Local jobless rate declines, Record rainfall for March, New radio station launches in NWGA

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Local unemployment rates decline slightly, still 10.7% in Floyd County above state average of 10.2%

February Jobless Rate

	February employed	February unemployed	February % jobless	January % jobless	Feb. 2010 % jobless
Bartow	39,734	5,199	11.6	12.4	12.1
Chattooga	9,118	1,238	13.0	12.9	13.7
Floyd	42,729	5,128	10.7	11.1	10.7
Gordon	21,989	2,944	11.8	12.5	13.7
Polk	18,064	2,140	10.6	10.9	11.4
State	4,202,094	478,104	10.2	10.3	10.5

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

The preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the metro Rome area declined to 10.7 percent in February, down four-tenths of a percentage point from a revised 11.1 percent in January. The rate declined because the number of jobs increased by 400 and there were fewer layoffs in manufacturing, construction, and administrative and support services.  

Georgia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 10.2 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point, from a revised 10.3 percent in January. The state's jobless rate was also 10.3 percent in February 2010. February marked the 41st consecutive month that Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 8.9 percent.

March goes out like a "roaring wet lion" with record rainfall

As of March 30, there was a total of 10.31 inches of rainfall in Rome for the month of March with 13 rainy days. This goes down in the record books as one of the rainiest Marches since historical rainfall data has been collected by the University of Georgia weather station in Rome. Last year, there was 4.50 inches of rainfall in March. Since January 1, Rome has recorded 18.17 inches of rainfall, which is way ahead of last year's total of 13.55 inches for the same time frame.

All the rain is causing some local rivers to swell over their banks. Photo is of the Coosa River behind the levee yesterday at 5 p.m.

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: 50% rain chance; high of 56, low of 36.

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 66, low of 40.

-Saturday: Partly sunny, high of 72, low of 41.

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

-Click Pollen: From Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Northwest Georgia's newest radio station is on the air. The question is: What is it? WRBH 104.9 FM started broadcasting Wednesday and went to what you're hearing today late Wednesday. Good luck if you can decipher the format. WRBH is owned by Howard Toole of Rome Radio Partners. It is being managed by the partnership that also brings you WRGA 1470 AM, Q102, South 107 and several other local stations. Toole was the winning bidder for the Plainville signal in an auction held by the FCC several years ago.

Coming this weekend

April comes rolling in with full-slate of events in Northwest Georgia from Saturday's Safe Driving Expo to the Easter Bunny's arrival at Mt. Berry Square Mall, there is something for the entire family. Calendar

Saturday will be the last call for breakfast at Honeymoon Bakery. The eatery announced that it will not longer serve breakfast starting next week.

-Before you head out to eat, the latest public health restaurant inspection scores are up. Dining

Bryan Mullin's Entertainment Report of what's happening this weekend. Downtown

Thursday's Buzz:

-In honor of Doctor's Day 2011, local hospitals make donations to local charities. Floyd Medical Center donated $3,000 to Cancer Navigators and Redmond Regional Medical Center donated $1,500 to the Free Clinic of

Rome. Health

-April 14: The Rome Area History Museum Spring Membership Party has been moved from April 7 to April 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the old Woodlee House, home of GNTC Culinary Institute, 842 Cedar Ave.

-Cancer Navigators Benefit 2011 Fundraising Events. Details

-April 2: Water service will be interrupted to Floyd County Water Department customers along and off of Cave Spring Road from Park Road to Sanders Drive from 8 a.m. until Noon on Saturday to allow for water system improvements.

-April 26: The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting a free educational and informational lunch seminar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Colorectal Cancer. The seminar was originally offered as a three class series, but has been shortened to an afternoon seminar. The class is being offered to help people understand the prevention of colorectal cancer, symptoms, the variety of screenings available and treatments; and is recommended for people age 50 and over or individuals age 40 and over who have a history of colon cancer in their family. To register, call Tammy Bryant at 706-234-0383 by Tuesday, April 19.

-Noon Optimist Club of Rome's essay winner is Lucy Lansing, freshman at Rome High School. She also won the Zone 2 Essay Contest and will not compete at the state level. Pictured right with Georgia District Optimist Lt. Governor Joey Richardson and Essay Contest Chair Dana Gallagher.     

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Are the top four college bowls getting ready to shift to a new site?

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.

