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, December 14th and happy birthday to Ted Nugent 

***12.14.24 - BIRTHDAY – TED NUGENT*** 

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

1. Rome Board of Education Postpones Vote on Next Year's School Calendar 
2. Lookout Mountain Wildfire Likely Sparked by Rockslide 
3. Talley Returns to Calhoun Times as Sports Editor 

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:   Rome Board of Education Postpones Vote On Next Year's School Calendar 

The Rome Board of Education delayed approving the 2025-26 school calendar to allow Superintendent Eric Holland time to adjust it based on teacher feedback requesting fewer planning days. The calendar will still start in early August and end before Memorial Day. The revised calendar will be presented for a vote in January. Meanwhile, the board approved the 2025 meeting dates, set for the second Tuesday of each month, except in April and October, when meetings will shift to the third Tuesday due to school breaks. 

STORY 2:  Lookout Mountain Wildfire Likely Sparked by Rockslide 

A wildfire on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was likely caused by a rockslide, according to the National Park Service. The fire, reported on Dec. 7, occurred on the eastern slope within Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. An investigation revealed that a rockslide, likely due to freeze-thaw action, caused boulders to fall, creating heat and sparks, and knocking over a tree that hit a power line. The fire is fully contained and under minimal monitoring, with the final report expected by Dec. 25. The Mountain Beautiful Trail remains closed until further notice. 

STORY 3:  Talley Returns to Calhoun Times as Sports Editor 

Mitch Talley has returned to the Calhoun Times as sports editor after 15 years away. Talley, who began his career at the paper nearly 50 years ago, previously served as editor from 1991 to 2009 before working in Dalton. He expressed excitement about returning to his roots and reconnecting with the community. Talley started at the paper as a janitor and delivery boy, eventually rising to managing editor. With over 48 years of experience, he has worked in various roles, including municipal communications and magazine editing. 

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STORY 4: Heating Help Sign-ups Are Underway for Seniors and Housebound 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for winter heating is now open for Georgians aged 65 and older and medically homebound households. Other eligible residents can apply starting Jan. 2. The program helps with heating bills via direct payments to energy suppliers, with funds distributed by local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis. Income must be below 60% of Georgia's median income to qualify. Applicants need to provide recent heating bills, Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship, income, and benefits verification. Applications are processed through Tallatoona CAP and North Georgia Community Action, depending on the county. 

STORY 5:   Wright Bagby Retires: A Legacy of Integrity and Dedication to Rome and Floyd County 

Floyd County Commissioner Wright Bagby attended his final board meeting, concluding decades of public service. Bagby began as a volunteer in the late 1960s and later held elected positions, including Rome City Commissioner and Mayor. He expressed gratitude to his family and community, emphasizing his lifelong desire to serve. Bagby initially hesitated to enter politics due to business commitments but eventually ran for office after selling his business. Elected to the Rome City Commission in 2003 and the Floyd County Commission in 2016, he was praised for his integrity and mentorship. Bagby looks forward to more time with his wife, Pat, after nearly 60 years together. 

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STORY 6: County BOE Holds Last Meeting of the Year 

The Gordon County Schools Board of Education held their final 2024 meeting, featuring recognitions and approvals. Bo Dooley of Sonoraville High School was honored with the Construction Ready Leadership and Education Champion Award for his contributions to the construction industry and student career preparation. Board member Jason Hendrix was recognized for his eight years of service. The board approved the FY25 meeting dates and a $37,651 bid for resurfacing Gordon Central High School's tennis courts. Upcoming events include an open house for Gordon Central's renovated gym on Dec. 15, Christmas break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, and the next board meeting on Jan. 13. 

STORY 7:  Silver Creek Man Accused Of Choking Woman 

Adrion Jermaine Sullivan, 45, from Silver Creek, is accused of choking a woman during an attack on Woodberry Drive on Tuesday afternoon. He faces charges of felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor cruelty to children, as a minor witnessed the incident. Sullivan remains in Floyd County Jail without bond as of Wednesday. 

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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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