Goatee contest to help raise funds for Santa Cops; Sheriff's Santa applications welcomed

Media releases:

The Fraternal Order of Police is running a goatee contest, which starts today,  October 31st and ends November 30^th.  Participants will be employees of the Floyd County Police Department, Floyd County Sheriff's Office, Floyd County Prison and the Rome Police Department.  We have three judges who will judge the contest and they are:  Kay Ann Weathington (DA'S OFFICE), Judge Bob Couey (MAGISTRATE COURT), and Judge Jack Niedrach (Superior Court). There is a $20 entry fee.  Money raised will benefit Christmas with SANTA COPS PROGRAM.For more information, please contact:     CPL. William (Ghee) Wilson, 706-252-4221 or at Gheewilson159@yahoo.com

Sheriff's Santa applications: Each year the Floyd County Sheriff's Office reaches out into the community, knowing that countless people are experiencing hardships during the Christmas Season. The Floyd County Sheriff's Office will be taking applications for the Sheriff's Santa, November 1^{st -}through November 16th, 2011.  APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING THE NOTED DATES, M-F, FROM 830AM TO 430PM.  To apply, please contact Mechelle Cliatt of the Floyd County Sheriff's Office at 706-291-4111, ext 8812. Applications can also be picked up and completed at the Floyd County Jail (2526 New Calhoun Highway), or the Floyd County Sheriff's Office located at #3 Government Plaza.  FAMILIES WILL ONLY BE ASSISTED FOR ONE YEAR.  ONLY CHILDREN 16 YEARS AND YOUNGER ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GIFTS.

 

Buzz: Key moves expected in local healthcare, downtown this week. Floyd's 'Paper Dolls' shows changes in crisis PR management. Frosty Halloween but clear skies.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click

-What's buzzing: A medical partnership in the works?
-Latest changes on Broad Street due this week.
-Politics: Dream showdown probably won't happen.

-Today's Focus: Natalie Simms looks at how the social media revolution has changed crisis management public relations. Example: Floyd's 'Paper Dolls.'

Gas prices dip by almost 4 cents a gallon in Georgia, AAA South reports. 

Halloween Headlines:
-Complete rundown of what's happening tonight, from Broad Street to the mall to ZombieLand.
-Forecast: Mid 50s, clear skies but temps will drop fast at sunset. 

Your latest forecast: Frosty start to give way to great fall day.
-Look for another frost advisory tonight.
-Monday: Sunny, high of 64, low of 31.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 68, low of 33.
-Wednesday: More of the same: High of 68, low of 39.

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

--Join us Monday for Dr. Donald Dowless of Shorter University as well as David Stephenson and Don Foley on Georgia Northwestern's new basketball season. Plus: Open lines beginning at 8:10 a.m. Please call 706-291-9744.  

 

John McClellan's high school picks.
-Next week's predictions will be posted Tuesday on Hometown.

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey
-Norman picks 10 guaranteed losers in college football each Friday.

Calhoun no. 2 in latest high school football rankings (AA).

Shorter Hawks at Union, Ky., this Saturday, noon start.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Friday: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.

-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

Georgia gas prices dip by almost 4 cents a gallon

 

Media release: A barrel of oil rose to its highest settlement since July to close Friday at $93.32 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)—$5.92 more than the week prior. The last time oil traded higher than $90 a barrel was on July 29, when it settled at $95.70 on the NYMEX. At that time, the national average price for a gallon of regular retail gasoline was $3.83, a quarter more than today's average.

Oil prices increased last week after reports showed the U.S. economy grew more than expected in the third quarter and European leaders came to an agreement on how to solve Europe's debt issues. The U.S. economy expanded by 2.5 percent in the third quarter of this year, up from the 1.3 percent growth seen in the second quarter. The consumer sentiment index also showed slight improvements for the month of October, moving from 59.4 in September to 60.9 this month, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan report. 

"Oil prices continue their upward trend as positive U.S. economic news is released at the same time European leaders are showing optimism on a resolution to correct the European debt crisis," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokesperson, The Auto Club Group. "Both oil and gas prices are expected to rise this week as demand for heating oil increases after the Northeast region of the U.S. was hit with the worst snowstorm in 32 years."

The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.44 per gallon, 1-cent less than last week. Florida's average price of $3.42 decreased 4 cents from last week. While both Georgia's average price of $3.37 and Tennessee's average price of $3.27 fell 3 cents from last week, respectively.  

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago    

National:                   $3.446        $3.456                 $3.445            $2.808

Florida:                      $3.424          $3.460                  $3.418             $2.792

Georgia:                     $3.371          $3.408               $3.295             $2.679

Tennessee:               $3.276          $3.306             $3.247              $2.635

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.

Rome-Floyd-Gordon Employer Committee wins state Project of the Year Award

Media release: State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said today that the
Rome/Floyd-Gordon Employer Committee has won the Georgia Employer Committee's
Project of the Year Award for 2011. Butler presented the award on behalf of
the state committee at its annual conference today in Peachtree City.

