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Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Local news without the static.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Local news without the static.

By John Druckenmiller

From Hometownheadlines.com:
-Expanded interviews with Northwest Georgia newsmakers based on tomorrow's headlines.
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HHPodcast Interview: Underground Rome -- Down and a Little Dirty. Exploring what's below Broad Street with Mark Cochran of Cevian Design Lab.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Local news without the static. Jun 18, 2019

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30:58
A Hometown Radio Christmas reunion with Harry Musselwhite: New acting gigs (MacGruber!), new production company, New Mexico -- but the same Harry.

A Hometown Radio Christmas reunion with Harry Musselwhite: New acting gigs (MacGruber!), new production company, New Mexico -- but the same Harry.

For many years, Christmas was prime time for Harry Musselwhite, the longtime senior lecturer in music at Berry College and one of the most popular voices in Northwest Georgia. He moved to New Mexico six years ago where he's stayed very busy in the music, acting and the production business as well as becoming a podcast mainstay.

On Thursday, we arranged for Harry to join us to update friends in Northwest Georgia on his multiple passions (he filmed an episode of the Peacock Network's new MacGruber now streaming) as well as started another business. 

We spent nearly 19 minutes reconnecting with Harry who, as always, is both informative and entertaining. While much of the chat is about acting and music production, you'll hear some great takes on Northwest Geogia, on Nelle Reagan's famous "gang's all here" Christmas episodes, one of Harry's favorite Berry traditions and some other local memories (and names).

Dec 17, 202119:38
Hometown Radio: Deadline to order Rome's best barbecue extended until Aug. 20. What to know about changes to the Sept. 6 Knights of Columbus Labor Day Barbecue.
Aug 08, 202130:23
Hometown weather podcast: Rough evening ahead.

Hometown weather podcast: Rough evening ahead.

A quick summary of the impact of the first round of storms at midday Thursday, including hard-hit Cedartown, and a look at what forecasts expect tonight and overnight. 

Mar 25, 202105:26
The return of the Hometown Podcast -- and then some.
Jan 27, 202104:03
Podcast: Boots on the ground-- Rome Ga Cares, NW Georgia help hurricane victims. An interview with Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford.

Podcast: Boots on the ground-- Rome Ga Cares, NW Georgia help hurricane victims. An interview with Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford.

A caravan of hurricane relief supplies, donated by Floyd County residents for victims of Hurricane Laura, left our area on Monday, Sept. 21, for the hard-hit community of Beauregard Parish. 

On Wednesday, we talked with Beauregard Sheriff Mark Herford about the storm itself (gusts of 140-145 mph), extensive damage (28,000 structures, minor to major) and the loss of basic power and water services in the storm's wake. 

Herford says the community is recovering and was so appreciative of the trucks filled with relief supplies collected from Rome and Floyd County to help his community. 

The Rome Ga Cares team remains on the ground, distributing cleaning gear, fans, water and treats for the kids -- even as the remnants of another storm, Beta  -- trigger new flood concerns there. The Rome team is doing fine, Sheriff Tim Burkhalter says -- adding that they're getting to taste a whole lot of boudin (a sausage-like specialty) and other local cooking during their breaks. 

Sep 23, 202006:36
Sheriff Tim Burkhalter on the latest mission of Rome Ga Cares: Helping a Louisiana parish recover after the ravaging winds of Hurricane Laura.
Sep 08, 202009:46
Weekly Rant: Who will make the best decision for your child's health, safety as school begins? Only you.

Weekly Rant: Who will make the best decision for your child's health, safety as school begins? Only you.

Record hospital admissions. Enduring the second deadliest month of the pandemic (with two days to go). Soaring positive test results. 

And some still want to use our students as political collateral?

That choice is yours. Our "leaders" have had six months -- half a year -- to respond to the pandemic. They failed.

Do what's best for your child.


Jul 30, 202007:05
Today's Rant: Private sector goes adult, bypasses political grandstanding over face coverings: No mask, no entry. Now how will local businesses, offices respond?
Jul 17, 202005:47
Rant. Some changes to Hometown: Fewer rants and a new Facebook home. Plus today's headlines.

Rant. Some changes to Hometown: Fewer rants and a new Facebook home. Plus today's headlines.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes to our Hometown community:

After today, we reducing our rants, newscasts and podcasts. They're not going away; we're just doing fewer of them. We already have two podcasts scheduled for later this month.

And on Facebook, we're retiring our Hometown Headlines page and switching to a Hometown group. We've been swamped with toxic comments in recent months that we don't care to read or edit. Under this new format, we'll be able to put those comments in a collective time out while still serving our readers and advertisers.

Both changes are effect Friday. We're not going anywhere; we have much more on the way.

Jul 02, 202006:08
Rant: There is crying in baseball after all. Plus today's headlines.

Rant: There is crying in baseball after all. Plus today's headlines.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: What time is it? Cryin' time.

Few were surprised to hear the 2020 Rome Braves season was officially canceled -- as well as that of 159 other teams in North America. What makes this even sadder: At least 40 communities will see their teams lose Major League affiliation by year's end. Some will go away. Others will be hammered by pandemic-related losses.

The Rome Braves are "safe" and are due to return in 2021 to a recently upgraded stadium. But that is not helping the fans who made State Mutual Stadium their home each spring and summer. 

Add in the economic blow to Floyd County and it really hits home. 


Jul 01, 202008:39
Rant: Time out on the return of sports? Plus today's first headlines.

Rant: Time out on the return of sports? Plus today's first headlines.

Today’s top headlines:

Rant of the Day: "Upon further review ..."

Keep a sharp eye on your sports feeds in coming days -- even if you don't like what you're about to read. Or hear.

So what have we seen and heard -- all from reputable news and sports media?

  • Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals says no thanks to Major League Baseball's shortened season, which technically starts with training camps on Wednesday. At least one other Nats' player has joined him.
  • Other MLB teams are reporting players and coaches who have tested positive, including Minnesota.
  • And as our colleague John McClellan points out, the most recent extension of social distancing and other pubic health protocols by Georgia's governor overlaps with the first weekend of high school football scrimmages. We imagine they'll find a way to properly social distance to comply but it will be tough.
  • And should we worry that Fulton County Schools has opted to delay its start of the new year by a full week -- so far.
  • High schools in Gwinnett County also report four coronavirus cases -- we hear a mix of players and coaches -- and the Georgia High School Association again is reminding schools to report positive virus tests.
  • On Monday, we saw the first official report that a football conference -- the storied Ivy League -- was thinking of switching football to spring.
  • Some college football teams already are canceling nonconference games.
  • At Clemson, 37 players, coaches and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus. That follows the report from LSU.
  • In Alabama, the loss of The Tide could cost the state more than $2 billion. A study from 2015-16 concluded Tuscaloosa alone could see $25 million in game-weekend revenue vanish with each game canceled.
  • Some NBA players are skeptical of the season set to resume, including a lifestyle in the Disney bubble throughout the run.

So who do we blame? We see it as a rushing penalty. Too many governors, Georgia's included, preached the need to reopen our state. On Monday, Brian Kemp extended the state's public health emergency until Aug. 11. That includes much-less stringent social distancing rules as well. He's busy taking selfies with him wearing a mask and urging Georgians to do the same. That's way short of what other governors are doing -- ordering masks if you're in public.

And yet, the sports machines of America continue to hype the hype about sports being back. Yes, but so is the coronavirus. 


Jun 30, 202008:28
Rant: The pandemic, patriotism and a different type of Independence Day. Plus today's headlines.

Rant: The pandemic, patriotism and a different type of Independence Day. Plus today's headlines.

Today's first headlines:

  • Rome musician Lee Shealy joins legendary Atlanta Rhythm Section. ‘We all get along great. It’s just neat to listen to all their stories from years together.’
  • Business: As first half of 2020 ends, some big minuses but also hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment across Northwest Georgia despite the pandemic.
  • State-record 2,226 new COVID-19 cases since Saturday; Georgia sees 11,282 additional positive tests in 7 days, a 17.1% surge. 
  • Reports: Woman dead, man shot Sunday evening near Crump Road in Cartersville.
  • Business: Second downtown Rome studio on the way as Playa Azul Media moves in above Jamwich.

Rant of the Day: A different way to celebrate the red, white and blue.

So how do we celebrate Independence Day this year? The spirit certainly is willing but the options for what helps make it all magical -- the time spent with family, friends and neighbors, from parades to fireworks to picnics and trips to the lakes and rivers -- are limited.