Clear today, but rain coming back tonight. Local Gas prices on rise, McDonald's renovations complete, ATR in Cartersville to expand

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com      A break in the cloudy today, but rain to return tonight  -The latest forecast from the National Weather Service calls 100% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms overnight with up to half-inch of new rainfall. Click   Your latest forecast: -Tuesday: High of 62, low of 53 with 100% rain chance after midnight. -Wednesday: 90% rain chance; high of 64, low of 47. -Thursday: 50% rain chance; high of 58, low of 42. -Your extended forecast: Click // Latest local radar: Click -Click Pollen: From Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.   Today's Headlines:  -Local Gas Prices are continuing to rise due to unrest in Middle East  -Renovations complete at East Rome McDonald's on Turner McCall  -Applied Thermoplastics Resources in Cartersville to expand and add 57 jobs   Tuesday's Buzz: -Northwest GA Credit Union receives top honors -Rome Photo Club to display at The Forum -Rep. Barbara Massey Reece's latest Legislative Report -Floyd County Schools now registering for Kindergarten for August at local primary and elementary schools

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -Neither GA Tech nor Tennessee hire are earth-shattering

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click

-Today's Focus: As tough job market continues, local graduates are working to become more competitive to employers

-Berry College's Executive Roundtable to feature Coke Executive and give students, industry leaders a networking opportunity

-Spring into Peace events coming in April

-What's ahead the week in Northwest Georgia

After 2.7 inches over the weekend, more rain on the way.

-The latest forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly this morning and into early afternoon. Rain is in the forecast everyday this week through Friday. Click.

-Since Saturday morning, more than 2.7 inches of rain have been reported at Rome's Russell Field.

Your latest forecast:

-Monday: 100% rain chance; high of 61, low of 40.

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance; high of 69, low of 53.

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

-Click Pollen: From Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Monday's buzz:

-The accolades continue for Rome High School students. Eight student have been selected to participate as finalists and alternates for the Governor's Honors Program this summer. Finalists are Peter Clay, Mathematics; Yeerin Kwon, Music/Strings (Violin); and Parker Van Riper, Social Studies. Alternates are Katherine Clay, Theatre; Meredith Gaines, Communicative Arts; Wesley Godfrey, Theatre; Evan Reid, Communicative Arts; and Cayce Woodard, German.

-Several RHS students also recently competed in the district National History Day competition at Kennesaw State University winning six out of nine categories. These students will represent our district in the state competition to be held at Mercer University in Macon on May 1. List of winners

-May 13-14: The 2nd annual Roman Roast on the River Barbecue Competition is now accepting entries. The barbeque competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and is open to both professional and back yard cookers. Teams interested in competing should submit an application by April 15. Details

New since morning e-mail alert:

-Today's Georgia Trend's Business Daily report.  Trend

-Today's Georgia Political & Policy Digest Daily Report. Politics

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Tebow is new underwear model; Is Shaka coming to a venue near you?

Rome ranked 19th in best cities nationwide to open a restaurant. Braves for sale? Stormy Saturday possible. $304M lottery jackpot tonight. Weekend checklist. Arey on sports.

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Rome ranked 19th in national list of best cities to open a restaurant

-200 restaurants averaged $884,000 in sales last year.

-Per capita spending just over $1,900 here.

 

Forbes: Atlanta Braves' owner to sell next year?

-If true, Rome Braves are part of the deal.

 

Keey an eye on weekend weather; stormy Saturday?

-Coverage all weekend on Hometown Headlines.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Friday: High of 65, low of 43. 50% chance of rain overnight.

-Saturday: 90% chance of rain, storms. High of 64, low of 48.

-Sunday: 50% chance of rain; high of 65, low of 43.

 

Northwest Georgia Weekend:

-Women's expo, downtown concert, arts & crafts at Berry.

-Dining guide and weekend entertainment list. 

$304 million MegaMillions jackpot set for tonight. 

-$125 million Powerball drawing on Saturday.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-The college basketball capital of the country is Richmond. 

 

 

U-Haul trucks line up to empty Club Fitness. Paul's Oyster Bar now serving microbrew. 'Signs' of change at Mickey D's. Latest restaurant news, health scores. Arey on Sports. Cooler day ahead.

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U-Haul trucks line up outside Club Fitness as crews remove equipment. Employees, members stunned by closing.

 

Paul's Oyster Bar now serving microbrew:

-Northwest Georgia's first microbrewery is selling Golden Ale for $3 a pint and it will be the lightest beer brewed at the oyster bar. Look for pale ale to premiere this weekend with two more to follow next week.

 

Shane's Rib Shack donating to Compassionate Paws today if you let them know when you order lunch or dinner.

