COMMERCIAL:
From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard.
Today is Wednesday, February 7th and happy 61st birthday to country singer Garth Brooks.
*** 02.07.24 – BIRTHDAY – GARTH BROOKS***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
Plus, Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sugar in cereals.
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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STORY 1: Body of Missing Acworth Man Found In Haralson County Lake
The body of Ardell Junior Kennedy, 78, from Acworth, was found in a lake in Buchanan after he went missing. Kennedy had left for his property in Haralson County but did not return home as expected. His family found his truck at the property but not him, prompting a search. Kennedy's cell phone had been off since noon, adding to concerns. The search involved multiple agencies and lasted through the night. Kennedy's body was discovered in the lake, indicating a tragic accident. The Haralson County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to Kennedy's family and thanked all involved in the search efforts.
STORY 2: Rome Man Charged With Burglary
Ronnie Jackson Vanmeter, 26, from Rome, allegedly broke into a house on Walters Street in West Rome on January 26, stealing house and car keys. He faces charges including felony first-degree burglary, possession of Xanax, and crossing the guard line with drugs. Additionally, Vanmeter is charged with misdemeanor cruelty to children for forcing his way into the house while a juvenile was present. These accusations stem from reports by the Floyd County Jail.
STORY 3: Weekend Police Chase Ends in Crashes on I-75 NB
A police chase originating in Bartow County led to a crash on I-75 Northbound in Resaca. Georgia State Patrol troopers observed two black sport motorcycles without tags near mile marker 289 and attempted to stop them. Both riders refused to comply and initiated a pursuit, reaching speeds up to 140 mph. One rider, Devonta Ceballos, 25, crashed after multiple attempts to box him in by law enforcement. He was ejected and taken to Hamilton Medical Center before being booked into Gordon County Jail on numerous charges. The second rider, Travis Presnell, also crashed during a separate pursuit. Both motorcycles were reported stolen from South Carolina.
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STORY 4: State Sues Feds Over Rejection of 'Georgia-Centric' Medicaid Expansion
Georgia's limited expansion of its Medicaid program, known as Georgia Pathways, faces a legal dispute with the federal government. The state filed a lawsuit seeking an extension of the program after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded its approval due to the inclusion of work requirements. Governor Brian Kemp argues that the state's innovative plan to extend coverage to those with incomes up to 100% of the poverty level was unfairly hindered by the Biden administration. Democrats advocate for full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite sluggish enrollment in Georgia Pathways, the state is pushing forward with efforts to enroll eligible individuals while contesting the federal decision in court.
STORY 5: Jury Convicts Man Of Killing His Wife
Joseph Leroy Jones was convicted by a Polk County jury of murdering his wife, Monisha Leath, despite her body not being found. Leath was reported missing after an altercation with Jones in February 2022. The trial focused on events leading to her disappearance, with witnesses testifying to Jones confessing to family members about the incident. Jones claimed self-defense, but the prosecution argued against it, emphasizing circumstantial evidence. Defense pointed out gaps in the investigation and questioned the state's narrative. However, the jury found Jones guilty of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault after deliberating for three hours.
Back in just a moment
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STORY 7: Leah McGrath
And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sugars in cereals.
STORY 8: Leah McGrath
***Leah McGrath Interview***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL:
Sign off--
Thanks again for listening to today’s Northwest Georgia News podcast. For more on these stories and other great content visit northwestgeorgianews.com. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.
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