great promotional calendar this year," says Dunn. "We're going to have a breast cancer awareness night where we'll wear pink jerseys. Sgt. Slaughter will be back and we've got lots of fun giveaway events."

One new highlight for the season will be five themed fireworks nights presented by Chick-Fil-A. Fireworks will take place one Friday each month and feature music and a video to complement each theme. The first event will be opening night, April 16, featuring a History of Champions; May 28 will salute Georgia music/Southern Rock; June 18 will feature Classic TV themes; July 3 will be a salute to America; and Aug. 28 will feature the staff's musical favorites.

The Braves also are branching out into social media to attract new fans. Dunn says the new Rome Braves Fan Page on Facebook is off to a great start with more than 2,000 fans. They have a goal to reach 5,000 fans by the home opener, April 16.

"Social networking is so huge and we have to be a part of it," says Dunn. "We are reaching our fans on Facebook and we will be tweeting all the games."

In addition to all the fun inside the stadium, a new beverage cart will be servicing tailgaters before the game.

Also new outside the stadium this season: Bella Roma Grill which has opened in front of the stadium.

"The baseball season will definitely be great for us," says Eddie Hasko, owner of Bella Roma Grill. "We're prepared and will be ready before the game and after the game. We'll probably stay open until midnight or as late as we have customers on game nights."

Hasko says there are 80 parking spaces around the restaurant for customers, and stadium parking staff will be leaving one lane open for restaurant traffic. At the present time, there are no fan specials planned but Hasko says that could change once the baseball season is under way.

PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to Jim Van Es: Nearly 1,000 Facebook friends--and who knows how many members of the Darlington community, past and present--can't be wrong. The outpouring of support for the 42-year veteran of Darlington last week was something we've never seen before in Northwest Georgia. Van Es has influenced a tremendous number of lives--and even a few generations--during his years at Darlington. Those folks returned the favor last week with all the postings on Facebook pages as well as personal e-mails, notes, calls, etc.

>Click Jim Van Es Fan Club

Peak to 2008 Rome Brave Jason Heyward: Just two years ago, fans of the Rome Braves were waiting to see what a highly regarded kid named Jason Heyward could do. They got more of a show than even the most ambitious fans expected. Now Heyward--after a slammin' spring training -- has made the big club. He's the opening day right fielder for the Atlanta Braves this year. That has to be some kind of record to ascendency from Rome to Atlanta.

Saturday: Unity National Bank--behind the numbers.

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Unity National Bank's fall: By the numbers

-An indicator called "The Texas Ratio" has become infamous in the past year as people track the fate of banks across the state and across the nation. And for good reason. With the closings of Unity National Bank and one-time local player McIntosh Commercial Bank, Georgia has seen 37 bank failures since August 2008.

-Today in a special report, we look at the numbers at Cartersville-based Unity National Bank: Deposits, assets and a Texas Ratio index that continued to climb.

-Also included: Links to fills Unity customers might want to check as all five branch offices of Unity National reopened Saturday as part of The Bank of the Ozarks, a $2 billion-plus regional bank based in Little Rock, Ark., with substantial holdings in Texas--and now five offices in Northwest Georgia.

-For more, click Unity National

-Photo by Matalyn Santini

Your weekend forecast: Split decision.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Gusts to 20 mph.

-Saturday night: 50 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m., low of 52. 
-Sunday: 70 percent chance of showers, thunderstorms; high near 66.

-Sunday night: 30 percent chance of showers with a low around 48.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

-Weekend events: My Fair Lady, Kickball, more> Events

-Corey Smith, more downtown entertainment> Click

-Dining out this weekend? Public health inspection scores, updates> Dining

-Palm Sunday, Holy Week list of services through Easter> Holy Week

Harbin Clinic breaks ground on cancer center; expected opening April 2011

A huge crowd was on hand for Friday's ceremonial ground-breaking event of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center that will be built at corner of Second Avenue and West Fifth Street. Harbin's cancer team, Georgia Cancer Coalition President Bill Todd, local medical officials and representatives of the business community turned out for the ceremony. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot campus is expected to open April 2011.> Health

Friday's updates

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Rome Area History Museum reignites $1.2 million capital campaign: -Launched in late 2007, more than $500,000 has been pledge and upgrades made at 305 Broad St. Now organizers are rekindling the capital campaign, targeting upstairs renovations, .new exhibit space, classrooms, a reading room, event space and modernized office> Buzz

Cohen's message at Shorter ethics program: We 'don't need to surrender to forces around us and give in': Dr. Andrew I. Cohen was the featured speaker at Shorter College's second annual Hopkins Institute for Business Ethics> CH

-Staples presents $15,000 check to Hopkins Institute for Business Ethics.

