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, February 28th and happy heavenly birthday to Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones.
***02.28.24 – BIRTHDAY – BRIAN JONES***
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 food products from other stores.
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 Anavitarte's Cyberbullying Bill
The Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill 351, the "Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act," with overwhelming support, aimed at safeguarding teenagers from cyberbullying and other negative impacts of social media. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte and prioritized by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the bill requires social media platforms to verify users' ages and updates school rules on bullying to address online harassment. It mandates the development of educational programs for safe social media use by the Department of Education and requires schools to adopt and enforce social media policies. Non-compliant districts risk losing state funds. The bill now advances to the Georgia House of Representatives.
STORY 2: Sheriff’s Office uses grant to buy state-of-the-art scanner
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office received $558,697 in grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act through Governor Kemp’s office to enhance public safety and reduce community violence. They invested in cutting-edge law enforcement technology, notably the TEK84 Intercept Full-Body Scanner, capable of detecting both metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons and drugs, while also incorporating a thermal temperature sensor for COVID-19 prevention. Sheriff Steve Wilson emphasized the importance of public safety and community impact, expressing gratitude for the grant. Other technology acquisitions include Flock Safety cameras and Cellebrite Forensics Software, empowering investigators with advanced digital investigation tools.
STORY 3: "It's Been a Fun Ride": NASCAR Driver Erik Jones Visits Calhoun
NASCAR driver Erik Jones visited Calhoun ahead of his race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He discussed his racing career, starting with go-karts at age seven and transitioning to stock cars. Jones values time off during the short offseason to spend with family, including his wife Holly, who shares his passion for racing. Racing the iconic No. 43 car, Jones acknowledges its significance in NASCAR history and cherishes his interactions with racing legend Richard Petty. Darlington is his favorite track due to its challenges. Jones, influenced by his father's support, now advocates for early cancer detection and literacy through his foundation, inspired by his father's battle with melanoma.
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Back in a moment
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STORY 4: Donations Keep Cedar Hill Panthers Legacy Alive
Former classmates and dedicated individuals are ensuring the legacy of their beloved school and coach, Escue Rodgers, lives on. Marilyn Edmondson, a 1954 graduate, donated items to the Polk County Historical Society Museum commemorating the Cedar Hill High School Panthers' football team and Rodgers. This includes posters displaying state championship years and a timeline of Rodgers' tenure. The 1953 Championship team, known as Living Legacy members, was honored during the 2023 Cedartown High School football season, marking the 70th anniversary of their title. The Bulldogs paid tribute with helmet decals, discussions, and a special game night. Rodgers' induction into the Georgia Athletic Hall of Fame and a statue dedication were made possible by the efforts of these athletes and their supporting community. Documents and photographs are preserved in the archives of the Polk County Historical Society Museum and Cedartown High School Athletic Department.
STORY 5: Rome Puts 6 Month Moratorium on New Gaming and Vape Stores
The Rome City Commission enacted a 6-month moratorium on new permits for stores housing coin-operated amusement machines and selling vape products, aiming to regulate through zoning. Mayor Craig McDaniel highlighted the need to study the issue, with 60 to 80 such stores in Rome. The commission also approved a townhome development and Heavy Industrial zoning for a rubber compound manufacturing facility. Additionally, they suspended a beer license and imposed a fine on a business for allowing smoking and drinking while gaming. The commission honored local trailblazers in the annual Black History Month awards ceremony.
Back in just a moment
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STORY 7: Leah McGrath
And now here is Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on food products from other stores.
STORY 8: Leah McGrath
***Leah McGrath Interview***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL: HENRY CO SHERIFFS
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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