Continuing reaction to Floyd-Polk Medical deal. Pizza shop coming to Armuchee -- but which one? Braves end home season, see dip in attendance. Mid-90s today, no rain.

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The Floyd/Polk hospital deal: What's next?
-Closer look at the details.  Additional reaction all day today.

New pizza shop coming to Armuchee-- but which one?
-Dari-King site getting plenty of attention from motorists.

2011 home season ends for Rome Braves; slight dip in overall per-game attendance. (Regular season ends on the road Sept. 5).

Last days to vote in annual best restaurant, attraction, shop in Bartow County.

Constitution Day Festival set for Sept. 17 at The Forum.

Latest local forecast:
-Wednesday: High of 94, low of 66. Heat index: 97.
-Thursday: High of 95, low of 63.
-Friday: High of 94, low of 64.

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM: 

-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40 a.m.: David McLaughlin, Kudzu podcast host.
-8:10 a.m.: Focus on the Polk-Floyd hospital deal.
-8:40 a.m.: Jake or Elwood Blues, Georgia Blues Brothers (First Friday).

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Braves shelled in final home game, 13-3. 

-Off tonight; in Augusta Thursday through Monday.   

-Next home game: April 12, 2012. 

 

John McClellan's high school predictions for the week: Football 

-Unity to open season with a win; key showdown with Darlington vs. Cartersville; elimination game already with Rome vs. Cass?

  

Coming Friday: Norman Arey's first Norman's No-Nos column of the 2011 college football season.  

Rome federal jury convicts Bremen man on charges of running investment scam

Media release: A jury in federal district court late this afternoon returned a guilty verdict against JEFFREY WALLACE EDWARDS, 46, of Bremen, Georgia, and his corporation, "Frontier Holdings, Inc.," on charges of mail and wire fraud and money laundering.

 

 United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, "Financial and investment fraud claims victims from all parts of our community. In this case, the jury found that a man from a small town in west Georgia successfully persuaded investors from around the country that with his supposed contacts with a former Vice President and a Federal Reserve Chairman, he could make their money multiply into millions. He persuaded retired teachers and dental hygienists to give them the equity in their homes and retirement plans. Then he spent the victims' hard-earned money on lavish vacation cruises, real estate, fur coats, tiki carvings, and luxury cars. With the jury's verdict, EDWARDS is now facing a substantial term in federal prison."

 

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and the evidence presented at trial: The jury found EDWARDS and Frontier Holdings guilty on two counts of mail fraud, 17 counts of wire fraud, and eleven counts of money laundering.  EDWARDS and his corporation were originally indicted on May 6, 2009; a superseding indictment was returned on February 15, 2011. The evidence at trial showed that between February 2006 and February 2007, EDWARDS promised investors they would receive returns of between 41 and 1066 percent on the money they placed in the "high yield" investment programs that he had with the Federal Reserve Bank.

 

The evidence showed that EDWARDS also claimed to own a bank, to have access to lucrative but confidential investment opportunities, or to be a "special agent" of the Federal Reserve. Thirty-one victims mailed or electronically transferred over $7 million to EDWARDS. He spent the money quickly, and when the victims started demanding payment, he blamed "the banking industry" and "the powers that be" for delaying payment from his phantom investments.

 

The mail and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count, and the money laundering charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per count.  Sentencing will be December 1, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. before Senior United States District Judge Robert L. Vining.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

 

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and the Carrollton Police Department.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys William G. Traynor, Alana R. Black, and Michael J. Brown are prosecuting the case.

House Recognizes Staff Sergeant Phillips B. Casey

 

Media release – The Georgia House of Representatives honored Staff Sergeant Phillips B. Casey to the House Chamber on Monday, August 22.  Sgt. Casey was invited by State Representative Christian Coomer (R-Cartersville), who introduced House Resolution 8EX, commending Sgt. Casey for bravery and selfless service while serving as a member of the United States Army in Kandahar, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

"As an Air Force JAG, with two brothers who are Army combat veterans and dad who is a Marine, I understand the willingness to place service to others before your own self-interest.  I also understand how important it is to honor the sacrifice of men and women who have left their lives or limbs on a field of battle," said Rep. Coomer.  "In Honoring Sgt. Casey with this token of our gratitude, we send a message of thanks to all who have served and given of themselves so we could be and remain free."