 

'Signs' of change at Turner McCall's McDonald's.

 

4,000 due downtown Saturday night for Corey Smith-Colt Ford concert. It should mean extra dinners and tight parking near The Forum.

 

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores show a record three places with scores below 70.

 

Updates on community Holy Week schedule at Second Avenue Baptist.

-Cartersville Catholic church to break ground on new sanctuary April 3. 

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: Cooler, high of 64, low of 35.
-Friday: High of 66, low of 42. 40% rain chance.
-Weekend: Mid 70s, 50% chance of rain. 

Powerball jackpot jumps to $125 million Saturday night.

-No winners Wednesday: 5-15-26-28-32 and Powerball 9.

-$304 million MegaMillions jackpot set for Friday. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Krzyzewski goes for all-time mark; college football sets record. 

 

 

Reports: Club Fitness closed at Midtown Crossing. $100 hike at 411 Connector site offered by Sierra Club. Friday's MegaMillions jackpot: $304 million. 60% chance of rain, thunderstorms

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Reports: Club Fitness closed. Rome location, details scrubbed from corporate website.

 

$100 per person (suggested) Sierra Club Earth Day hike takes in 411 Connector route debate: Dobbins Mountain climb planned; suggested fee: $100 per person.

 

Whole lotta lotto:

-Friday's MegaMillions jackpot jumps to $304 million.

-Tonight's PowerBall jackpot is $101 million.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Floyd County consultant likes Harris for vital $26.7 million communications package.  

-St. Mary's Principal Alex Porto leaving June 30 for Catholic school in Lilburn.

-$1 million to help 'employers, employees.'

  

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Possible thunderstorms -- and high risk of fires. 60% chance of rain today, tonight. High of 79, low of 49.
-Thursday: Cooler, high of 64, low of 35. 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -Kenny Stabler is a winemaker; Kiffin just needs a few good men.

County consultant recommends Harris Corp. for $26.7 million communications system

Media release:  TUSA Consulting formally made a recommendation to the Floyd County Board of Commissioners today to enter into negotiations with Harris Corporation for the design and construction of the public safety communications system.  Harris and Motorola were the two vendors vying for the project.  Once a contract is approved, Harris will serve as the prime contractor for the job and will design and deploy the communications system.

 

The Public Safety Communications Committee unanimously agreed with TUSA's recommendation.  The Committee is comprised of representatives from Emergency Management, E911, County Purchasing, County Manager's Office, City Manager's Office, Rome Fire Department, County Police, Rome Police, Sheriff's Office, Cave Spring Public Safety Department and Floyd County Prison and has been meeting since 2009 on this project.

 

Eddie Lumsden, Chairman of the County Commission, stated "We are extremely confident with the selection process, and believe our public safety professionals will have a modern radio system at a great value to the citizens.  Harris' radios are used by our troops in some of the harshest terrain in the world; we are confident their system will serve us well here at home."

 

Scotty Hancock, EMA Director, "We did ourselves a big favor by hiring a non-biased third party consulting firm.  TUSA really helped us to define the system and bring competition to the table – getting the County the best deal on this huge project. TUSA and the Committee has done a lot of work and due diligence.  I believe this system is something that the public safety agencies and the citizens of Floyd County can be proud of."

 

Harris Corporation is a leading supplier of communications systems and equipment for the military, holding over 80% of the market share of Defense Communications within the US Armed Forces.  Harris also produces public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation communications systems –  with products ranging from IP voice and data networks, to public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions.  With more than 80 years of experience, Harris supports over 500 systems around the world.

 

Harris has designed similar communications systems for the State of Florida (170+ tower sites) the New York State Police, Covington-Newton County 911 (GA), Henry County (GA), Baker County (FL), Harrison County (MS), and over 100 systems for the United States Department of Defense.

 

The public safety communications system is a $26.7 million project funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds, approved by voters in 2009.

 

 

For more information, please visit www.romefloyd..com or call 706.236.5004.

Today's Hometown Headlines

Zumba fitness craze has Northwest Georgia sweatin'. Surprise vacancy at Midtown Crossing? Feeling lucky this week? Big lottery jackpots. Floyd schools reach out. Parks & Rec on the move. Arey on Sports. High of 79. www.hometownheadlines.com/

Buzz: Neighborhood behind Publix site up for grabs. Farmers, ag officials hope critical weather stations don't go dark. Jobs snapshot. Sunny, high of 79.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here

-At least five spots in neighborhood behind Publix site now available.

