Marie Lewis is CRBI Environmental Educator for 2012

Media release: Marie Lewis, a science teacher at Coosa High School, was recognized with the Coosa River Basin Initiative's (CRBI) Environmental Educator Award at the CRBI annual membership meeting held Monday evening January 30 at Northwest Georgia Technical College.  According to the CRBI website, the Coosa River Basin Initiative is a grassroots environmental organization based in Rome with the mission of informing and empowering citizens to protect, preserve and restore North America's most biologically diverse river basin.

Marie Lewis has been a science instructor at Coosa High School for 24 years during which time her duties have included department head, mentoring new teachers, and coaching.  Approximately seven years ago, when the state was rolling out the new Georgia Performance Science Standards, Lewis combined the new standards with new teaching strategies she had learned from school system assessment training to seek "real life" learning experiences for her students.  She wanted teens to connect what they were learning in her class with the world around them in Northwest Georgia.  She wanted to demonstrate to students the importance of sustainable environmental development and to show how humans were impacting our environment.  "Students are able to see what type of Eco Footprint we are placing on our own environment," stated Lewis. "The sparkle in their eyes and fun they have lets me know kids are learning, and making connections that will last a lifetime."    

With the approval of the Floyd County Administration, along with Joe Cook of the Coosa River Basin Initiative, Eric Lynnberg environmentalist of the City of Rome, parents, and the volunteers of the Rome Emergency Management team Mrs. Lewis allowed students from Coosa High's Honors Biology Class to experience a study of a river's ecosystem.  The class used the extensive resources of the Rome area waterways including the Etowah River, Coosa River, Big Cedar Creek and Brushy Branch.  The state standards based lessons allowed the Honor Biology students to explore Environmental Biology in an approximate 2-3 week window.  Topics included nonpoint, point source pollution, ecology of a river system, determining the health of a river or tributary, investigating macro invertebrates, water and soil quality testing , participation in the Big Cedar Brushy Branch stream bank clean up in cooperation with Ga. Power and Temple Inland, and understanding how the community works together developing solutions to keep our environment safe.  Joe Cook, executive director of CRBI, said, "We appreciate all Mrs. Lewis does to engage her students in hands on learning experiences and get them out on the rivers." 

Many of Lewis' students from the Honors Biology and other volunteers from the Science Club at CHS have volunteered for CRBI fundraising events.  Students have served as scorekeepers for the Ecology Quiz Bowl or score runners for competition events.  Lewis added, "Even though we are just a "spoke" in part of the wheel of environmental awareness of Rome and Floyd County, involving students in these experiences allows them to be more aware of how we impact the environment and hopefully they can be a part of developing solutions for future preservation."   

Seven Hills Rotary, Chamber, Georgia Northwestern to announce GOAL, Rick Perkins winners

Media release: The Seven Hills Rotary Club, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, and Georgia Northwestern Technical College invite you to attend the GOAL and Rick Perkins Presentation Awards Luncheon to honor the top GOAL student and top instructor at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

 

The four GOAL finalists were interviewed by a selection committee chosen by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and a winner was selected.  The four GOAL finalists will make their presentations at the luncheon and the winner will be named. 

 

The four finalists are:

Mary Gronek - Cosmetology

Roger Haikal - Business Management

Jairo Lerma - Business Management

Holly Wright - Associate of Science in Nursing

 

First launched in 1971, GOAL focuses on excellence in technical education and recognizes students for academic excellence and personal achievement.

 

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the Technical College System of Georgia's most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

 

The Rick Perkins nominees for 2012 include:

Ronda Cox – General Education English and Math

Darice Lewis – Computer Information Systems

Gerald McFry – Business Management

Diane Nance – Radiologic Technology

Susan Stephens – Cosmetology

Sharon Vaughan – Medical Assisting

 

A screening committee of administrators at GNTC reviewed each of the nominated instructors and conducted personal interviews with the nominees. A winner will be announced at the luncheon to represent the college as GNTC's Rick Perkins winner for 2012 and move on to the regional competition.

Rep. Barbara Massey Reece| Legislative Report | January 27, 2012

Media release: On Jan. 24, members of the Georgia Commission on the Blind, including several advocates from our area, visited the State Capitol. I met with them, along with a number of other House members and Senators, to hear their concerns about services for the blind and hearing impaired.

We discussed legislation they are promoting, including HB 662, the Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act, which I have co-sponsored. This proposal would require an evaluation of a blind or visually impaired child to determine his or her need for Braille instruction and, when warranted, require Braille instruction in the child's individualized education program. The measure also includes requirements for textbook publishers related to Braille instructions and licensing requirements related to Braille for certain teachers. The bill was referred to the House Education Committee for its consideration.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Jan. 24 was also Tourism Day at the Capitol. The Department of Economic Development estimates that visitors spend almost $125 million each year in the communities of House District 11. This supports 1,310 jobs in our area that are connected to the travel industry. Across Georgia, tourism generates $2.4 billion in local and state revenue, which results in a tax savings of $706 for every Georgia household.

State of the Judiciary

Chief Justice Carol Hunstein of the Supreme Court of Georgia delivered her annual State of the Judiciary address to a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate on Jan 25. She called for an overhaul of the state's juvenile justice system in addition to expressing support for recommendations of a special Criminal Justice Reform Council. The chief justice said that putting nonviolent youth offenders in juvenile jails increases the likelihood that they will commit crimes in the future. State funding cuts to mental health and child welfare services, as well as group homes, have left juvenile judges fewer options for dealing with young offenders.

