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, November 30th and happy birthday to the late June Pointer 

***11.30.24 - BIRTHDAY – JUNE POINTER*** 

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

1. Past Students and Faculty Catch Up for School’s 50th 
2. Rome City Commission Honors 3 for Heroic Acts 
3. Labor Chief Thompson Dies at Age 59 

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 Realty (Northwest Georgia) 

STORY 1:   Past Students and Faculty Catch Up for School’s 50th 

Eastside Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house and luncheon, inviting the community to share memories and explore the school. Originally opened in November 1974, Eastside served students from Aragon and Fish Creek Schools. The event featured a chili and potato bar, desserts, and drinks, with attendees including four former principals and current principal Melanie Hyde. Former student Lisa Skinner, who attended in 1974, reminisced with her granddaughter, a current student. The celebration highlighted the school's history and the lasting bonds formed over the years. 

STORY 2:  Rome City Commission Honors 3 for Heroic Acts 

During the Rome City Commission meeting, two citizens, Jeremiah Veillon and Benjamin Woodall, and firefighter Brian Minshew were honored for rescuing an unconscious man from a burning vehicle on Nov. 8. Veillon and Woodall received the Citizen Award for Extraordinary Bravery, while Minshew was awarded the Lifesaving Award. The meeting also covered city matters, including a public hearing for the 2025 budget, a contract for downtown parking management, and rezoning approval for a Davis Street property. Additionally, Feb. 9, 2025, was designated as the one Sunday bars can serve alcohol without meeting food-to-drink sales ratios, and the tow fee was increased to $125. 

STORY 3:  Labor Chief Thompson Dies at Age 59 

Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson passed away at 59 after battling pancreatic cancer. Elected in 2022, Thompson previously served eight years in the state Senate. Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Burt Jones praised his leadership and improvements in workforce outcomes. Thompson, originally from Montana, had a diverse business background and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. At the labor department, he focused on transparency and fiscal responsibility. He is survived by his wife, Becky, and their two children. 

Commercial:  

STORY 4: Fairmount City Council Denies Police Chief Salary Increase 

In a Fairmount City Council meeting, two agenda items focused on Police Chief Arnold Gillman's salary. The council denied reallocating $10,000 to his salary and rejected a proposal to raise it from $50,000 to $60,000, leaving it unchanged. Despite community support for the increase, public participation wasn't allowed. Mayor Leamer stated that the issue won't be revisited without further research, as the council voted against the pay raise initially discussed before Gillman's hiring. 

STORY 5:   Excitement Around New RHS Fine Arts Facility 

Rockmart High School celebrated the opening of its new fine arts facility, a project long in the making, during the Polk County Board of Education's November meeting. The 21,813 square-foot building features a 478-seat auditorium with advanced lighting, a workshop for set construction, and a drama classroom. Construction began in spring 2023, with the first performance held in October. The $12.8 million facility was funded by an E-SPLOST, a local sales tax, not property taxes. The project, delayed by COVID-19, was completed under budget. The auditorium includes pullout desktops for versatile use. 

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STORY 6: Around Town: What We Can All Learn About Christmas From A Local Motorcycle Club 

Local groups are embracing the holiday spirit by supporting Toys for Tots and other charitable causes. The Freedom Seekers motorcycle club raised nearly $14,000, while Krewe L Le’ Bon Temps collected toys. Community members are encouraged to donate to causes like PAWS animal shelter and the Rome Community Kitchen. The Thanksgiving Love Feast seeks volunteers to serve over 2,600 people. The community mourns Larry Maxey, a dedicated leader and veteran. Meanwhile, the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority remains financially sound despite rumors. In business news, Twigs & Companies is expanding, and Stagecoach Pizza in Cave Spring will offer breakfast starting Dec. 7. 

STORY 7:   Georgia Leaders Praise 'Zenith Man' for Its Impact 

McCracken Poston's book "Zenith Man," about Alvin Ridley's trial, has gained significant attention, selling thousands of copies. The book, praised by notable figures like Shirley Miller and former Governor Nathan Deal, explores themes of justice and autism, revealing Ridley's late diagnosis. It resonates with families facing autism, offering hope and understanding. Poston's editor, Michaela Hamilton, helped refine the book, which has received high ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. The story also inspired a painting by Georgia folk artist Rev. Howard Finster, depicting Ridley as a "lost sheep." 

We will have closing comments after  

COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets (Roasting Vegetables) 7 

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 

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 

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