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, November 13th and happy birthday to Steve Zahn. 

***11.13.24 - BIRTHDAY – STEVE ZAHN*** 

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

1.  Polk School Marking 50 Years Next Week 

1. Walker County Breaks Ground on Adventure Acres Playground 

1. Calhoun Earns Financial Reporting Award 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples  

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:   Polk School Marking 50 Years Next Week 

Eastside Elementary School is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house and luncheon on Monday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, open to the public, will feature memorabilia displays and a chili and baked potato bar, with tickets available for $10. Principal Melanie Hyde, inspired by the school's history, has themed the year "Stay Golden" to honor its legacy. The school, which opened in November 1974 after weather delays, has a rich history with many current teachers having family ties to the school. The celebration aims to bring together past and present faculty, students, and community members to reminisce and honor the school's impact. 

STORY 2: Walker County Breaks Ground on Adventure Acres Playground 

Walker County broke ground on Adventure Acres, its first signature park, on this morning. Located on eight acres in Rossville, the park will offer a nature-themed playground, splash pad, walking trail, and green space. The project aims to enhance quality of life for nearly 20,000 residents by promoting outdoor recreation. Features include a multi-lane zip track, swings, climbing boulders, and a splash pad with over a dozen water features. Funded by a $2.2 million ARPA grant, Adventure Acres is expected to open by Memorial Day 2025, serving as a destination for both locals and visitors. 

STORY 3:  Calhoun Earns Financial Reporting Award 

The Calhoun Depot hosted the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership class, where students learned about local government during a City Council meeting. Mayor Jimmy Palmer announced Calhoun's receipt of a financial reporting excellence award. Public hearings included plans for a Chick-fil-A rebuild and the annexation of land for industrial use. The council approved various projects, including a $459,250 bid for water system improvements and the purchase of police firearms. Additionally, a resolution for a First Responder PTSD Program and agreements with the Georgia Department of Transportation were approved. The next council meeting is on November 25. 

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STORY 4: Graduates Work Toward Success With The Floyd County Drug Court Program 

Allison Roper's initial attempt with the Floyd County Drug Court failed, but after a sanction, she gained a new perspective and successfully completed the program. Now in recovery for three years, she serves as director of housing at Living Proof Recovery and leads the Rome/Floyd County District Drug Court HONOR Group. The drug court, a partnership between the justice system and treatment providers, aims to promote recovery for nonviolent offenders. Since 2017, over 70 participants have graduated, with a new ceremony set for November 21. The program emphasizes discipline, structure, and individual support. 

STORY 5:     Rome Noon Optimist Club honors area high school students 

The Rome Noon Optimist Club honored November's Student of the Month recipients from local high schools on Tuesday. The recognized students are Sophie Thacker from Armuchee, Lydia Hyde from College and Career Academy, Christian Aparicio from Coosa, Maggie Beth Jackson from Darlington, Mark Anthony Soto-Perez from Georgia School for the Deaf, Miriam Burnes from Model, Maddie Brannon from Pepperell, Isabella Jennings from Rome, and Allie Young from Unity Christian. 

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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on apples 

*** INGLES 3 'ASK LEAH' APPLES*** 

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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Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

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