Rain to continue through day, Local hospitals have big economic impact, Spring blossoming

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Rain to continue, up to half-inch more today

-About .32 inch of rain was reported overnight with more on the way. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service calls 100% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms today through this afternoon with up to half-inch of new rainfall. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: 100% rain chance; high of 61, low of 45.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance; high of 58, low of 39.

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 65, low of 45.

-Your extended forecast: Click // Latest local radar: Click

-Click Pollen: From Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Local hospitals are pumping millions into local economies, but signs of the economic downturn are starting to show. According to a recent report by the Georgia Hospital Association for 2009, Floyd Medical Center had a $457.7million impact on the local economy, but more than $20.14 million in uncompensated care. Cartersville Medical Center had an estimated $213 million impact in Bartow County with over$10 million in uncompensated care. Statewide, Georgia hospitals had almost $39.1 billion impact on the economy in 2009. However, the costs of uncompensated care are continuing to rise with $1.5 billion statewide, an increase more than of $27 million from 2008 and a $116 million jump from 2007. Health

Despite the dreary weather of late, you have probably noticed a rainbow of colors around town. All the recent rain is contributing to one of "prettiest" Spring seasons in recent years, Michelle Picon reports. Spring

 

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Shorter University freshman Anna Frazee has been named the NAIA National Softball Player of the Week. Shorter

-April 2: 100 Black Men of Rome-NWGA will be holding their "Famous BBQ Plate Sale" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kroger parking lot, 1476 Turner McCall Blvd. Plates are $8 and ribs by slab are $18. Come early for best selection.

-April 9: The NWGA Chapter of the American Red Cross will host their annual CPR Saturday event from 12-4 p.m. at Berry College. Details

-April 5-6: "Gateway to Knowledge,"the rolling exhibit from the Library of Congress, will be at the Rome-Floyd County Library from 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. This free exhibit is on a nationwide tour to share replicas of "National Treasures" with the community. For more info, call 706-236-4601.

-Pepperell High senior Chelsea Campbell advances in state public speaking competition. Release

-March 30: Georgia poet and environmental activist Janisse Ray will do a reading at 7 p.m. at Center Stage (Heritage Hall / Georgia Highlands College) in Rome in honor of National Community College Poetry Day. The evening reading will be followed by a book signing.

-Southeastern Mills receives Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Level 2 Certification for Rome manufacturing plant. SEM

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-College football is watching the NFL strike talks carefully.