"The Rome/Floyd-Gordon Employer Committee is doing important work to help
people with disabilities have rewarding and successful careers," said
Commissioner Butler. "I consider them to be an important partner in helping
the labor department and me ensure that all Georgians have every opportunity
to support themselves and their families."

The employer committee, which serves the Rome/Floyd-Gordon area, won the
award based on its program entitled, Preparing Graduates of Georgia School
for the Deaf for the World of Work.
The program is designed to help students develop work-force readiness
skills, select professional business attire, and learn job-search and
interviewing techniques. Several local employers allowed the students to
tour their facilities to understand what it's like to be in the workforce.

The Rome/Floyd-Gordon Employer Committee was one of four area employer
committees to receive awards at the state employer conference. Employer
committees are groups of business representatives who maintain a working
relationship between employers and the GDOL. The committees provide input
and guidance to the commissioner and department in the development of policy
and legislation, as it impacts employers and employees. The 51 committees
throughout the state work closely with their local GDOL career centers to
promote the department's services among employers and to identify and
recommend ways to meet local and state employment-related needs.

To learn more about GDOL's employer committees, visit the department's web
site at www.dol.state.ga.us, or call Georgia Employer Committee Coordinator
Vickie Henson at (404) 232-7325.

Nov. 8: Immigration to be discussed at Nov. 8 meeting of the Greater Rome Society for Human Resource Management

Immigration Law Panel Discussion

Media release: The new Georgia immigration law will be discussed by a panel of experts at the next Greater Rome SHRM Chapter meeting on November 8 at the Coosa Country Club.  The bill creating the law was co-sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey of Rome.

Rep. Dempsey plus Sheriff Tim Burkhalter, Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, and Marcella Langlois, a judicial interpreter will be the panel members.

Georgia's Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Lawrequires all employers with over 500 employees to verify the immigration status of all employees using the federal E-verify program right now.  In July 2012 employers with over 100 employees will have to use E-verify, and in July 2013 employers with over 10 employees with have to use E-verify.

Sandra McCain, the former Legislative Chair of the Greater Rome SHRM, will be the moderator of the panel discussion.

The program begins at 11:30 with a buffet luncheon.  The panel discussion will take place from 12:00 to 1:00.  The cost is $15 for non-members of Rome SHRM.  E-mail romeshrm@gmail.com to reserve a spot. 

All members of the public are welcome to attend.  The primary focus of the panel discussion will be on the impact of the law upon Human Resource managers in Georgia.  

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India.  Greater Rome SHRM has 75 members and is one of 20 chapters in Georgia.

90% chance of rain today; high of 58; low Saturday night: 30. Leaf season nears peak. Banks: UCBI posts quarterly loss; Synovus in the black. Norman Arey: Florida over Georgia? No-no!

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Your weather in a word: Yuck
-What to watch: As much as a half-inch of rain is possible today and another tenth of an inch tonight as a front moves across Northwest Georgia. Also: an overnight low of 30 Saturday night.
-Weather updates today, all weekend on Hometown.
-Friday: 90% chance of rain today, 50% tonight. High of 58, low of 38.
-Saturday: Sunny, high of 61, low of 30.
-Sunday: Sunny, high of 64, low of 38.

Northwest Georgia approaching peak weeks of 2011 leaf season.

Business Buzz:
-United Community Banks reports $6.2 million third quarter loss but . . .
-Synovus, parent company of Citizens First and GB & T, posts $15.7 million profit in the third quarter vs. $195.8 million loss a year earlier.
-New Waffle House on U.S. 411 resets opening for Nov. 14.

Politics:
-Democrats to meet Nov. 5.
-State, local GOP leaders among those attending reception for Senate candidate Chad Whitefield.

Interim president to be announced today for Georgia Highlands.

John McClellan's high school picks.
-Playoffs come into focus with key games Friday. Winners include Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun, Darlington, Cartersville, Cedartown.
-Get all tonight's schools by visiting wrgarome.com
-Where to listen to, watch tonight's games. 

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey

-So who wins the 2011 edition of Georgia vs. Florida? Norman never picks Georgia to beat the Gators, right? But this time . . .
-Each Friday, Norman picks the 10 college teams he believes will lose this weekend.

Shorter on the road this weekend. 

Weekend:
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.
-Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report.
-Busy weekend calendar for Northwest Georgia: Dracula, Scary Berry, ZombieLand, Rivers Alive cleanup, more. 

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

-Please join our guests today including Bonnie Goulding of Rome High on the school's popular club for future health professionals; John McClellan on a key night in high school football for Northwest Georgia; and Rick Woodall, avid sports and Bulldogs fan, on Saturday's showdown with my the Florida Gators.

Nov. 12: Walk to End Alzheimers set

Media release: Area residents looking to help in the fight against Alzheimer's are invited to attend the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" walk on Saturday, November 12 at Berry College's Krannert Student Center.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10:00 a.m.

"Every 69 seconds a person will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This number will escalate rapidly in the coming years as the baby boom generation ages. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death across all ages in the U.S. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those 65 and older. Twenty-eight thousand people in North Georgia area alone have Alzheimer's. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's disease," according to a press release from the Alzheimer's Association.

