Northwest Georgia NewsAfter 'Tens of Thousands' of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds
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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, June 15th and happy 68th birthday to MLB HOF Wade Boggs.
***06.15.24 – BIRTHDAY – WADE BOGGS***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
- After 'Tens of Thousands' of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds
- University of West Georgia President Leaving for Arkansas
- Newton sworn in as District Attorney
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: After ‘Tens of Thousands’ of Visitors, Free Covid Tests Ending at Fairgrounds
Georgia's Department of Public Health is discontinuing free COVID testing at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds by June 30, redirecting individuals to other free kiosk sites like AdventHealth Gordon. This decision follows the provision of tens of thousands of tests at the fairgrounds during the pandemic. A vendor took over testing in January 2022, conducting over 2,700 tests. Meanwhile, kiosk kits at Calhoun Hospital offer nasal swabs for COVID and flu A and B tests. As COVID cases decrease, Public Health is adjusting services, with the fairgrounds closure being the latest change. Despite progress, Northwest Georgia has seen significant COVID cases and fatalities, with over 1,500 deaths and thousands of cases reported across counties.
STORY 2: University of West Georgia President Leaving for Arkansas
University of West Georgia President Brendan Kelly is stepping down to become the president of the Arkansas State University System. Since joining UWG in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly has overseen significant achievements, including record-breaking student retention, fundraising, and degrees conferred. Under his leadership, West Georgia transitioned its athletic program to NCAA Division I and established two new colleges and one new school. Kelly expressed gratitude for his time at UWG, calling it a privilege and highlighting the collaborative efforts during his tenure. His departure date is expected to be before October 1, and an interim president for UWG has yet to be named.
STORY 3: Newton Sworn in as District Attorney
Erle Newton was officially sworn in as Cherokee Judicial Circuit District Attorney by Governor Brian Kemp, removing the "acting" tag. Newton, running unopposed, aims to complete the term of Samir Patel until December 31. He represents both Gordon and Bartow counties and seeks a full four-year term in the upcoming November election.
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STORY 4: Walker County Hosting Community Meeting on Digital Connectivity
Walker County government is hosting a community engagement session to gather input on internet access challenges. Scheduled for June 17 at the Walker County Civic Center, the meeting aims to address issues such as basic broadband access, affordability, and digital skills. Chairman Shannon Whitfield highlighted the county's Digital Connectivity Plan, aiming to bring broadband to underserved areas. Once implemented, the plan will qualify the county for the "Broadband Ready Community" status, making it eligible for state and federal grants, including Georgia's recent $1.3 billion grant from the NTIA BEAD program to support broadband initiatives statewide.
STORY 5: Services for Former CHS Principal To Be Held Monday
David Rhoades, a dedicated educator who served Polk and Floyd counties for nearly 25 years, passed away at the age of 86. He served as principal of Cedartown High School for 13 years before leading East Rome High School until its consolidation with West Rome High School in 1992. Following his tenure as principal, Rhoades spent seven years in leadership roles within Rome City Schools. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome, followed by a graveside service and reception. Rhoades, remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, earned degrees from Carson-Newman College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Georgia. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, preceded in death by his wife, Jean.
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STORY 6: Board Decision Changes Up Graduation Schedule: What We Know
The Polk County Board of Education has approved a revised school calendar for 2024-2025, shifting the last day of classes to Thursday, May 22, 2025. This change allows both Cedartown High School and Rockmart High School to hold their graduations on Friday, May 23, which will now be a staff planning day. Cedartown's ceremony will be in the morning, and Rockmart's will be in the evening. Previously, graduations were staggered when the last day of classes fell on a Friday and Saturday. The first day of school remains Thursday, Aug. 8, with the district continuing its four-day school week for students and five-day week for faculty. Future adjustments may include holding Cedartown High School's graduation on Friday instead of Saturday.
STORY 7: Elevation House and LivingProof Join Forces to Maximize Recoveries in Rome/Floyd County
Two local nonprofits, Elevation House and LivingProof Recovery, are merging to enhance support for individuals facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges in Rome and Floyd County. Recognizing the need for coordinated assistance, the organizations aim to integrate Elevation House's programming into LivingProof's services, forming a supported volunteer service program. This partnership, under the name LivingProof Recovery, seeks to address the co-occurrence of mental illness and substance use disorder, offering a multi-faceted approach to recovery. By combining resources and expertise, they aim to combat isolation, empower individuals, and promote long-term recovery. This merger coincides with Elevation House's fifth-year anniversary in Rome.
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Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at northwestgeorgianews.com
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