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, October 26th and happy birthday to Pat Sajak

***10.26.24 – BIRTHDAY – PAT SAJAK***

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

1.       Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know

2.       Gordon County DFCS Looking for Secret Santa Sponsors

3.       Recent Dog Attacks Highlight Stray Animal Problem in Floyd County

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:   Nov. 5 General Election: What You Need to Know

Early voting for the general election in Catoosa and Walker counties began on October 15 and runs through November 1. Voters can find information on when and where to vote, what's on their ballots, and read Q&As with candidates in key local races. In Catoosa County, resources include details on voting locations, ballot contents, and interviews with candidates for the County Commission Chairman and District 3 positions. Walker County voters can access similar information, including Q&As with candidates for the School Board District 3 and Georgia House District 1.

STORY 2:   Gordon County DFCS Looking for Secret Santa Sponsors

The Gordon County Division of Family & Children Services is seeking support for its Christmas Secret Santa program to benefit 180 foster children, many of whom are placed outside the county due to a shortage of local foster homes. Community members can contribute by making monetary donations to the Secret Santa Fund or by shopping for a child's wish list, which includes personal details like age and favorite items. Those interested in fostering or adopting can also attend informational sessions. For more information, contact Jody Sanderson at 706-802-2995 or via email.

STORY 3:  Recent Dog Attacks Highlight Stray Animal Problem in Floyd County

Anthony Ponto narrowly survived a dog attack in Shannon on September 19 while trying to help another victim. As he attempted to distract the dogs, they turned on him, with one dog attempting to bite his throat but missing. Ponto managed to reach his friend's house, where his friend shot the attacking dog to save him. Emergency responders quickly assisted Ponto, and animal control captured the remaining dogs. Floyd County has seen a slight increase in dog bites this year, prompting discussions on mandatory spay and neuter ordinances to control the stray population. Ponto hopes to raise awareness about stray dogs and the need for more animal control resources.

Back in a moment

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STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County?

The Fourth Annual Run for the Nuns is on October 26 in Cedartown, supporting local ministries. God Loving Angels hosts a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on November 16 in Rockmart, offering free meals and goods. Polk County EMA seeks volunteers for disaster response training. Free groceries are available monthly at Worldview Baptist Church and the Good Neighbor Center Food Pantry. Cross Factor Church offers a free monthly meal and clothing. Various local churches invite community worship, and the Sons of the American Legion hosts a monthly spaghetti supper.

STORY 5:   Ga. Supreme Court Denies Bid to Reinstate Election Rule Changes

The Georgia Supreme Court denied an expedited appeal to reinstate election law changes invalidated by a Fulton County Superior Court ruling. This decision means the contested rules won't apply for the November 5 elections. The lawsuit, filed by Eternal Vigilance Action, challenged changes like requiring hand-counting ballots and allowing delays in certifying results for fraud inquiries. The State Election Board's Republican members argued these changes would restore electoral confidence, but opponents claimed they could cause chaos and delay results. The ruling is seen as a victory for voting rights advocates, ensuring independent elections.

Back in just a moment

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STORY 6:  New Echota Your State Parks Day 2024 Nov. 11

New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site and Friends of New Echota are hosting Your State Parks Day on November 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event invites the public to participate in various work projects like trail maintenance and cleaning historic buildings, led by rangers. It's open to all ages, and Scout Troops and groups are encouraged to register by calling 706-624-1321. Participants can learn about volunteer opportunities with the Friends organization. Volunteers will enjoy free admission to the site and can enter a raffle for Georgia State Parks merchandise.

STORY 7:  FCS CCA Appoints New Board Members

 Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy has welcomed Holly Sutton and Ethan Branch to its board of directors. Sutton, a work-based learning coordinator, represents secondary education, while Branch, from the Rome Floyd Chamber, serves as an ex officio advisor. The board, comprising 27 members, includes ex officio advisors, parent representatives, business representatives, and education representatives. The board aims to guide the school with insights from various sectors.

We’ll 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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