The association works to provide information about the disease to everyone. According to the organization, Alzheimer's is "a fatal brain disease and a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks and will eventually result in death."

Charisse Durham, branch manager of Help At Home, Inc. and co-chair of the walk said, "The Alzheimer's Association is the leading organization that assists families who are suffering from this wide-spread disease. If we do not assist in the advocacy and research now, this could financially cripple the healthcare system if something isn't done. We only have five FDA approved drugs to manage symptoms. We have no means of preventing, slowing progression of the disease and only ideas about what a cure would look like. Also, since there are no survivors and it takes so much of a toll on families, we have to make a plea for more people to get involved on behalf of those who can't. This is the only disease in the top ten causes of death in the United States that has such a bleak outlook. Alzheimer's is an epidemic."

Matt Davis, of 95.7 The Ridge and co-chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer's said the www.alz.org/Georgia

　website is a good resource for information about the disease and can be used to register for the walk or donate to the advocacy, resource and research efforts. Also, the staff at the Alzheimer's Association is a wealth of information and you can reach them at 1-800-272-3900.

Last year's event, a record breaking year, raised $62,000. Davis said the group is seeking to surpass that amount with this year's Walk. The funds will go toward programs and services including support groups, 24/7 Helpline and education as well as research.

The walk festivities will include entertainment, a kid's corner, and advocacy information and will feature a memory garden where those who have lost loved ones can leave a tribute. For more information, you may call the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/georgia or their 24 hour Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. For information about the walk, you may contact Charisse Durham at 706-346-1669.

Nov. 5: First Christian Church's Backpack Buddies yard sale set

Media release: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 209 E. Second Avenue will have an indoor yard sale on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 8 AM to 12 Noon to benefit its participation in the Backpack Buddies Program.

Since 2007, greater Rome elementary school children have experienced the Backpack Buddy Program (BPB) which began with the Christian Women's Fellowship at First Christian. Beginning with only a few students at two schools, the demand has increased so that many other churches, civic groups and individuals now sponsor schools. Rome Action Ministries (RAM) partners with sponsors to help provide nutritious snacks and meal items at very low prices to the sponsors.

In the 2010-2011 school year, RAM reported that over 1000 Backpack Buddy bags were sent home with school children so they could eat on the weekends when the schools are closed. In each school, counselors and teachers identify children who might benefit from the program, and in the 2011-2012 school year, the number is on the rise.

The following email was sent the week of October 16^{th to the ladies at First Christian from a school they sponsor: "A teacher shared with me a change she has seen in a student when they returned on Monday. She feels that it was the child being added to the BPB program that has helped. We know you know this program is helping our students and we are so grateful. Once again the numbers have increased, now we are at 75. I think we have finally identified all our students and siblings. Thank you."}

The Christian Women's Fellowship of First Christian continues to be involved in Backpack Buddies. They are excited to be able to serve an ever increasing number of children and want to assure their participation by earning additional funds through a church-wide yard sale on Saturday, November 5th at the church – 209 E. Second Ave. There will be household and holiday items and more (no clothes), and all proceeds will go to benefit the Backpack Buddies program.

For more information call the church at 706-291-6745.

Jobless rate up again in September in Floyd; drops in other counties. Major grant awarded to Family Resource Center. Restaurant scores. Youth sports update. 30-40% rain chance today.

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Jobless rate rises in Floyd in September, drops slightly in Bartow, Gordon, Polk, Chattooga counties.

-Blame the loss of Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital for the increase.

-Better days ahead? Preconstruction work on the Lowe's center could provide short-term relief; Christmas retail jobs, too.
-County-by-county reports plus statewide figures.

New Waffle House on U.S. 411 near Chulio to open Nov. 7.
-Signs up at new Fox's Pizza Den in Armuchee.
-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores: Nearly 20 scores of 95 and a 46 in Adairsville.

Exchange Club Family  Resource Center earns record grant but also needs to raise $30,000 to match part of it.

 

Rain on the way today, 30-40%, and then 70% Friday.

Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report.

Youth sports
-Rome sixth grade football team to host championship round opener at 11 a.m. Saturday at Barron Stadium.
-Darlington Middle School takes county title over Coosa.
-Brackets posted for post-season fall baseball playoffs.

Powerball jackpot: No winner Wednesday; Saturday's jackpot balloons to $203 million.PowerBall jackpot: $173 million.  

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

-Please join our guests today including Jenn Chandler of the Exchange Club Family Resource Center on largest grand ever; Grant Wells of Chick-Fil-A at Mount Berry on the family 'pet or treat' show Saturday; Darrell Galloway talks about the Silver & Gold 365 Republican celebration coming up in Northwest Georgia.  

 

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: 30-40% chance of rain, high of 76, low of 51.
-Friday: 70% chance of rain, high of 57, low of 40.
-Saturday: Sunny, high of 63, low of 34.

John McClellan's high school picks. -Playoffs come into focus with key games Friday. Winners include Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun, Darlington, Cartersville, Cedartown.

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey

-Each Friday, Norman picks 10 guaranteed losers in college football. This week: Georgia or Florida?

