PRE-ROLL:

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, August 31st and happy 71st birthday to Van Morrison

***08.31.24 – BIRTHDAY – VAN MORRISON***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
Calhoun Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After May ATV Crash
Rydal Teen Identified as Murray County Shooting Victim
Women Swimmers Back Transgender Sports Ban



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!



Commercial: DRAKE (NWGA)



STORY 1:Calhoun Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After May ATV Crash

Thomas James Butler, 24, of Calhoun, has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and several other offenses following a fatal ATV crash on Boone Ford Road on May 17. The crash, involving a Polaris RZR, resulted in the death of the passenger. Butler, suspected of driving under the influence, was hospitalized and later tested for alcohol. He was arrested on August 27 and faces charges including DUI, reckless driving, and having an open container.



STORY 2:Rydal Teen Identified as Murray County Shooting Victim

Jeffery Tyler Ray, an 18-year-old from Rydal, was fatally shot at a party on Sexton Road in Murray County on August 25. Ray was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. Another man was also injured in the shooting. Anthony Jovan Wilkinson, 25, from Calhoun, has been arrested and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Ray, a recent Adairsville High School graduate, was identified as the victim. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI.



STORY 3:Women Swimmers Back Transgender Sports Ban

On August 27, five former elite college swimmers testified before the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports, describing the unfairness of competing against transgender athlete Lia Thomas and the trauma of sharing a locker room with her. They argued that Thomas's participation in women’s events, following hormone replacement therapy, gave her an unfair advantage. The committee is considering legislation to address these concerns, following the 2022 decision to delegate such matters to the Georgia High School Association, which imposed a ban on transgender athletes. The swimmers emphasized the need for clear policies to ensure fairness in women's sports.



Back in a moment

Commercial:  Render Apartments



STORY 4:Charter School Plans Unveiled In Cave Spring

Local residents are working to establish the Northwest Georgia Charter Academy, aimed at serving Floyd and Polk counties. At a community meeting on August 27, Judy Taylor and her committee discussed the charter school's focus on project-based learning and the need for more educational options in the area. The school will be a public, independent charter, and the committee is currently petitioning for approval. With no independent charter schools in Northwest Georgia, the project seeks to fill this gap. Two additional community meetings are scheduled to discuss the plans and address questions. If approved, the school aims to open in August 2026.



STORY 5:Ranger Community Center and Playground Renovations a Topic of Meeting

Residents of Ranger attended an August 27 meeting at Ranger Baptist Church to discuss upcoming renovations to their Community Center and playground, funded by the 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Gordon County, which took over these facilities after Ranger’s charter was revoked last year, will oversee the renovations. County officials outlined plans for updating the Community Center, including termite damage repairs, a kitchen renovation, and new accessibility features. The playground will receive new equipment and safety upgrades. Renovations are expected to take nine months to a year, with updates available through County Assistant Administrator Keith King.



Back in just a moment



Commercial: INGLES 1



STORY 6:State Launches Ad Campaign for Georgia Pathways Medicaid Program

Georgia's Medicaid program, Georgia Pathways, launched a $10.7 million ad campaign to boost enrollment after struggling in its first year. This initiative provides coverage to those with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Governor Brian Kemp's program aims to transition beneficiaries to private health insurance through Georgia Access, rather than full Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Despite only enrolling about 4,300 people in its first year, Pathways is designed as a step towards greater self-sufficiency. Critics argue that 290,000 Georgians still fall into the coverage gap, lacking adequate health insurance options.



STORY 7:New Director Working To Modernize Housing Authority Operations

Northwest Georgia Housing Authority's new Executive Director, Justin Jones, is navigating organizational challenges while modernizing operations. The authority faces a slight cash flow issue due to delays in HUD approving Jones' security clearance, restricting access to federal funds. With $5.3 million in total funds but only $2.7 million available for immediate use, the authority aims to resolve outstanding debts and start fresh. Jones is initiating improvements such as transitioning to a web-based payroll system, updating the outdated maintenance tracking system, and replacing company credit cards with more efficient ones. The goal is to complete these changes within 8 to 12 months, with a focus on streamlining operations and preparing for a smooth audit.



We’ll have closing comments after this.



COMMERCIAL: DRAKE (GEOFF)

Sign off--

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



Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.



Produced by the BG Podcast Network



Show Sponsors:
ingles-markets.com
drakerealty.com
rendercovington.com



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PRE-ROLL:
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, August 31st and happy 71st birthday to Van Morrison
***08.31.24 – BIRTHDAY – VAN MORRISON***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
<ol>
<li>Calhoun Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After May ATV Crash</li>
<li>Rydal Teen Identified as Murray County Shooting Victim</li>
<li>Women Swimmers Back Transgender Sports Ban</li>
</ol>
 
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!
 
Commercial: DRAKE (NWGA)
 
STORY 1:   <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/news/local/calhoun-man-charged-with-vehicular-homicide-after-may-atv-crash/article_28ead546-65ac-11ef-812d-ff237f27fb9c.html">Calhoun Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide After May ATV Crash</a>
Thomas James Butler, 24, of Calhoun, has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and several other offenses following a fatal ATV crash on Boone Ford Road on May 17. The crash, involving a Polaris RZR, resulted in the death of the passenger. Butler, suspected of driving under the influence, was hospitalized and later tested for alcohol. He was arrested on August 27 and faces charges including DUI, reckless driving, and having an open container.
 