Today/Ground breaking set for Harbin Clinic Cancer Center: The 11 a.m. ceremony will be at the site at Second Avenue and West Fifth Street. Updated coverage later today.

Rome Braves' 2010 home opener is three weeks from tonight: The countdown clock is ticking away and Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard's photo of the day answers his trademark question: What time is it?> Sports

Friday's Buzz

-Isakson released from Northside Hospital: U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has been released after being admitted earlier in the week with a bacterial infection. " He and his family are very appreciative of all the prayers and good wishes they have received this week," spokeswoman Joan Kirchner said. He's been told to rest.

-Ex-Polk detective indicted on charges tied to 'chop shop' operation> Polk

-HCA, parent of Redmond Regional and Polk Medical Center, listed among 'World's Most Ethical Companies'> Health

-Cotton Block Easter Events scheduled for Saturday, April 3> Downtown

-Community Easter Egg hunts set for April 2, 3> Rome Kids

-Calhoun, Cartersville, Cedartown, Floyd and Gordon counties earn funds for energy efficiency, renewable energy projects> Grants

April 3/Just Drive safe driving expo set: Learn about the hazards of distractions while driving and the impact they can have on you at the 'Just Drive' Safe Driving Expo to be held on Saturday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at Georgia Highlands College> Click

Bounce Out Hunger, Backpack Buddies among programs Rome Action Ministries using to help feed growing demand: Recession adding to number of people seeking help in Rome/Floyd County> Community

Dining & Drink> Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

-Plus/Wine News Vine: Busy spring at the wineries> Click

Your weekend forecast: Split decision

-Friday: 10 percent chance of showers; high of 58.  Gusts to 25 mph.

-Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Gusts to 20 mph.

-Saturday night: 40 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m., low of 50. 
-Sunday: 70 percent chance of showers, thunderstorms; high near 65.

-Sunday night: 20 percent chance of showers with a low around 45.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Cinderella teams are great for the fans but not for the big TV executives.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

Thursday: Fans laud Van Es on twin Facebook pages. Legislative updates. Storms possible today, tonight

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Honors, tributes pour in on Van Es Facebook pages

Dozens of new members joined at least two Facebook pages dedicated to Jim Van Es, the departing director of Darlington's Middle School. After July, he will teach math, coach basketball and serve as the Middle School athletic director in 2010-11. His departure was premature from the two-year plan he sought.

-Wrote Van Es in an e-mail: "For some time, Headmaster Tom Whitworth and I have been discussing my transition out of my current role as director. At Tom's request, the time has come sooner

rather than later."  (Letter)

-News of his departure started to spread Monday. It comes just months after Darlington opened its new $21 million middle school. Van Es, a 42-year campus veteran, was at the controls of the heavy machinery as demolition began on the old school. The new one is part of the $90 million Second Century capital campaign.

-Replacing him: associate director Dr. James Hutchins> Release

>Students, friends swarm Facebook to support Van Es: By 6:50 a.m., the page had grown to 648 members> Fan Club

-"This wonderful man picked my son's butt up, kicked it and got his vision and direction in life straightened out. Darlington won't be the same without him. Thereason that Darlington is great is the fact that men like him have lasted so long."

>Second Facebook page at 297 members: 'We all love Mr. Van Es'> Click

-"Jim Van Es is the most loved teacher/administrator Darlington School has ever had! I have never known one person, students, faculty, staff or alumni that had a bad word to say about him."

Bounce Out Hunger, Backpack Buddies among programs Rome Action Ministries using to help feed growing demand: Recession adding to number of people seeking help in Rome/Floyd County> Community

Campaign 2010/Special elections

Some Gordon, Bartow residents could be voting four times in four months:

-With state and U.S. House seats to fill, the upcoming special election will bump against some of the "normal" election cycle this spring and summer. Consider:

-Gov. Sonny Perdue has now set May 11 as the election day to fill both the Ninth Congressional District seat in Congress vacated by Nathan Deal and for the District 12 seat in the Georgia House, from which Tom Graves just resigned.