Statistics from the Department of Juvenile Justice show that in the past three years, nearly two-thirds of approximately 10,000 incarcerated young people in Georgia had substance abuse problems, and more than one-third had mental health problems. Chief Justice Hunstein also urged lawmakers to enact proposals to create specialized courts designed to treat nonviolent adult offenders with substance abuse and military veterans who run into trouble with the law. She said the roots of an offender's behavior need to be addressed by the justice system.

The chief justice said, "If we simply throw low-risk offenders into prison, rather than holding them accountable for their wrongdoing while addressing the source of their criminal behavior, they merely become hardened criminals who are more likely to re-offend when they are released." She added, "The same reforms we are recommending to you for adults must begin with children. As with adults, we have learned that our get-tough tactics have failed to scare juvenile offenders straight."

Direction of Fee Revenues

Legislation has been introduced that would ensure that state revenues collected in the form of special state fees are directed toward the purpose for which they were created. HB 811 is aimed at ending the practice of spending special fee revenues on other general budget items instead to going to their designated programs. Examples of these revenue sources include the solid waste disposal surcharge fee provided for the hazardous waste trust fund; the tire disposal fee provided for the solid waste trust fund; additional offender fines and court filing fees provided for peace officer and prosecutor training, indigent criminal defense and driver education and training. When these funds are redirected to other programs, the fee-based funds are short-changed, sometimes requiring local governments to make up the difference. HB 811, which has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Committee for its consideration, seeks to fulfill the original purpose of the fees.

Small Business Deregulation

The Special Committee on Small Business and Job Creation, which is charged with thoroughly reviewing and evaluating the regulatory environment in which our small businesses operate, will hold a special public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room 406 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across the street from the State Capitol. The purpose of this meeting is to hear from small business owners and operators who wish to comment on any unfair or burdensome regulations that hinder small business growth in Georgia and determine whether the General Assembly can address those problems through legislation. If you are interested in attending the Feb. 2 meeting or future meetings of the committee to discuss your concerns, please contact my office at 404-656-7859 or send an email to barbara.reece@house.ga.gov.

Cancer Check-Off

All Georgians are encouraged to participate in the state's voluntary state income tax check-off program for cancer research when filing their 2011 Georgia tax returns. The check-off allows Georgians to write in a contribution of $1 or more to the Georgia Cancer Research Fund. The donations are tax deductible and are matched dollar-for-dollar by research facilities in Georgia. The program has allowed donors to contribute a total of $3 million toward cancer research, funding a total of 71 projects through research grants. For more information, visit www.georgiacancer.org.

Session Schedule

Monday, Jan. 30, is the 10th legislative day of the session.

Please continue to contact me with your views on the issues or whenever I can be of service. Rep. Reece may be reached at 404-656-7859 or barbara.reece@house.ga.gov. Rep. Reece serves on the Education Committee, State Institutions and Properties Committee, Science and Technology Committee, and the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee. She is also Vice-Chairman of the Rural Caucus.

Public health tapping Gas Station TV to spread quit tobacco message

 Northwest Georgia Public Health's Health Services Program Manager Lisa Greeby smiles at the ironic juxtaposition of tobacco advertising and the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line promotion on the Gas Station TV pump screen at the East Rome Walmart. "When you're going head-to-toe with the tobacco industry on a comparatively infinitesimal budget, it's crucial every penny is spent wisely and cost-effectively," says Greeby. "We get that with GSTV."

Media reelase: The health promotion folks at Northwest Georgia Public Health are first in Georgia, among the first nationwide, to use at-the-gas-pump television to deliver public health messaging. "We're working with Gas Station TV (GSTV), the largest national away-from-home television network, to deliver 30-second spots promoting the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line to a captive audience at a natural pause point in their day when they can't channel surf or skip past the message with a DVR," explains Health Services Program Manager Lisa Greeby.

"We have people's undivided attention; there's no multi-tasking, just pumping" Greeby says. "Using GSTV, we're able to reach viewers at the pump in nine of our ten counties with one-to-one public health messaging. The four-week buy will deliver about a quarter-of-a-million impressions at nine northwest Georgia Walmart multi-pump, multi-screen gas stations."

Greeby says at-the-pump television is an effective, targeted media buy. GSTV delivers Nielsen Media Research-verified information on viewership, demographics, dwell time, network size and recall. "When you're going head-to-toe with the tobacco industry on a comparatively infinitesimal budget, it's crucial every penny is spent wisely and cost-effectively," says Greeby. "We get that with GSTV."

Public health research studies show northwest Georgia's per capita tobacco-use rates for adults and youth are considerably higher than the state average. Not surprisingly, lung cancer rates in Georgia's northwest quadrant also surpass the state average. "Public health works hard to prevent people, especially children, from ever starting to smoke," Greeby says, but we also work hard to help people quit."

Northwest Georgia Public Health's Georgia Tobacco Quit Line awareness campaign is being executed in conjunction with the Georgia State Department of Public Health's Tobacco Use Prevention Program. "Together, we have launched an aggressive, ten-county marketing campaign using most of the traditional tools -- radio, newspaper, cable, billboards, school yearbooks, our Web site -- in addition to social media and GSTV's innovative at-the-gas-pump television advertising," Greeby says. "This spring, we'll be partnering with the Rome Braves, Class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, on a variety of promotions publicizing the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line."