Ridge Ferry Park will not be the base for the community celebration we're used to although Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation and sponsor Redmond Regional Medical Center promise to light up the sky for a good 20 minutes that night. (One of the best seats in the past? Atop the parking deck by Town Green).

The day-long celebration in Cartersville is on hold this year as is Calhoun's star-spangled extravaganza.

The Rockwell-like community parade in Cave Spring is a go, with social distancing precautions and all, but will people turn out to march or watch? And will the homemade ice cream be served? A three-hour event is planned in downtown Rome -- including prayer, songs and a citizens parade --  but who will show up, especially in 90-plus degree heat and a thunderstorm threat?

Will everyone be wearing masks? Will we social distance? And, if not, will we pay a price with more positive test results in mid-July?

On the day we celebrate our freedom, we're likewise supposed to be observing vital health restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus. Perhaps America in 2020 has to learn about new types of sacrifice.  

But that doesn't mean we can't come up with new ways to celebrate as well. After all, look what a Cave Spring parent did to both educate and entertain her young sons 35 years ago. Today, it is perhaps the most nostalgic thing we do in Northwest Georgia.

It doesn't matter how you celebrate; just remember what we're celebrating.

Jun 29, 202007:07
Rant: Time to be adults again with COVID-19. Plus today's headlines.

Rant: Time to be adults again with COVID-19. Plus today's headlines.

Today’s top headlines:

  • Rome Police: Teen, 16, facing murder charge, to be tried as adult in shooting death of RHS junior Sincere Javier Estrada-Lopez on June 1.
  • 40th Bartow resident dies from COVID-19; 76th victim from Northwest Georgia; 2,745 statewide. 10 in Rome hospitals. Positive tests: Third day of 1,700-plus new cases.
  • Politics: As Aug. 11 runoff ticks closer, some answers to your questions about who can and can’t vote in the sheriff’s, U.S. House races.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Mid to upper 80s through Sunday with rain chance varying from 20% to 40%; storms possible each afternoon/evening.
  • Truett’s Chick-Fil-A Sports Report: Georgia Highlands’ alum Bryson Horne signs with Atlanta Braves.

Advertising:

  • Hardy Realty’s open house gallery for Sunday: Six homes in Rome, Cedar Bluff, ranging in price from $57,000 to $530,000.

Rant of the Day:  Time to be adults again with COVID-19.

Easily half if not more of us checked out of the coronavirus pandemic almost two months ago. We've heard all the reasons why:

  • I can't handle all the bad news.
  • This is just the Fake News Media spreading fear to sell newspapers (even though we're online?)
  • We've got to move on and reopen the economy.
  • This is no big deal; it is just a major case of the flu.

We understand; we're tired of it, too. It adds a few extra hours to our work day. We don't leave home these days without a wallet, car keys, cell phone -- and mask. There are extra masks in the car as well. If we dine out, it is cafe-style only. Church is drive-in or tune-in (Facebook Live).

By our estimate, under 30 percent of us are using masks in public -- if that many. Even the more vulnerable older population is easing up on recommended use. We doubt strict hygiene practices are still being observed. Even the grocery shelves have disinfectant again -- and toilet paper. The meat cases are full, the peanut butter section is packed and except for those directional signs on some store floors, it is mostly business as usual from late February 2020.

Except for one thing: The pandemic never left and, instead, is spreading faster than before.

We've now seen three consecutive days of 1,700-plus new coronavirus cases in Georgia. Before this week, the record was 857 cases in a single day, set on April 13.

Exactly what are we all going to do about it?

Jun 26, 202009:22
Rant: Limit absentee votes after primary success? That's voter suppression. Plus today's headlines.

Rant: Limit absentee votes after primary success? That's voter suppression. Plus today's headlines.

Today’s top headlines:

Rant of the day:  Stop the General Assembly's Voter Suppression bill.

You knew it was coming. Given the overwhelming success of the primary absentee ballot push -- in terms of voter health protection and turnout -- some pencil head in the General Assembly would try to stop it from happening again.

According to Thursday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a House committee wants to stop Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger -- or anyone else for that matter -- from sending voters absentee ballot applications. The idea: To add a few roadblocks to those hoping to continue to voting from home.

Raffensperger mass mailed more than 6.9 million applications earlier this year amid growing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The threat already had delayed one primary in Georgia and the health risk was growing, especially for one of the state's most active voter bases -- those of us 60 and older.

It was an unqualified success across the state and in Northwest Georgia. More than 1.1 million people voted by absentee. Hundreds of thousands of people avoided potential infection by voting either by mail or else delivering ballots in conveniently placed "drop boxes" in Georgia counties. Floyd County had two such boxes; Bartow had five.

But now voter suppressionists in the state House are whining about long voter lines on June 9, alleged voter fraud opportunities and a late vote count as their reasons to prevent another mass mailing. Heck, we're used to late vote counts in Floyd County so what's the issue? Never mind that Georgia is recording a surge in new coronavirus cases each day this week and we have runoff elections on Aug. 11 as well as a general election on Nov. 3.

The real reason? Probably because of a surge in Democratic votes in the primary.

Jun 25, 202008:34
Rant: Georgia passes 'hate crimes' bill;  silence follows. Plus today's headlines.

Rant: Georgia passes 'hate crimes' bill; silence follows. Plus today's headlines.

Today’s top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: Pssst --the hate crimes bill passed.

Just before dinner on Tuesday evening, this release arrived from state Rep. Vernon Jones, a Democrat from Lithonia which is way away from Northwest Georgia. It was his take on the passage of House Bill 426.

“The Georgia House of Representatives voted 127-38 for the hate crimes bill today. It was a good step forward in the right direction although my amendment, which would have included political ideology, party affiliation and freedom of speech as protected classes, was not included in the final version of House Bill 426. I was still proud to support and vote ‘yes’ for this hate crimes legislation.”

That was followed by a Tweet -- and nothing more -- from Gov. Brian Kemp's press team that reads:

"@GovKemp commends the General Assembly’s bipartisan work and will sign House Bill 426 pending legal review."

Twelve hours later, at 7 a.m. Wednesday, that is the collective response we've received on state lawmakers finally stepping up and joining most of the other 50 states in putting a "hate crimes" bill on the books -- again, pending Kemp's signature.

So where are the normal self-accolades from our elected leaders on this one? And why was the Northwest Georgia legislative delegation so split on passing it?

Jun 24, 202008:13
Rant: Solution for downtown concerns -- sex and alcohol? Plus today's first headlines.

Rant: Solution for downtown concerns -- sex and alcohol? Plus today's first headlines.

Today’s top headlines:

Rant of the day: Solution for downtown concerns -- sex and alcohol?

The under card from Monday night's Rome City Commission meeting was Broad Street, particularly concerns about recent events, both real and another under continuing review. One was a pretty savage beating that involved knives; the other -- at least excessive speeding but perhaps not the incident as originally stated as there is no video from it or witnesses to support it.

Throughout the meeting, Broad Street issues continued to be mentioned.

But the kicker was the closer when Mayor Bill Collins implied that Commissioner Mark Cochran was perhaps interfering with police as he monitored downtown protests? 

All the while, there was no immediate action taken to address rising downtown safety concerns. Other than committee review which take forever.

So we suggest they somehow find a way to blend another so-called sex shop relocation into downtown neighborhoods or even open containers of alcohol into the mix. That will get some reaction from the City Commission, for sure. 

We have a statewide image to maintain, after all. 


Jun 23, 202009:35
Rant: What dad needs this Father's Day isn't on a shelf or in a box.  Plus today's headlines.

Rant: What dad needs this Father's Day isn't on a shelf or in a box. Plus today's headlines.

Today's top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: What dad needs this Father's Day ain't on a shelf.

We have a few different gift suggestions for dad this year.

That new grill is fine, thank you. So, too, a rare bottle of bourbon or a case of one of the thousands of craft beers or even "seltzers" premiering by the day. Ties? Well, maybe not this year because they'll go unused unless there's some important meeting on Zoom next week. Just be sure pop doesn't stand up during that video conference, revealing the matching  boxer shorts.

This year, give dad something else: The gifts of grace and a chaser of peace as well.