Shorter Hawks football.  

-At Edward Waters this Saturday; 1:30 p.m. start.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Randy Ingle returns to manage Rome Braves in 2012.

-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.

-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

7th/8th Grade Berry College Mathematics Contest results

Media release: Berry College hosted the Fall 2011 7th/8th-grade Berry
College Mathematics Contest on Tuesday, October 25th.

Of the 14 seventh and eighth-grade teams that competed at the event, the top
three teams were:
-1st - Jasper Middle School (Pickens County)
-2nd - First Presbyterian Day School (Macon)
-3rd - Clear Creek Middle School (Gilmer).

Top individuals student winners were: Laney Henderson from Clear Creek
Middle School - 1st; Nicholas Shealy from First Presbyterian Day School -
2nd; and Logan Fountain from Jasper Middle School - 3rd.

Participating schools included: Armuchee Middle School (Floyd County),
Berry College Elementary and Middle School (Rome), Coosa Middle School
(Floyd County), Clear Creek Middle School (Gilmer), Dade Middle School (Dade
County), First Presbyterian Day School (Macon), Heritage Middle School
(Catoosa County), Jasper Middle School (Pickens County), LaFayette Middle
School (Walker County), Rome Middle School (Rome), St. Mary's School (Rome),
Sonoraville Middle School (Gordon County), Tattnall Square Academy (Macon),
and Trion Middle School (Chattooga County).

Berry College hosts the competition to promote and encourage mathematical
excellence. Several Berry students and mathematics faculty worked with the
event. Dr. Martha Tapia, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, is
the faculty supervisor for the event.

One-time hot spot on Bypass, 411 back on the market. Huddle House update. Floyd 'paper dolls': final updates. Regional GOP meeting to honor Gingrey, Graves; countdown to 2012

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One of the 'original' Publix/Target rumored sites back on the market:

-130-acre site on Bypass near U.S. 411 offered for $1.3 million.

-Was one of three or four development sites near East Rome Walmart

Rome, other Northwest Georgia Huddle House locations among those investigated by U.S Labor Department.

Floyd 'Paper Dolls' update: Rome administrators say they don't know who made the original complaint; acknowledge call from RACA.

Regional GOP grounds plan '365' countdown event to November 2012 election; to honor Gingrey, Graves.
-Floyd GOP Women to meet Nov. 1; speaker is Dempsey.

Tellus seismograph 'feels' fatal Turkey quake 14 minutes later.

Shorter's new logo centers on redefined mission.

Tonight's MegaMillions' jackpot: $173 million.  

 

Weather today: Sunny, high of 78, low of 46. Cooler temps, rain on the way.

 

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

-Please join our guests today including Mike Dunn, general manager of the Rome Braves, on the Third Annual Celebrity Shootout on Nov. 4; Tony Miller of First Bank Mortgage Partners on efforts to help distressed homeowners refinance; and Dr. Frank Stephenson, a Berry College economics professor, on candidates' tax plans.  

 

John McClellan's high school picks. -Playoffs come into focus with key games Friday. Winners include Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun, Darlington, Cartersville, Cedartown.

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey

-Each Friday, Norman picks 10 guaranteed losers in college football. This week: Georgia or Florida?

Shorter Hawks football.  

-At Edward Waters this Saturday; 1:30 p.m. start.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Randy Ingle returns to manage Rome Braves in 2012.

-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.

-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

Business: Changes at Rusans? Cartersville Jewelry opens. Behind Berry's surge in sports. Final week of Breast Cancer Awareness events; still no word on city/Floyd dolls. Mid-70s today, rain by Thursday.

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Changes coming to Rusan's in Rome?

Cartersville Jewelry Exchange opens Rome store, completes big summer, fall of changes and moves.

Berry football, track initiative follows recent flurry of new sports ventures, from Cage Center and softball to potential for tennis center.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month events continue in final week.

-Still no word on the Paper Dolls' caller to City Hall.

John McClellan's high school picks.

-Playoffs come into focus with key games Friday. Winners include Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun, Darlington, Cartersville, Cedartown.

Rome's Tea Party to meet with Rep. Tom Graves Nov. 9. 

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

-Please join our guests today including State Fire Marshal Dwayne Garriss on Halloween safety; Jennifer Morgan from the Downtown Development Authority on Trick or Treat on Broad Street on Oct. 31; Todd Brooks, Berry's athletics director, on Berry's move to add football as well as track in 2013; and Giles Chapman from The Exchange Club's Americanism committee on 'One Nation Under God' set for Nov. 13 at the City Auditorium. 

 

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 79, low of 43.
-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 78, low of 50.
-Thursday: 50% chance of rain, high of 70, low of 51.

Latest updates on Hurricane Rina; forecast shows a hit on western Cuba by Sunday.

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey

-Each Friday, Norman picks 10 guaranteed losers in college football. This week: Georgia or Florida?

Shorter Hawks football.  

-At Edward Waters this Saturday; 1:30 p.m. start.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Randy Ingle returns to manage Rome Braves in 2012.

-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.

