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, June 29th and happy 63rd birthday to NFL HOF John Elway.

***06.29.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN ELWAY***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
Even With More People Working Here, Jobless Rate Climbs in May.
Mannington Mills Sells Calhoun Manufacturing Plant
Catoosa Commission Moves Citizen Comments Back to Beginning of Meetings



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



STORY 1:Even With More People Working Here, Jobless Rate Climbs in May 

In May, despite job gains across Rome/Floyd and the region, unemployment rates increased in area counties. Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, and Chattooga all saw upticks, with a total of 5,425 jobless individuals across these counties. Floyd reported a 3.3% unemployment rate, matching May 2023 levels, while other counties saw slight increases. Rome's jobless rate also reached 3.3%, up from April but consistent with a year ago. Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson noted industry shifts and increased workforce participation among students and graduates impacting summer unemployment rates statewide. In the broader region, the Northwest Georgia jobless rate rose to 3.3%, with significant increases in labor force and employed numbers compared to last year.



STORY 2:Mannington Mills Sells Calhoun Manufacturing Plant 

Mannington Mills has sold its rigid core manufacturing plant in Calhoun to Bossen New Materials Corporation. The sale includes 23 acres of property, including a luxury vinyl tile manufacturing facility. Despite the sale, Mannington remains committed to the rigid core business, intending to expand its product offerings and leverage innovative technologies. President and CEO Tom Pendley emphasized that Mannington will continue to lead in this category by sourcing products from trusted partners while maintaining its reputation for quality and performance. The sale does not affect Mannington's other operations, including its headquarters and production in Georgia. Pendley expressed confidence in Mannington's ability to adapt to market changes and meet customer demands moving forward.



STORY 3:Catoosa Commission Moves Citizen Comments Back to Beginning of Meetings 

In early 2021, Catoosa County commissioners moved public comments to the end of their meetings to avoid potential inappropriate language that might be heard by children in attendance. This decision sparked discontent among residents who felt their input became less relevant. Commissioner Vanita Hullander recently proposed returning public comments to their original position near the beginning of meetings. At the June 18, 2024 commission meeting, after discussion among all five board members, the change was unanimously approved. This means public comments will now occur before administrative fiscal matters are addressed, aligning with the community's desire for more timely and impactful participation in local governance.



Back in a moment

Commercial: INGLES 3

STORY 4:Wheelchair Athletes From Across The Globe Training In NWGA

Between 45 and 50 wheelchair athletes worldwide will gather in Northwest Georgia for the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp and 5K. Hosted at Darlington School, athletes will train on local roads and the track, culminating in a mini-track meet for extra training and friendly competition. The main event, the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete 5K, will feature athletes from 13 countries. Starting at 6 p.m. on July 2 at Peek Park in Cedartown, it includes a Kids Fun Run and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding athletes and community members. Founded in 1999, the event, known as the world’s fastest wheelchair 5K, has become a key fixture alongside other prestigious races like the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.



STORY 5:Dempsey to Chair Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management  

State Rep. Katie Dempsey, a Rome Republican, will lead the House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management, alongside 11 other lawmakers including Republicans and Democrats from across Georgia. The committee, established by legislation during the 2024 session of the Georgia General Assembly, aims to promote non-opioid options for pain relief. It includes citizen representatives with expertise in recovery, criminal justice, healthcare, and personal experience with opioid-related loss. The committee's mandate under House Resolution 1360 is to enhance awareness of non-opioid treatments among healthcare providers through education and propose legislative changes ahead of the 2025 session to advance integrated pain management care.



Back in just a moment



Commercial: DRAKE



STORY 6:Catherine Thompson’s Journey to Become Calhoun’s First Female Firefighter 

In January 2024, Catherine Thompson made history as the first female firefighter in the 125-year history of the Calhoun Fire Department, graduating alongside six other recruits. Originally from Adairsville, Thompson, the youngest of seven siblings, hadn't planned on becoming a firefighter but was drawn to the opportunity when Calhoun announced their recruitment drive. Despite initially not passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), Thompson persisted with determination and eventually succeeded, earning her place in the department. Reflecting on her groundbreaking role, Thompson emphasized the job's challenges but underscored unity among firefighters in pursuing the common goal of community safety. She expressed gratitude for the privilege to serve and hopes to continue serving Gordon County for years to come.



STORY 7:Long Reflects on First Year as United Way of Gordon County Director 



Stacy Long transitioned from the Voluntary Action Center to lead the United Way of Gordon County in June 2023, where she now oversees support for 12 local partner agencies focusing on education, basic needs, and health. Her role involves advocacy, fundraising, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize community impact. Under her leadership, the United Way has streamlined its agency partnerships to enhance effectiveness. Long is also spearheading initiatives like ALICE to assist financially struggling households above the poverty line. She encourages community involvement through monthly United4Gordon meetings and educational IMPACT sessions, emphasizing the critical role of volunteers in sustaining local programs.



We’ll have closing comments after this.



