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 Wednesday, May 1st and happy heavenly birthday to astronaut Scott Carpenter.

***05.01.24 – BIRTHDAY – SCOTT CARPENTER***

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

1. East Rome Murder And Mutilation Case To Move Forward After Mental Evaluation
2. Cartersville Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Molestation And Sodomy Charges
3. Floyd County Woman Charged With Cruelty To Animals

Plus, Bruce Jenkins conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breakfast ideas instead of vending machines.

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: East Rome Murder And Mutilation Case To Move Forward After Mental Evaluation

Brandon Christopher Risner, accused of killing Aaron William Davis in November 2022, has been deemed mentally competent to stand trial. His trial is set to begin on June 24. Davis was found dead in a 6- to 8-foot hole concealed under dirt near Risner's home. Risner faces charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing a death. Meanwhile, two other murder cases in Floyd County are on hold pending mental evaluations. One involves Robert Keith Tincher III, accused of killing his grandmother and storing her body in a freezer. The other case involves Anderous Mendrall Cunningham, accused of shooting Johnny Napoleon Gibbs. The motive in Gibbs' shooting remains unclear.

STORY 2: Cartersville Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Molestation And Sodomy Charges

Former youth pastor Christopher Matthew Codding pleaded guilty to molesting two boys from his church, with prosecutors revealing a pattern of manipulation and abuse. Codding, termed a "sophisticated predator," will receive a 60-year probation sentence and up to 19 years in prison. Prosecutors highlighted prior incidents of abuse, indicating a broader pattern. Despite an attempt at an Alford plea, Codding ultimately pleaded guilty. The case unfolded when a victim learned of Codding's attempt to adopt, prompting more victims to come forward. Codding, who previously worked as a radiologic technician and instructor, taught child abuse prevention at his church. He'll be sentenced on May 16.Top of Form

STORY 3: Floyd County Woman Charged With Cruelty To Animals

Allison Moore Kelley, 56, of Floyd County, faces felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly neglecting 14 cats and kittens, resulting in the death of nine of them. Reports indicate that she failed to provide adequate food, water, and sanitary conditions for the animals. As of Tuesday morning, Kelley remained in Floyd County Jail on a $7,500 bond.

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Back in a moment

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STORY 4: Ringgold Set for Dolly Parton Festival

The third annual "Dolly Days" festival in Ringgold celebrates country music icon Dolly Parton with a variety of themed events. Kicking off with the "Dolly Dash" race, featuring 10k, 5k, and 1-mile routes, participants are encouraged to dress as Dolly while exploring Ringgold. Throughout the day, festivities include shopping, line dancing, a look-alike contest, live music, and a kid zone. Food Truck Alley offers dining options, and the event culminates in a Dolly Parton tribute at the Ringgold Depot. Supported by the city and organized by the Ringgold Downtown Partners, the event aims to showcase the town's history and local businesses while fostering community spirit. With Depot Street and part of Nashville Street closed for the event, attendees are invited to join the fun and explore all that Ringgold has to offer.

STORY 5: GNTC Graduate Blazes New Career Path for Women Welders

Yosdel Castaneda, a 19-year-old student at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), is set to graduate with a diploma in Welding and Joining Technology, marking a significant step forward for women in the field. Castaneda, one of eight female students in her class, has excelled in her studies, earning praise from her instructor, Billy Brown, for her enthusiasm and dedication. Her interest in welding was sparked during an Industrial Career Day at GNTC, leading her to pursue classes in the field through Georgia's HOPE Career Grant. Castaneda will graduate with various welding certifications and hopes to secure a job in the welding industry. She emphasizes the importance of technical education in preparing students for the workforce and encourages others to explore opportunities in welding.

Back in just a moment

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STORY 7: Leah McGrath

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breakfast ideas instead of vending machines.

We’ll have closing comments after this.

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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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