-Part of Gordon County will join North Georgia counties in deciding the congressional seat. Deal resigned to run for the Republican nomination for governor.

-Parts of Gordon and Bartow counties will join with Pickens County to elect a successor to Graves. The Ranger Republican resigned to run for Congress in the special election.

-Up next for both seats: qualifying periods for the candidates. Both are set for next Monday-Wednesday. Voter registration deadline: April 2 (most likely will change).

-Special election/advance voting: Will be scheduled prior to the May 11 vote.

-Special election/runoff: Set for June 8.We'll need it to decide Congress at least.

-Making it all crystal clear: candidate qualifying for the July 20 primary and Nov. 2 general election is April 26-30. This includes legislative, county, federal and statewide offices. It is separate from the special election qualifying.

-The statewide primary is Tuesday, July 20, with advance voting even earlier.

-The primary runoff is Aug. 10.

-The bottom line: Some Gordon and Bartow voters could be voting May 11, June 8, July 20 and Aug. 10--in addition to Nov. 2.

Thursday's Buzz

-House OKs Dempsey's bill to increase information on donation bins> KD

-Senate OK's Smith's 'smash and grab' crackdown: The Georgia Senate unanimously voted in favor of Sen. Preston Smith's legislation> Click

-Cornett named Right at Home's community care service provider> Click

-Maddox interim chair of Highlands' Health Sciences> CH

-April 17-18/Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home announces the annual Chieftains Herb and Plant sale. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Sunday. Expert gardeners will be there to help you select the right plants for your garden.  The sale will be held at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, rain or shine.  All proceeds benefit Chieftains Museum.  Chieftains at 706 291-9494 or www.chieftainsmuseum.org

-April 8/The Rome Art Coterie announces the opening reception for the 8th National Juried Art Exhibition (right) at 6 p.m. at the River City Bank> Click

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: 70% chance of storms; high of 62.

-Thursday night: 80% chance of storms, low of 48.

-Friday: 10% chance of showers, high of 62.

-Friday night: Partly cloudy, low of 37.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Cinderella teams are great for the fans but not for the big TV executives.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

Tuesday's updates: Political dominoes falling as Deal, Graves resign to seek new offices.

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Politics:

-Graves resigning state House seat today to run for Congress: State Rep. Tom Graves, a Ranger Republican, is stepping down effective today to focus on the special election set for April 27 to fill the Ninth District congressional seat vacated late Sunday by Nathan Deal (more below). Click Graves.

-April 27 election set to fill Deal's unexpired term; qualifying starts March 29: Some voters in Gordon County and the rest of the Ninth Congressional District will vote April 27 on a replacement for Nathan Deal, who has resigned from Congress to run for governor. Candidate qualifying is Monday, March 29-Wednesday, March 31. We'll know the final lineup by midday next Wednesday.

-Tonight/'Tea Party' documentary set at MB's: The Rome/Floyd TEA Party 2010 is organizing a showing of The TEA Party documentary film from 6:30 until 9 p.m. at MB's, 836 Turner McCall Blvd. $1 donations accepted> Click

-Wednesday/Libertarian gubernatorial candidate John Monds at Georgia Highlands, Floyd campus, 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Georgia Highlands College Libertarian Club, the Black Awareness Society and the Political Science Club.

-Saturday/Floyd GOP breakfast meeting at Harvest Moon: The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. Guest speakers: Roger Hines, a candidate for education superintendent, and Marie Sheffield, a candidate for insurance commissioner.

-Saturday/Bartow GOP meets: The Bartow County Republican Party meets at 9 a.m. at Slope's Barbecue, Tennessee Street. Speakers: Commissioner for Insurance candidate Gerry Purcell; gubernatorial candidate Eric Johnson> Click

Tuesday's Buzz

-Another new business for Berry's Student Enterprises effort: Viking Cycle Works, serving the campus community's cycling needs, is now open. Located between the new Deerfield and Morgan residence halls, the shop is expected to expand with additional services> Details

-Big weekend for downtown entertainment ahead: On Friday at The Forum, legendary country singer George Jones will perform at 7:30 p.m. followed on Saturday by Corey Smith at 8 p.m. (with an appearance by Buck & Duke). You can get tickets in advance for $15 at Jefferson's or 333 on Broad. Crowds of up to 2,500 are expected for both concerts.

