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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 Wednesday, May 29th, and happy 70th birthday to musician Danny Elfman.

***05.29.24 – BIRTHDAY – DANNY ELFMAN***

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

1. Oregon Man Killed in Gordon County Motorcycle Crash
2. Police say Motive for Fatal Trailer Arson Was Property Sale
3. Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison for Child Sex Crimes

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on frozen meals.

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: Oregon Man Killed in Gordon County Motorcycle Crash

Matthew Vanderheiden, a 26-year-old man from Beaverton, Oregon, died in a two-vehicle accident in Gordon County on Memorial Day weekend. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Henderson Bend Road in Calhoun. Vanderheiden was riding a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound when he crossed into the path of a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling northbound. He collided with the Tahoe while negotiating a curve. Despite response from Georgia State Patrol troopers, Vanderheiden was pronounced dead at the scene. No further details regarding injuries to the occupants of the other vehicle have been disclosed.

STORY 2: Police: Motive for Fatal Trailer Arson Was Property Sale

On May 25, at 11 Addington Court in Rome, Georgia, a fire broke out in a trailer, resulting in the death of 70-year-old Sarah Lynn Lary. Her stepson, 26-year-old Timothy Edward Lary, confessed to setting the fire with the intent of forcing his parents to move out so he could sell the property. Timothy's father, Edward Randall Lary, identified him as the arsonist to authorities. Sarah Lynn Lary's body, along with her cat, was found in the trailer, while two small dogs were discovered in the master bedroom. Timothy was arrested at the scene and charged with felony murder, arson, aggravated assault, cruelty to animals, neglect of an elder person, and property damage. The motive stemmed from Timothy's desire for his mother to sell the property.

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STORY 3: Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison for Child Sex Crimes

A Catoosa County jury convicted Brandon Bennet of 15 counts of child sex offenses after a two-day trial before Judge Brian House. Bennet, 39, was convicted on two counts of aggravated child molestation, one count of incest, three counts of child molestation, six counts of sexual exploitation of children, two counts of computer pornography, and one count of invasion of privacy after less than 15 minutes of deliberations by the jury. Evidence presented at trial showed that Bennet moved to Catoosa County in 2021 at the request of a family member who was suffering from terminal cancer, to assist in caring for the family member’s three children. The family member died in July 2021. Her dying wish was that Bennet would care for her children, which Bennet agreed. In February 2022, one of the children confided in a family friend that Bennet had molested him while he was sleeping and repeatedly solicited sexual acts from the child. Further, Bennet had been soliciting sex from some of the child’s friends.

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STORY 4: 5 in Custody After Man Beaten, Stabbed and Shot in Acworth

Five individuals were arrested in connection with a stabbing victim with a gunshot wound showing up at Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center. The victim reported being shot, stabbed, and beaten while held against his will. The incident led law enforcement to 6626 Wagon Wheel Drive in Acworth. Arrests included charges such as attempted murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. Those arrested were Jaleyne Elymar Vivas-Blanco, Jerry Scott Taylor, Austin Reed Sedlaczek, Micheal Charles Wade, and Stephanie Lynn Holbrook. All parties were acquainted, and the victim is expected to survive.

STORY 5: Political Pressure Builds as Search For NWGA Housing Authority Director Continues

The Northwest Georgia Housing Authority is in the midst of selecting a new executive director, with interviews underway but no firm deadline set. Current Executive Director Sandra Hudson, who's been with the authority for 32 years, is stepping down, leaving big shoes to fill. The authority's extensive reach across north Georgia, managing various properties and programs, presents a unique challenge for finding the right candidate. While there's political pressure to bring in an outsider, the board remains focused on finding the best fit. Hudson will stay on as a consultant to aid the transition. Recent tensions between the housing authority board and the Rome City Commission underscore the importance of selecting the right leadership.

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on frozen meals.

***Leah McGrath Interview***

We’ll have closing comments after this.

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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

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