On March 9, 2011, while serving in Afghanistan, Sgt. Casey was severely injured when he took the brunt of the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED).  Despite these injuries, Sgt. Casey continued to maneuver his squad members to safety, direct the positioning of local security and give fields of fire, all while assisting the platoon medic in administering his own emergency combat medical care.  As a result of these actions, Sgt. Casey received an Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart Medal and Certificate.

For more information about the House Resolution recognizing Sgt. Casey, please click here.

 

Editor's Note: a picture of Rep. Coomer and House Speaker David Ralston with Staff Sergeant Casey and his wife and daughter at the Speaker's Rostrum is attached to this email for your convenience.

More changes at Lowe's corporate; awaiting final 'go' on Shannon. Drought concerns rising. Major announcement due later today. Braves win, final home game of 2011 tonight.

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As Rome/Floyd awaits word on distribution center, Lowe's makes significant operational, store changes.

Later today (unrelated to Lowe's): Significant announcement expected late afternoon.

Economic development focus of meeting today at The Forum.
-State Labor Department's online chat kicks off 'Workforce Development' programs for September.

John McClellan's high school predictions for the week: Football
-Unity to open season with a win; key showdown with Darlington vs. Cartersville; elimination game already with Rome vs. Cass?

Call if free food season at Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House (well, almost free)
-Breakfast entree giveaway, customer appreciation week set.

Qualifying continues in Rome: four 'in' so far for six seats.

Parched August (just 1.3 inches of rain) prompts drought concerns.
-Keith Mickler's tips o how to protect your lawn, shrubs.

Latest local forecast:
Tuesday: High of 94, low of 70.
-Wednesday: High of 95, low of 66.
-Thursday: High of 94, low of 65.

Darlington, Armuchee players get statewide props from football site.

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM: 

-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40 a.m.: Andy Johns, North Georgia reporter for the Times Free Press, on the new 14 Congressional District.
-8:10 a.m.: Georgia Competitiveness Initiative; Chris Carey and Diane Lewis.
-8:40 a.m.: Dr. Ken Davis, Harbin Clinic, on helping Miracle Field.

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Braves win penultimate home game of 2011, 6-1. 

-Tonight: Home vs. Kannapolis (last home game of the 2011 season).  

   

Coming Friday: Norman Arey's first Norman's No-Nos column of the 2011 college football season.  

How to water your trees and shrubs the right way

 

Keith Mickler

Floyd County Extension Office

 

Dog gone it, it is official; we haven't had any quantifiable rainfall in almost four weeks, so much for hurricane Irene bringing any relief to our parched landscapes. With that being said let's take a look into why water is so important to our trees and shrubs sheer existence.

 

Water is the single most important resource for tree and shrub survival. A water shortage severely damages our young and old trees/shrubs, and sets-up our healthy ones with long-term issues. Think back to 2007 when Georgia experienced its worst drought ever. Many of our trees are just now beginning to show signs of damaged caused by the 2007 drought.

 

Drought conditions are leading to decline, pest problems, and non-recoverable damage. Supplemental watering will greatly help in maintaining tree health.

 

Many of our trees are old and valuable. They are considered non-replaceable beyond 10 inches in diameter. If these trees are damaged or lost to drought they cannot be replaced for several generations.

 

Manually, the best way to water our trees are with soaker hoses or trickle (drip) irrigation. Lawn irrigation systems are less efficient for applying water to trees than soaker hoses or drip irrigation, but are easy to use. Even a garden hose, moved often, can provide a good soil soaking.

 

Use mulch underneath the trees out to the drip-line to conserve moisture, apply water over the top of the mulch. Do not concentrate water at the base of the trunk as this can lead to other pest problems.

 

Most all of the tree's absorbing roots are in the top foot of soil. Applying water deeper than this misses the most active roots and allows water to go unused and wasted. Apply water across the surface and let it soak into the soil. Surface soaking allows a tree's roots more opportunity to absorb the water.

