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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 Saturday, February 10th, and happy 81Sst birthday to singer Roberta Flack.
***02.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – ROBERTA FLACK***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
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: Family thanks firefighters for life-saving aid after heart attack at gas station
In early August, Anthony DiPrima collapsed while pumping gas, prompting his wife Susan, a retired nurse, to perform CPR until firefighters from Rome-Floyd Fire Department Station 7 arrived. Despite initial complications with the defibrillator, the firefighters managed to restart Anthony's heart with a second shock. He was revived in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and later underwent a quadruple bypass surgery. The DiPrimas visited the fire station to express their gratitude, emphasizing the profound impact the firefighters had in saving Anthony's life. They commended the responders for their swift action and professionalism, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in Anthony's recovery.
STORY 2: Georgia Brothers Charged in Jan. 6 Breach of U.S. Capitol
Brothers Cepane Sarty, 38, and Seth Sarty, 45, from Georgia, were arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. They face felony charges for assaulting officers, as well as misdemeanors for entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct, engaging in violence, and demonstrating inside the Capitol. Surveillance footage shows them breaching the Capitol and confronting police officers, including shoving them to temporarily resist their advance. The brothers entered Nancy Pelosi's office suite and the Capitol Rotunda before being driven out by police. Their arrest is part of ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their roles in the Capitol riot, with over 1,300 people charged nationwide, including more than 450 for assaulting law enforcement.
STORY 3: Couple Charged With Embezzling $200K From Calhoun Church
A Calhoun couple, Melanie Ann Temple and Chad Lamar Temple, are accused of embezzling over $200,000 from Belmont Baptist Church. Melanie, formerly the church secretary, allegedly made unauthorized purchases with church credit cards for personal use, including home items and vacations. A forensic audit revealed unauthorized charges totaling $212,008.09. Melanie faces numerous felony charges, including criminal receipt of goods and financial transaction card fraud, while Chad faces similar charges along with a probation violation. Melanie has been released on bond, while Chad remains in custody. The investigation is ongoing. For updates, visit CalhounTimes.com.
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STORY 4: Georgia Court System Still Suffering Staff Shortages
Chief Justice Michael Boggs addressed the Georgia General Assembly, reporting a decline in backlogs of court cases due to pandemic-related challenges. However, shortages of prosecutors, public defenders, and court staff persist. Boggs highlighted the positive impact of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, which aided in hiring staff and upgrading technology, resulting in an 11% decrease in case backlogs statewide. He urged lawmakers to support House Bill 947, which addresses payment reforms for judges, and endorsed legislation to safeguard judges' personal information amid increasing threats. Additionally, Boggs mentioned revisions facilitating lawyer availability in rural areas, particularly for spouses of active-duty service members.
STORY 5: Region, State See Highest Number of New Reported Covid Cases Since Aug. 30
In Northwest Georgia, new reported COVID-19 cases surged to 243 over the past week, the highest since late August. Floyd County recorded 53 new cases, Bartow County reported 105 (more than double from last week), Gordon County had 41 (also more than doubled), Polk County reported 36, and Chattooga County had eight cases. Statewide, Georgia saw 4,324 new reported cases and 45 deaths, the highest in over five months. Fortunately, none of the deaths occurred in Northwest Georgia. A free COVID-19 testing site at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday.
Back in just a moment.
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STORY 6: General Assembly Passes Bill Limiting No-Cash Bail
The Georgia House of Representatives passed legislation, Senate Bill 63, which prohibits no-cash bail for a wide range of offenses, both violent and non-violent, including murder, rape, drug-related crimes, and white-collar offenses. The bill, supported by Republicans, aims to prevent Georgia from adopting the no-cash bail policies seen in other states. Democrats raised concerns about the impact on low-income individuals, arguing that it penalizes the poor and undermines criminal justice reforms. Additionally, they criticized provisions limiting charitable organizations from posting more than three cash bonds per year. The bill now awaits Governor Brian Kemp's signature to become law.
STORY 7: Gordon County Commission Approves Budget Amendments
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners approved several budget amendments, primarily for employee raises and various funds totaling $1,141,049 in expenditures. Efforts to update the hazardous materials ordinance progressed with proposed changes addressing proper handling and disposal. The amendments involve incorporating updated fire codes and international building codes. Proposed amendments include penalties for violations and permit fees, aiming to enhance safety protocols. Surplus items such as antique furniture and a trailer mobile unit were also approved for disposal or donation. Additionally, extensions for temporary alcohol licenses were granted pending background checks for ABC Convenience Store and Fairmount American Legion Post 305.
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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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