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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 27th and happy heavenly birthday to inventor Samuel Morse.

***04.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – SAMUEL MORSE***

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

1. Man Charged with Filming Women at Calhoun Buc-ee's
2. Harvest Moon Patron Banned After Attempting Backflip
3. Federal Judge Denies Catoosa GOP's Petition To Remove Four Candidates From Ballot

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: Man Charged with Filming Women at Calhoun Buc-ee's

Luke Mitchell Ebbinghaus, 25, of Huntsville, Alabama, was arrested Saturday evening at Buc-ee's, 601 Union Grove Road, and charged with the use or installation of device to film underneath or through an individual's clothing. An off-duty officer working at the store was alerted around 7:30 p.m. by a Buc-ee's assistant manager that a male had been seen using his phone to film the buttocks of several females, including a 16-year-old minor, and another 19-year-old. When confronted by officers, Ebbinghaus admitted to filming females in the store, and officers were able to contact several victims based on surveillance footage that included license plate information. Two of the of the alleged victims in the case told officers they wished to press charges, including the family of the minor.

STORY 2: Harvest Moon Patron Banned After Attempting Backflip

Late Tuesday night, Rome police responded to an incident at the Harvest Moon restaurant on Broad Street. An intoxicated patron attempted a backflip to impress women at the bar, but ended up damaging a wall instead. Upon arrival, police spoke with the manager, who described the patron as "extremely intoxicated." The patron offered to cover the repair costs but was informed of a ban from the restaurant.

STORY 3: Federal Judge Denies Catoosa GOP's Petition To Remove Four Candidates From Ballot

A federal judge rejected a petition by the Catoosa County Republican Party to exclude candidates they believe don't represent their values from the ballot. U.S. District Court Judge William Ray declined the party's request, stating it wouldn't serve the public interest. The GOP sought to challenge a superior court's order qualifying candidates it deemed unfit. The dispute reflects broader tensions within the Georgia Republican Party over candidate selection. The Catoosa GOP's attempt to block four candidates, including incumbents, was initially overruled by a state judge, leading to a federal complaint alleging First Amendment violations. The judge reserved ruling on whether the GOP's proposed ballot questions constituted electioneering, leaving the matter unsettled ahead of the upcoming primary.

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STORY 4: Calhoun Woman Accused Of Attacking Boyfriend And Meth Possession

Brandi Zelinka Dodds, a 41-year-old woman from Calhoun, faces multiple charges following an altercation at Riverside Park. According to Floyd County Jail reports, Dodds allegedly struck her boyfriend, causing him to bleed, in front of a ten-year-old child, leading to misdemeanor simple battery and cruelty to children charges. Additionally, Dodds faces felony charges of meth possession and crossing the guard line with illegal drugs after being found with drugs during booking at the jail. As of Wednesday morning, she remained in jail without bond.

STORY 5: Local Heroes Recognized at Gordon County 911 Banquet

Gordon County 911 celebrated National Telecommunicator Week with an awards banquet. Deidra Daniel was named Telecommunicator of the Year for her exceptional service. The Call of the Year Award was bestowed upon several individuals, including Sgt. Macey Silvers and Cpl. Ashley Turner. Kinslea Otting and Christina Maness received the Above and Beyond Award. Seven Agency Appreciation Awards were presented to individuals from different agencies for their support and collaboration with 911. Special recognition was given to Missy Bingiel and Tiffany Smith for their dedication to organizing Telecommunicator Week. Mountain Psalm Photography's Bethany Patterson documented the event, with a digital album available on their Facebook page.

STORY 6: Kemp Signs Bills to Combat Human Trafficking

Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills aimed at combating human trafficking in Georgia, emphasizing the state's commitment to being a safe haven for survivors. Senate Bill 370 expands the businesses required to post human trafficking hotline notices, including convenience stores and medical offices. House Bill 993 criminalizes grooming a minor and prohibits digitally altering images to depict minors in explicit conduct. House Bill 1201 allows victims of human trafficking to vacate prison sentences for crimes committed while being victimized, aiding in their rehabilitation. Additionally, Kemp signed bills supporting military families, facilitating employment for military spouses and exempting military medical personnel from certain certification requirements.

STORY 7: Kemp Inks Expanded Paid Parental Leave for State Workers

Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1010, granting state employees up to six weeks of paid parental leave, doubling the previous allowance. The bill, passed overwhelmingly by the General Assembly, expands leave following childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement to a total of 240 hours. While nonprofit advocates lauded this move, they urged for broader access to paid parental leave beyond state workers. Currently, about 78% of Georgia's workforce lacks such benefits. Jasmine Bowles, executive director of 9to5 Georgia, emphasized the importance of comprehensive paid leave policies and called for lawmakers to address the needs of all workers. The bill was introduced by House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones and championed in the Senate by Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian Strickland.

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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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