 

Lay water hoses or applicators out to the tree drip-line. Try to water the soil areas directly beneath the foliage and shaded by the tree. Do not water closer than 3 feet to the trunk on established trees. Be sure the water soaks in well. Make sure you use mulch and slow application rates on slopes, clays, and compacted soils to assure the water is soaking-in and not running-off

 

Do not spray tree foliage when applying water. Water droplets on tree leaves can lead to pest problems and destruction of leaf tissue through sun damage. Try not to wet the trunk if possible.

 

Young, newly planted trees need additional watering care. You must apply water directly over where you need it in the soil. For new trees, concentrate water over the root ball, as well as the planting area, to assure survival. Old, large trees should be extensively watered over the entire area under their foliage.

 

The best time to water is at night, from 10 pm to 8 am. Trees replenish their water deficits during the night time hours. Watering at night allows full use of the water and not as much loss to evaporation.

 

The next best time to water is when the foliage is dry and the potential for evaporation is not at its daily peak which is late afternoon. Be sure to allow any water on the foliage to dry-off before the evening dew appears. This dry gap between watering and dew will help minimize pest problems. This is especially critical where turf surrounds a tree.

 

Depending upon your soil type, daily temperatures, and rainfall amounts, 1-3 inches of water per week should keep a tree healthy. Trees in limited rooting areas such as containers or on major slopes need additional care to assure water is reaching the roots in sufficient amounts.

 

A little over ½ gallon per square foot will equal 1 inch of water. Sandy soils can be severely droughty because water runs out of the rooting zone quickly. Incorporate composted organic materials when planting and mulch covers on the soil surface to help hold in soil moisture preventing the rapid loss of water.

 

Trees should be watered once or twice a week (at least 1 inch of water per application) during the growing season if there is no rainfall in that particular week. One heavy watering is much better than many light, shallow watering. A bigger percentage of the water is used by the tree when watered heavily. Also, light watering encourages shallow rooting which can lead to even more severe drought damage.

 

Heck we, me, all of us need to provide some extra water until mother nature starts to provide some rain if we wish to help our trees long term.

 

The above information was taken from a publication by Dr. Kim D. Coder, Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources,

University of Georgia titled Watering Trees.

-Keith Mickler is the County Coordinator and agriculture agent for The University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension. Located at 12 East 4^th Ave, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 295-6210. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Most local banks, credit unions say no to new ATM fees. Changes on Broad Street. Upper 90s today, this week. Darlington No. 9 in latest poll

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click
-Former White Rabbit getting a new look in downtown Rome.

-Knights of Columbus Labor Day barbecue still smoking after 45 years.

-Rome Athletic Club gets new look indoors -- and outdoors.

Business Report: Business
-Most local banks, credit unions say no to new fees for ATM use -- but they continue to seek ways to make up lost revenue, cut costs. Natalie Simms begins a two-part report on our local financial institutions.

Your latest forecast: Another week of upper-90s; slight rain chance.
-Monday: High of 97, low of 61.
-Tuesday: High of 94, low of 67.
-Wednesday: High of 96, low of 65.

Ga. gas price up 3 cents vs. last week, $1.01 above a year ago.

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40: a.m.: Dr. Keith Rott, Rheumatology, Arthritis Spirit Night at Dwarf House.
-8:10 a.m.: Keith Mickler, extension office, on the drought's impact.
-8:40 a.m.: Phil Gaffney, Georgia Highland's new athletics director.

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Rome, Kannapolis split Sunday double header

-Tonight, Tuesday: Home vs. Kannapolis. Final home games of the 2011 season.

Tuesday: John McClellan's exclusive high school football predictions.

Click Football

Georgia High School Football Daily. Monday

-Darlington No. 9 in A; Calhoun No. 2 in AA.

Norman's No-Nos return Friday: Norman Arey's first picks of the season as college football returns. Exclusively on Hometown Headlines.

Georgia gas price up 3 cents from last week; $1.01 more than a year ago

Media release: Crude oil prices made minimal gains last week, even as Hurricane Irene threatened the U.S. East coast. Oil prices increased slightly after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said they had the "tools" needed to stimulate the economy and help with long-term economic growth. As a result, crude closed at $85.37 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange—$3.11 more than the week prior.