-Today's focus: New round of budget cuts could gut critically needed weather reporting stations needed by farmers, gardeners, power companies.

-Who's hiring: A new feature listing several local jobs now available.

-What's ahead: Upcoming stories on Hometown Headlines.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Monday: Partly sunny, high of 79, low of 48.

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 82, low of 52.
-Rest of the week: Slight chance of rain Wednesday.

 

Gas prices in Georgia down four cents a gallon, AAA reports.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Larry Brown's return to college coaching? Surprise polo champ. 

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-Bruce Benedict to throw out opening night's first pitch.

-Braves promotions schedule posted.

-2011 first pitch: 7 p.m. April 7, State Mutual Stadium.

Georgia sees four-cent drop in gas prices week over week

 

Media release: TAMPA, Fla. (March 20, 2011) - The price of crude oil barely moved from last week, reporting only a 5-cent decrease. Crude oil settled Friday at $101.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. News that Moammar Gadhafi ordered his regime to cease fire on the rebels and would try to resolve the dispute helped keep oil prices at bay.

Despite his announcement, concerns still linger as protests continue and unrest remains in many parts of the Mideast, such as Bahrain, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Libya. Japan is still expected to see a significant drop in the country's demand after the earthquake shook the world's third-largest oil consuming country.

"This is the first week in more than a month that retail gas prices show a decrease," said Jessica Brady, spokesperson, AAA Auto Club South. "Although the national average only dropped a cent, some state averages are showing price drops between two and four cents. It's uncertain whether prices will continue to drop this week since there is still much turmoil in the Mideast that could push oil prices higher. And when Japan begins to rebuild its country, their demand for oil will increase substantially."     

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $3.54 per gallon, once-cent less than last week. Florida's average price of $3.56 and Tennessee's average price of $3.40 both decreased 2 cents from last week. While Georgia's average price of $3.45 decreased 4 cents from last week, respectively.  

 

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

 

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago

National:                    $3.548          $3.557                  $3.156              $2.818

Florida:                      $3.563          $3.584                  $3.143              $2.851

Georgia:                     $3.445          $3.480                  $3.083             $2.721

Tennessee:                 $3.401          $3.422                   $3.012            $2.700

 

AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report is updated each day and reflects actual prices from credit card transactions within the past 24 hours at two-thirds (100,000) gasoline stations in the U.S. Its accuracy is unparalleled.

Loudermilk column: Senate Approves Formulation of Science & Technology Game Plan to Spur Economic Development

 

By state Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville

 

When you think about jobs in the science and technology industry, you might picture cartoon engineer Dilbert with his upturned tie and thick glasses trying in vain to develop gadgets under the watchful eye of his incompetent boss. Or, you might picture Ph.D.s in lab coats pouring liquids from test tubes to beakers.

 

Maybe that's true, to an extent. But when tech companies come to town, they also offer jobs in customer service, in production, in shipping, in sales and, yes, even in management. Post-college graduates find placement in companies to develop new tools for our everyday lives. Tech-school graduates will help put together these innovative products and will help run fiber-optic cable directly to homes and businesses to keep up with ever-faster Internet speed. Advanced users will run help desks and customer service centers. Shipping companies and retail workers will provide these new products to customers.

 

In Georgia, the average job in the technology industry pays $30,000 more than the average non-tech wage. These are the companies we want.

 

Eight states, including nearby Alabama and North Carolina, have developed plans to lure science and technology companies – and to lure the jobs they bring. Georgia has been a technology hub that includes The Centers for Disease Control, massive "carrier hotel" data centers and literally thousands of IT companies. Yet we do not have a Science and Technology Master Plan.

 

This week, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to develop such a plan. When this bill passes the House of Representatives and is signed by the governor, we can and we will ensure that Georgia remains a center of technology and continues to be "The Place" where companies want to start their endeavors.

 

All evidence shows that advances to our economy come from advances in science and technology. After The Great Depression, the automobile and the television helped make the United States a superpower. After the recession in the late 1970s, home computers drove our economy to new levels. After another recession in the early 1990s, the Internet and cell phone technology brought us economic growth that pushed Wall Street to new heights.

 

Those opportunities are out there now. Through partnerships between industry, our technological universities and our state government, the next great technological revolution can start right here in Georgia. Our forthcoming Science and Technology Master Plan will help ensure it.

                                   

Sen. Barry Loudermilk serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee.  He represents the 52^nd Senate District, which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties. 

