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 Wednesday, December 25th and happy birthday to Jimmy Buffett. 

*** 12.25.24 - BIRTHDAY - JIMMY BUFFETT*** 

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

1.  Pastor Named Polk County Citizen of the Year 
2. Ware Mechanical Weather: Sunshine To Start The Week, With Rain Likely Later 
3. Dycus Honored for Service on Catoosa School Board 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives  

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:   Pastor Named Polk County Citizen of the Year 

Dr. Jerry Buttrum was honored as the 2024 Polk County Citizen of the Year during the county commissioners' December meeting. Recognized for his 40-year dedication to Polk County's youth and ongoing leadership at Cedartown's Calvary Assembly of God, Buttrum's contributions were celebrated with a proclamation by Commission Chair Hal Floyd. A retired educator and long-serving pastor, Buttrum is praised for his servant's heart and positive community impact. The award, given by the county commission, acknowledges individuals who significantly contribute to the community's well-being. 

STORY 2:Ware Mechanical Weather: Sunshine To Start The Week, With Rain Likely Later 

Expect a partly sunny holiday with temperatures reaching near 57 degrees and dipping to 42 at night as clouds roll in. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high of 58, and a 20% chance of showers overnight. Friday sees a 30% chance of afternoon showers, a high of 55, and a 40% chance of rain at night. Saturday will be overcast with a 30% chance of showers and a high of 58, with likely rain overnight. Sunday has a 50% chance of rain and temperatures could reach 60 degrees. 

STORY 3:  Dycus Honored for Service on Catoosa School Board 

Don Dycus, chairman of the Catoosa County Board of Education, is retiring after a 26-year career in public education. Celebrated for his dedication since 1998, Dycus has been instrumental in achieving academic excellence, safety enhancements, and technological advancements in the district. His leadership focused on student success and equitable education. Superintendent Chance Nix praised Dycus for fostering collaboration and harmony on the board. In honor of his service, the new baseball/softball complex at Ringgold Middle School will be named Don Dycus Legacy Park, celebrating his lasting impact on the community. 

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STORY 4: Boys & Girls Clubs of North Georgia merges with other Clubs serving surrounding counties 

The Boys & Girls Clubs serving Chattooga, Gordon, Murray, Whitfield, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties are merging in January 2025 to form The Boys & Girls Club of North Georgia. This merger aims to enhance community impact by combining resources and expertise, allowing more direct funding to programs supporting youth development. The unified organization will serve over 800 kids daily across six counties, with operations led by CEO Robbie Slocumb. The merger promises increased efficiency, career growth opportunities, and sustained local benefits for donors, while expanding services and mission awareness. 

STORY 5:     Polk Welding Instructor Earns Industry Award 

Matt Hayden, a welding instructor at Polk County College and Career Academy, was named the 2024 Metals Teacher of the Year at Construction Ready’s Annual Champions’ Breakfast on December 13. This award honors his significant contributions to Georgia’s construction industry. Construction Ready, a non-profit focused on training and job opportunities in construction, annually recognizes educators and leaders impacting the skilled trade workforce. Hayden teaches at PCCCA's Cedartown High School location, highlighting his role in advancing education in the metals field. 

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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives  

*** INGLES ASK LEAH 2 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES*** 

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 

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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