"Although Hurricane Irene has not significantly impacted the price of crude oil, the damage left behind could cause prices to rise later in the week," said Jessica Brady, spokesperson, AAA Auto Club South. "So far, reports speculate Irene's impact is less severe than initially expected, but if refineries are forced to shutdown for repairs it could mean an increase in oil and gas prices."

The U.S. East coast is home to 10 oil refineries that produce approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil a day, according to the Energy Department. This accounts for approximately 7 percent of total U.S. output capacity.

"Retail gas prices have remained relatively unchanged for the past couple of weeks, but are likely to increase by a few cents going into the holiday weekend," said Brady.

The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.60 per gallon, a 3-cent increase from last week. Florida's average price of $3.56 remains unchanged, while Georgia's average price of $3.53 increased 3 cents from last week. Tennessee's average price of $3.43 is 1 cent more than last week, respectively.  

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago     

National:                    $3.609         $3.573                 $3.710            $2.682

Florida:                      $3.569          $3.566                  $3.719             $2.628

Georgia:                     $3.538          $3.506                  $3.729             $2.527

Tennessee:               $3.437          $3.428                 $3.581              $2.509

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

Expanded middle school football program begins Saturday at Barron Stadium.

For more, click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

-The Rome sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade football teams will be playing in the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association this season.

 

-It features 37 schools from Rome as well as Cherokee, Cobb, Paulding, Forsyth and Fulton counties. Each team -- one for each grade -- will play an eight-game schedule with four home games at Barron Stadium. Four rounds of playoffs follow to determine the state champions.

 

-The games begin Saturday at Barron against Sprayberry with the sixth grade game starting at 9 a.m.; seventh at 11 a.m.; and eighth at 1 p.m. Concessions will be open as well as a fish fry for those wanting to the Rome Middle School Football teams.

 

- The sixth graders will field a team for the first time with 34 kids from East Central, Main, North Heights, West Central and other Rome High feeder elementary schools including Saint Mary's.

 

-Charles Smith, Chris Cromer and Richard Sullivan are coaching the sixth grade team, and say they're amazed by the team's overall talent level.

Exchange Club of Rome sends care packages to troops in Afghanistan

Exchangites prepare care packages.  From left to right:  Ken Hulsey, Martha Fricks, Jimmye Grimes, Connie Hulsey, Meredith Brown, Wanda Whitten, Joan Crumley, Tony Daniel and JC Grimes.

 

Media release:  The Exchange Club of Rome filled 21 care packages that will be sent to Sergeant Major Whittington and his troops from the 2^nd MLG G-3  who are stationed at Camp Leatherneck in the Helman Province of Afghanistan.  "We want our troops to know that we are so proud of them," says Community Service Chair, Meredith Brown.  "These packages are just a small token of our appreciation," says Brown.   Exchange, America's Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.  The Exchange Club of Rome meets every Friday at noon at the Palladium on the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds.

Pepperell community mourns tragic death of Bonnie Cook. 100-degree forecast today; take precautions. High school football: Predictions, scoreboard show, scores. Plus middle schoolers hit the field Saturday

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Pepperell community grieving loss of Bonnie Cook
-Students, staff, friends remember Middle school secretary who died in a vehicle fire Thursday. Special tribute page on Facebook draws more than 600 'friend's in just hours.
-Floyd County Schools have extra assistance at the school today.

Weather: Record forecast, lawn care, latest on Irene

-100-degree forecast would tie record set in 1938: Thursday's high was 98.

-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 100, low of 68.

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 97, low of 65.

-Sunday: 20% rain chance, high of 92, low of 62.

   

How to Water Your Lawn the Right Way: Keith Mickler column

 

Hurricane Irene: Advisory

-With winds of 110 mph, Irene was moving north at 10 mph. Hurricane warnings are up in parts of North Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey.

Today's Buzz:
-Braves to announce latest swing at Miracle Field on Monday.
-Source Therapy Billing update due at 11 a.m. briefing today.

Football back in a big way:
-John McClellan's high school picks.
-South 107's scoreboard show returns tonight.
-Get tonight's updates at www.wrgarome.com
-Rome Middle School football adds sixth-grade team; all play Saturday.
-Norman's No-Nos, Norman Arey's locks to lose each week in college football, return a week from today only on Hometown Headlines.