LakePoint ground breaking by April, open by April 2013? Returning manager glad to be back with Rome Braves. Heart health dominates February events. Another spring-like day.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Atlanta Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez says LakePoint ground breaking could come by April; first pitch 12 months later?
-Latest updates from one of the development partners.

Rome Braves: Ingle glad to be back 'home'
-Randy Ingle returns this year to manage the Rome club after spending last season in Danville.
-Rome opens home season April 12.
-Miracle Field opens April 14.

Big heart is part of Redmond's heart health month
-Discounts on critical screenings, education events and the heart walk are part of the events set for February in Rome and Cartersville.

Graves targets hidden airline fees; Isakson, Chambliss want Keystone pipeline built.

Another spring-like day today; rain by midweek

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 65, low of 41.

-Wednesday: 40-70% rain chance, high of 65, low of 49.

-Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 66, low of 38.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition,  7-9 a.m. weekdays
-On Rome's News Talk WRGA 1470 AM; click to listen online.
-Please join our guests today including Logan Boss with public health on recent flu reports in Northwest Georgia; Mike Morton of the Rome Tea Party on today's Florida primary and Thursday's candidates' presentation; and Jessica Brady of AAA South on rising gas prices and a stunning trend in DUI case.

 

Shorter Hawks move to 22-0 in basketball with eight games to go.

Rome Braves
-10th season home-opener is April 12 at State Mutual Stadium.    

Isakson, Chambliss join bipartisan group of senators in introducing legislation to approve Keystone XL Pipeline

Media release: U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., along with 42 of their Senate colleagues today announced that they will introduce legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project under Congress' authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.

 

Isakson and Chambliss are original co-sponsors of the bill, which was spearheaded by Senators John Hoeven, R-N.D., Richard Lugar, R-Ind., David Vitter, R-La.

                                                  

The legislation authorizes TransCanada to construct and operate the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast, transporting hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day to U.S. refineries, which includes 100,000 barrels a day from the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana. The bill allows the company to move forward with construction of the pipeline in the United States while the State of Nebraska works to determine an alternative route. Hoeven secured an opinion from the non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) confirming Congress's constitutional authority to approve the project.

 

The Keystone XL pipeline project has been under review for more than three years, but President Obama rejected it last week saying the 60-day provision authored by Lugar, Hoeven and Vitter included in the payroll tax cut extension bill passed in December didn't give him enough time to review the project. In fact, the Obama Administration spent 1,217 days reviewing the pipeline and there was no time limit on the State Department's ability to review the Nebraska portion of the project.

 

"Now, more than ever, our country needs leadership on energy security. Unfortunately, President Obama failed to provide leadership when he rejected the Keystone XL pipeline last week," said Isakson. "I am proud to join my colleagues in the Senate in rejecting the president's action by trying to move the Keystone XL pipeline forward. I will continue to do everything I can to support this critically important project, which will bring hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude to the U.S. from our strong ally Canada and at the same time, create thousands of American jobs."

 

"We simply cannot afford to delay approval of the Keystone pipeline permit any longer. Its construction will allow us to increase oil imports from Canada, a trusted ally and friend," said Chambliss. "By rejecting this permit, President Obama is putting his own re-election ahead of America's economy and energy security. After years of review and environmental evaluation, it's time to move forward on this project.  This legislation will ensure we do just that."

 

Legislative Summary

 

The Keystone XL pipeline has been subject to rigorous environmental analysis for more than three years, and was on schedule to be decided on by the U.S. State Department by the end of 2011. By contrast, the original Keystone pipeline took two years to review and became operational last year.

 

The legislation builds off the completed Environmental Impact Statement, which was finished by the State Department on Aug. 26, 2011. Additionally, it requires the U.S. State Department to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) within 30 days with the State of Nebraska to assist in rerouting in that state, which will be subject to the Nebraska governor's agreement on the route within the state. However, it allows Nebraska all the time it needs to identify a new route within the state to strengthen the completed Environmental Impact Statement.

 

Further, the legislation requires strong environmental and safety requirements by incorporating the environmental and safety standards required and finalized by the Secretary of State. At the same time, the bill protects state and local laws relating to the protection of private property rights by ensuring those laws are not changed in this process.

 

In addition Senators Isakson, Chambliss, Hoeven, Lugar, and Vitter, original co-sponsors of the bill are Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.); Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Patrick Toomey (R-Penn.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). 

 

Georgia Northwestern announces President's and Dean's List for Fall Semester

Media release: Georgia Northwestern Technical College is proud to announce the students on the President's and Dean's Lists for the 2011 fall semester. To be eligible for the President's List, the student must maintain a quarterly GPA of 3.8 or higher with a course load of at least 12 credit hours. To be eligible for the Dean's List the student must maintain a quarterly GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 with a course load of at least 12 credit hours.

 

President's List students for:

Catoosa County: Julia Altman, Brianna Atkinson, Brandy Bales, Jennifer Baxter, Christopher Bethune, Tony Brown, Jessica Fogtman, Shelia Gentry, Alyssa Heeb, Mandy Hickman, Angela Howard, Christina Kaylor, Elise Miller, Jena Moody, William Patterson, Brandon Reagan, Kelli Roach, Francis Roberts, Mary Stout, Nichelle Talley, James Watts, Cynthia Weaver.

