COMMERCIAL:  

From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard. 

Today is Saturday, December 7th and happy birthday to Johnny Bench. 

***12.07.24 - BIRTHDAY – JOHNNY BENCH*** 

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

• 'Christmas in Song' Set for Sunday at Lovejoy Baptist Church 

• Catoosa Literacy Efforts Empower Families, Boost Grad Rates 

• Heating Help Sign-ups Are Underway for Seniors and Housebound 

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 Realty (Northwest Georgia) 

STORY 1:   'Christmas in Song' Set for Sunday at Lovejoy Baptist Church 

"Christmas in Song" returns to Lovejoy Baptist Church, 431 Branham Ave., on Sunday, bringing over 35 years of tradition and community celebration. This beloved Christmas program, held during the 11 a.m. service, highlights the joy of the season through music and dance. Originally a traditional children’s program, it has evolved into a diverse, community-wide event featuring performances from the church’s music ministry, the Rome Symphony Orchestra artistic director Sam Baltzer, vocalist Beth McCain, minister of music Marvin Williams, and saxophonist Jackie Beard. Pastor Rev. Carey Ingram and organizer Esther Vaughn emphasize the event’s spiritual inspiration and community significance, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 

STORY 2:  Catoosa Literacy Efforts Empower Families, Boost Grad Rates 

Catoosa Citizens for Literacy (CCL) has been dedicated to improving literacy in Catoosa County for nearly 30 years under the leadership of Shirley Smith. CCL's efforts include donating thousands of children’s books to programs like Stocking Full of Love and local facilities, providing free GED classes in partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and covering GED testing fees for county residents. The organization also supplies dictionaries to third-graders and offers childcare and transportation to learners in need. For those below a fourth-grade reading level, CCL partners with tutors and churches to provide support. Despite progress, statewide challenges remain, with a significant portion of Georgia students not reading proficiently. Former governor Nathan Deal has also highlighted the importance of literacy as a pathway to improving quality of life. CCL’s mission is clear—ensuring everyone has the chance to read and succeed. 

STORY 3:  Heating Help Sign-ups Are Underway for Seniors and Housebound 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting winter heating assistance applications. Seniors 65+ and medically homebound households can apply now, while others can start on January 2. Funds are distributed first-come, first-served. Applicants need their heating bill, Social Security numbers and proof of citizenship for all household members, as well as income and benefit documentation for adults. 

Residents in Floyd, Polk, Bartow, and Gordon counties apply through Tallatoona CAP (online or call 770-817-4666); for medically homebound households, call 770-773-7730 x300. For Chattooga, Walker, and nearby counties, contact North Georgia Community Action at 706-692-5623 or visit NgcaInc.com. 

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STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County? 

Worldview Baptist Church is hosting a Greet The Grinch toy drive on Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m., at Tractor Supply Co., Cedartown. Donors enter a raffle; enjoy vendors, gift bags, and photos with The Grinch. Another toy drive by FHF Hair Design, West Cinema, and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary accepts unwrapped toys until Dec. 18 at FHF Hair Design or West Cinema. A special Dec. 15 event at 6 p.m. at West Cinema offers free Christmas movies, pictures with Santa, popcorn, and a hot chocolate bar. A free community meal will be served Dec. 16-20, starting at 11:30 a.m. daily, at Goodyear Civic Center.  

STORY 5:   Armuchee Man Enters Guilty Plea To Killing His Grandmother 

Robert Keith Tincher III, 31, pleaded guilty to killing his 82-year-old grandmother, Doris Cumming, and storing her body in a freezer for months. Prosecutors revealed Tincher forced Cumming, still alive, into plastic bags, dragged her through their home, and placed her in a freezer, breaking her bones. He admitted hearing her breathing both during the act and while she was in the freezer. Despite pleading guilty to malice murder, felony murder, and kidnapping, Tincher denied causing her death, prompting Judge Sparks to question his acknowledgment of responsibility before accepting the plea. Tincher faces life imprisonment and will be sentenced on Dec. 11. 

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STORY 6: Georgia PSC Certifies Battery Storage Projects 

The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved Georgia Power’s plan to build battery energy storage systems (BESS) at four sites, adding 500 megawatts of capacity—enough to power 375,000 homes. Two facilities will be co-located with solar plants at Robins Air Force Base and Moody Air Force Base. A third will be at the former Plant Hammond in Floyd County, and the fourth will expand the McGrau Ford Battery Facility in Cherokee County. Georgia Power must provide quarterly updates on spending and progress during construction. 

STORY 7:   Hicks Re-appointed as Gordon County Elections Chair 

Shea Hicks has been re-appointed as chair of the Gordon County Board of Elections and Registration, alongside board members Cody Ogelsby, Damon Walker, Glen Bressler, and Maria Zamora, all with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028. Zamora replaces Carolyn Fuller, who chose not to seek re-appointment. Shannon Bunch and Nick Sainato were appointed to the Public Facilities Authority, with terms ending in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Matt Barton and Ed Moyer were re-appointed to the Hospital Authority through Dec. 31, 2027. The board also approved a $14,916.84 Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant for portable barriers. The next meeting is Dec. 17. 

We will have closing comments after this 

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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 www.northwestgeorgianews.com 

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