Weekend:
-Public health restaurant inspection scores: Dining
-Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report.
-What's ahead this weekend: Dancing Rome stars.

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40 a.m.: Open lines at 706-291-9744. 

-8:10 a.m.: Mike Beavers on high school football weekend

-8:40 a.m.: Al Pazzone, mayor of Emerson, on LakePoint project.  

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Braves  win 4-3, complete sweep of Savannah. 

-Tonight: Final six home games of 2011 season begin vs. Kannapolis. 

 

Coming Sept. 2: Norman Arey's first Norman's No-Nos column of the 2011 college football season.  

 

Etowah River Bacteria Monitoring comes up 'safe' again this week

 

 

Please see CRBI's Etowah River bacteria monitoring graph for Aug. 24. The geometric mean for our three testing sites was 68.5 cfu/100ml

 

Here are the results from the individual testing sites:  

 

	8/24/2011 Water Temp. 24 C No Rain since Aug. 6
Second Ave.	47.3 cfu/100ml
Rome Bypass	52.9 cfu/100ml
US 411	128.7 cfu/100ml
Geometric Mean:	68.54 cfu/100ml

 

Since CRBI began this testing program in March, the geometric mean of the three testing sites has been within "safe limits" in 19 of 22 monitoring events. The continued lack of rain reduces the likelihood of high bacteria levels. Bacteria levels in streams and rivers usually become elevated after heavy rains when pollutants wash off the surface of the land and when sewer overflows and leaking sewer systems are more likely.

How to Water Your Lawn the Right Way

By Keith Mickler

County Coordinator and agriculture agent,

University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension.

It has been three weeks since we had any type of measurable rainfall. Our lawn, gardens and landscape are really cooking in this extreme heat and droughty conditions.

So much for any relief was thought we might get from Hurricane Irene.

It is extremely important that we make every drop of water we apply to our landscape count. The next few lines will provide you with guidelines on how to make every drop count when irrigating your lawn.

First and for most established lawns need not be watered daily. Deep, infrequent irrigation is better than frequent sprinklings. Two irrigations per week are usually sufficient except during extremely hot, windy periods.

The amount of water that is applied during each watering is as important as the frequency. Unless your irrigation system is calibrated, (I dare say that even an experienced gardener might not know) you don't know how much water is being applied.

Frequently, ok every time I will ask how much water is your irrigation system applying? Inevitably, the answer I am given is the number of days and minutes the irrigation system runs, which frankly doesn't tell you or me diddly!!!

The time of sprinkling means nothing, unless there is a relationship between that and the volume of water that is applied. I have seen systems that could deliver the required amount of water within 20 to 30 minutes, while others can take over two hours to deliver the same amount. The amount of water that is delivered by an irrigation system is determined by pipe size, pressure and the number and type of sprinkler heads that are used.

Since no two irrigation systems are the same, each one should be calibrated in order to determine the exact amount of water that is being applied. Established lawns should be given 1 inch of water per week in one irrigation cycle but twice a week (two irrigation cycles) during drought thus totaling 2 inches. On the other hand shrubs and trees will survive on 1 inch of water once week.

One inch of water is a lot of water given the fact that one inch of rainfall or irrigation amounts to 27,000 gallons of water per acre or .65 gallons per sq. ft. Using a quarter of an acre lot as an example, there would be approximately 7,000 square feet in lawn and landscape plantings following construction. Over three thousand gallons would be required to deliver 1 inch of water to the lawn area.　

The How to Calibrate using the Can Test

Find out how much water your system is delivering and to make necessary adjustments follow these steps.

Place 5 or 6 straight sided cans or pans (tuna, cat food, baking pan etc.) at random throughout the area to be irrigated.

Run the system a determined amount of time and, using a ruler, check the depth within the pans.

Continue to check the cans/pans and keep up with the irrigation time until an average of 1 inch is collected in the pans. Now you should know how much time it will take to deliver 1 inch of water.