Chattooga County: Paul Bevels, Michelle Booker, Edward Brown, Kendra Brown, Kenneth Brown, Jessica Cofer, Chastity Coleman, Michael Dawson, Jamie Dukes, Whitney Dupree, Harry Farrow, Asia Fitzpatrick, Wendell Flood, Amanda Ford, Britney Franklin, Neal Gilreath, Michael Gilreath Sr, Holly Hall, Doreen Hampton, Jesse Hicks, Clancey Hunter, Megan Hunter, William Kirk, Kimberly Laney, Sabrina Middleton, Chadrick Millican, Crystal Parish, Cynthia Peace, Teresa Rush, Jacqueline Shropshire, Ricky Sprayberry, Jessica Stowe, David Wammack, Amy Waters.

Dade County: Alexander Barton, Ashley Cadorette, Mary Gronek, Candace Harris, Alicia Lee, Douglas McBryar, Jesse Meece II, Karen Mussared, Rachel Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Matthew Woods.

Floyd County: Maegen Arasmith, Courtney Atkins, Nicola Atkins, Susan Autry, Jill Baker, Freida Bates, Clay Bell, Misty Benefield, Devin Binkley, Shanon Branton, Chloe Brock, Jamie Brown, Richard Brown, Alek Brussee, Courtney Burnett, Crystal Byars, Thomas Cardin, Karen Champion, Kristan Chandler, Donald Childers, Bethany Clayton, Wesley Clements, Nancy Coley, Jason Cordle, William Creamer, Sheena Daniels, Theresa Darnell, Katie Davis, Zackery Derrick, Amanda Dewitt, Maria Duarte, Donna Early, James Earwood, Sherry Evans, Temeka Evans, Darlene Fonseca, Rachel Fuqua, Allison Fuquea, Jena Giles, Raven Godfrey, Angela Griffin, Ramiro Guzman, Sara Hardin, Heather Hartley, Benjamin Hendrix, Janoah Hill, Michelle Hill, Ryan Hubbard, Sondra Huether, Naseim Jabara, Lauran Jackson, Jerald Jennings, Allison Johnson, Heather Jones, Vicky Laney, Debbie Lassiter, Heather Leachman, Jonn-Lauren Little, Amanda Lovitt, Stephen Lowry, Bonnie Maddux-Lawrence, Courtney Magnusson, Jessica Master, Jonathan May, Zakelvis Mayes, Rebecca McAllister, Kamicka McMurtry, Vicki Mcgowan, Christi Medina, Maria Mercado, Tracey Mercado, Kim Meyer, Joshua Miles, Mindi Miles, Kimberlee Miller, Kyle Miller, Sarah Nicometi, Mallory Osborne, Brian Paige, Angela Pearson, Kyle Peck, Marcus Pinson, Miguel Pizano, Brittany Pledger, Amy Powell, Heather Putnam, Hayden Quinn, Janet Ragland, Ronnie Roach, Cindy Roberson, Casey Russell, Sherry Russell, William Salmon, Brandon Self, Terry Shaw, Dorian Sigman, Robert Simms, Drew Sledge, Kalee Smith, Marka Smith, Clarissa Snow, Aja Stephens, Matthew Stone, Lori Thacker, Kellie Treglown, Kimberly Tucker, Laura Turner, Brianna Vaughn, Brandy Walker, Ronnie Watts, Brandon Webb, Matthew White, Raymond Wiggins Jr, Jerry Wiseman, Corina Zarkowski.

Gordon County: Alejandro Alvarez, Riley Beard, Mayra Becerra, Canyon Black, Lillian Blair, Hali Bohannon, Nathan Brown, Dallas Bryant, Rebecca Cagle, Crystal Cantrell, Steven Chandler, Brian Childers, Timothy Childers, Zachary Coble, Kimberly Collins, Bryan Cooper, Jessica Defoor, Michael Edwards, Carl England, Brittany Fowler, Jubal Freeman, Rachel Freeman, Jennifer Garland, Leonel Gomez, Jesse Harcrow, Claire Harris, Rebecca Hawkins, Tiffany Haynes, Cherokeeia Henderson, Jarred Hicks, Amanda Hix, Sherrie Holbrook, Caroline Holmes, Evelyn Hudson, Dusty Johnson, Tiffany Kelly, Megan King, Thomas Kinsey, Siobhan Lampe, Angela McDonald, Allison Mulkey, Fernando Olmedo, Kirsten Pace, Corey Parker, Maria Peacock, Liliana Pegueros, Breanna Pierce, Melinda Pierce, Maria Reyes, Kristopher Rooks, Pamela Self, Emerald Sentell, Myra Smallwood, Darrell Stover, Kiplyn Tankersley, Stacey Taylor, Ashley Young.

Murray County: Chas Bishop, Corey Bishop, Terry Bowen, Penny Charles, Ethan Colter, Stephanie Elrod, Terry Fowler, Eunice Garcia, Jeremy Gibson, Katherine Gibson, Jessie Green, Alex Keener, Melissa Perdue, William Tucker, Brandon Vineyard.

Polk County: Franklin Agan, Jacki Angelillo, Dara Arp, David Brantley, Christina Brooks, Caleb Campbell, Erick Cruz, Hillary Deems, Stacey Ellette, Brian Ely, Amber Estes, Shannon Flippen, Linda Fonseca, Justin Gable, April Galvan, Lisa Garland, Kevin Gilham, Gwendolyn Hannah, Heather Hicks, Cecilia Ingle, Elaine Koss, Misty Langley, Rhonda Lyles, Catherine Martin, Erika Martinez, Amanda McBurnett, Regina Mitchell, Kenneth Newberry, Maria Olvera, Elizabeth Ray, Vincent Riela, Candice Robinson, Jaime Sanchez, Gloria Scarborough, Derek Staples, Monessa Stocks, Kristie Taylor, Henry Thaxton, Rhonda Thomas, Jessica Thompson, Heather Williams, Rebecca Williams.