He needs both as 2020 continues to be the year from hell. That pandemic that chased many of us indoors isn't going away, no matter how Trump or Kemp try to spin it. There are safety concerns for the family at home and away on top of economic challenges some have never faced before. Race relations are at a critical crossroads, from George Floyd to Atlanta to major companies that can't "ban" some of their more popular brands fast enough -- moves that should have been made 50 years ago. Today, they're basically publicity stunts.

Add to that politics -- federal, state and local -- that are so disgusting that you'd think someone forgot to flush the toilet. And we still have a week or more left in June and then July, August, September and October, edging into November.

Whatever you do, give dad no sympathy. We still have our man card, thank you. 

Today's dads are being tested in ways they've never imagined. What makes them a dad is how they react and overcome all these challenges.

Jun 19, 202008:48
A national embarrassment only Northwest Georgians can fix. Plus the fastest 90 seconds of news in the nation.

A national embarrassment only Northwest Georgians can fix. Plus the fastest 90 seconds of news in the nation.

The fastest 90 seconds of news in the nation:

  • First-time jobless claims in Northwest Georgia top 25,000 in May -- which is a major improvement compared to April. Our work force did recover last month, the labor department reports.
  • Georgia saw a spike in coronavirus deaths for the week ending June 17, the highest total since late April. Local positive test results continue to climb as well.
  • The building that's home to Jamwich on Broad Street has been sold; no changes planned at the restaurant.
  • There will be Independence Day fireworks in Rome this year -- but with a few changes.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center forecast: One more pleasant day and then nothing but 90s through Father's Day.
  • Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports update: Shorter has a new athletics director. Plus the new turf project at Barron Stadium is complete.

Rant of the Day: For much of Wednesday, Northwest Georgia's dirty laundry flapped in the breeze in front of national and world followers of the influential political website Politico. There was Marjorie Taylor Greene under the headline about a congressional candidate being condemned by ranking fellow Republicans (background).

Politico had reviewed hours of earlier rants from Greene and labeled them “racist, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic views.”

While major news on the national political scene -- shocking enough to dominate Politico's home page -- it was old news in political circles in Northwest Georgia. Early on, when Greene was pivoting from the Sixth Congressional District to run in the 12 counties of Northwest Georgia, links to those Facebook rants and conspiracy theories and such were shuffled one email at a time.

There were some whispers out there and the local Republican Party was pretty split from some of it but the campaigns rolled on.

Greene still captured 40-plus percent of all the votes cast on June 9. She carried 11 of 12 counties and didn't do that poorly in Floyd County, hometown of her now-runoff challenger Dr. John Cowan. Unless Cowan can pivot -- and quickly -- in those other 11 counties, Greene will be the nominee. And she'll probably finish with two thirds of the final vote in November against Democrat Kevin Van Ausdal, maybe even more.

That's despite the national audience that read the Politico piece. Or the CNN column on her QAnon leanings. Or the coverage just before the final primary vote about her gun-totting ad being too sensitive for Facebook.

Now it is headlined across the nation once again. The question is: What is Northwest Georgia going to do about it?

Jun 18, 202007:06
News & rants: A blessing for community policing -- and a shot in the arm for the local economy.

News & rants: A blessing for community policing -- and a shot in the arm for the local economy.

A closer look at our headlines today including:

  • A timely meeting between police and local pastors.
  • Those latest coronavirus numbers.
  • Myrtle Hill gets some needed TLC.
  • Bye-bye to jail mug shots.
  • $10K shot in the arm for Bartow merchants -- and customers.
  • OK, we'll leave Romulus and Remus alone.
  • Love these cool mornings? Alas, summer blazes back on Saturday.
Jun 17, 202007:24
Rant of the day: From alcohol rebates to moving statues, a closer look inside today's top headlines.

Rant of the day: From alcohol rebates to moving statues, a closer look inside today's top headlines.

In addition to the fastest 90 seconds of news in the nation, we rant about:

  • The ACC's great idea to refund alcohol license fees for downtown restaurants as they recover from the shutdown.
  • Some critical local thinking about the coronavirus and 2020-21 school year.
  • Some uneasy numbers about COVID-19 here and across the state.
  • Correcting our slam on the earlier movement of the Forrest statue -- and what about Romulus and Remus?
  • Best commentary on the state of race in America? Try Dan Le Batard and Paul Finebaum from ESPN Radio.
Jun 16, 202007:58
Rant: The other problem at Myrtle Hill.

Rant: The other problem at Myrtle Hill.

The local tourism office describes Myrtle Hill as "one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the nation," sitting above "the confluence of the Etowah, Oostanaula and Coosa rivers." Guests are invited to "come explore its six terraces and rich history – and visit the place where Romans rest." Indeed, some 20,000 people are buried or interred there, now including the mausoleum added a few years ago.

Once the site of a fort, Myrtle Hill again is something of a battleground, this time over efforts to move the statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest from a prime spot overlooking South Broad Street and South Rome to a location to be named later.

Just when and where -- or even if -- have yet to be decided. The city, for now,  says the decision is out of local hands, this time because of state law.  Maybe not as shown by a Decatur judge last week.

The Community Development Committee, perhaps with citizens' assistance, will study the true biography of Forrest -- racist executioner or savior of Rome -- and look at omitted black history as well.

We're talking months here, if not more.  Another solution that has been recommended is at least shifting the Forrest monument to the Civil War section of Myrtle Hill. 

But let's go a little deeper on Myrtle Hill, namely current upkeep. We're seeing two Myrtle Hills -- the well-kept sections fronting South Broad and Branham and then those in the back with a limb over a headstone, overgrown grass and weeds and other disrepair.

Area residents and those buried at Myrtle Hill deserve much better. 

Jun 15, 202008:34
Erin Hernandez of the NWGA Regional Cancer Coalition on programs in danger because of legislative budget cuts. How you can help.

Erin Hernandez of the NWGA Regional Cancer Coalition on programs in danger because of legislative budget cuts. How you can help.

As state lawmakers assemble in Atlanta next week, all eyes are on mandated budget cuts because of the impact the coronavirus safeguards have had on Georgia's economy.

So far at least, those cuts will hit the state Public Health Department and other areas, a move that could wipe out many of the services offered by the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition.

Erin Hernandez, the president and chief executive officer of the cancer coalition, joined John Druckenmiller of Hometown Headlines to talk about the proposed cuts, their impact and what the community can do to convince lawmakers to maintain key services -- programs needed more than ever because of record unemployment and other hardships.

We'll have a list of area lawmakers and others on our story accompanying this report on our website.

Jun 11, 202012:08
Rant: Rome's image melts down on Twitter. News: Runoff in Floyd sheriff's race. 74th local virus victim.

Rant: Rome's image melts down on Twitter. News: Runoff in Floyd sheriff's race. 74th local virus victim.

 Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Tweet opens open wounds in Rome.

Let's talk about something dividing our communities.

It involves a text that arrived from a colleague in Cartersville on Wednesday evening. It was a forward of a Tweet from one of the nation's more recognized sports journalists who was fed up with all the racial issues. Her tweet included a video of a demonstration by hate groups in Rome.

A quick check confirmed it was from that rally downtown five years ago and not in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. It didn't matter: the original Tweeter posted it, named Rome, Ga., had no time stamp and here it was being shared by millions of people using the Tweeter machine.

We sent the sports journalist a note telling her the images were old and that the very same event helped spawn One Community United and other groups opposing racism and hatred. It was still there at last check and some 6.2 million people -- and counting -- had viewed it. That's not a surprise as the journalist has 1.2 million followers of her own.

But that's troubling. And it comes a week after a vendor was photographed sitting on top of a Rome Police Department motorcycle and decided to use a photo of that opportunity as he exposed his support for the KKK.

Once again, Rome, Ga.

Add the Forrest monument debate to all this and we've got work to do. We just wish the Tweeter machine would include the efforts of One Community United and others when it comes to healing racism and hatred.

Maybe that's possible, one Tweet at a time. 


Jun 11, 202007:43
Rant: Call her madam congresswoman. News: Election hangover; severe weather possible today.

Rant: Call her madam congresswoman. News: Election hangover; severe weather possible today.

Today's top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: Make that Madam Congresswoman.

Technically, Marjorie Taylor Greene is two elections and around five months away from being the next person to represent Northwest Georgia in Congress. That's a lot of days, especially in political years. But the only thing that can keep her from going to Washington, D.C., in January is Marjorie Taylor Greene.