Updates on region's biggest projects. Fabulous weekend forecast; events list. Rome couple marks seven decades together. Rome ref going to basketball's big dance

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Building buzz:

-With fence gone at Publix site,perhaps signs of things to come?

-Senior housing at Etowah Terrace under way, 15 months away.

-T-minus two weeks on cancer center opening? Public open house April 10.

-Zoning moves in Emerson for Dream Parks at LakePoint project.

 

Census shows Bartow home to 100,000-plus; Floyd around 4,000 behind. 

 

After 70 years, Sam and Rose Peller of Rome still together, as durable as the diamonds he once sold. Their secret? See MIchelle Picon's story. 

 

Official from Rome to call games at Charlotte in NCAA Tournament

-Doug Shows among officials as college basketball playoffs continue.

Weekend watch:

-St. Petrick's Day returns to downtown Rome.

-Latest public health restaurant scores.

-Bryan Mullins' entertainment report.

 -Huge weekend for North Georgia wineries -- and for visitors. 

 

Your weekend weather: drop dead gorgeous:
-Friday: Sunny, high of 80, low of 49.
-Saturday: High of 79, low of 54.
-Sunday: Some clouds, high of 73, low of 52. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-UT basketball coach in troubled waters; NFL coaches' salary hit.

 

Atlanta Braves' legend Bruce Benedict to throw out first pitch on opening night for Rome Braves

 

 

Kingston man teaching in Woodstock faces child pornography distribution charges

Media release: RAYMOND WATTS a/k/a "Robin St. Taw," 55, of Kingston, Georgia, a teacher Mill Creek Middle School in Woodstock, Georgia, was arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. 

        United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said: "Anyone who has daily contact with children and is in an authority position with children must be someone whom parents can trust. These disturbing charges involve a middle school teacher who has close contact with children. Federal investigators and this office took quick action to see that he was charged and away from those children."

        "Identifying and investigating those who victimize children -- especially those who hold positions of public trust -- is one of the most important responsibilities we have," said Brock Nicholson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta. "Sexually exploiting children is despicable, and we will continue to go the extra mile to catch those individuals who prey on innocent victims in this manner."

        According to United States Attorney Yates, information in public documents and in open court: During the course of an ongoing child pornography investigation, law enforcement discovered that WATTS might be a possessor of sexually explicit images of children, in particular minor boys. In early 2011, an undercover law enforcement agent made contact with WATTS, which led to in-person meetings between WATTS and an undercover agent.  During one of their meetings, WATTS distributed numerous images of child pornography to the agent. WATTS was found to have hundreds of sexually explicit images of children on his home computer. WATTS was charged in a criminal complaint and made an initial appearance and had his detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson on March 1, 2011. Evidence in that hearing indicated that WATTS was also a swim coach and that he had also cut out photos of students and laminated them on a large bookmark that he carried during his teaching duties. WATTS was detained pending trial following preliminary and detention hearings on March 1, 2011, and remains in custody while the investigation continues.

        Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.       

        This case was investigated by the Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

        Assistant United States Attorney Jill E. Steinberg is prosecuting the case.

Rome gains 400 jobs vs. Jan, loses 400 vs. Feb. 2010. Census data due today. Church's new way to mark St. Patrick's Day. Sunny, high of 76.

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February employment stats: Split decision.

-Rome/Floyd gains 400 jobs vs. January.

-But compared to February 2010, county lost 400 jobs.

-Slight decrease in state's jobless rate last month.

 

Georgia Census reports due around 2 this afternoon.

-Big impact on governments, hospitals and politics expected.

 

United Community Banks get big boost in capital.

 

St. Patrick's Day:

-Outdoor fountain at St. Mary's Catholic Church flows with green water today.

-Corned beef, cabbage, beer specials part of holiday toast.

 

Massive equipment sale in Calhoun delayed as auctioneer completes move to new quarters.

 

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

 

Loudermilk's bill on abortion information passes Senate. 

 

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: Even nicer: Sunny and 76, low of 43.
-Friday: Sunny, high of 81, low of 46.
-Weekend outlook: Sunny, upper-70s Saturday, Sunday; lows near 50.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -S. Carolina QB in trouble again; no interviews for Mettenberger

Even more on tap for Greater Rome craft beer, wine lovers. Massive Cartersville industrial park on hold. MegaMillions jackpot grows to $201. Sunny, 64 today; 80 by Friday.

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Greater Rome's turn to fine wine, craft brews just beginning?

