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, April 17th and happy heavenly birthday to Roddy Piper.
***04.17.24 – BIRTHDAY – RODDY PIPER***
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 celiacs disease.
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: Hazmat Exercise Provides Valuable Training for First Responders
Polk County conducted a full-scale hazmat drill, testing local emergency response capabilities. Various agencies, including fire departments, EMS, and emergency management, participated in the exercise organized by the Polk County Local Emergency Planning Committee and Cedartown Fire Department. The scenario involved a tanker truck spill, allowing responders to practice protocols for dealing with contamination and casualties. Notably, a TridentOne mass decontamination shower system was utilized, funded by the Northwest Georgia Region C Healthcare Coalition. Such drills are mandated by the state, ensuring readiness for emergencies. Polk County's EMA Coordinator emphasized the importance of training in ensuring effective responses to disasters.
STORY 2: Spence Earns Family Crisis Center Outstanding Service Award
Vickie Spence of Gordon County was honored with the Nicki Sellers Outstanding Service Award by the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center. Spence, a retired educator and former United Way executive director, has dedicated her life to serving families in the county. Known for her unwavering support, she has helped raise over $6 million for local agencies. Spence's commitment to community service and her continued support even after retirement earned her this recognition. The award was presented at the agency's February board meeting, with Sellers' daughter Susan Patterson in attendance, reflecting on her mother's dedication to giving back. The Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center has a long-standing history of providing victim services across several counties, offering emergency shelter and a 24/7 hotline.
STORY 3: Judge: Insurance Companies Must Pay Out $345 Million To Darlington Sex Abuse Victims
A judge ruled against insurance companies' claims, ordering them to pay $345 million to victims of sexual abuse by a Darlington teacher in the '70s and '80s. Allegations surfaced in 2016 under the Hidden Predator Act, allowing civil penalties despite statute limitations. Defendants settled, prompting claims against their insurers, who argued against coverage. Judge Adele Grubbs dismissed their arguments, affirming sexual abuse as bodily injury. Five insurers were ordered to pay, with Zurich American Insurance Company paying the highest at $92 million. Appeals are expected, prolonging the case. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for the abuse survivors.
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Back in a moment
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STORY 4: District Court Judge To Hear Catoosa GOP Arguments Seeking To Remove Candidates From Ballot
The Catoosa County Republican Party is challenging the county's elections board decision to force them to include candidates they felt didn't align with their values. They seek to have these candidates removed from the primary ballot. The dispute involves four candidates, including incumbents and a former chair, whom the party blocked from qualifying as Republicans due to perceived ideological differences. Despite a court order allowing their qualification, the party refuses compliance. Now, they're suing to uphold their right to disassociate from these candidates and to reinstate ballot questions rejected by the Secretary of State's office. The case raises constitutional concerns about compelled speech and party affiliation.
STORY 5: University System of Georgia raising tuition by 2.5%
Georgia's public colleges and universities approved a 2.5% tuition increase for in-state undergraduates for the upcoming school year, citing inflation. Out-of-state students will see a 5% hike, while a new rate for out-of-country students is set at 2% above out-of-state rates. The decision aims to sustain the institutions' quality amid rising operational costs. Despite the increase, Georgia maintains the third-lowest average tuition and fees among Southern states. Additionally, a new mandatory fee structure for online learners was adopted, with waivers of test score requirements extended for most institutions due to the pandemic. However, some exclusions apply, such as for certain scholarships and specific universities.
STORY 7: Leah McGrath
And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on celiacs disease.
***Leah McGrath Interview***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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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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