She carried county after county in Northwest Georgia even though a year ago she called Alpharetta home. Before 2020, did she know the difference between Armuchee and Subligna? Doesn't matter; voters in those communities and many others knew her when they cast their ballots.

Two men could stop her -- fellow Republican Dr. John Cowan, a thoroughbred neurosurgeon who likewise calls himself a serial entrepreneur, and Democrat Kevin Van Ausdal in the Nov. 3 general election. Cowan stands a better chance but not by much.

For him to win, he'll have to totally flip his campaign. She out Trumped him, out gunned him and even embarrassed him on his home turf of Northwest Georgia. He can try to come across as the tough, new sheriff in town but he's running against the 21st Century reincarnation of Annie Oakley and she's about to whiz right past him.

Sure, a lot could happen before Nov. 3 but for right now, get ready to address Marjorie Taylor Greene as madam congresswoman. 

Jun 10, 202007:16
Rant: Of primaries, protests and pandemics. News: Election day finally here. Rome's 'no' vote on open container.

Rant: Of primaries, protests and pandemics. News: Election day finally here. Rome's 'no' vote on open container.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Of primaries, protests and pandemics.

Today's election experience will be unique with mandated social distancing, plenty of masks, lots of hand sanitizer and more precautions. The hope is that voters don't spread potential coronavirus among themselves, poll workers and elections officials.

The concern is real as we've seen from the community spread at the Floyd County Courthouse.

Of even greater concern: Potential spread at last weekend's protests in Rome and gatherings set for this weekend.

A negative outcome could mean a very long summer as well as a chaotic fall for our schools. 

Jun 09, 202010:07
Peaks& Valleys: Dazzling voting numbers. The virus never went away. And grateful for calm protests. Plus our newscast.

Peaks& Valleys: Dazzling voting numbers. The virus never went away. And grateful for calm protests. Plus our newscast.

Today's top headlines:

Peaks & Valleys: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia.

  • From the wonderful avalanche of absentee voting to a good turnout for advance voting, the 2020 primaries will be ones to remember.
  • Seven cases alone in the court system and more tests pending mean the coronavirus isn't making a comeback; it never went away.
  • JC Penney's closing yet another loss for our reeling retail market (Sears, Kmart, Pier 1, others)/
  • And a thank you to those working in our elections offices this year for ensuring we can vote -- absentee, early or in person on Tuesday.


Jun 08, 202009:34
Rant: Missing Georgia's star-spangled legend. News: JCPenney closing. A community prays for peace. Virus updates.

Rant: Missing Georgia's star-spangled legend. News: JCPenney closing. A community prays for peace. Virus updates.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Remembering a star-spangled Georgia legend.

It was on a random trip to Blue Ridge by way of Ellijay years ago when we discovered Col. Oscar T. Poole.

 An official Kentucky colonel, the founder of Poole's Bar-B-Q also was a man of the cloth and a statesman as well. A staunch Republican, he often wore his patented yellow suit and Uncle Sam hat onto the floor of GOP conventions. He drew national and international attention and, in turn, made friends across the nation and the world.

Oscar knew what he was doing with his suit and hat -- drawing attention. But once he had that journalist or camera crew or temporary strangers on the hook, there was no letting go. By sheer personality, Oscar won them over.

And then there was the barbecue palace itself. Many rising Georgia politicians knew they needed to make the pilgrimage to Poole's Bar-B-Q to get Oscar's blessing. A few presidential contenders stopped by as well. It was like the days in Rome when The Partridge was a requirement for those on the campaign trail.

On Wednesday, there was another gathering at Poole's Bar-B-Q as friends and family watched a horse-drawn carriage escort the casket of the man who grew from his Central Florida roots to become a Georgia legend.

Yes, it was out of respect for their friend. And perhaps to say thank you for all he did. 

Jun 05, 202009:38
Rant: Primary concerns about the primary. Newscast: Prayer service tonight, more weekend protests. Key arrest in shooting?

Rant: Primary concerns about the primary. Newscast: Prayer service tonight, more weekend protests. Key arrest in shooting?

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Of primary concern ... 

More than 25,000 voters in Northwest Georgia already had made their choices in the twin primaries scheduled for this coming Tuesday, June 9. That doesn't count all the votes that have occurred since Monday, either at advance voting locations or via absentees returned by mail, drop box or drop off.

Those are numbers to celebrate and we've yet to open a single precinct.

That turnout is especially appreciated as the primaries -- plural -- of 2020 have been seemingly lost in the headlines. With one of the meatiest ballots in recent years -- the Floyd sheriff's race, a surprise contest for court clerk, an in-party challenge to a longtime House member and all the commotion over the House seat Tom Graves is giving up -- this was supposed to be an all-star edition of Campaign 2020 with the presidential sweepstakes yet to come in November.

Instead, it is relatively quiet. There are a few last-minute panic posts popping up but, all in all, it has been quiet.

And here's where it gets to be a primary concern.  The next sheriff of Floyd County will have a voice in community relations and incarceration of suspects. State lawmakers will have painful decisions to make about expenditures with depleted resources. The next person to represent Northwest Georgia in Congress will enter a federal government more divided than ever with trillions in debts, mounting pandemic deaths and a very divided America.

While we're thrilled by the turnout to date thanks to absentee and advance voting, we ask this: Please take time to vote -- whether it be advance, absentee or in-person. 

More than ever, your voice, your choice, needs to be heard between now and Tuesday night. Please make it happen

Jun 04, 202008:58
Rome shooting kills one. Office on 6th Ave. listed at $990K. Virus updates. Rant: Who decides what you should know?

Rome shooting kills one. Office on 6th Ave. listed at $990K. Virus updates. Rant: Who decides what you should know?

Today's top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: Who decides what you know?

There was a potential situation in downtown Rome Sunday night, enough to prompt "standby" operations and precautions. Thankfully, it was a false tip.

But you didn't know that.  

So who exactly makes that call? We're not exactly sure, either. If there's a potential threat -- again, enough to mobilize police and firefighters and to turn the lights on in the Emergency Operations Center -- then the public needs to know. 

What was staged Sunday night slipped through our fingers. It won't happen again. We deem such alerts to be the same as advance word of potential severe weather.

You deserve to know, especially if you need to be away from home for any reason.

Jun 02, 202008:36
Floyd, Bartow river rescues rising. Ga.'s May virus report: Deaths up 44%, positive tests, 50%. Rant: Of pandemics and protests.

Floyd, Bartow river rescues rising. Ga.'s May virus report: Deaths up 44%, positive tests, 50%. Rant: Of pandemics and protests.

Today' s headlines:

Rant of the Day: Of pandemics and protests.

On Saturday, we talked with Mayor Bill Collins as well as Rick Stevenson, an anchor in One Community United, a group formed five years ago to combat hate. Collins praised those protesting outside City Hall for keeping it peaceful. Stevenson talked about ongoing dialogues and a bid this week to talk with area pastors and ministers about expanding peacekeeping efforts.

One Community, like other organizations, had a quiet spring because of the pandemic. Unity efforts didn't stop; just some of the small group meetings were on hold.

And now, amid that pandemic, One Community and other local groups are expanding their voices in hopes of keeping it peaceful in Rome and Floyd County. There is a long summer ahead with a lot of unknowns.

We're fortunate to have One Community United already in place. We're likewise lucky to have city commissioners willing to camp out on Broad Street into the night to monitor local conditions.

Our job now is to get their collective message spread throughout the community even as we cope with an ongoing pandemic. We think Northwest Georgia can accept and surpass both challenges.


Jun 01, 202009:27
Rant:  Doubling down on downtown. Kemp lifts restrictions even as virus deaths, positive tests rise.

Rant: Doubling down on downtown. Kemp lifts restrictions even as virus deaths, positive tests rise.

Today's top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: Doubling down on downtown.

As temperature checks are part of today's pandemic lifestyle, let's do one on downtown Rome:

  • The issue of the hour is whether to let customers stroll about with drinks in hand, suggested again as a way to help reeling restaurants even as more of them resume something close to normal operation. Look for a June 8 City Commission vote.
  • There have been some surprise closings but also openings, including John Henry's Grill and Tortaco (pending in Magretta Hall).
  • The River District's zoning has been flipped to encourage development and at least one serious entrepreneur has taken the bait.
  • There's major competition brewing, with ample parking, where Kmart once stood. East Bend is still happening, a cinder block at a time.
  • And then there's an overall pandemic recovery, especially with downtown Saturday events 0 for 1 on the 2020 season with another due next week.