Most gardeners who perform this simple test are stunned by the results. In many cases it is determined that only a fraction of what is needed is being delivered. On the other hand, the irrigation system is sometimes found to be delivering excessive amounts of water which is wasted. If you are into wasting money our 4-H program is always in need of financial assistance. We currently are in desperate need of reliable transportation for the 4-H youth

-Water lawn only once a week; but during drought twice a week

- When it hasn't rained, (which it hasn't) a deep soaking every week is a must thus providing your lawn with the needed moisture.

- Don't water in the heat of the day. You will only lose water to evaporation. If you have an automatic system, set it to come on in the early morning hours starting say around 12 a.m. and finished by 10 a.m.

-Turn off the sprinkler when it rains. Install an inexpensive rain sensor shut-off switch.

-Mulch! Using pine straw, bark chips or ground hardwood mulch on the roots of all your shrubs and trees to help retain soil moisture.

Keith Mickler is the County Coordinator and agriculture agent for The University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension. Located at 12 East 4^{th Ave, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 295-6210. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.}

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension - Learning for Life. Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. To obtain extension publications please visit our web site www.ugaextension.com or contact your county Cooperative Extension office.

Floyd's jobless rate rises to 11% thanks to NW Regional layoffs. Excessive heat continues: 97 today. More new tenants at Etowah Crossing

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Those Northwest Georgia Regional layoffs show up on jobless report.
-Floyd saw the July unemployment rate rise to 11%
-Bartow, Gordon, Polk, Chattooga see dip last month.
-Shorter's annual career fair set for Sept. 22. Shorter's Britt Madden on today's Hometown Radio at 8:10 a.m. on WRGA 1470 AM.

Another high of 97 due today, Friday. Wednesday's high: 97
-Hurricane watch issued for Outer Banks are Irene takes aim.

Etowah Crossing gets another new tenant: elections office
-Dollar Tree, Goodwill also on the way.

AT & T 'mini site' show customers where to find enhanced service, including Cartersville and Adairsville. Another is on the way for Rome.

Meet the man who's bedding empire covers Alabama and has grown into Rome and Pensacola.

Public health restaurant inspection scores: Dining
-From some high marks for pizza shops to a 50 for Asian cuisine.

Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report for the weekend.

Today's buzz:
-Floyd's teacher of the year nominees ...  Roman Rumble returns.

 

Your latest forecast: Another sizzler Wednesday with 97 degrees.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 95, low of 69.
-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 95, low of 68.   

-Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 91, low of 62. 

 

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40 a.m.: Scotty Hancock, Floyd EMA director, preparedness night at Rome Braves.
-8:10 a.m.: Britt Madden, Shorter University, on Sept. 22 career fair.
-8:40 a.m.: Brad Nitz, WSB TV meteorologist, on Irene and fall.

 

Rome Braves go for series sweep tonight vs. Savannah.

 

John McClellan's high school predictions for this weekend.

 

 

GOP's Saville wants changes to new congressional districts. Whitefield campaign moves to Facebook. Darlington heading to Florida as Irene stays to the east. State banks see profits again

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Politics:
-Floyd GOP's Ansley Saville urges colleagues to 'bombard' local lawmakers to change Floyd's fate in proposed congressional districts.
-Chad Whitefield's campaign for state Senate hits Facebook.

Local tremors get Northwest Georgians buzzing on Facebook.
-Tellus curator Julian Gray joins us at 8:10 a.m. today on WRGA 1470 AM to talk about Tuesday's quake.

Tracking Hurricane Irene:
-Darlington making trip to Orlando for Friday night game.
-Irene packing 110-mph winds this morning, still moving west-northwest.

Today's Buzz:
-State's banks post a profit through June 30.
-Greater Rome chamber says thank you.

 

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 95, low of 65.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 95, low of 69.
-Friday: 20% rain chance, high of 95, low of 68.  

 

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.
-7:40 a.m.: Jim Galloway, AJC political insider, on new congressional districts.
-8:10 a.m.: Julian Gray, Tellus Science Museum, on Tuesday's earthquake.
-8:40 a.m.: John Southwood, chief advancement officer, Georgia Highland on WellStar gift.
-Listen online: http://wrga.streamon.fm/

Rome Braves: Sports.

-Savannah falls 6-2 to Rome; teams play at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

-Today-Thursday: Home vs. Savannah.