Local retailers begin Christmas seasonal hiring. What's next in Floyd 'Paper Dolls' case? Business, politics, more Berry football. Forecast: Great fall week ahead.

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia.  Click 

-Local retailers begin hiring for Christmas season sales.

-Floyd's 'paper dolls' update: Answers today? By the numbers: 3,250 YouTube views, 3,000 signs, 450 T-shirts, and growing.  

-City Swirls opens a week early as frozen yogurt business booms.

-Romney gets a friendly nod at key GOP BBQ hangout.

 

Later today:

-Updates on Berry College adding football, track & field programs in 2013. 10 a.m. media briefing with Dr. Steve Briggs.    

 

Georgia gas prices up six cents a gallon; up 71 cents vs. a year ago. 

 

Weather:  

-Another perfect fall week brewing. Details below. 

 

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

-Please join our guests today including state Sen. Barry Loudermilk on the Georgia Senate Majority session in Cartersville tonight; Jessica Brady of AAA South on rising gas prices; and Open Lines at 8:40 a.m. on Berry's football decision and the Floyd 'paper dolls' fallout. 

 

Norman's No-No's. Norman Arey

-Each Friday, Norman picks 10 guaranteed losers in college football. This week: Georgia or Florida?

John McClellan's high school picks.

-Check back Tuesday for John's picks for this Friday night.

Shorter Hawks football.  

-At Edward Waters this Saturday; 1:30 p.m. start.

Rome Braves: Sports

-Randy Ingle returns to manage Rome Braves in 2012.

-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.

-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

Georgia gas prices up six cents a gallon; up 71 cents vs. a year ago.

Media release: Crude prices were able to sustain their upward momentum last week as talks of a plan to resolve Europe's debt crisis continue. The plan involves more than $1 trillion to bailout Greece and provides banks with much needed funds. Although though the final plan has not been drafted, one is expected to be finalized later this week.

Other positive news helped keep the upward momentum on oil prices after the Energy Department released reports that showed U.S. fuel demand for diesel rose 2.5 percent in September with growth in the manufacturing sector. U.S. inventories of crude oil fell by 4.7 million barrels to 333 million—the lowest level since February of 2010. The positive news gave crude oil a slight boost in price for a settlement Friday of $87.40 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange--60 cents more than the week prior.

"Until a final plan is reached by European leaders, it looks as if the market will continue to use 'talks' of a plan to hold onto any optimism that Europe's debt issues are nearing an end," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokesperson, The Auto Club Group. "Although crude prices have increased, they are doing so in very small increments, meaning there really isn't enough positive news in the market to give oil prices a major boost.

"Retail gas prices continue to inch up as well although it looks like the rate of increase has started to slow. Prices are likely to continue their upward trend through the remainder of October until news is released on whether or not agreements were made and a final plan presented for Europe's bailout."

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $3.45 a gallon, the same as last week. Florida's average price of $3.46 is 4 cents more than last week, while Georgia's average price of $3.40 is 6 cents more than last week. Tennessee's average price of $3.30 increased 3 cents from last week, respectively.

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago

National:                    $3.456         $3.457                  $3.540              $2.821

Florida:                      $3.460          $3.425                  $3.498              $2.810

Georgia:                     $3.408          $3.347                  $3.394             $2.701

Tennessee:                $3.306          $3.279                   $3.338            $2.661

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.

Floyd Opening Ambulance Station in Lindale

Floyd Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will begin stationing an ambulance station in the Lindale community Monday, Oct. 24, to better serve the residents of southeastern Floyd County.

"Floyd EMS has served Floyd County with exceptional ambulance services since 1966," said Bud Owens, director of Floyd EMS. "This new ambulance response station allows us to respond more quickly in our existing coverage areas in the Lindale and surrounding communities of southeastern Floyd County."

Renovations have begun at the station, located 3126 Maple Road. Until those renovations are complete, an ambulance and crew will be stationed at the site between calls during daytime hours. Once renovations are complete, the station will be manned around the clock, Owens said.

Floyd has been preparing to position an ambulance in Lindale for over a year, but has been challenged with finding an appropriate location to enable a quick response, Owens said.

Floyd EMS is the designated provider of emergency medical services in southeastern Floyd County. In the event of a medical emergency, residents should simply dial 911 and a Floyd ambulance will be dispatched. In the Cave Spring and Armuchee areas, callers who want a Floyd ambulance must specifically request that Floyd EMS respond. In all other areas of Rome and Floyd County, a Floyd ambulance is dispatched to all medical emergencies.

The Lindale location is Floyd's sixth location in Floyd County. Floyd EMS also operates ambulance stations on Riverside Parkway, in the Garden Lakes community, Winthrop Court, North Broad Street and at Floyd Medical Center. Floyd also operates two EMS stations in Polk County.

Fw: Berry College to Add Football and Track and Field

 

Berry College will join other members of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) of NCAA Division III in offering football as a varsity sport in 2013, and men's and women's track and field soon thereafter, President Steve Briggs announced Saturday.