-A select wine tasting Monday evening at Riverside Gourmet was followed Tuesday with the announcement about the first microbrewery in this part of the state about to go online at Paul's Oyster Bar. From what we hear, even more options for fine wine and specialty brew are on the way.

Plans for massive industrial park off I-75 near Cartersville on hold

-The project has been withdrawn from regional planners -- but only because state lawmakers could be tweaking the regional review process, says a project spokesman.

MegaMillions jackpot jumps to $201 million Friday night: Lottery.
-Tuesday's numbers: 10-11-12-28-43 and MegaBall 45.

Your latest forecast:
-Rivers: Tuesday's rain boosts Oostanaula to 16.6 feet by Thursday.
-Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High of 64, low of 36.
-Thursday: Even nicer: Sunny and 75, low of 41.
-Weekend outlook: 80 on Friday. Sunny, mid-70s Saturday, Sunday.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -Whether Fox stays is of more interest than who replaces Hewitt.

Nearly an inch of rain expected overall. Little Caesars almost done, Waffle House under way? 'Class A' warehouse/office up for bid.

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About three quarters of an inch of rain so far; 60% chance of more
-The situation: Slow but steady rainfall overnight amounts to nearly three quarters of an inch so far and we should see another quarter of an inch today as the storm system moves out of Northwest Georgia.
-Flood warning continues for Coosa near Plant Hammond. Flood
-Tuesday: 80% chance of rain, high of 58, low of 38. 30% rain chance.
-Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High of 67, low of 36.

 

Today's Buzz:

-West Rome's Little Caesars due at month's end.

-Waffle House under way in East Rome?

-Next up for auction -- a piece of Celanese.

-This Bud's for ... Bud: Cartersville plant sets company standard for water savings.

-Loudermilk's bill expanding where licensed gun holders can carry weapons passes Senate.

-Foursquare deals popping up in Greater Rome.

-Tonight's MegaMillion jackpots swells to $172 million.

-Rome shop has a timely item for NCAA tournament: gator meat?

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-We could see the Georgia Bulldogs play N. Carolina this week. 

 

 

Loudermilk's bill Expanding the Locations Where Licensed Gun owners Can Carry Their Weapons passes

(Media release) Georgia law lists several specific locations where guns are not allowed. Georgia law also allows individuals to apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, provided that person has met the appropriate criteria.

 

Under current law, however, a person who has taken the appropriate steps and is legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm is still restricted by state law from carrying that weapon in certain areas. This is after that person has submitted to fingerprinting and stringent background checks to ensure he or she is trustworthy enough to carry a concealed firearm.

 

SB 98, passed by the Senate today in a 43-10 vote, allows licensed gun owners to carry their weapon anywhere except in courtrooms (or beyond the security checkpoint of a courthouse), prisons and jails, county or municipal government buildings (unless the local governing authority allows firearms), on the premises of a nuclear power plant or on the premises of a state mental health facility.

 

"It just makes no sense to me that someone who is licensed and legally allowed to carry a gun could not carry one into a restaurant, into a church or to a political event – all of which are currently prohibited by law," said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville). "Senate Bill 98 does not change private property laws. If property owners or business owners say 'no guns,' it is left up to them. This bill makes the law simpler and gets the government out of decisions that should be left to the discretion of the property owners and to the discretion of the licensed gun owner." 

 

Sen. Barry Loudermilk represents the 52^nd Senate District which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0034 or by e-mail at barry.loudermilk@senate.ga.gov.

More changes off the field for Rome Braves this season. More rain due tonight, Tuesday (80%, up to an inch). Turner McCall: Not-so-extreme makeover.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click

-Bubba's BBQ Barn (above), post-game entertainment Thursdays-Saturdays and some new voices and faces are among the changes the Rome Braves have in the opening day lineup at State Mutual Stadium.

-Call it 'The East Side Story.' As in East Rome where businesses continue to remodel and upgrade along Turner McCall.

-Business Buzz: Sportsmans Liquidation, SPORTSMAX open in Cartersville; health showcase Tuesday; Census data due this week.

 Latest forecast: Here we go again -- rain tonight, Tuesday.

-The situation: We could see another inch of rain overnight Monday which is the last thing local rivers and creeks need. Oostanaula update.

-Monday: 20% chance of rain, high of 73, low of 51. 80% rain chance.

-Tuesday: 80% chance of rain, high of 66, low of 39.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-I have a hard time visualizing Peyton Manning in a green jersey.