-Rome Braves have huge finale at home with fan appreciation specials now through Aug. 30. Details

John McClellan's first full week of picks and previews looks at an early, key showdown for Rome; Pepperell vs. Cartersville; Rockmart vs. Cedartown; and Darlington's road trip to Orlando. Football.  

Berry welcomes more than 600 first-year students, transfers for fall semester

Photos:  Berry student Ansley Kimberly takes a break between classes. (Left to right) Katie Franklin, Michaela Grass, McKenzie Reeves and Robby Rook cross campus to their next classes.

 

Media release:  Students jumped back in the routine this week as Berry College welcomed returning students and embraced a new crop of freshmen.

 

President Stephen Briggs spoke to students, faculty and staff at the Opening Convocation Tuesday in the College Chapel.

 

"It is still the case that if you want to make something of yourself, if you want to be a good steward of the gifts and talents you have been given, you will need some hunger in your belly," Briggs said. "Be hungry to improve yourself.  Learning is about improving."

Quoting President Theodore Roosevelt, Briggs reminded students to be "a lifter not a leaner." 

 

Interesting facts about Berry's newest Vikings:

       

·       25 percent were in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

·       11 were valedictorians and nine were salutatorians.

·       71 percent are from Georgia.

·       24 states and 10 countries are represented including Australia, Cayman Islands, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Rwanda, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

·       75 percent performed community service in high school.

·       More than 20 students are Eagle Scouts or Girls Scout Silver or Gold Award recipients.

·       75 had family members attend Berry.

According to preliminary data released by Berry's Office of Enrollment Management, more than 600 freshmen and transfer students are enrolled for the 2011-2012 school year. Berry's total undergraduate population will be approximately 1,900 students when enrollment numbers are finalized. Joining them will be more than 150 additional students who will be taking classes as part of Berry's master's and specialist programs this fall. 

 

2012 elections just got hotter thanks to congressional changes. Tracking Irene; Darlington trip decision due. John McClellan's high school football predictions. Mid-90s today. Rome Braves win.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Suddenly, 2012 congressional election gets hot
-New district boundaries sees Phil Gingrey lose Floyd County; Tom Graves to seek new seat. But will changes encourage others to jump in, too?

 

Keep an eye on Hurricane Irene; could be a factor in our weather by the weekend.   

-Darlington football team's trip to Orlando to be decided by Wednesday.  

 

Latest business updates from Northwest Georgia. 

 

16 restaurants donating part of today's proceeds to help 'Too Hot to Cook,' fund-raiser for Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.

 

Support grows for stricken Coosa High student Ben Masters.  

-Facebook page keeps community updated on his condition. 

 

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 94, low of 62.
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 93, low of 66.
-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 94, low of 68.  

 Huge weekend of high school football on the way
-John McClellan's first full week of picks and previews looks at an early, key showdown for Rome High; Pepperell vs. Cartersville; Rockmart vs. Cedartown; and Darlington's road trip to Orlando (weather permitting).    

 

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.: The Buzz of Northwest Georgia
-7:40 a.m.: Mike Dunn, general manager, Rome Braves, on big finale.
-8:10 a.m.: Fraser Pearson of ARAMARK at Berry College and Grant Wells from Chick-Fil-A at Mount Berry Square.
-8:40 a.m.: Mark Lamade on family ties to Little League World Series.

-Listen online: http://wrga.streamon.fm/    

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Rome Braves win opener vs. Sandgnats, 4-3.
-Tonight-Thursday, home vs. Savannah.

 

John McClellan's high school football report.    

 

Coming Sept. 2: Norman Arey's first Norman's No-Nos column of the 2011 college football season.  

CHS rallies around Ben Masters

Media release: Coosa High School students are rallying around an injured classmate and his family in their time of need.  The CHS school store and the CHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes are selling t-shirts and bracelets in the CHS school store to benefit Ben Masters and his family.  All proceeds from the sale of the items will be donated to help with medical expenses for Ben.  The teen was injured in a one-car accident on Saturday evening in the Coosa community.  He sustained spinal injuries in the accident that have left him paralyzed below the chest at this time.  Ben was taken by helicopter to Atlanta where he is scheduled for surgery today.  Plans are to transfer him to Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta after the surgery. 