So what's the temperature? Not exactly 98.6 degrees -- but neither is it at serious fever level yet.

With the resignation of the downtown director in hand, the city has a crucial hire to make if it wants Broad Street to evolve. We can't afford to fumble this one -- and the City Commission needs to be involved right from the start.

May 29, 202008:14
Rant: When Facebook meets Shark Tank. News: Record-level jobless rates. Ga. virus deaths at 1,933.

Rant: When Facebook meets Shark Tank. News: Record-level jobless rates. Ga. virus deaths at 1,933.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: 

Nearly 21,000 of our neighbors were unemployed in April, the latest and continuing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. A county-by-county look on our Hometown Headlines' website today shows just how severe the numbers are.

In Floyd County, nearly 6,000 were without jobs with an unemployment rate of 13.5 percent. A year ago April, the jobless rate was 3.2 percent. In Bartow County, more than 7,000 were out of work with a 14.8 percent unemployment rate. A year earlier, a record low or near-record low of 2.9 percent was posted.

Sadly, these reports will only empower the "Open Georgia" crowd even as our state's death count approaches 2,000 victims since March 5. Those Clorox drinkers got vocal on Wednesday when a local business owner announced he's closing for the season, in part because of safety concerns. Some of the reaction was not just nasty but bitter.

As some of these commenting were from the business community, we hope their employers and customers react accordingly and send them to the unemployment lines. Let's see what they say then. 

May 28, 202008:48
Rant: Brutal Tuesday shows virus impact. Newscast: 4 more deaths here. 2 businesses announce closings.

Rant: Brutal Tuesday shows virus impact. Newscast: 4 more deaths here. 2 businesses announce closings.

Today's top headlines:

Rant of the Day: Virus deaths, business closings increasing.

Tuesday was particularly brutal. Four more area residents died, two in Bartow, one in Floyd and the first in Polk County since all this began. At least two of them appear to have been residents at long-term healthcare facilities. They are  among the 800 Georgians to die this month -- and we'll likely top 1,000 as we still have a few days to go before June 1.

Again, Tuesday was particularly brutal. We received news that a downtown Rome favorite, Elysium, and a Cartersville mainstay, Discount City furniture, were closing. They join Pier 1, Jandy's and Whistle Britches, which is in its final week. Even the Rome News-Tribune is down from publishing seven to five days a week, citing the virus and a resulting loss of advertising.

Thursday could be brutal as well. We'll get the April unemployment reports that morning and they will be ugly.

Already the High Court of Facebook is blaming the shelter-in-place restrictions as to why at least a few of the businesses aren't coming back. So, if that's the case, do we likewise blame the dropping of our quarantines earlier this month for a surprising spike in positive test results in Northwest Georgia, up more than 50 percent in under a month?

So who has the right answer? We don't and we're not sure who does.

We're encouraged by some positive steps and signs from the past 24 hours but one thing is clear. The virus is still very much with us in Northwest Georgia. 

May 27, 202008:24
Newscast: LakePoint reopens for summer. Virus cases up 50% in a month.  Rant: 'Citizen's arrest, citizen's arrest!'

Newscast: LakePoint reopens for summer. Virus cases up 50% in a month. Rant: 'Citizen's arrest, citizen's arrest!'

Today's top headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: 'Citizen's arrest, citizen's arrest!'

Most of us grew up watching The Andy Griffith Show and distinctly recall when Gomer Pyle made his "citizen's arrest, citizen's arrest," charging Deputy Barney Fife with making an illegal u-turn.

It seems Gomer has some relatives on the High Court of Facebook as we're seeing groups called out for not practicing social distancing. The latest venue was on Broad Street  during the Memorial Day observance. Dozens of people were watching nearby at 11:30 a.m. and, yes, most were together (although we note that some were "families" which get a pass from the guidelines). We were witnesses but were not called to testify.

We're not aware of any actual arrests or what penalties were handed down by the High Court of Facebook aside from public shaming.

That said, social distancing is a concern here -- and elsewhere. In that other Rome, as in Italy, the country's government "will ask some 60,000 citizens to work as volunteers to enforce social distancing rules as it gradually removes coronavirus restrictions," after scenes of street gatherings renewed concerns about coronavirus making a second sweep (this according to Reuters news agency).

With cases still rising here, up 50 percent in less than a month, who will enforce the needed safeguards if we don't do it ourselves?

May 26, 202007:26
GBI suspect faces drug charges. Virus deaths surge by 78. Graduations begin. Storms due. Rant: Rough day for the governor.

GBI suspect faces drug charges. Virus deaths surge by 78. Graduations begin. Storms due. Rant: Rough day for the governor.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • One of the GBI suspects is arrested on additional drug possession, distribution charges.
  • Among the deadliest days in Georgia: 78 new deaths in 24 hours (1,775). Positive cases climb to 40,663. 
  • Gov. Brian Kemp's weekly coronavirus updates. Latest on equipment, personnel.
  • GHSA OK's conditioning starting June 8. Read the meeting minutes, critical provisions and testing criteria as high school sports crank up.
  • Pepperell starts drive-through graduations this evening; 3 on Saturday. Rome virtual graduation is Saturday. 
  • Armuchee High to observe 30 seconds of silence in remembrance to murdered graduate.
  • Politics: Advance voting, returned absentee ballots mean almost 10% of Floyd County's 57,115 registered voters already have a say in the June 9 primary.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Storms, about a half inch of rain expected today. Mid to upper 80s through Memorial Day.
  • Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Update: More on the GHSA report; another Floyd student-athlete signs with a college.

Rant of the Day: A rough 24 hours for the governor.

There's no page 1A story about it or lead item on the evening news. But Thursday was a day Brian Kemp was almost nonstop in the news, whether he wanted to be there or not.

It started with reports about Kemp and the state school superintendent appointing 72 people to "working groups" to get public schools ready to reopen by August.  Then came final confirmation that Vice President Mike Pence would visit the governor and metro Atlanta later today.

By midafternoon, the governor was being praised by the executive director of the Georgia High School Association who was pitching that his board of trustees restart conditioning for student athletes next month.

At 4:30 p.m., Kemp held his latest briefing on the state of the state's fight against the virus. You again heard about fewer patients hospitalized, more scheduled although belated arrivals of needed assets in the battle as well as a few other bullet points. 

Two hours later, an email from the governor's re-election team (for 2022, thank you) arrived, seeking assistance to "fight back against those playing pandemic politics."

And finally, confirmation that another 78 Georgians had died from coronavirus, tying it for the second deadliest day in the pandemic.

That fact somehow never got mentioned amid the day's other "headlines."

May 22, 202009:37
 GBI: 2 men arrested 'in connection with' Rome murders. Jobless claims surge.  Jump in positive virus tests here.  Rant: Ready for some football?

GBI: 2 men arrested 'in connection with' Rome murders. Jobless claims surge. Jump in positive virus tests here. Rant: Ready for some football?

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • 2 Rome men arrested as the investigation continues into murders of Richardson, Campbell. Watts faces theft, gun possession charges; Brown, obstruction of a law officer.
  • Bartow sheriff: Grandmother, Cartersville man held in child's shooting death now charged with murder.
  • First-time jobless claims surge about 40,000 in NW Georgia in April.
  • Positive test results up 15.1% in NW Georgia is 7 days, now at 866. Statewide, 39,801 test positive; death toll at 1,697. Kemp briefing 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
  • Floyd's Stuenkel swats down social media claims; tells of high costs of coronavirus treatment amid revenue plunge. 'Rainy day' funds preventing layoffs, furloughs.
  • Business: No word yet on fate of JCPenney as retailer opens some Ga. stores. LakePoint Station reopens Friday. Whistle Britches in final days. Lights out at Pier 1.
  • Politics: How to check on your mailed (or delivered) absentee ballot. Secretary of State urges more absentee voting. Advance voting continues. Democrats meet tonight online.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Upper 80s this Memorial Day weekend with showers possible each day.
  • Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Update: Later today, GHSA to discuss resumption of high school sports. Rome High basketball players to 'meet' new coach today. Meet 'Parky' and 'Rex.'

Rant of the Day:

This afternoon, the Georgia High School Association's board of trustees meet at 3 and they are expected to make a decision that will rock fall football across the state.