Walker County: Brandon Adams, Paris Akins, Erika Allmon, Devon Armstrong, Mary Ballanger, Chase Barrett, Renee Blue, Jessica Brewer, Penny Broadrick, Guy Brown, Carolyn Byrd, Sara Caheely, Brant Cain, Rosa Cantu, Virginia Card, Rita Castillo, Austin Cleator, Crystal Cooper, Clifford Cordle, Stevie Dyar, Christian Dye, Kimberly Erickson, Tasha Gravitt, Cody Greene, Philip Gregory, Sarah Griffin, David Grimes, Shauna Hanson, Jan Harmon, Krista Hawkins, Krista Heathcock, Brittany Henderson, Valarie Hernandez, Jonia Hickman, Stephanie Howard, Bryana Howcroft, Richard Huff, William Hullender, Elizabeth Jackson, Francesco Jovel, Elizabeth Knox, LaRhonda Martin, Chase McCarty, Christopher McKin, Andrea McSears, Thomas Morris, Gina Mule, Richard Nelson, Scott Nichols, Raven Osburn, Dana Pace, Thomas Pilgrim, Lisa Posey, Beverly Ratliff, Lori Shelton, Alisha Shirley, Kelly Stephens, Jennifer Tumblin, Katherine Veach, Hailey Wess, Theresa Wess, Matthew White, Alisha Wilson, Mary Wimbley, Taisa Wofford, Crystal Woodard, Rebecca York, Amber Young.

Whitfield County: Brandon Alexander, Eric Amos, Patrick Beason, Samuel Brindle, Kaitlind Clement, Tara Cowart, Jordan Darnell, Mary Dunn, Jose Garcia, Michael Gates, Abigail Gibson, Nicholas Graves, Dena Hawkins, Tiffany Helmes, Amanda Hensley, Kevin Hess, Carmen Lebron, Alesha McCleary, Joyce Morel, Tina Morris, Jordan Newton, Salud Pena Hernandez, Ronald Raughton, Andrew Richards, Steven Roberts, William Stansell, Juan Vega-Flores, Emily Wiley.

Other Counties: Howard Adkins Jr., David Alexander, Christopher Anderson, Barry Ayers, Jacob Ayers, Jenny Barnette, Rachel Barnette, Douglas Bell, Jason Benham, Glenda Broom, Melani Clements, Hallie Coggins, Tommy Coker, Cheerie Coleman, Chelsea Dixon, Kody Dodd, Logan Driskell, Casey Early, Madison Earnest, Tia Fleming, Taylor Forsyth, Donna Geiger, Angelia Gentry, Catherine Gorley, Richard Greaves, Franklin Hegngi, Kelvin Henson, Lindsay Henson, Gilda Hester, Heather Holden, Dusty Holloway, Danielle Jolly, Kerry Jordan, Karyn Killmaster, James Klein, Emily Leffew, Jessica Litten, Whitley Martin, Brenda McClure, Kimberly Mccarra, Amanda Mills, Timothy Murner, Tiffani Passaro, Taylor Perry, Zachery Pilcher, Scarlett Queen, Tracy Queen, Jennifer Rankel, Jenny Rodgers, Shelina Sifuentes, Jennifer Smartt, Melissa Stanley, Tory Teague, Janet Thibodeau, Kelli Towns, Ashley Tumlin, Laura Tumlin, Lorenda Vandergriff, William Voils, Deedra Wade, Susan Wade, April Walker, Joseph Walraven, Todd Weaver, Lynn Whitlock, Wendy Williams, Daniel Williamson, Ashley Woodruff, Amanda Woolery, Shannon Wynn, Brandy Young.

 

Dean's List Students for :

Catoosa County: Susan Bowman, Brittany Collins, Briana Cook, Cody Cranmore, Haley Culver, Joy Foster, Nicole Hamilton, Jeremy Hitchcox, Rebekah Irvin, Kristen Jones, Nancy Jones, Lawrence Keith, Kerri Lively, Donna Majors, Rocksie Meeks, Amanda Pierce, Anthony Ramsey, David Silecchia, Morgan Simmons, Sydney Stephens, Alisha Wilbanks, Michael Willbanks, Davonna Young.

Chattooga County: Steven Cantrell, Brittany Crowe, Joshua Durden, Debbie Gaines, Autumn Hall, Melinda Hamilton, Robert Hanson, Jeremy Haygood, Norval Henderson, Amanda Hill, Alicia Housch, Chris Humphrey, April Jackson, David Kinsey, Annie Knox, Leroy LuAllen Jr, Melisha Porter, Tyra Powell, Matthew Sanders, Mary Scott, John Smith, Angela Thompson, William Venn, Amanda White, Amy Williams, John Williams, Timothy Wilson.

Dade County: Kristina Abercrombie, Robert Bales, Shea Bearden, Westley Bolton, Christina Davis, Rachel Reed, Jake Veal.