The CHS t-shirt sold to benefit the Masters' will be black with Benjamin on the front and Ben's football number (58) on the back.  The items may be purchased at the store from the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or at the CHS football game on Friday evening.  The bracelets will be available for $3.00.  The t-shirt is only $12.   

 

The West Rome McDonald's location has planned a benefit night for the Master's family on Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  McDonald's will donate 30 percent of all sales during this time to the family.  Ben worked at the Shorter Avenue McDonald's location.  An account has also been established at River City Bank for donations to help the Masters family.

Ben Masters is a junior at Coosa High School.  His mother Karen teaches at Alto Park Elementary in Floyd County Schools.  His father Rob is a community representative on the Local School Governance Team (LSGT) at Coosa High School and an active volunteer in the school system.

Jandy's adding Calhoun location. High school football coverage grows again. Latest business updates. Mid-90s today; watching Hurricane Irene.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click

-Jandy's Frozen Yogurt expanding to Calhoun; store to open in late September, early October.

-Grand opening of Greater Community Bank set.

-Mount Berry United Methodist Church on the move.

-What to watch this week: New congressional districts, final home stand of the Rome Braves, formal start of high school football.  

 

Today's Focus:   Click Football 

-High school football coverage grows with more broadcasts and web streaming this year; Pepperell High to webcast its games; and more schools using social media to share scores/updates. Natalie Simms reports. 

 

Keep an eye on Hurricane Irene; could be a factor in our weather by the weekend. 

 

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: Sunny, high of 95, low of 62. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 92, low of 62.
-Wednesday: 20% rain chance, high of 92, low of 67.  

 

Gas prices dropped a nickel a gallon in Georgia last week -- but you're still paying about 90 cents more than you did a year ago.    

Darlington No. 8 in single A in latest football rankings; Calhoun No. 2 in AA list. 

 

Today's Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m., WRGA 1470 AM:
-7:10 a.m.:  The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.

-7:40 a.m.: Updates on LakePoint Sporting Community. 

-8:10 a.m.: Todd Brooks, Berry College athletics director. 

-8:40 a.m.: Henry Parkman, attorney for Cartersville Ranch LLC (Rollins family).  

-Listen online: http://wrga.streamon.fm/    

 

Rome Braves: Sports

-Asheville strikes back in finale, beats Rome 13-5.
-Tonight-Thursday, home vs. Savannah.

 

John McClellan's high school football report.  

-First full week of picks due Tuesday from John. 

 

Coming Sept. 2: Norman Arey's first Norman's No-Nos column of the 2011 college football season.  

 

 

Georgia gas prices down a nickel a gallon last week

Media release: The past few months have shown just how volatile the market can be with the price of crude oil trading from more than $100 in June to $80 this month. While oil prices continue to show significant fluctuations week after week, prices fell this past Friday to settle at $82.26 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange—$3.12 less than the week prior.

Oil prices fell last week after U.S. oil inventories rose more than 4.2 million barrels for a total of 354 million barrels in U.S. stockpiles, according to the Energy Department. Stockpiles were forecast to decrease by approximately 500,000 barrels. As a result of the slow economic growth and lag in fuel demand, OPEC said they see no need to increase oil output, since there is plenty of supply in the market.

"No matter how optimistic investors try to be at this time, they can't ignore the sluggish economy seen both here in the U.S. and abroad," said Jessica Brady, spokesperson, AAA Auto Club South. "Retail gas prices have consistently decreased throughout the past few weeks and are expected to continue the decrease into the Labor Day holiday. Gas prices in the Southeast decreased an average of 5 cents last week."

The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.57 per gallon, a 2-cent decrease from last week. Florida's average price of $3.56, Georgia's average price of $3.50, and Tennessee's average price of $3.42 all fell 5 cents from last week, respectively.  

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago     

National:                    $3.573         $3.598                 $3.695            $2.718

Florida:                      $3.566          $3.610                  $3.704             $2.672

Georgia:                     $3.506          $3.554                  $3.724             $2.581

Tennessee:               $3.428          $3.476                 $3.579              $2.551

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