"We believe that the addition of football will be an enhancement to our campus life. As a residential college, like the other schools in our conference, Berry features a community of students who live and learn together. Football games will offer more opportunities for energetic engagement by students and will allow more social activities for alumni and friends," Dr. Briggs said.

A founding member of the SAA, Berry's teams compete with Birmingham-Southern College, Centre College, Hendrix College, Millsaps College, Oglethorpe University, Rhodes College and Sewanee: The University of the South.

The school anticipates hiring a football coach during 2012 with a target to begin play in 2013. Planning will begin during the next few months to add facilities to support football and track and field.

The Berry College Board of Trustees' unanimous support for adding the sports followed a multi-year evaluation process which included analyses by outside consultants, wide-ranging discussions on campus involving students, faculty, staff and alumni along with extensive research as to the benefits these sports will bring to the campus.

"Berry's involvement with the new Southern Athletic Association promotes the active engagement of athletes in all college activities and is a model for the true scholar-athlete," said Board of Trustees Chair Karen Holley Horrell. "We are proud to offer our students additional opportunities through the addition of football and men's and women's track and field."

Todd Brooks, Berry's athletic director, said, "We are truly excited to be adding football at this time in our history.　 We have added a number of athletic opportunities for our student-athletes in the past couple of years and this is by far one of the most exciting.　

"All of our coaches and student-athletes at Berry are competitive and expect to win, both on the field and in the classroom.　 We are proud of the tradition of success our athletics program has established, and we fully expect that our teams will continue that tradition as we move forward.　 We are looking forward to seeing our football and track and field teams help build on the foundation that's been established, and assisting Berry College in reaching its institutional goals."

The addition of football brings the total number of varsity sports sponsored by Berry College to 21, including 20 that compete at the NCAA Division III level.　 Berry's equestrian team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, winning the IHSA's national championship in the Western division this past spring.

Since 2003, when volleyball made its debut on the Berry campus, the college has been aggressive in adding opportunities for student-athletes to compete in intercollegiate athletics.　 Since then, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's swimming and diving and softball have been added. Equestrian has also been elevated to the varsity level from club status.

Student-athletes in Division III schools do not receive athletic scholarships, although they are eligible for merit and need-based financial aid. They must meet stringent entrance requirements of the participating colleges and are encouraged to pursue activities that are offered to all students including study abroad, participation in the Work Experience Program and leadership in campus organizations.

Floyd Superintendent Lynn Plunkett elected to AASA

Media release: Dr. Lynn M. Plunkett, superintendent of Floyd County Schools, has been re-elected to the Governing Board of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).  Dr. Plunkett was elected by Georgia school superintendents last year to fill the unexpired term of Chris Erwin, superintendent of Banks County Schools.  Plunkett is serving the remainder of Bank's term in office that will run through June 30, 2012.   The new two-year term Plunkett was elected to will run through June 2014.

Dr. Plunkett is in her fourth year as superintendent of Floyd County Schools.  She has also served as interim superintendent and assistant superintendent since returning to Floyd County in 2001.  Plunkett has served on the transition team of State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge and is serving on the state committee to review education funding in Georgia.  Plunkett is a graduate of Coosa High School.

The American Association of School Administrators was founded in 1865 and is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA members range from chief executive officers, superintendents and senior level school administrators to cabinet members, professors and aspiring school system leaders. AASA members advance the goals of public education and champion children's causes in their districts and across the country.

Membership on the AASA Governing Board is based upon the number of eligible voting members in each state affiliate. Each state affiliate is guaranteed at least two representatives on the Governing Board.  Governing Board members have dual responsibilities in their elected positions. They represent their home state on the Governing Board and they report the work of the Governing Board to their home state affiliate. Through the Governing Board elected representatives, members have a voice in AASA decision making.  Georgia has three members on the AASA Governing Board.   

Removal of some of Floyd's 'paper dolls' sparks Facebook outcry, community reaction. RNT editor joins Cancer Navigators; what next for paper? 35 degrees right now, great fall weekend. Norman's No-Nos football picks.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Partial remove of Floyd's breast cancer awareness 'paper dolls' sparks massive reaction on local Facebook pages.
-Yard signs now available for those upset by decision.
-YouTube video posted to explain Floyd's side of the issue.
-City cites complaint, sign law for reason some 'dolls' came down.

RNT editor to fill executive director's vacancy at Cancer Navigators.
-Which way will newspaper go in picking a replacement? Economy, shifting news interests have expanded editor's challenges.

Community updates:
-Cooler but perfect fall weekend on the way.
-Big weekend with Chiaha, Peach State, cowboy festival.
-Math competition, career day planned, half-marathon training set.

John McClellan's high school picks. Football

-Cartersville-Cedartown among week's biggest games. Armuchee, Rockmart fight for playoff spots; Pepperell needs Friday win

 

Norman's No-Nos.  

-Norman Arey's weekly 10 college football teams losing this weekend posts on Friday.    

 

Your weekend forecast: 

-Friday: Sunny, high of 62, low of 35.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 66, low of 36.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 68, low of 41.

