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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, March 16th, and happy 64th birthday to rapper flava flav.
***03.16.24 – BIRTHDAY – FLAVA FLAV***
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: Floyd County Man Accused Of Stealing Items From Deceased Man's Home
31-year-old Toby Lance Eden from Floyd County is facing charges of felony theft by taking, misdemeanor theft by taking, and theft by deception after allegedly stealing a saltwater pool system and a pool table from a deceased man's home. Eden is accused of breaking into the residence on Old Summerville Road in January and selling the stolen items for nearly $1,000. The saltwater system, valued at $2,000, was sold for $700, while the pool table, valued at $700, was sold for $220. As of Wednesday, Eden remains in jail without bond.
STORY 2: Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges Unsealed For Cohutta Man
Fletcher J. Burkett III, a 41-year-old from Cohutta, faces federal drug conspiracy charges in the Northern District of Florida, along with charges for brandishing a gun at a youth basketball game in Calhoun. Burkett allegedly conspired with Christian Jose Landeros Mendez to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine in February 2021. Mendez faces similar charges in Florida for conspiring to sell kilograms of cocaine and heroin. Burkett was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond after a hearing in U.S. District Magistrate Court in Rome. The case in Florida involving Burkett remains sealed. Additionally, Burkett was arrested in January for pulling a gun on two individuals after a basketball game. He faces felony charges including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime.
STORY 3: Cartersville Sex Offender Sentenced On Federal Child Pornography Charges
Jerry Joseph Southern, a Cartersville man, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of probation for possessing thousands of images depicting brutal sexual abuse of children. Southern pleaded guilty to the charges and was also ordered to pay $28,500 in restitution. The investigation into his activities began in 2023 after the FBI received information about his involvement in sharing child sexual abuse materials. Southern had a prior conviction in 2013 for sexual exploitation of a child in Cobb County. Authorities emphasize their commitment to prosecuting individuals who exploit children and highlight the severity of Southern's actions.
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STORY 4: Cedartown Road Reopened After 2 Weeks Following Massive Fire
After a fire destroyed the former Jockey plant in Cedartown, city public works employees have cleared the damaged section of West Avenue, allowing uninterrupted travel. The road was opened after a thorough cleanup to remove debris and loose asphalt caused by the intense heat from the fire. Signs warn of rough asphalt near the rubble of the building. While motorists are urged to use caution, the road is open, and temporary speed limit signs will be placed to ensure safety. The city plans to resurface the damaged section in the next two months. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but firefighters worked tirelessly to control it, using over a million gallons of water. Cedartown officials express gratitude to the firefighters for their efforts.
STORY 5: Calhoun Police Department gets new fleet of vehicles
Calhoun Police Department has taken delivery of a number of Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles as part of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. According to Chief Tony Pyle, officers have been taking part in additional driving courses while the vehicles are properly equipped and department decals are applied.
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STORY 6: Election Continues After No One Qualifies for County School Board Post 2
After no candidates qualified for Gordon County Board of Education Post 2, an emergency meeting was held by the Board of Elections. It was decided that qualifying would not reopen, and the election would proceed with potential write-in candidates. Write-in candidates have until September 3 to qualify. Incumbents qualified for various positions, including tax commissioner, clerk of Superior Court, and Magistrate Court judge. The sheriff's race will see incumbent Mitch Ralston facing two challengers. Other contested races include coroner and County Commission. For the state congressional race, voters in Gordon County, now part of the 11th District, have a choice between incumbent Republican Barry Loudermilk, Republican challenger Mike Pons, or Democratic challenger Antonio Daza.
STORY 7: LaFayette Recreation Center to be Renamed in March 23 Ceremony
Former LaFayette High School basketball player Alex Ted Harris will honor the late Jennifer Lee Salmon by renaming the building at Lowell Green Park Recreation Center to the Jennifer Lee Salmon Building on March 23 at 1 p.m. Salmon, the first director of the center when it opened in 1968, fought to rename it from the "Colored Rec" to "Lowell Green Recreation Center." A graduate of Tennessee State University, she started her career at Fortune Grammar Elementary School and served as director while working at the center. Salmon retired from teaching but continued as director. Harris, who has a history of community involvement, previously honored Shannon D. Suttle by retiring his football jersey and renaming Culberson Street after him.
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