-Rock 105.9 & Rock 98.3 jocks honored: The Alabama Broadcasters Association recognized two Rock 105.9 & Rock 98.3 personalities at the annual awards banquet Saturday. Mike Mote won for best small market radio newscast and Chris Wright won for best small market radio personality> Click

-Redmond's Early named regional EMS director of the year> Health

-March 27/Get The Dirt Out citizens workshop in Calhoun> CRBI

-April 30/Second Annual Golf Beneath the Stars, a "Nine at Night" tournament benefitting the Children's Miracle Network hosted by Miss Rome 2010, Briana Jewett and the Miss Rome Board of Directors. Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. Registration is at 7:30 tee-off around 8:30 p.m. Entry Fee: $240/foursome; will accept individual entries, $60/person. Andrea Pitts, 706-766-4887 missrome.org

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: Partly sunny, high of 68.

-Tuesday night: Mostly clear, low of 38.

-Wednesday: High of 75, mostly sunny.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 45.

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Are we headed for the strangest ever Final Four in college basketball history?

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

Monday updates: Broad St. for sale or rent

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia (click)

-Broad Street for sale or rent: Natalie Simms' closer look at the property for sale and lease around one of Northwest Georgia's main business addresses.

-'Table for 30, please': Even that didn't rattle Johnny's pizza Friday night.

-Maggie May's on the move to River Crossing.

-What's for lunch in Cartersville? Check Facebook.

House passes healthcare reform bill, 219-212. Details: CNN or Fox News

-Gingrey calls 'Democrats' health care reform a' travesty.': Gingrey

-Isakson slams House passage Sunday night> Click

Your latest forecast: A dusting of snow possible?

-Today: 60% chance of rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 45. Little or no snow accumulation expected. -Tonight: 30% chance of showers before 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 41.

-Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. -Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar

Census help available at the library: A Census Question and Answer Center is available at the Rome Library now through April 19. Assistance will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays> Census 2010.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Hey, guys, why not just duke it out like gentlemen? Plus: A wide open NCAA tourney.

Sports/Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium> Sports

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale: Ticket prices remain the same: $10, $8,. $6 and $4. Home opener: April 16 vs. Savannah.> Sports

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.

'Table for 30, please'

-A final note on the opening of Johnny's New York Style Pizza at 233 Broad St. last week. By accident, we put them to the test on an already-busy Friday night.

-Following a school event, 30 adults and kids (pre-school to middle school) arrived around 8:30 p.m. A member of the party called ahead for seating, first asking for 20 spots and eventually 30. The answer from Rob Blumberg's staff: No problem.

-Never mind that the restaurant already had a kids' baseball team on site as well as a packed house. With minimal chaos, our group was seated along the windows of one side of the restaurant and it made for a nice, almost separated setting. Kids on two tables, men at another, women at the other. Plus: each family had a separate bill. -Outcome: Pretty darn smooth. We had a few minor mishaps but all left happy with a lot of positive buzz about the food and design (good job, Mike Page).

-Also of note: the 200 block of Broad Street was packed with cars. That's when we learned Johnny's will validate parking in the parking deck for customers. That's a nice touch and beats the "there's no place to park" rap downtown has. Plus: deck parkers can use the rear door to the restaurant. Nice touch.

Broad Street shuffle:

-More changes are ahead as Maggie May's gift shop moves from 227 Broad St. to a Second Avenue-front slot at River Crossing, home of Hawthorn Suites. Maggie May's staff has been busy recovering from a small but damaging fire a few weeks ago. Look for the move in the next few weeks.

-Today's Focus: Broad Street for sale or lease> Below

Call it the Facebook Dining Menu

-We're big fans of what social media can do for business (used properly and not just for games). Two great examples come from downtown Cartersville. Both Swheat Market and Culinaria at Appalachian Grill are posting daily lunch or dinner specials. And let's stress specials:

-From Swheat: "Grilled New York strip or Alaskan salmon, poblano cheddar mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini and corn salsa."

-From Culinaria: "Crab cake with side salad only $5.99."

-What we like: simple, to the point and at least one includes the price.

Downtown Rome for sale or rent: Plenty of options available on Broad Street or nearby thanks to redesigns, some newer sites

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

If you've been through downtown Rome lately, you've probably noticed a lot of available real estate. Whether for sale or lease, there are multiple properties on the market and local Realtors say it's not really because of the economy.

