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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, September 23rd, and happy heavenly birthday to musician Ray Charles.
***RAY CHARLES***
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: Rome commissioners meet for 2.5 hours on Wednesday with no resolution to the Cochran ethics complaint
Rome city commissioners held a 2.5-hour closed-door meeting with their new legal team and a mediator to discuss ethics complaints against Commissioner Mark Cochran. Mayor Sundai Stevenson called the meeting, which included five commissioners and legal professionals. However, no action was taken during the session. The meeting came at a crucial time as the original attorney and three appointed mayors reviewing the case had all resigned. Cochran's legal representative has filed for a review in Floyd County Superior Court, citing issues with the ethics case proceedings. The ongoing investigation has already cost the city nearly $50,000......…….Get more info at northwestgeorgianews.com
STORY 2: Cedartown man sentenced to 50 years for rape of minor
Jose Raxon-Xalin, a Cedartown man, has been sentenced to two consecutive 25-year prison terms, totaling 50 years, after pleading guilty to rape and aggravated child molestation charges in Polk County Superior Court. If released from the Department of Corrections, he will spend the rest of his life on probation. The charges stem from an incident in April 2022 when Raxon-Xalin took a 15-year-old victim to the hospital, where it was discovered she was pregnant. She reported that he had raped her, leading to his arrest. DNA testing confirmed he was the father of the baby, resulting in his indictment.
STORY 3: Downtown Rome venues push back against proposed noise ordinance
Rome's Public Safety Committee has reviewed a draft noise ordinance, which proposes more objective noise measurements and specific enforcement times. The draft suggests limiting audible noise distances to 300 feet or 100 feet from the source, depending on the time and location. Some downtown businesses offering entertainment expressed concerns that the ordinance could restrict amplified music downtown. A 60-day pilot program focused on enhanced enforcement of the existing ordinance was suggested by the Downtown Development Authority Director. The committee did not take any action on the draft ordinance, acknowledging the challenges of balancing a vibrant downtown with noise concerns.
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STORY 4: Gordon County sets 2023 tax levy with rollback millage rate
Gordon County's Board of Commissioners has voted to reduce the 2023 tax levy, dropping it from 9.515 mills to 9.042 mills. This reduction in the millage rate aims to provide tax relief to property owners in the county. The total rate, which includes the county school system's rollback rate, is set at 25.406 for county property owners. Rezoning applications were also considered during the meeting, and several were approved. Additionally, the board appointed Nicholas Sainato to the County Board of Assessors and approved various other agreements and resolutions, including one related to mental health services reform in the state.
STORY 5: Walker County man sentenced to 25 years in jail for child molestation, sexual battery
Stewart Arra Kelley, a Walker County man, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 20 years on probation for child molestation and sexual battery. He was convicted on four counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual battery involving a child under 16 years old. Kelley's wife reported him to the police in February 2020 after a relative raised concerns about his actions. The investigation revealed that he had molested a girl from ages 10 to 16 and a 4-year-old girl, causing lasting harm to the victims. District Attorney Clay Fuller emphasized the importance of protecting children from such predators.
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STORY 7: Fairmount Elementary School awarded $10,000 Project Lead the Way grant
Fairmount Elementary School has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Project Lead the Way, sponsored by J.M. Huber Corporation. The grant will enhance the school's commitment to S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics) education, providing students with hands-on learning experiences. The funds will be used for state-of-the-art S.T.E.A.M. equipment, teacher training, and curriculum development, enabling students to explore S.T.E.A.M. concepts deeply. The grant reflects a shared vision of preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. The award ceremony included representatives from J.M. Huber Corporation, school administrators, and teachers.
STORY 8: Calhoun man left fatal crash site with motorcycle embedded in his truck
Ronald Grady Dickson, a 73-year-old Calhoun man, is facing multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle, following a hit-and-run crash involving a group of motorcyclists. The incident occurred on U.S. 411 in Fairmount, Georgia, when Dickson allegedly struck three motorcycles from behind, causing one to become embedded in the front of his truck. Dickson fled the scene but was eventually stopped by Fairmount Police with the motorcycle still attached to his truck. One motorcyclist was killed in the crash, and Dickson faces charges such as DUI, felony hit and run, and reckless driving, among others.
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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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