Floyd County: Kristie Aaron, David Ash, Taylor Atkison, Brandon Bailey, Joshua Bailey, William Bannister, Dawn Barnes, Chris Bowen, Kimberly Braswell, Amanda Brown, Jeffrey Carlock, Sarah Coalson, Ashley Curry, Mohamed Daoud, Kathryne Davenport, Jeremy Dean, Carol Dixon, Deborah Dobbins, Jamie Duncan, Emily Easterwood, Jennifer Evans, Jessica Formby, Sydena Forsyth, Betty Gable, Jason Gossett, Shirley Hamman, Lindsay Hardin, Glenda Harris, Marissa Hennen, Tara Johnson, Gilbert June, Gabrielle Keith, Isadora Lartundo, Lisa Le, Beverly Lewis, Lowell Marks, Melissa Mclain, Jennifer Millican, Cody Neighbors, Ross Nelson, Heaven Olivarri, James Overton, Jessica Overton, Star Ozment, Keely Patterson, Candice Peugh, Courtney Phillips, Harley Pyle, Shana Riggs, Mark Seckman, Johnnie Sego, Bragan Slay, Amy Smith, Linda Snyder, Bridgett Stanley, Erin Stone, Cheryl Sullins, Thomas Thompson, Kaila Tucker, Debbie Turner, Keshundia Wade, Greg Webb, Brandon Welch, Toby Weller, Linnette Woodard, James Young.

Gordon County: Chrystal Allen, Peggy Bailey, Sarah Byars, James Carlson, Geron Culberson, Vicki Dunn, Maria Fitz, Ashlee Fuller, Colton Greeson, Brittany Hadden, Rene Hinojosa, Grady Hix, Taunyia Hogan, Marie Jackson, Victoria Kilgore, Jolana Maule, Whitney McGowen, Marketa Nicholson, Brittany Owenby, Cody Peeler, Lisa Poole, Donna Quarles, Zachary Rush, Ashley Shope, Gloria Springfield, Danny Stanley, Phyllis Towe, Donald Trammell, Rachel Wyatt.

Murray County: Kevin Bilbrey, Veronica Chun, Jennifer Harris, Kolby Keener, Kristy Land, Kayla Mares, Brian Pack, Joseph Ponders, Diana Seay, Cody Sharpe, Brooke Wells.

Polk County: Shannon Arnold, Alex Aveldanez, Andrew Bailey, Mary Ellen Carter, Lanetta Christmas, Carrie Cole, Alisa Cooper, Deborah Crabb, Kimber Fields, Mary Forsyth, Shayna Forsyth, Brandon Gilham, Tracy Landrum, Mitchell LeGrande, Leland Ledford, Allen Lee, Amanda Lee, Amy Liggons, Crystal Mantooth, Jessica Merritt, Jayda Mulyadi, Shelley Pearson, Hannah Robinson, Evetta Rogers, Michael Schmidt, Maria Segura, Heather Wilson, Deborah Wisham.

Walker County: Rachel Adams, Sarah Adams, Anita Armstrong, Kevin Barnett, Brandon Boyd, Kimberly Bradley, Sarah Brooks, Pamela Cargle, Colin Champagne, James Cherry, Jared Cline, Racheal Dodd, Cala Eaves, John Erickson, Michelle Fletcher, Emily Ford, Wilda Gadd, Jeremy Gamble, Becky Goodlet, Jason Harbour, James Hill, Vivian Johnson, Lori Kilgore, James LaMonica, Steven Lamb, Cheri Long, William Martin, Amanda McCormick, Amanda McCraine, Gloria Morelock, Shannon Morrison, Carolyn Nerren, Crystal O'Dell, Lesa ODell, Amanda Oliver, Michael Penland, Michael Penson, Rickey Rapier Jr., Brandy Rogers, Amanda Schooley, Justin Shelton, Tessa Smith, Brian Stevens, Jamie Stewart, Christopher Vaughn, Misty White, Richard Wilbanks, Lisa Wilder.

Whitfield County: Christina Bean, Christina Brindle, Mickey Cooper, Alan Elder, Hannah Hudson, Nichole Hunt, Kristen Lake, Jairo Lerma, Nayeli Mondragon, Michael Murphree, Sylvia Ochoa, Katie Palmer, Ashleigh Thomas, Whitney Worley-Nabell.

Other Counties: Amy Ajaeb, Theresa Bennett-McGuire, Heather Bertram, Corey Brock, Kristen Burbank, Sarah Chase, Brandi Clark, Trent Coker, Byron Crider, Whitney Fletcher, Vicki Goodman, Brittney Graham, Lindsey Hagler, Vicki Hand, Matthew Hendrix, Joseph Horvath, Amanda Lawson, Jason May, Ashley McNeese, Roy Medlin, Jasmine Moore, Robert Nutter, Tanya Paini, Ashley Pilgrim, Serenity Provenson, Michael Sanford, Daniel Sherrill, Brandy Smith, Deric Smith, Patricia Smith, Ronnie Thomas, Marcela Thornton, Christina Wester.

 

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

Please join our guests today including:

-Col. Oscar Poole from Florida's GOP primary wars.

-Sara Hardy Williams, who wraps up TV's Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker tonight.

-Richard Marcus from Rome's former Santa Fe Cattle restaurant.

-and Jay DeVille of Right at Home, the chamber's small business of the year.

 

Live online at:

http://wrga.streamon.fm/

Busy year for local voters under way. Buzz: Rotolo's opens at Shorter site. More downtown changes. Local baker returns to TV reality show tonight.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click
-And we're off: 2012 election season is under way. Natalie Simms outlines what's ahead for Northwest Georgians March 6, July 31 and Nov. 6 -- and runoffs?
-Rotolo's opens today at new location.
-More changes brewing in downtown Rome.
-Local baker Sara Williams wraps up reality show tonight.