"One of the major reasons for the vacancies is a lot of people have redone buildings and added more space," says Jimmy Byars of Hardy Realty. "There is a deeper supply. Five years ago, we didn't have half of the office space we now have downtown. There are no new buildings; they've just redone the space."

Hardy Realty currently has one building for sale, at 111 S. Broad St. (right) and nine properties for lease downtown. In addition, the company also has five buildings for sale on nearby Professional Court.

"I really don't know why the building on South Broad hasn't sold," Byars says. "It is 90 percent new, making the new building out of an old one. Timing is everything because it was coming on the market when the economy went down. We've had a lot of interest and shown it a lot but people are just hesitant to make a decision right now."

Downtown properties for lease include: -901 Broad St., the DLS Financial building at the corner of Turner McCall Boulevard.

- 519 Broad St. (old Adams Furniture Building): 1,000 squares feet. -336 Broad St. (former Cherokee Lodge Building): 6,000 square feet.

-338 Broad Street (old C&S Trophy location): 1,800 square feet. -248 Broad Street (most recently home to the Rome Area Council for the Arts): 3,000 square feet.

-204 Broad St.: 1,700 square feet -1004 N. Broad St. (new strip center at Five Points, home to Troy's, Ru San's).

-100 E. Second Ave. (SunTrust Building): Four suites totaling 6,200 square feet.

-304 E. Second Ave. Three suites totaling 4,800 square feet.

"The Cherokee Lodge Building is just now hitting the market," Byars says. "It is newly renovated and absolutely beautiful. We have approximately 6,000 square feet of office space available. It has its own unique entrance with an elevator. There is also a lodge, apartment and catering kitchen."

Byars is working to coordinate an open house for the building with the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. No date has been set but Byars hopes to have the event in April.

"There really is a lot more to downtown than you think…definitely a lot more office space," he says. "I'm very optimistic that one of the places to be is Downtown Rome because there is so much to enjoy. Plus people are ready for the weather to change and when it does, that will make them think about Broad Street and being downtown."

Debra McDaniel, a Realtor with Toles, Temple & Wright, has four buildings for sale on Broad Street and feels the vacancies are just part of the current real estate cycle.

"I've just seen it go in cycles," she says. "There are a lot of vacancies for lease and sale but a lot of it is timing. Those that I have for sale are not properties in distress situations; they are simply selling for business interests and not closing up."

McDaniel's current listings include:

-the current J.L. Todd Auction property at 531 and 527 Broad St. (both to the right)

-239 Broad St. (former T Martooni's and Bistro 239 restaurants).

-122 Broad St. (Loft apartment above Maximum Nutrition).

"I have had several parties looking at the J.L. Todd property. But J.L. Todd is not closing its business. The buildings are being sold as part of his estate," says McDaniel of the late auctioneer.

"I've also had several people look at the old Bistro location (right) but many want to lease and not purchase the building. However, the owner may consider a lease with purchase option because it is so hard to get a commercial loan to go through right now."

McDaniel has only had the loft apartment listing for less than a week and expects a lot of interest in the property since it includes a courtyard and 2-car garage. The apartment is owned by local businessman Roger Wade, who owns Mattress Direct at 111 Broad St.

"Since I bought 111 Broad St. and am under contract to purchase the building next door with Three Rivers Antiques, the apartment is just a surplus piece of property," says Wade. "If it sells, I will just loft out one of the other two buildings I have."

Once Wade completes the purchase of the building at 109 Broad St., he plans to open up a hot dog restaurant called "The Past Time." However, Wade says he may open the restaurant up at his current Mattress Direct location at 111 Broad St. and move Mattress Direct next door because less remodeling work would be involved.

Even with all the available real estate, downtown is still prospering, says Elaine Abercrombie of Greene's Jewelers, and president of the Rome Downtown Development Authority.

"It's very typical right now for downtown because there is always a lot of coming and going," she says. "I'm not concerned about the empty buildings because there is always something going on."

Abercrombie says there was a net gain in employees and businesses for 2009. There were 13 net jobs created. There were 22 businesses to open downtown and 11 closed, leaving net gain of 11 businesses, which is one more than 2008, which saw 10 new businesses.

"We are just real excited about everything going on downtown right now," she says. "We do have a lot of office space available but when those are filled, that will be built-in customers for our retailers and restaurants and vice-versa…it goes hand-in-hand."