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First Friday concerts draw record attendance in 2023

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Henssler 15

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, September 16th, and happy heavenly birthday to B.B. KING.

***B.B KING***

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty

 

  1. Braves postseason tickets on sale next week
  2. First Friday concerts draw record attendance in 2023
  3. Gordon County Schools votes to roll back millage rate

 

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: Braves Post Season

 

Single-game tickets for potential National League Division Series and National League Championship Series games at Truist Park will be available to the general public on September 22 at 10 a.m. Premium Club Members and A-List Members get early access starting on September 21 at 10 a.m. Fans can also sign up for the Braves Insider Newsletter by September 20 to receive a presale code for September 21 at noon. Tickets are limited, and the presale is open to residents of the seven states in Braves Country. Additionally, single-game postseason tickets will be offered on SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace of the Brave...........……. Get more info at northwestgeorgianews.com

 

STORY 2: First Friday concerts draw record attendance in 2023

 

In 2023, the First Friday Concert Series in Downtown Rome achieved a record attendance, with around 4,500 attendees at the June show. The increase in accurate attendance tracking, thanks to cell phone location data, has been transformative for downtown development efforts. Over the past year, downtown Rome has become the most visited location in Floyd County, with 372,000 monthly visits and an average stay of two and a half hours. Additionally, a parking survey revealed that 60% of respondents do not expect to pay for parking downtown, posing a challenge for the Downtown Development Authority in managing parking resources. Despite this challenge, the high visitation rate is seen as a positive for the area.

 

STORY 3: Gordon County Schools votes to roll back millage rate

 

The Gordon County Board of Education voted to significantly reduce the millage rate, which may lead to lower taxes for residents. The 2023 millage rate was set at 16.364, down from 17.5 in 2022 and a continuing decrease from previous years. The board also approved various educational programs and projects, including the Perkins Program Improvement Fund and instructional services. Additionally, they renewed their norms and protocols and approved capital outlay projects for school improvements. The meeting had a unanimous vote on most items, with some minor exceptions, and upcoming board events were announced.

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Back in a moment

 

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STORY 4: Rome's workforce numbers remain high, unemployment claims plunge

 

Rome's workforce remained strong with 44,800 people in August, the same as July but 1,800 more than in August 2022. Unemployment claims in the county decreased significantly compared to July and August 2022, with Floyd, Bartow, and Polk counties all experiencing drops in initial claims. Despite robust employment numbers, there are still numerous job openings in the area, with the Rome Floyd Chamber listing 90 open positions, mainly in education and government services. Georgia's overall unemployment rate in August was 3.3%, with the state gaining 12,000 jobs over the month and reaching an all-time high of 4,925,700 jobs over the year.

 

 

 

STORY 5: Walker County couple charged with animal cruelty

 

A Walker County couple, Patricia Bryant (52) and Jerry Bryant (72), have been charged with animal cruelty after authorities discovered almost 100 dogs, pigs, rabbits, and chickens on their property, living in unsanitary conditions without shelter. The couple faces multiple counts of animal cruelty, including aggravated animal cruelty, and misdemeanor obstruction of a law enforcement officer charges. A wellness check by Walker County Animal Services led to the discovery, followed by an inspection warrant that uncovered the remains of two animals and several dogs needing urgent veterinary care. The search also revealed numerous dogs inside their home, and efforts are underway to rescue and care for these animals with assistance from various organizations.

 

STORY 6: Catoosa Chamber holds members picnic, plans for annual Expo

 

The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Member Appreciation Picnic at the Colonnade in Ringgold, bringing together chamber members for networking and socializing while enjoying barbecue and potato salad. The event was well-received by attendees. The chamber regularly organizes various activities, including networking luncheons, business promotions, and events. They are also gearing up for the annual Showcase Catoosa Business Expo in November, where over 100 local businesses and organizations will showcase their offerings to the public. Both chamber members and non-member businesses can participate in the expo, but booth space is limited, so early sign-up is recommended.…….Back in just a moment

 

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Story 7: Residents demand sewer service in historically Black neighborhood but city commission split

 

Residents of Chulio Hills, one of Rome's first Black developments, are frustrated by the lack of sewer service, leading to repeated septic issues, especially during heavy rain. They've called for attention to the problem, citing decades of feeling overlooked. Around 40 residents attended a Rome City Commission meeting, demanding action. Commissioners were split on whether to fund a sewer connection for the neighborhood, with a 4-3 vote against it. Issues discussed included the lack of a firm cost estimate, funding sources, and concerns over equity and promises made to residents. The issue is expected to impact the upcoming municipal election.

 

Story 8: Body found by Coosawattee River near Pine Chapel in Gordon County

 

A body was discovered in a field near the Coosawattee River in Gordon County, Georgia. The Gordon County Sheriff's Office responded to the report, and the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, attributed in part to recent weather conditions. Initial investigations do not suggest foul play, and the discovery does not appear to be criminal in nature. State officials removed the body and transferred it to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner's Office for further examination. The investigation is ongoing, involving the Sheriff's Office, Gordon County Coroner's Office, and the GBI Medical Examiner's Office.

 

We’ll have closing comments after this

 

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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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