STORY 2:   <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/news/local/rydal-teen-identified-as-murray-county-shooting-victim/article_6481d2be-6569-11ef-b6d2-ff086dbac400.html">Rydal Teen Identified as Murray County Shooting Victim</a>
Jeffery Tyler Ray, an 18-year-old from Rydal, was fatally shot at a party on Sexton Road in Murray County on August 25. Ray was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries. Another man was also injured in the shooting. Anthony Jovan Wilkinson, 25, from Calhoun, has been arrested and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Ray, a recent Adairsville High School graduate, was identified as the victim. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI.
 
STORY 3:  <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catoosa_walker_news/news/women-swimmers-back-transgender-sports-ban/article_e8fec3ec-6548-11ef-b961-876132679484.html">Women Swimmers Back Transgender Sports Ban</a>
On August 27, five former elite college swimmers testified before the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports, describing the unfairness of competing against transgender athlete Lia Thomas and the trauma of sharing a locker room with her. They argued that Thomas's participation in women’s events, following hormone replacement therapy, gave her an unfair advantage. The committee is considering legislation to address these concerns, following the 2022 decision to delegate such matters to the Georgia High School Association, which imposed a ban on transgender athletes. The swimmers emphasized the need for clear policies to ensure fairness in women's sports.
 
Back in a moment
Commercial:  Render Apartments
 
STORY 4:  <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/education/charter-school-plans-unveiled-in-cave-spring/article_0a14feb4-656e-11ef-8503-3fba66627be5.html">Charter School Plans Unveiled In Cave Spring</a>
Local residents are working to establish the Northwest Georgia Charter Academy, aimed at serving Floyd and Polk counties. At a community meeting on August 27, Judy Taylor and her committee discussed the charter school's focus on project-based learning and the need for more educational options in the area. The school will be a public, independent charter, and the committee is currently petitioning for approval. With no independent charter schools in Northwest Georgia, the project seeks to fill this gap. Two additional community meetings are scheduled to discuss the plans and address questions. If approved, the school aims to open in August 2026.
 
STORY 5:   <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/gordon_life/local/ranger-community-center-and-playground-renovations-a-topic-of-meeting/article_e7503acc-6551-11ef-9afb-a3cb4dba5ed7.html">Ranger Community Center and Playground Renovations a Topic of Meeting</a>
Residents of Ranger attended an August 27 meeting at Ranger Baptist Church to discuss upcoming renovations to their Community Center and playground, funded by the 2024 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Gordon County, which took over these facilities after Ranger’s charter was revoked last year, will oversee the renovations. County officials outlined plans for updating the Community Center, including termite damage repairs, a kitchen renovation, and new accessibility features. The playground will receive new equipment and safety upgrades. Renovations are expected to take nine months to a year, with updates available through County Assistant Administrator Keith King.
 
Back in just a moment
 
Commercial: INGLES 1
 
STORY 6:  <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catoosa_walker_news/news/state-launches-ad-campaign-for-georgia-pathways-medicaid-program/article_ad8b4538-6462-11ef-a291-872bd5bb256a.html">State Launches Ad Campaign for Georgia Pathways Medicaid Program</a>
Georgia's Medicaid program, Georgia Pathways, launched a $10.7 million ad campaign to boost enrollment after struggling in its first year. This initiative provides coverage to those with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Governor Brian Kemp's program aims to transition beneficiaries to private health insurance through Georgia Access, rather than full Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Despite only enrolling about 4,300 people in its first year, Pathways is designed as a step towards greater self-sufficiency. Critics argue that 290,000 Georgians still fall into the coverage gap, lacking adequate health insurance options.
 
STORY 7:  <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/local/new-director-working-to-modernize-housing-authority-operations/article_4de86936-6565-11ef-9e8e-0708a4560a66.html">New Director Working To Modernize Housing Authority Operations</a>
Northwest Georgia Housing Authority's new Executive Director, Justin Jones, is navigating organizational challenges while modernizing operations. The authority faces a slight cash flow issue due to delays in HUD approving Jones' security clearance, restricting access to federal funds. With $5.3 million in total funds but only $2.7 million available for immediate use, the authority aims to resolve outstanding debts and start fresh. Jones is initiating improvements such as transitioning to a web-based payroll system, updating the outdated maintenance tracking system, and replacing company credit cards with more efficient ones. The goal is to complete these changes within 8 to 12 months, with a focus on streamlining operations and preparing for a smooth audit.
 
We’ll have closing comments after this.
 
COMMERCIAL: DRAKE (GEOFF)
Sign off--
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
 
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
 
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>
 
Show Sponsors:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">ingles-markets.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.drakerealty.com">drakerealty.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.rendercovington.com/">rendercovington.com</a></li>
</ul>
 
#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash

Bringing you the latest news from the Rome News-Tribune, Polk Standard Journal, and Calhoun Times.

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