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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, December 23rd and happy 58th birthday to Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.
***12.23.23 – BIRTHDAY – EDDIE VEDDER***
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: High Court Upholds Conviction of Gordon County Man In 2015 Murder Case
Georgia's highest court upheld the conviction of Christopher Reid Scoggins in the 2015 shooting death of Stephanie Daniel. Deputies found Daniel unresponsive with a gunshot wound at a Gordon County home in July 2015. Scoggins and Fred Jason Charles were charged with murder, conspiracy, and other offenses. Both were convicted in 2016 and sentenced to life without parole. Scoggins appealed, arguing insufficient evidence and improper charges. His attorney contended Scoggins didn't participate in the crime, but the Georgia Supreme Court unanimously upheld the convictions, citing sufficient evidence and rejecting claims of ineffective counsel. Scoggins is serving his sentence at Hays State Prison.
STORY 2: Floyd Simultaneously Sees Local Jobs at an 'All-Time High' and Unemployment Surge
In November, Rome/Floyd County saw a record high of 45,400 people employed, a year-over-year increase of 1,500 jobs and a monthly gain of 300 positions. However, despite the positive job numbers, unemployment insurance claims surged in Northwest Georgia. The number of applicants more than tripled from 772 in October to 2,362 in November. The latest reports show substantial increases in initial claims for Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, and Chattooga counties. Despite the mixed economic indicators, Georgia's overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4% in November. The state's job numbers reached an all-time high, standing at 4,952,400, with notable growth in private education, health services, leisure, hospitality, and financial activities.
STORY 3: Northwest Georgia Reports 3 COVID Deaths in the Past Week
Northwest Georgia experienced an increase in COVID-19-related deaths, with three residents in Bartow, Gordon, and Polk succumbing to the virus in the past week—the highest weekly death toll in three months. Additionally, Floyd County recorded another death likely associated with COVID-19. The latest report revealed 25 reported cases in Floyd, 41 in Bartow, five each in Gordon and Chattooga, and 16 in Polk County, totaling 92 reported cases, consistent with the previous week. Statewide, Georgia reported its highest number of new cases since mid-September (2,597) and 28 deaths, including the three from Northwest Georgia. The total COVID-19 deaths in Georgia are expected to exceed 36,000 by the following week.
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STORY 4: Housing Authority Celebrates 30th Anniversary of First Angel Express
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Angel Express, the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority organized a luncheon, honoring the event's founder, Janet Baltzer. Over 80 families participated, receiving presents, stockings, and food, while enjoying a festive celebration with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Angel Express, initiated 30 years ago, originally provided toys and a Christmas experience for children and families in the housing authority's residences. Although the event has become less active, Baltzer remains involved in other initiatives, including the Fiesta de los Reyes Magos, which celebrates Three Kings Day by distributing clothes, toys, and food to Rome's Latino community.
STORY 5: Federal Judge: Redistricting Case Focuses on Black Voters
A federal judge, Steve Jones, expressed reservations about challenging Georgia's new congressional and legislative maps drawn by the Republican majorities in a recent special session. The judge noted that the case focused on the rights of Black voters and questioned the introduction of new allegations regarding Asian and Hispanic voters. While the new maps created additional Black majority districts, Democrats argued that "coalition" districts, where minority candidates could be elected with the support of Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, were not adequately protected. The judge is expected to issue a decision before the mid-January deadline for the 2024 elections.
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STORY 6: GBI: Calhoun Truck Driver Death Appears to Have Been from 'Medical Issue'
A truck driver, Bernice M. King, 68, from Seville, Ohio, was found dead behind a Gordon County restaurant. Calhoun Police Department officers responded to a call near the Waffle House and discovered the deceased woman inside the camper area of a semi-truck parked in the lot. The preliminary investigation suggests the death is related to a medical issue, and authorities are notifying next of kin. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Crime Scene Unit is assisting in the case. Foul play is not suspected at this point in the investigation. Further updates will be provided as details become available.
STORY 7: State Unemployment Rate at 3.4% for Third Straight Month
Georgia's unemployment rate remained steady at 3.4% in November for the third consecutive month, as reported by the state Department of Labor. The state witnessed several categories reaching record highs, including the number of jobs, which increased by 0.3% compared to the same month last year, surpassing 4.95 million. Additionally, the labor force reached an all-time high, rising by 11,263 to nearly 5.36 million. The number of employed Georgians also achieved a record high, climbing by 9,755 to almost 5.18 million. While initial unemployment claims increased by 3% to 22,316 in November, first-time jobless claims for the year decreased by 13%.
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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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