Updates on Sen. Preston Smith, on Davie-Southeast merger and what's ahead.

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Ryan's, former East Rome Kroger sites listed for sale:

-One of West Rome's most popular restaurants, the campus housing Ryan's at Shorter Avenue, is on the market for $1.9 million, according to LoopNet. com. The restaurant itself is listed at 9,745 square feet with two acres of land. The lease is good for another 10 years and the operating income per year is listed at $190,000> Details

-Also listed is the still-vacant former home of the East Rome Kroger at Etowah Crossing plaza (bordered by Home Depot and Kmart) . For $1.6 million, you'd get the 47,226-square-foot store. It is a separate listing from the rest of the plaza, which also is on the market and includes the former Hooter's spot. Kroger moved to Riverbend Center across Turner McCall in the fall of 2003. (Click)

-For another $1.5 million, you can buy the rest of the mostly vacant Etowah Crossing off Hicks Drive (click)

-Photos/From LoopNet.

Updates on Sen. Preston Smith's vote, speech:

-The four-term Republican from Rome dominates the state's political Web sites again today following his 20-minute speech in response to his being stripped of the chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

-Bartow GOP chair Mike Huneke 'disappointed' by state GOP leaders: "One thing I can be proud of is that my State Representative, Barry Loudermilk, and State Senator, Preston Smith, were two of the very few who voted NO on the tax increases that were pushed by Republicans who were supposed to have the principle of not raising taxes. Because of their stand on voting NO along with the other few, they are being punished by the leadership who said they would be better than the Democrats, either by losing a leadership position or by not having bills brought to the floor for a vote."> Click

-AJC takes closer look at Smith's ouster> AJC

-What Smith said before the Senate Monday> Click

-Updates also flying on Peach Pundit blog> Click

-Facebook group: 'draft' Smith for lieutenant governor> FB

Update on recommendation to merge Anna K. Davie, Southeast elementaries for two years: One key consideration is where to build a new Anna K Davie after the two-year merger: on the current site or at a new site that still unites it with students from Southeast Elementary. For updates, please click Schools

Good news for new Highlands' campuses? Here's the latest "Tweet" from Georgia Highlands College (Monday, 4:19 p.m.): "Looks like Paulding and Douglas sites will still be up and running. Enroll now for summer or fall."

Politics

-Some Gordon residents already voting in May 11 House, congressional elections; voting starts today for some Bartow residents> Gordon / Bartow

-April 13/Deal to address Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce: Former Congressman Nathan Deal, a Republican candidate for governor, joins the chamber at the Summerville Depot for lunch. Noon. $10 per person; $15 for non-chamber members. info@chattoogachamber.org or 706-857-4033 or Facebook.

-April 13/Rome Young Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m. at 333 on Broad. Guest speakers will be State Sen. Jeff Chapman (Candidate for Governor) and Stephen Northington (Candidate for Insurance Commissioner).

Rome Braves stay perfect in 2010, win fifth straight.

-Braves rally to beat Drive, 5-4> Sports

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Harbin sports medicine program targets concussions, brain injuries> Health

- A Century of Making Music celebrates Berry's century of sound> CH

-Shorter donates 20 laptops to Youth for Christ, Open Door Children's Home> Shorter

Weather: Low 80s, sunny days, no rain this week

-Tuesday: Another great spring day: sunny and 82.

-Tuesday night: Mostly clear, low off 44.

-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 83.

-Wednesday night: Mostly clear, low of 52.

-Today's pollen count: 2,351> Click

-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-The PGA TOUR now has two distrinct divisions: the good and the evil.

Rome Braves> Sports

-Today-Thursday at Greenville. First home game: April 16 vs. Savannah.

-Fast Ryde to sing anthem at Rome Braves' home opener.

-Pete Van Wieren to throw ceremonial first pitch.

-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale.

-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.