 

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

-Please join our guests today including Barbara Earle from the Free Clinic of Rome on patient surge; Haley Walker from Floyd on the 'paper doll' removal; and Jason Peterson, an assistant professor of communication at Berry College, on challenges facing 21st Century newspaper editors.

 

Georgia High School Football Daily.

 

Shorter Hawks at Cumberlands this Saturday. 

Rome Braves: Sports.
-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.
-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

Cancer Navigators names RNT's Atkins as executive director

Media release: The board of directors for Cancer Navigators, Inc. has named Charlotte Atkins its new executive director.

Cancer Navigators is a nonprofit community organization that helps cancer patients on their journey from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond with the help of trained professionals including nurse navigators, service navigators and counselors. It is a collaboration of the community and Rome's medical service providers, including Harbin Clinic, Redmond Regional Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center, to ensure an integrative cancer care experience for patients.

"We are very pleased that Charlotte has accepted the position as Executive Director of Cancer Navigators", stated Dee Yancey, Chairman of the Board of Cancer Navigators. "Her proven leadership ability and demonstrated passion for the mission of Cancer Navigators will ensure that this vital community program continues to meet the needs of cancer patients in Northwest Georgia."

A Rome native, Atkins has been editor of the Rome News-Tribune since early 2004.　

Her 30-year media career has included working at daily newspapers from Florida to California in a variety of capacities from reporter and photographer to designer and editor, as well as a stint in television as a talk show director.

In addition to directing the Rome newspaper's daily news report, Atkins has played a key role in the company's magazine publishing arm having created Magnolia magazine and producing the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce's quality of life magazine.

"It has been so wonderful to be back home in Rome. Serving the community as editor of the hometown newspaper for almost eight years has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I have ever done," said Atkins.

"And now to get to take the helm of Cancer Navigators and have impact in another such meaningful way is truly an honor. Cancer Navigators is one of the most exciting things happening in our community and I am going to make it my mission to make sure folks know about the work this group does. Cancer Navigators is something for Rome and the region to truly celebrate and embrace."

Atkins will start with Cancer Navigators in early November.

Oct. 27-28: College and Career Academy summit scheduled

Media release:  Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle will join Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy; Technical College System of Georgia; Georgia Northwestern Technical College; and the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce for the College and Career Academy Summit Oct. 27 and 28 set for GNTC's Floyd Campus. It begins at 9:50 a.m.

 

The Summit will include morning general sessions focused on business and their needs for a viable workforce, an opportunity to hear from Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, and other Georgia education leaders.  Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on successful business and education partnerships, student successes in dual enrollment programs, Ford Next Generation of Learning, and many other model programs and activities that can be replicated across Georgia and Alabama.

 

Special guests include Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Alabama Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson, and members of the Alabama Career Academy Community.

Armuchee Middle first, Pickens Middle second, Saint Mary's third in sixth grade math contest

Media release: The Sixth Grade Berry College Mathematics Contest was held at Berry College on Tuesday, October 18th. Seventeen sixth-grade teams competed.

The top three teams were: First place:  Armuchee Middle. Second place: Pickens County Middle School. Third place: Saint Mary's Catholic School.

The top individual students were: First place, Dylan McLaughlin, Armuchee Middle. Second place: Reid Blackmon, Saint Mary's Catholic School. Third place: Chase Garland, Pickens County Middle School.

^{Participating schools included:　 Armuchee Middle School (Floyd County), Berry College Elementary and Middle School (Rome), Coosa Middle School (Floyd County), Dade Middle School (Dade County), Elm Street Elementary School (Rome), First Presbyterian Day School (Macon), Gilmer Middle School (Gilmer County), Jasper Middle School (Pickens County), LaFayette Middle School (Walker County), North Heights Elementary School (Rome), Pepperell Middle School (Floyd County), Pickens County Middle School (Pickens County), St. Mary's School (Rome), Sonoraville Middle School (Gordon County), Trion Middle School (Chattooga County), Unity Christian School (Rome), and West End Elementary School (Rome).}

Berry College hosts the competition to promote and encourage mathematical excellence. Several Berry students and mathematics faculty worked with the event.　Katy Borek, dual-degree engineering major at Berry College and Georgia Institute of Technology, from Warner Robins, Georgia, served as the announcer. Dr. Martha Tapia, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, is the faculty supervisor for the event.

Next up: Tuesday, October 25, the 7th/8th Grade competition and the High School competition will be Tuesday, Nov. 1.

 

900 fewer jobs last month; 12.1% jump in applications for help. Frost advisory early Friday. What's buzzing in Northwest Georgia. Latest restaurant inspection scores.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

September jobs snapshot: It gets worse.
-900 fewer jobs in Floyd vs. September 2010 -- but up from August.
-First-time jobless claims rise by 12.1% in Floyd; 37.9% in Gordon.
-State's jobless rate rises to 10.3% in September.
-Help is on the way (Lowe's, Emerson sports projects) but not soon enough.

Frost advisory issued for 2-10 a.m. Friday. Weather below.

What's buzzing today:

-Barr's candidacy opens a few eyes.. Dominoes to start falling as incumbents consider higher office? ... CRBI says you were excluded from City Center/Burwell Creek decision ... 18 restaurants, schools get ratings of 95 or better....

