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, February 24th and happy 73rd birthday to musician George Thorogood.
***02.24.24 – BIRTHDAY – GEORGE THOROGOOD***
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: State Senate passes $37.5 billion midyear budget
The state Senate in Georgia has approved a $37.5 billion midyear budget, marking a 9.4% increase from the fiscal 2024 budget. The decision, which passed with a 54-1 vote, includes $5 billion in additional spending, funded by a record $16 billion surplus.
Key provisions include $1,000 one-time pay supplements for public school teachers and state employees, as well as substantial funding for education and healthcare – accounting for over 58% and 22% of the budget respectively.
The surplus will also enable capital projects to be cash-funded this year, a move aimed at saving taxpayers' money amid high inflation rates in the bond market. Notable projects include a new state prison, a dental school, and a medical school.
Despite the approval, disagreements between the Senate and the House versions of the spending plan are expected to be resolved in a joint conference committee.
STORY 2: State Senate Panel Passes Book Banning Bill
The Georgia Senate committee has approved legislation for a state council that will set standards for books in public school libraries, with potential for bans on those deemed obscene. The Georgia Council of Library Materials Standards, as proposed in Senate Bill 394, will determine which books are "harmful to minors" or "sexually explicit".
Championed by Sen. Clint Dixon, the bill aims to prevent exposure to sexually explicit materials in school libraries. Non-compliant schools could face parental complaints and potential lawsuits, though no criminal charges.
While faith-based organizations support the bill, civil rights advocates and educators worry it could target books about homosexuality. The legislation now heads to the Senate Rules Committee for scheduling a floor vote.
STORY 3: Calhoun Man Arrested on Statutory Rape, Incest Charges
A man in Calhoun is facing charges of statutory rape and incest following his arrest on Tuesday. Identified as Cody Lee Whitfield, 35, the suspect was picked up for questioning following a report of minor sexual abuse received by Gordon County deputies.
The subsequent investigation, which involved interviewing witnesses and collecting electronic evidence, led to Whitfield's arrest. He is currently being held at Gordon County Jail as he awaits bond.
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STORY 4: Rome Floyd Development Authority Considering Joint Authority with Bartow And Polk
The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority is contemplating a partnership with Bartow and Polk counties to form a regional development authority. This comes amid Northwest Georgia's economic growth, with significant investments from companies like Qcells, Microsoft, SOLARCYCLE, and a joint venture between SK On and Hyundai Motor Group.
RFCDA President and CEO Missy Kendrick believes a united front could attract more automotive opportunities to the region. The idea has been met with enthusiasm from Bartow and Polk counties, with Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord also endorsing the initiative.
The RFCDA, one of three development authorities in Rome and Floyd County led by Kendrick, focuses on marketing the region to businesses and managing properties for regional economic development. Current projects include renovating the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital site and marketing Enterprise Corner, a 200-acre site purchased in 2021.
STORY 5: CPD: Drunk Man Pointed Rifle at Two People
A local man in Calhoun, Patrick McDonald, 55, was arrested Tuesday after allegedly pointing a rifle at two individuals at the Rodeway Inn. The incident occurred around 10:58 p.m., with the victims reporting that McDonald approached them in the parking lot, shouted "Hey!", and brandished a rifle.
McDonald claimed he had been called to the location and thought it was a setup. Officers noted signs of intoxication during his account and surveillance footage confirmed the victims' recounting of events, leading to McDonald's arrest.
During a safety sweep of McDonald's motel room, police found a clear bag containing what they believe to be methamphetamine. McDonald faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and public drunkenness, among others.
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STORY 6: Catoosa County and Citizen's Group Face Off Over Sales Tax
Catoosa County, Georgia is embroiled in a heated debate regarding the renewal of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST, a one-percent tax funding capital improvement projects since 1994, faces opposition from a group called Catoosa Taxpayers.
The county emphasizes it's not a new tax but a continuation, while opponents argue each cycle represents a new tax with different goals. Amidst accusations of misinformation, the county has been engaging in "education" efforts about the tax, highlighting past benefits and potential consequences of its failure.
Proponents see it as vital for county services, while critics point to its impact on low-income residents. Early voting is ongoing, with the final decision to be made on March 12th.
STORY 7: Presidential Preference Primary Early Voting Continues
Early voting for Georgia's presidential preference primary is in full swing, with the statewide vote set for March 12. Voting will take place Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., until March 8 at the Board of Elections office in the Gordon County Courthouse.
The first two days saw a good turnout, with 60 and 116 people voting respectively. Mandatory Saturday voting is scheduled for today and March 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Absentee ballot applications are open till March 1.
Georgia's open primaries allow voters to choose either the Democratic or Republican ballot during primary elections. Remember, the general election registration deadline is April 22.
Redistricting maps now place all of Gordon County in the 11th Congressional District, represented by U.S. Congressional representative Barry Loudermilk.
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