COMMERCIAL: INGLES 4

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



#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

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, June 29th and happy 63rd birthday to NFL HOF John Elway.
***06.29.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN ELWAY***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
<ol>
<li>Even With More People Working Here, Jobless Rate Climbs in May.</li>
<li>Mannington Mills Sells Calhoun Manufacturing Plant</li>
<li>Catoosa Commission Moves Citizen Comments Back to Beginning of Meetings</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
 
STORY 1: Even With More People Working Here, Jobless Rate Climbs in May 
In May, despite job gains across Rome/Floyd and the region, unemployment rates increased in area counties. Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, and Chattooga all saw upticks, with a total of 5,425 jobless individuals across these counties. Floyd reported a 3.3% unemployment rate, matching May 2023 levels, while other counties saw slight increases. Rome's jobless rate also reached 3.3%, up from April but consistent with a year ago. Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson noted industry shifts and increased workforce participation among students and graduates impacting summer unemployment rates statewide. In the broader region, the Northwest Georgia jobless rate rose to 3.3%, with significant increases in labor force and employed numbers compared to last year.
 
STORY 2: Mannington Mills Sells Calhoun Manufacturing Plant 
Mannington Mills has sold its rigid core manufacturing plant in Calhoun to Bossen New Materials Corporation. The sale includes 23 acres of property, including a luxury vinyl tile manufacturing facility. Despite the sale, Mannington remains committed to the rigid core business, intending to expand its product offerings and leverage innovative technologies. President and CEO Tom Pendley emphasized that Mannington will continue to lead in this category by sourcing products from trusted partners while maintaining its reputation for quality and performance. The sale does not affect Mannington's other operations, including its headquarters and production in Georgia. Pendley expressed confidence in Mannington's ability to adapt to market changes and meet customer demands moving forward.
 
STORY 3: Catoosa Commission Moves Citizen Comments Back to Beginning of Meetings 
In early 2021, Catoosa County commissioners moved public comments to the end of their meetings to avoid potential inappropriate language that might be heard by children in attendance. This decision sparked discontent among residents who felt their input became less relevant. Commissioner Vanita Hullander recently proposed returning public comments to their original position near the beginning of meetings. At the June 18, 2024 commission meeting, after discussion among all five board members, the change was unanimously approved. This means public comments will now occur before administrative fiscal matters are addressed, aligning with the community's desire for more timely and impactful participation in local governance.
 
Back in a moment
Commercial: INGLES 3
STORY 4: Wheelchair Athletes From Across The Globe Training In NWGA
Between 45 and 50 wheelchair athletes worldwide will gather in Northwest Georgia for the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp and 5K. Hosted at Darlington School, athletes will train on local roads and the track, culminating in a mini-track meet for extra training and friendly competition. The main event, the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete 5K, will feature athletes from 13 countries. Starting at 6 p.m. on July 2 at Peek Park in Cedartown, it includes a Kids Fun Run and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding athletes and community members. Founded in 1999, the event, known as the world’s fastest wheelchair 5K, has become a key fixture alongside other prestigious races like the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.
 
STORY 5: Dempsey to Chair Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management  
State Rep. Katie Dempsey, a Rome Republican, will lead the House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management, alongside 11 other lawmakers including Republicans and Democrats from across Georgia. The committee, established by legislation during the 2024 session of the Georgia General Assembly, aims to promote non-opioid options for pain relief. It includes citizen representatives with expertise in recovery, criminal justice, healthcare, and personal experience with opioid-related loss. The committee's mandate under House Resolution 1360 is to enhance awareness of non-opioid treatments among healthcare providers through education and propose legislative changes ahead of the 2025 session to advance integrated pain management care.
 
Back in just a moment
 
Commercial: DRAKE
 
STORY 6: Catherine Thompson’s Journey to Become Calhoun’s First Female Firefighter 
In January 2024, Catherine Thompson made history as the first female firefighter in the 125-year history of the Calhoun Fire Department, graduating alongside six other recruits. Originally from Adairsville, Thompson, the youngest of seven siblings, hadn't planned on becoming a firefighter but was drawn to the opportunity when Calhoun announced their recruitment drive. Despite initially not passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), Thompson persisted with determination and eventually succeeded, earning her place in the department. Reflecting on her groundbreaking role, Thompson emphasized the job's challenges but underscored unity among firefighters in pursuing the common goal of community safety. She expressed gratitude for the privilege to serve and hopes to continue serving Gordon County for years to come.
 
STORY 7: Long Reflects on First Year as United Way of Gordon County Director 
 
Stacy Long transitioned from the Voluntary Action Center to lead the United Way of Gordon County in June 2023, where she now oversees support for 12 local partner agencies focusing on education, basic needs, and health. Her role involves advocacy, fundraising, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize community impact. Under her leadership, the United Way has streamlined its agency partnerships to enhance effectiveness. Long is also spearheading initiatives like ALICE to assist financially struggling households above the poverty line. She encourages community involvement through monthly United4Gordon meetings and educational IMPACT sessions, emphasizing the critical role of volunteers in sustaining local programs.
 
We’ll have closing comments after this.
 
COMMERCIAL: INGLES 4
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>
</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.

Northwest Georgia News

Even With More People Working Here, Jobless Rate Climbs in May.

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