On the agenda is GHSA Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines who will "address the committee on several issues including a discussion of plans to return to GHSA activities." Better put,  high school sports which have been on hold since basketball season was ending and baseball season was into region play.

It all came to a halt as schools closed amid the initial coronavirus pandemic. The schools moved online but high school sports couldn't follow. Seasons -- even careers for some seniors -- ended right there. It was a tough call but it saved lives and that's the real winner in all this.

So what comes down today will be crtiical. A common assumption is the start of conditioning for football on July 6 -- normally the start of the GHSA's dead week from summer drills.

The real decision needs to be pegged to one thing: the health of our student athletes, coaches and staff. 

May 21, 202008:41
The latest from the GBI: Two people arrested on obstruction, weapons and theft charges in connection with Rome double homicide

The latest from the GBI: Two people arrested on obstruction, weapons and theft charges in connection with Rome double homicide

The  latest: Two Rome men arrested as the investigation continues into murders of Richardson, Campbell. Devin Watts faces theft, gun possession charges; Desmond Brown charged with obstruction of a law officer.


Hometown's earlier headlines: please click here

  • A week later, two flower arrangements mark the spot above where two Rome women were found murdered.
  • Ga. death toll at 1,675 with 38,855 confirmed cases; 834 in our area with 65 deaths including 36 at long-term healthcare facilities in Bartow, Gordon, Floyd.
  • Politics: Floyd sheriff's candidates talk mental health at NAMI forum.  Advance voting continues. Floyd Democrats' virtual meeting is Thursday.
  • Try-Con's $5 million expansion means 104 new jobs in Chattooga County.
  • Business consultant Al Hodge joins GHC's Community Watch to talk about 'helping businesses succeed,' especially in the pandemic and the coming 'new abnormal.'
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Storms possible as we spend two more days in the 70s; holiday weekend looks warmer, a bit wet.
  • Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report: Four Floyd County student athletes sign with colleges; community sports updates.

Rant of the Day:

This has been removed following Wednesday's developments in the double homicide in Rome.

May 20, 202003:02
Hospital celebrates virus patient's release after 21 days. Rant: We understand the confusion over the Pandemic Primary.

Hospital celebrates virus patient's release after 21 days. Rant: We understand the confusion over the Pandemic Primary.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Politics: Some still think today is election day -- only if voting in advance or returning absentees. Primary vote is three weeks off, June 9.
  • 21 days later (7 on a vent), coronavirus patient heads home from Cartersville Medical Center.
  • Statewide death toll at 1,649 with 38,283 confirmed cases in Georgia, 806 in our area with 65 deaths.
  • Initial plans released for area Catholic churches to resume Mass.
  • Rome City Commission meeting ends with talk about minority businesses, the pandemic relief efforts and incorporating 'black and brown' owners into mainstream operations.
  • A 'Good Morning' indeed for local artist Cabell Sweeney as her Relish line gets a shout out on 'Deals & Steals.' Friends tell of incredible response. Plus: Updates on her new studio. owing River Arts District.
  • 13-year-old Bo Bushnell had the family's best time -- and finished atop the Virtual Harbin Clinic Leprechaun-a-thon as well.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: A bit cooler with highs in the mid 70s through Thursday; storms possible today.
  • Truett's Chick-fil-A sports update: Atlanta Falcons' preseason schedule set.

Rant of the day:

May 19 was on the books as the state and local primary. By tonight, we should have known the finalists for the Nov. 3 general election or at least narrowed large fields of hopefuls to what is called a primary runoff.

But that was before the pandemic. It hit smack in the middle of the presidential preference primary, a pretty much  useless exercise as the once-massive field of Democratic hopefuls had been greatly trimmed by Super Tuesday and other primaries around the country. Georgia's vote was mostly after the fact. Republicans never had a choice -- the state GOP decided it was all Trump or nothing. So much for the freedom of choice.

But then people started dying in Georgia and the presidential primary was merged with the state and local primary on May 19. And then more people started dying as "community spread" of the pandemic continued. The primary again was delayed, this time by three weeks to June 9.

The primary is three weeks from today -- but a lot of people are still very confused and some expected to vote today.

Welcome to the pandemic primaries.

May 19, 202009:49
New charges in child's shooting death. House 13 proflies. Coronavirus updates. Rant: Time to recycle recycling.

New charges in child's shooting death. House 13 proflies. Coronavirus updates. Rant: Time to recycle recycling.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • New charges following shooting death of 5-year-old in Bartow County.
  • Politics: Q&A with state House District candidates Katie Dempsey (incumbent) and Brad Barnes. Topics: Pandemic aftermath and Georgia's initial response.
  • Statewide death toll at 1,606 with 37,642 confirmed cases in Georgia, 786 in our area with 65 deaths. No remdesivir heading to NW Georgia so far.
  • Dining: Appalachian Grill reopens Tuesday with patio seating carry out. Blue Fin upgrades online/text ordering. Moe's BBQ: No in-house dining but porch, picnic tables available.
  • Your week ahead: Advance voting begins; drive-through/virtual high school graduations, Rome commission gets open-container proposal.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: About a half-inch of rain today into Tuesday. Mid 70s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rant of the Day: Time to recycle recycling.

In Cartersville this morning, things are a little bit greener. After a pandemic-imposed hiatus, recycling begins again in this city of 21,000-plus.

We were halfway to Cartersville on Saturday morning in our hunt to repurpose used plastic and aluminum cans. That midpoint was at Marglen Industries just off Calhoun Road and Ward Mountain Road amid one of the more beautiful landscape settings in our area.

The company has offered to accept plastics and aluminum cans while Rome and Floyd County continue to place recycling on hold for reasons we'll get to in a minute. 

But also under consider by County Manager Jamie McCord and City Manager Sammy Rich is perhaps the potential to outsource some recyling duties to Marglen or Ira Levy's Paper Recovery operation. Apparently a money loser at best, city and county leaders are using the pandemic downtime to search for ways to at least offset some of those expenses.

It was part of a lengthy discussion with the joint services committee recently and on the agenda for a few others as well. It may have taken us some 50 years since the first Earth Day but we finally get it -- that recycling is a trend that helps the evironment and trims landfill costs. It is good to know no community leaders have expressed an interest in moving away from recycling despite those costs.

But with more things opening and a strong consumer push to be green, it is high time to recycle recycling in all of Northwest Georgia. 

May 18, 202008:04
Double murder: Agents seek public's help. More openings in Rome. Positive tests rise. Rant: Feeling lucky this weekend?

Double murder: Agents seek public's help. More openings in Rome. Positive tests rise. Rant: Feeling lucky this weekend?

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Armuchee High mourns graduating senior Vanita Richardson. GBI: Autopsies show both women were murdered; tips sought from Bypass motorists.
  • Cartersville man faces murder, 12 other charges following the beating death of an 86-year-old man last week. Memorial services for Calvin Lee this weekend.
  • Dining & Drink: Brewhouse 'dinner shows' OK under Kemp's latest executive orders. The return of River Dog, Sports Page and others.
  • 762 positive tests in region with 54 added in eight days, mostly in Bartow, Floyd and Polk. Statewide death toll now at 1,544 with almost 36,000 confirmed cases in Georgia.
  • Education: Bartow high schools joint prom canceled; graduations to be outdoors July 31, Aug. 1 because of 'new information,' health department recommendations.
  • Hospital Flyover on May 14, 2020, a 10-image gallery courtesy of Mills Fitzner. Also, a 90-second video.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Mid to upper 80s starting today through Monday; dip into 70s next week.

Rant of the Day:

More restaurants are open. Two live performances are set on Broad Street tonight and Saturday. Even a few bars around town are back in business.

With temperatures in the upper 80s, sunny skies and folks anxious to get out of their homes, this weekend will serve as a test to some of the newly relaxed guidelines announced by Gov. Brian Kemp?

Is it too soon? Perhaps. We've seen major changes in Bartow County in the past 24 hours in terms of prom and graduation. Football hungry Alabama has canceled summer practices for high schoolers.  The number of positive test results in Georgia continue to climb, in part because of more testing but isn't that the point?

So ask yourself as you decide whether to go out or go curbside again this weekend. When it comes to your health and that of the community, are you feeling lucky this weekend?

May 15, 202009:45
GBI investigates deaths of 2 sisters found off Bypass. 4th Bartow resident dies this week. Rant: To identify or not.