Gas prices: Fuels prices hit the accelerator in Georgia.
-Latest updates from AAA South: Georgia gas prices up another 3 cents a gallon; 44 cents more than a year ago.

Another cold night ahead; rain returns Wednesday
-Monday: High of 63, low of 28.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 66, low of 39.
-Wednesday: 30-50% rain chance, high of 65, low of 46.

 

Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering tonight starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Forum.

Georgia gas prices up another 3 cents a gallon; 44 cents more than a year ago

Media release: Bullish news continues to dominate the market causing both oil and retail gas prices to increase. The national average price for a gallon of regular retail gasoline surpassed $3.40 for the first time since November 16, 2011. Pump prices jumped again after news that multiple refineries across the U.S. shutdown, causing gas output to decrease by 2.8 percent last week to 8.5 million barrels a day, the lowest level since February 2010, according to the Energy Department. During the same time, U.S. gasoline inventories fell by nearly 400,000 barrels, when they were forecast to increase by 2 million barrels. This is the first decline in gas inventories in a month as demand rose to 8.1 million barrels a day.

Talks Greece will make a deal to resolve their debt issues and the European Union's (EU) announcement to enact sanctions on Iran beginning July 1, also caused oil prices to increase. Iran is still threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz, which transports one-fifth of the world's oil supply, if the EU begins to implement the sanctions. The price of a barrel of oil closed Friday at $99.56 on the New York Mercantile Exchange--$1.10 more than the week prior.

"Although oil prices remain near $100 a barrel, retail gas prices continue to rise at a steady pace," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. "Concerns of dwindling supplies from refinery shutdowns in the U.S., at a time when gas demand is starting to improve, are driving pump prices higher. Consumers are likely to see gas prices increase again this week."

The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline remains unchanged from last week at $3.41 per gallon, 3 cents more than last week. Florida's average price of $3.54 increased 6 cents, while Tennessee's average price of $3.32 rose 5 cents. Georgia's average price of $3.43 reflects a 3-cent increase from last week, respectively.  

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                        Current              Week Ago         Month Ago        Year Ago

National:           $3.419              $3.385              $3.269              $3.101

Florida:             $3.543              $3.480              $3.311              $3.117

Georgia:           $3.438              $3.409              $3.208              $2.997

Tennessee:       $3.324             $3.278              $3.131              $2.947

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.

Saint Mary's School observing busy Catholic Schools Week

Media release: Saint Mary's Catholic School will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week, a nationwide tribute to Catholic schools executed by the National Catholic Education Association.  According to the association:

 "There are 132,656 private and public schools in the United States, according to Department of Education statistics.  Of those, 6,980 are Catholic elementary or secondary schools.  The annual observance [of Catholic Schools Week] starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2012 is January 29 to February 5. Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large."  source: http://www.ncea.org/news/CSWKitHomepage.asp

Saint Mary's Catholic School celebrates locally with an activity filled week that the students eagerly anticipate.  The school week starts with Teacher Appreciation Day on Monday, during which school families host a luncheon for the faculty and staff. 

 

On Tuesday morning, a special Catholic Schools Week Mass is held at 9:30 a.m., and on Tuesday evening ,the school will host an Open House from 6-8 p.m., with anyone interested in Catholic education welcome to attend. 

 

On Wednesday, the school's 8th grade class will travel to Christ the King Cathedral in Atlanta to participate in a Mass for all 8th grade classes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. 

Thursday is a favorite day for Saint Mary's students, as grandparents and special friends are invited to visit the school, eat lunch with their respective student, and enjoy activities such as class performances and the Scholastic Book Fair, which runs all week. 

 

Friday is Student Appreciation Day, during which the students of SMS are treated to lunch by the Parent-Teacher Organization, and the afternoon is set aside for fun activities for the classes.

The theme selected by the NCEA for Catholic School's Week 2012 is "Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service."  Admissions Director Christa Jackson, while speaking at Sunday Mass at Saint Mary's Church, noted that "the theme could not fit SMS more perfectly," explaining that faith, academics and service were the components of education most strongly emphasized at Saint Mary's Catholic School.

Saint Mary's Catholic School will host a Catholic Schools Week Open House on Tuesday, January 31 at 6 pm.  No RSVP is necessary and all are welcome to attend.  For more information, please contact Admissions Director Christa Jackson at (706) 234-4953 ext. 15 or cjackson@smsrome.org.

Floyd County Sheriff's Office annual awards

 

Media release: The Sheriff's Office held its Annual Meeting, Wednesday January 17, 2012.  Employees were praised on their great contributions and the work performed throughout the 2011 year.  Sheriff Burkhalter, Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell and fellow Command Staff members applauded the efforts of and thanked all employees for their contributions and involvement in acquiring national accreditation.  The Sheriff praised FCSO staff while noting employees "earned the award he just received it on their behalf".  The attainment of accreditation was a goal realized and an accomplishment which will fulfill as well as strengthen the positive force that we strive to be in our community.

Each year, employees are selected for the work demonstrated throughout the year and are named EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR for that Division.  Winners of our annual awards were as follows:

2011 JOE ADAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

(Employee(s) who exemplify positive efforts through volunteerism and humanitarianism).  This award is presented in memory of Sheriff Joe Adams (1953-1973) for contributions to our community as a whole.

