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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, April 20th and happy 62nd birthday to baseball player Don Mattingly.

****04.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – DON MATTINGLY***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.

1. Catoosa County Firefighters Rescue Street Preacher Trapped in Storm Drain
2. Resaca Man Charged Following Reported Disruption at Chatsworth School
3. Armuchee High School Senior Named a Georgia Scholar

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: Catoosa County Firefighters Rescue Street Preacher Trapped in Storm Drain

Thomas Loher, a 22-year-old street preacher, was rescued after being trapped in a storm drain in Fort Oglethorpe for about a day. He was reported missing by his family on April 16, and rescuers received a call from a motorist who heard him calling for help. Firefighters, assisted by multiple agencies, spent over nine hours digging through debris to free him. Loher was conscious and communicating throughout the rescue. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The successful rescue drew praise from the community, with many expressing gratitude to the responders involved. Fire Chief Daniel Walston commended the collaborative effort of all agencies involved in the rescue.

STORY 2: Resaca Man Charged Following Reported Disruption at Chatsworth School

Kevin Oliver Williams, 22, of Resaca, faces charges after a disturbance at Bagley Middle School in Chatsworth. Students reported a man in a red Dodge truck yelling threateningly before leaving. The incident led to a lockdown of Murray County schools until the man was located. Law enforcement found Williams on Highway 411 over the Gordon County line. He was arrested and charged with disruption of public schools and terroristic threats and acts. Murray County Sheriff Jimmy Davenport commended his staff, Chatsworth Police Department, and other agencies involved in locating Williams. The investigation is ongoing.

STORY 3: Armuchee High School Senior Named a Georgia Scholar

Emalee Collins, a senior at Armuchee High School, was named one of Georgia's 177 Scholars for 2024 by the Georgia Department of Education. This recognition celebrates students who excel in academics and community involvement. Each scholar will receive a special seal for their diploma. State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised these students for their leadership, diligence, and contributions to their communities. Georgia Scholars maintained rigorous coursework, excelled academically, participated in school and community events, and demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities. Woods expressed confidence in their future success and contributions to their communities and the state.

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STORY 4: Can Local Republicans Decide Who Runs For Office? Here's What We Know

The Catoosa County Republican Party's attempt to block certain candidates from running under their banner, citing differences in political values, has led to a legal battle. U.S. District Court Judge William Ray heard arguments regarding the party's request to overturn a previous court order allowing the candidates to qualify. The case reflects a trend among far-right factions within the Georgia GOP to exert control over candidate selection. Judge Ray expressed skepticism about intervening in the electoral process, emphasizing voters' role in determining party representation. The case highlights broader debates over party autonomy, electoral processes, and free speech rights. Additionally, concerns were raised about nonbinding ballot questions submitted by the party, which touched on issues of electioneering and potential defamation.

STORY 5: Building Blocks: Rome City Schools Unveil Comprehensive Literacy Plan

Rome City Schools unveiled a comprehensive literacy plan after extensive collaboration with stakeholders. Deputy Superintendent Barbara Patrick-Lashley described it as a guidebook informing resource allocation, professional development, and parental involvement. The plan prioritizes High-Quality Instruction, Equity in Literacy, and Family/Community Partnerships. Mayor Craig McDaniel emphasized literacy's foundational role, acknowledging educators' efforts. Superintendent Eric Holland highlighted challenges like pandemic disruptions and a growing English learner population. The plan aims to move students towards proficiency while preventing regression, particularly among economically disadvantaged students. Leaders emphasized collective effort for student success, crucial for workforce readiness amid anticipated economic growth in Northwest Georgia.

STORY 6: Sheriff Welcomes New K9 Member to Gordon County

Sheriff Mitch Ralston introduced K-9 Maggie, a nine-month-old bloodhound, into the Sheriff’s Office. Maggie, acquired through a grant from AKC Reunite, underwent six months of training before certification as a tracking dog. Maggie's handler, Sgt. First Class Lindsey Azar, underwent a week of training before joining forces with Maggie. Sheriff Ralston appointed Maggie, presenting her with a badge. Azar, a 15-year veteran, will work with Maggie to track and locate fugitives and missing individuals.

STORY 7: Floyd County To Convert Law Enforcement Center For Court Use

The Rome Police Department has left the joint law enforcement center, paving the way for its conversion into judicial space. The architect is finalizing plans for the second floor's layout, expected to be presented for review soon. Plans for full construction documents are in progress. Meanwhile, bids for renovating the former Glenwood Primary School, Floyd County Police Department's new home, have been received. The lowest bid is likely to be chosen, with potential savings being explored, including reassessment of the sprinkler system, aiming for significant cost reductions. The budget will be approved with room for negotiation to ensure efficient completion of the project.

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Thanks again for listening to today’s Northwest Georgia News podcast.  For more on these stories and other great content visit northwestgeorgianews.com. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.

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