GBI investigates deaths of 2 sisters found off Bypass. 4th Bartow resident dies this week. Rant: To identify or not.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Family, friends mourning two sisters as the GBI investigates who dumped their bodies off the Bypass below Grizzard Park.
  • Fourth Bartow resident dies this week; 35th overall. State toll now at 1,517. Positive tests cases climbs to 35,427 in Georgia; 752 around here.
  • Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation: All parks, amenities at those parks reopen Thursday; farmers market starts June 6; swim, Parker Center closed for now.
  • Justice Department files suit against Cedartown companies 'alleging housing discrimination against African-American applicants who are elderly or have a disability.'
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Mid to upper 80s now through Sunday with a slight chance of rain toward the end of the weekend.

RANT OF THE DAY: To identify the victims or not.

Yet again, we have a case where family and friends are using social media to eulogize their loved ones while, officially, we don't know who was killed or why.

So we broke the rules in naming the Rome sisters today. We'll hear about it. And we'll counter with this: The time has come for those involved in such cases to react at the speed of news itself. By all means, respect the family's wishes and privacy; the community's urge to know can't override that.

But also remember the people shaken by one of the most gruesome cases in recent years -- and we've had too many, including the dismemberment of the overdose victim found in Bartow County and the mass shooting in Rockmart in early 2019 that left four dead.

Some of this just needs to change. As for our practices -- as we've learned in covering the coronavirus and information shortcomings there -- we're moving on.

May 14, 202008:58
C-130 flyover is Thursday. Jandy's closes. 34th Bartow virus victim; nearly 1,500 in Ga. Rant: Last toppings on the Jandy' s story.

C-130 flyover is Thursday. Jandy's closes. 34th Bartow virus victim; nearly 1,500 in Ga. Rant: Last toppings on the Jandy' s story.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Thursday evening flyover to include Floyd, Redmond, Cartersville hospitals. 
  • Jandy's Frozen Yogurt won't be back. 'We don’t see how we can safely re-open because we are a self-serve business.'
  • 34th Bartow resident dies, 64th in NW Georgia. State toll rises to 1,494. Kemp to tour Floyd modular hospital this morning.
  • Kemp: Summer day camps OK; no overnight camps. A bit more 'room' for restaurant guests. Shelter-in-place continues for those 65 and older. 
  • State Health Department to deploy 'over 1,000 contact tracers within weeks to strengthen its contact tracing efforts' of coronavirus, patients testing positive.
  • Business: April home sales down, from 1.1% in Floyd County to 10% in Gordon and 31.2% in Bartow. Average sales prices climb in two of three counties.

Rant of the Day:

Tuesday evening, after shutting down for the day, a good friend started texting about the day's headlines, specifically the loss of Jandy's Frozen Yogurt. He wasn't surprised, especially because of the self-service nature of the business, and he predicted more were to come.

Earlier in the day, we saw where a chain of restaurants -- Sweet Tomatoes -- was closing for similar reasons. It was known for soups, salads and such, and was among one of our niece's favorite spots in her high school years in the Mableton area.

In these days of extra precautions at restaurants and other establishments, where the fewer -- no, make that the fewest - hands are better, much of the self-service thing is gone. Drink machines, salad bars and such are endangered at best.

And add to that Jandy's and that crazy toppings bar. It was more than a dessert stop; it was the source of some great memories of our kids growing up -- and our grown-ups being kids again.

May 13, 202009:26
3 more virus deaths here; state at 1,444. Rome talks budgets, block parties. Rant: Serving time as a patient under investigation.

3 more virus deaths here; state at 1,444. Rome talks budgets, block parties. Rant: Serving time as a patient under investigation.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • 2 more deaths in Bartow, 1 in Gordon; 63 for the region; state toll at 1,444. Positive test results at 34,002; in our area, 728. Hospitals: Floyd, Redmond report 4 'positive' patients.
  • Cedartown woman faces 14 charges in wild chase that started near Floyd/Polk line, included gunfire (no injuries) and officers threatened.
  • Rome City Commission talks budget revisions, community gatherings, some poor responses to COVID-19 safety recommendations in the community.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Heat wave begins with 88 forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

Rant of the Day: The PUI Diaries -- Life as a patient under investigation.

Last Friday, a longtime colleague posted that he and his bride had read about the open-to-all coronavirus tests and they decided to get checked They did it by the book. 

I wrote to him to congratulate him and asked him to time the test results because I was curious. And for good reason.

A week earlier, I did the same drill.  This past Monday, I got the news -- negative. And despite more than a 10-day wait, my advice is basic: get the easy and painless test; they're open to all. The worst part? The wait. 

May 12, 202009:27
More than 1,400 dead, 34,000 testing positive in Georgia. Court clerk candidate profiles.  Rants: Trimming Facebook and flirting with disaster.

More than 1,400 dead, 34,000 testing positive in Georgia. Court clerk candidate profiles. Rants: Trimming Facebook and flirting with disaster.

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Rant of the Day: Facebook and flirting with disaster.

It has been a daily experience since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The doubters, the conspiracy theorists, the sky-is-cloudy-even-if-it-is-nothing-but-blue-skies people have been quite vocal about anything posted concerning the virus. That's fine; they're entitled to their opinions as much as anyone else.

But then the posts got vicious. Or more important, they got dangerous. Thankfully, no one endorsed a bleach milkshake or other such nonsense but the self-righteous attitudes got a little heady. There were jabs at people wearing masks. They didn't like social distancing guidelines. God forbid they had to dine on curbside meals rather than in "our" spot at restaurants. What's a little virus spreading among friends, right?

These were on top of the others already commenting on a regular basis about a major crime case or government actions or whatever.

For many, those posts have been a guilty pleasure. We're surprised by some members of the community who told us about skipping the news story itself to instead skim through to see who says the stupidiest thing. We'll admit to a little of this ourselves; we continue to be amazed how some can drop "the tennis courts" into any ongoing community issue -- that is, solve downtown parking woes by making Broad Street -- you guessed it -- tennis courts.

But back to the pandemic.

In recent days, it hit us that we're contribuing to the problem, enabling these folks by way of basically posting the updates we develop or releases we receive to inform a collective Facebook audience of more than 50,000. That includes our most popular Facebook pages serving Rome and Cartersville but also growing numbers in Polk, Gordon and Chattooga counties.

We'll leave the hate speech to talk radio and cable neworks. We're making changes to our social media -- and more may be needed.

May 11, 202008:46
Floyd schools set graduations; Bartow school offices reopen. Virus: 60 deaths here. Rant: Welcome to the new mundane.

Floyd schools set graduations; Bartow school offices reopen. Virus: 60 deaths here. Rant: Welcome to the new mundane.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Floyd County high schools set graduations (drive-through and in-person) as well as other year-ending events. Plus: Rome, Polk updates.
  • Bartow County Schools, central office to reopen May 18.
  • Rome, Calhoun long-term care centers each report the loss of a resident.  Positive tests in our area up by 95 in eight days.
  • Dr. Gary Voccio of NW Public Health: Too early to finalize school plans. 'It will be very different than what it was in the past.'
  • Kemp: More tests performed but 'we must also focus on lab capacity to process the testing specimens.' 
  • State Labor Department: $1.7 billion in unemployment benefits issued and nearly 1.6 million claims processed since mid March.
  • Dining: Bella Roma, Rome City Brewing's Tap Room reopen; on-site dining returns Monday to Steak 'N Shake, O'Charley's.
  • Politics: Miss the House 14 debate? Watch the replay here.
  • Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Upper 30s both Saturday and Sunday mornings; highs today, Saturday in the 60s.

Advertising:

  • Hardy Realty's virtual open house gallery: 14 homes you can tour from your desktop, laptop or smartphone whenever you want. All in 3D.

Rant of the day: Reaching the 'new mundane.'

Book clubs are meeting again, even if six feet from one another. Graduations are being planned. More restaurants are resuming dine-in service -- in addition to life-saving curbside.

We're still supposed to be wearing masks in public. That's happening less and less.

We're not reacting to the twice-daily stories about the rising death count even if three people -- one each in Floyd and two in Gordon -- died from the virus within the previous 24 hours. 

Two weeks ago, the governor opened the tattoo parlors and bowling alleys and hair salons. Restaurants and other businesses follow. Shopping centers including the outlets opened a week ago. Government offices and parks are next.

Some will say too soon while others are saying we waited too long, pointing to more than $1.7 billion paid in state unemployment claims since mid-March.

