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 9th, and happy 83rd birthday to Chuck Norris.
***03.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – CHUCK NORRIS***
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: Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Missing Woman’s Murder
Joseph Leroy Jones, convicted in the murder of his wife Monisha Leath, received a life sentence without parole by Polk County Superior Court Judge Andrew Roper. Despite the sentencing providing some closure, the victim's family still grapples with the uncertainty of her whereabouts. Leath's mother and family members requested Jones to reveal what he did with her body, but he remained silent. The incident occurred after Leath did not pick up her children from school, leading to a confrontation where Jones fatally choked her. Although Jones was found guilty of felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault, the absence of Leath's remains exacerbates the family's pain and inability to fully find closure.
STORY 2: 108th Soldiers Begin Support Mission in Kosovo
The Calhoun-based 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment has commenced its mission in Kosovo after completing extensive pre-deployment training. The unit underwent training at Fort Stewart and Fort Cavasos in Texas before traveling to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hoenfels, Germany. During these sessions, soldiers conducted numerous operations and missions, setting a high standard for future rotations. Now stationed in Kosovo, they are tasked with supporting the NATO-led Kosovo Force and ensuring a safe environment. Comprising soldiers from various armories in Georgia, the 1-108th is part of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Community members can support deployed soldiers and their families through the Family Readiness Group or the Calhoun Veterans of Foreign Wars Renis Barrett Post 5376. Contact information is available for those interested in providing assistance.
STORY 3: Gordon County Proclaims March as American Red Cross Month
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners recognized the American Red Cross during their meeting, declaring March as American Red Cross Month. Northwest Georgia Executive Director Carla Maton expressed gratitude for community support and encouraged involvement. Additionally, a first reading of an ordinance change was heard, aiming to provide residents more freedom in selecting building materials for residential projects. Approval was given for an inmate telecommunications agreement and spending items, including three trucks for Gordon County Fire Rescue. The board also approved a disaster plan for handling pets during emergencies and reappointments to development authorities. Alcohol-related items were approved with one dissenting vote. In public participation, suggestions were made regarding the location of county foreclosure readings and the need for separate positions of County Attorney and County Administrator. The next meeting is scheduled for March 19 at the Gordon County Judicial Building Assembly Room.
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STORY 4: Georgia House Panel OKs '25 State Budget
The Georgia House budget committee approved a $36.1 billion fiscal 2025 state budget, which includes pay raises for teachers, state employees, university staff, and judges. It aligns with most of Gov. Brian Kemp's spending recommendations, addressing public school enrollment growth, student transportation costs, and grants for school safety. Additionally, the budget incorporates funding requests from individual House members, leveraging the state's $16 billion surplus. The budget earmarks $786.5 million for building projects, covering expansions of a juvenile detention facility, a medical examiner annex, and an agricultural barn. It is slated for a full House vote this week and will take effect on July 1.
STORY 5: Jacquelyn Beck to Represent GNTC in Regional GOAL Competition
Jacquelyn Beck, a former U.S. Marine and current Health Care Assistant student at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), has been nominated to represent the college at the 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) regional competition. Beck, who previously graduated from the Medical Assisting program and won gold at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, was nominated by Jennifer Stephenson, her instructor. Despite facing family and financial challenges, Beck excelled in her studies and now works at Harbin Clinic Immediate Care. She credits GNTC for providing high-quality education and helping her realize her potential in the medical field. If chosen as a regional GOAL winner, Beck will compete at the state level, with the chance to be named TCSG's GOAL winner for 2024 and receive a new automobile from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.
STORY 6: 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' Runs April 4-7 at Berry College
Berry College Theatre Company is set to kick off its 2024 spring season with the musical "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder" on April 4. The production follows Monty Narravo as he discovers he's ninth in line for an earldom held by the D’Ysquith family, leading to a series of mysterious deaths among its eccentric members. Directed by Dr. Scott Willis, the show promises a delightful mix of wit, charm, and laughter. Performances will run from April 4 to April 7 at the Sisters Theatre, with tickets priced at $7 for general admission and available online.
STORY 7: State Senate Passes Cyberbullying Bill
The Georgia state Senate approved the "Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act" with a 51-1 vote, a priority for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. The bill aims to safeguard teenagers from cyberbullying and other negative impacts of social media. It mandates social media companies to verify user age, updates rules for schools to monitor bullying in the digital age, and requires the state Department of Education to develop programs educating students on safe social media use. Failure by school districts to comply could result in loss of state funds. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte, the bill now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.
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