Today-Sunday: The Ninth Annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival & Symposium opens today the Booth Western Art Museum.

Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report for the weekend.

Your latest forecast: Frost advisory from 2-10 a.m. Friday. Details
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 59, low of 34.
-Friday: Sunny, high of 62, low of 34.
-Saturday: Sunny, high of 66, low of 37.

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

-Please join our guests today including Robert Smyth of Coosa Valley Credit Union on International Credit Union Day; Trey Smith on Assail the Trail and the new trail on Jackson Hill; and state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler on latest job trends.

 

John McClellan's high school picks. Football

-Cartersville-Cedartown among week's biggest games. Armuchee, Rockmart fight for playoff spots; Pepperell needs Friday win

Georgia High School Football Daily.

 

Norman's No-Nos.  

-Norman Arey's weekly 10 college football teams losing this weekend posts on Friday.  

 

Shorter Hawks at Cumberlands this Saturday. 

Rome Braves: Sports.
-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.
-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

Real estate: Jason Free, Keller Williams merge. Mid-50s today following stormy, cooler night. Gas prices: That drop didn't last long. Politics: Return of Bob Barr? Baseball: Return of Randy Ingle.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Jason Free Realty, Keller Williams of Rome merging real estate operations; will be based at Free's Turner McCall location.

-Expanded details today at 8:40 a.m. on Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 1470 AM.

Politics: Barr considers run for new House 14 seat; Graves takes meet-and-greet tour to Greater Rome Realtors today.

Gas price drop sure didn't last long. Per-gallon rate almost back to before-drop levels in under a month.

Politics:
-Bob Barr studying bid to return at Northwest Georgia's congressman.
-Tom Graves speaks to Greater Rome Realtors today at noon.
-Who did what at Vegas GOP debate? Join us at 8:10 a.m. on Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 1470 AM as Layla Shipman of Floyd GOP discusses the debate.

Near 30-degree slide in afternoon highs between Monday, today. 
-Mid 50s due today with gusts to 25 mph. Rainfall overnight: 0.61 inches. 

Your latest forecast:
-Wednesday: 30% rain chance, high of 56, low of 44.
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 62, low of 39.
-Friday: Sunny, high of 62, low of 39.

New boss for Rome Braves is the old boss:  Randy Ingle.
-Manager from 2006-10 returning to Rome this spring.

PowerBall jackpot at $124 million tonight. 

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

-Please join our guests today including Karon Mauney of the new City Swirl frozen yogurt shop opening in Cartersville; Layla Shipman of Floyd GOP on Tuesday night's Vegas debate; Jason Free and Scott Irmscher on the Jason Free-Keller Williams merger.

 

John McClellan's high school picks. Football

-Cartersville-Cedartown among week's biggest games. Armuchee, Rockmart fight for playoff spots; Pepperell needs Friday win

Georgia High School Football Daily.

 

Norman's No-Nos.  

-Norman Arey's weekly 10 college football teams losing this weekend posts on Friday.  

 

Shorter Hawks at Cumberlands this Saturday. 

Rome Braves: Sports.
-Nov. 4: Braves, Floyd Police team up for Third Annual Celebrity Shootout.
-Rome Braves' 2012 schedule.

 

Oct. 29: Rivers Alive cleanup set

Media release from Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful

 

Rivers Alive is Georgia's annual volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets all waterways in the State including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches, and wetlands.

http://riversalive.com/   The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources. Georgia's 70,150 miles of streams and rivers need your help. Our waterways provide us with fresh drinking water, great recreational opportunities like canoeing and fishing, and they serve as a pleasant respite from our busy day to day lives. Georgia has 14 river basins and 52 large watersheds

 

Rivers Alive 2011 event will take place on Saturday, October 29.  We will be cleaning four (4) sites around the City and the County:

1.    The Oostanaula River at the Department of Natural Resources Boat Ramp on Hwy 140 – *register at Heritage Park between 8:30 am and 9:00 am

2.    The Coosa River between Heritage Park and the Lock & Dam Park - *register at Heritage Park between 8:30 am and 9:00 am

3.    The Coosa River at the Department of Natural Resources Boat Ramp at Old River Road in Coosa - *register at Heritage Park between 8:30 am and 9:00 am

4.    Armuchee Creek and the Texas Valley area – **register at 8:30 am off Scenic Drive on Texas Valley Road at the Wilson Beard Rodeo Arena (where the Silver Hill Rodeo takes place.)

 

Volunteers with motorboats are encouraged to join canoeists and kayakers for this on-river clean up. A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available at no charge to participants. Those wishing to  reserve a canoe or kayak for the cleanup should contact CRBI at 706-232-2724.

Wear long pants, heavy-duty shoes or boots. 

Rivers Alive is held annually each fall and is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division's Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Program and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Program.  This year's event is organized by Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful, ECO River Education Center, Coosa River Basin Initiative, Rome Rotary Club, Friends of Texas Valley, and Kroger.  The Armuchee Cleanup is also associated with the Armuchee Ruritan Club and Lavendar Mountain Hardware.