Still others are mad about having to get creative for Mother's Day brunch and presents. Or about a sudden last blast of near-freezing temperatures on the second weekend of May.

Are we back to normal? No but apparently we've entered a zone of tolerance of what life is today. We wish we could say that's a good thing.

May 08, 202008:33
Vista Metals idling 120 people. 2 more virus deaths in NW Georgia; state total at 1,327.  Rant: A right-to-you news source? Maybe.

Vista Metals idling 120 people. 2 more virus deaths in NW Georgia; state total at 1,327. Rant: A right-to-you news source? Maybe.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • Business: Vista Metals Georgia of Adairsville to idle 120 employees by Saturday.
  • 32nd Bartow resident, 14th Gordon resident die as regional total hits 59; state death toll now 1,317. More than 30,000 people now 'positive' including 708 here.
  • Dining: Mother's Day brunch amid the pandemic -- what to know. Updates on River District dining.
  • Business: Georgia net tax collections plummet near 36% in April or by more than a billion dollars.
  • Politics: Tonight, a second 14th Congressional District Republican candidate debate on Facebook Live. Plus: First House debate as well as those for PSC, U.S. Senate.
  • Public Safety Committee meeting: Police, fire calls way down in March because of sheltering-in-place. Concerns about social distancing.

RANT OF THE DAY: A new information source? Maybe.

The pandemic has forced many of us to do things we never tried before. From church leaders suddenly embracing Facebook Live to independent restaurants successfully converting to curbside service, we've had to learn things on the fly in recent months. And we're not done yet.

For governments, from city and county commissioners to governor's office, Facebook Live and Zoom have become critical assets. The same for the business world and even politics. As we'll see again later this evening, the herd of hopefuls for the 14th Congressional District will appear on computer screens for two hours while we watch who's Zoomin' who.

It all comes down to a ton of new content delivered a different way. We wonder: Is there something more we could be doing with all this, even after we ease up a bit on social distancing?

But the bigger question is this: How do we tie the community into all this?

Is there a away to expand citizen participation in daily government -- and community life -- with all these Zoom meetings, church and prayer services, chamber business education seminars and such?

We're about to find out.

May 07, 202009:42
Big, small projects power $17 million spring. Swift & Finch grows. 1,300 coronavirus deaths in 2 months. Rant: Betting on our future.

Big, small projects power $17 million spring. Swift & Finch grows. 1,300 coronavirus deaths in 2 months. Rant: Betting on our future.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • A $17 million spring in Rome/Floyd County with projects from Berry College to Redmond Regional to across town.
  • Dining: Swift & Finch grows, adds roaster (and space). Quick updates on East Bend -- and Shorter McDonald's. Casting call for fast food restaurants.
  • Sad milestones: Almost 1,300 deaths in Georgia, 30,000 people now 'positive' for the virus and some of the 200,000 tested still awaiting results.
  • New: GHC's Community Watch interviews Dr. Gary Voccio, director of NW Georgia Public Health, on coronavirus testing and the latest updates.
  • 'One of the hardest parts is losing young patients' -- Respiratory care graduates from GNTC talk about their careers and the challenges caused by the pandemic.
  • Joint Services Committee: Opening dates for county, city offices; thoughts about Independence Day events; election updates.

RANT OF THE DAY: Betting on the future.

Sure, there are some big fish in our update today about nearly $17 million worth of projects in Rome and Floyd County now armed with building permits.

The whopper is the animal science building Berry College is preparing to build with a permit value of more than $11 million (it will cost even more to equip, furnish, etc.)  And then there was the $4 million upgrade scheduled for Redmond Regional Medical Center. And then there are the smaller but still major projects like Dr. Stephan LaPointe's new office planned for Martha Berry Boulevard.  Or a series of projects up and down Broad, from what Wayne Robinson is doing to the 241 building with a new facade and overall gutting to even smaller improvements.

These people and others are betting major dollars on the future of Rome and Floyd County. As we continue to thank our front line workers and educators and clergy, let's also keep those investing in our community's promise of tomorrow in mind as well.

May 06, 202008:31
13th Gordon resident dies; state death toll at 1,246. Local schools get COVID-19 relief. Rant: House GOP debate shows one size fits all.

13th Gordon resident dies; state death toll at 1,246. Local schools get COVID-19 relief. Rant: House GOP debate shows one size fits all.

Hometown's top headlines: please click here

  • 13th Gordon resident dies; state death toll at 1,246; regional total to 57, including 33 from long-term care facilities. Positive tests now at 29,437 in Georgia, 682 here.
  • Education: How area school systems, state are sharing $411.4 million in coronavirus relief funds.
  • Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold D. Melton extends Statewide Judicial Emergency until June 12.
  • Recap of the 14th Congressional District Republican debate from Monday. Plus links to PSC, U.S. Senate debates (Democrats).

RANT OF THE DAY: One-size-fits-all House sweepstakes.

First, we'll give you an executive summary of Monday's 60-minute debate featuring seven of the eight Republicans who want to represent much of Northwest Georgia in Congress.

Democrats are bad. Beware of socialists. China is bad. Guns are good. Finish the wall. Immigration is bad. Trump: best.president.ever. We're outsiders. And did we say Democrats are bad?

Aside from the summary, the debate hit all the expected points:

  • Marjorie Taylor Greene's residency issue: 
  • Dr. John Cowan and those imported toys from China.
  • John Barge being his own man when serving as state schools superintendent.

It came down to one conclusion: We have a popularity contest on our hands come June 9 that won't really get interesting until the next morning as campaigning starts for the Aug. 11 runoff. For now, keep the cookie cutters handy.

May 05, 202008:42
 Floyd sheriff's hopefuls - why vote for me. Live House debate. Tortaco coming to Rome. Rant: Voccio's words shake Northwest Georgia.

Floyd sheriff's hopefuls - why vote for me. Live House debate. Tortaco coming to Rome. Rant: Voccio's words shake Northwest Georgia.

Today's top stories:

RANT OF THE DAY: The Voccio Doctrine.

Gary Voccio retired from his medical practice and began a second career as the director of Northwest District of the Georgia Department of Public Health right before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Georgia.

The doctor was among those credited early on with pushing for the needed tests that confirmed a Polk County woman under examination at Floyd Medical Center would become the first “positive” patient in Northwest Georgia.

Since then, Voccio has been among the more public faces in the region when it comes to the virus and what’s next. 

And late Friday, he issued another community update that demanded and received immediate notice. We know that based on the hits or views or whatever we call them this week on our website. He said:

“So, we’re reopening. Even if we do it right, the decision to reopen the state and our Northwest Georgia communities without a treatment or vaccine is a decision to accept more illness and more death for the sake of resurrecting our economy sooner.”

Of all the speeches and lectures we’re heard since March 1 from the governor on down, that last paragraph nailed exactly where we are – and exactly why we are here.

The only question from it all is whether we’re going to listen to what Voccio had to say. We hope so as we have many more innings to go.

May 04, 202006:41
April's death toll in Georgia: 1,007 residents. Shelter-in-place ends -- for most. Rant: The Fact Attack and flattening the myths.

April's death toll in Georgia: 1,007 residents. Shelter-in-place ends -- for most. Rant: The Fact Attack and flattening the myths.

Today's headlines:

RANT OF THE DAY: 1,007 deaths in 30 days.

We call them the “Flat Earth Society,” a growing pack of Facebook trolls who try to collect enhanced unemployment benefits while swatting away at the deadliest facts of coronavirus.

They doubt the numbers. They consider COVID-19 just another case of flu. They suspect the liberals are behind it in an effort to make Trump look bad. They believe it also is a ploy to tank the economy in order to hurt all Republicans. And, of course, the media is at fault for spending too much time on reporting the deaths and misery.

But maybe what follows will. 

The state's death toll from coronavirus surged by more than 1,000 in the 30 days of April. 

In those same 30 days, the number of positive tests in Georgia ballooned from 4,117 to 26,260 -- and rising. Locally, it more than doubled, from 284 cases in the five-county area to 619. 

Now consider this: Brian Kemp let the statewide shelter-in-place order expire as of midnight, citing favorable data and the need to get Georgia back to work. He extended it for those 65 and older, and those with pre-existing medical conditions from heart and lung ailments to diabetes and obesity.

So after 1,000 deaths during sheltering-in-place in April, it will go away in the much more lax, much more social days of May?


May 01, 202008:01