There are two awardees for this category FY2011:

2011 JOE ADAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

MAJ. ROBERT SAPP

·        Major Sapp has been a major source of energy and enthusiasm for our employees and in helping us nurture and grow together.  Bob was instrumental in raising funds for the Sheriff's Youth Initiative, which is strictly operated and funded by donations from the community.  His idea for "Zombieland" permitted a "thrill" of a time to adventurers while giving us the means to continue educating our children and heightening the awareness of the community through various drug awareness and intervention programs, i.e. C.H.A.M.P.S., Meth Awareness, Gang Activity, etc.  Maj. Sapp has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since January 1, 2011.

 

 

 

 

2^nd RecipienT of the 2011 JOE ADAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

CPL. WILLIAM "GHEE" WILSON

 

·        Cpl. Wilson volunteered numerous hours throughout the year and conducted several fundraisers to help provide services to numerous children during the year and at Christmas.  Ghee is always the first person to step up with ideas and resources.  Cpl Wilson has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since September 1, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

2011 JAIL OPERATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR                          

JAIL OFFICER JIM PILGRIM

·        Dep. Pilgrim was noted by the Employee Recognition Committee as being an employee who exceeds what is expected or required to perform his job.  Pilgrim is also as "an extremely dedicated hard worker, who takes the initiative to do what has to be done without being asked to."  He always helps coworkers and never complains about assignments.  Officer Pilgrim is a joy to be around and has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since March 17, 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011 FIELD OPERATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR      

DEPUTY JACOB PLEDGER

 

·        Dep. Pledger was noted by the Employee Recognition Committee as being one who demonstrates exceptional dedication and initiative and is always eager to work.  He is an example of a fine young man who has unlimited potential.   He goes out of his way to help other employees and officers and has a positive attitude about work.  Pledger has impressed on his peers that he is an example of what any officer can become by giving the same effort and hard work.  Dep. Pledger has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since April 7, 2009.

 

 

 

 

2011 P.I.G. AWARD

MAJOR TOMMY MCGUIRE was awarded the P.I.G. Award (P.I.G. is the acronym for Pride, Integrity & Guts)

·        Major McGuire demonstrated determination, humility and honor, in the face of serious challenges in 2011 and still put his fellow employees first, despite his own personal infirmity.  Major McGuire selflessness is genuine and his concern for his fellowman is pure.  Not only are we proud of him but we are honored and privileged to work with a perfect example of an officer and a gentleman.  Major McGuire is a 35 year veteran of law enforcement.

 

 

 

 

 

  

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER-4^TH QUARTER 2011

 

·        Officer Kerri Chapman was selected as the Employee of the Quarter, 4^th Quarter of 2011.  Keri was voted by her peers to be someone who works continuously with a positive attitude and cooperates with co-workers in order to achieve common goals of the office.  She is always willing to "jump right in whether it is helping victims recovering from a tornado or helping with programs such as the Sheriff Santa or helping a co-worker in need."  Kerri presents a drive to succeed and to do her job efficiently and accurately.  Kerri works to foster a collaborative effort through communication and cooperation with her fellow peers.  Kerri is now training as a TAC Operator and works in the Sheriffs intelligence office.  Jail Officer Chapman has been employed with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office since March 19, 2001.

 

 

The Floyd County Sheriff's Office proudly announces these award winners for a job well done!  Each employee was encouraged to participate in our volunteer opportunities and to keep up their dedicated efforts to work as a team and to be Positive in Our Community!

 

Gifted Oratorical Contest 2012

Photo left to right: Caleb Gilmore, Hunter Hays, and Ruth Ann Freeman

 

Media release: Hunter Hays, a seventh-grade student at Model Middle School, is the repeat champion of the Gifted Education Middle School Oratorical Contest.  Hays and participants from Armuchee Middle, Coosa Middle, Model Middle and Pepperell Middle participated in the fourth annual oratorical contest on Thursday, January 19, at the Floyd County Board of Education. 

The gifted students competed at the school level to represent their school in the contest.  The top two school qualifiers participated in the system contest for 6th, 7th or 8th grade gifted students in Floyd County Schools. The contest was judged by the Toastmasters of Rome Club. Judges included Robert Bunn, Mike Ellis, Lynn Denson, and Merrill Davies. The participants in the oratorical contest were judged on poise, content of their speech, delivery and overall effectiveness.

Hunter Hays won the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award for the state of Georgia last year.  Each year, the award is given to one student in grades three through six in each state for distinguishing themselves in academics, leadership, or the arts. He is also active in school and the community.  Hays is the center and nose guard on the Model Middle football team and plays third base for the baseball team.  He is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader at MMS.  He is also very talented at playing the piano and singing.  He has performed in front of people since the age of three and has written and performed some of his own praise and worship songs for church. Hays will deliver his speech at the February Floyd County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m.   

The winners of the contest were:
1st Place: Hunter Hays – seventh grader at Model Middle School
2nd Place: Caleb Gilmore – eighth grader at Pepperell Middle School
3rd- Place: Ruth Ann Freeman – seventh grader at Armuchee Middle School

Participants included:
Armuchee Middle School: Ruth Ann Freeman and Rachel McCurry
Coosa Middle School: Julissa Vasquez and Keiley Roland
Model Middle School: Hunter Hays and Ella Claire Chambless
Pepperell Middle School: Caleb Gilmore and Story Vernon