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, May 11th, and happy 35th birthday to NFL QB Cam Newton.
***05.11.24 – BIRTHDAY – CAM NEWTON***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
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 Man Charged In 2020 Shooting Of Girlfriend
Xzaveon Pitts, a resident of Rome, was transferred from Polk County to Floyd County on allegations of shooting his girlfriend inside a Dellvue Place residence on September 23, 2020. The incident, reportedly fueled by arguments about infidelity, led to Pitts being charged with felony aggravated assault. Neighbors heard a disturbance and found the victim claiming Pitts shot her. She was taken to the hospital while Pitts was apprehended. As of Wednesday afternoon, Pitts remained in Floyd County Jail without bond.
STORY 2: Calhoun Man Charged with Trafficking Meth
Darrell Dewayne Cole, a 52-year-old from Calhoun, was arrested on methamphetamine trafficking charges following a traffic stop by the Gordon County Sheriff's Office. During the stop near the Scottsville community, deputies discovered a significant amount of methamphetamine and other drugs in Cole's vehicle, along with two illegally held firearms. Cole was traveling in a Dodge truck along Highway 53 when deputies initiated the stop. He was arrested without resistance and charged with multiple offenses, including trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug-related objects, among others.
STORY 3: Woman Charged with Shoplifting Facing Forgery Charges
Sharon Diane Redden, a 53-year-old from Silver Creek, faces felony forgery charges alongside felony shoplifting charges. Floyd County Jail reports indicate that Redden is accused of creating and possessing a fake will for her deceased father, leading to her arrest. As of Wednesday afternoon, she is held without bond due to holds from Cobb, Paulding, and Gordon counties.
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STORY 4: Kemp Signs Controversial Election Law Changes
Governor Brian Kemp concluded the annual bill-signing season by approving a trio of election law changes, drawing both praise and criticism. The bills, signed on May 7, include Senate Bill 189, easing mass voter challenge filings, eliminating QR codes from paper ballots, and modifying third-party presidential candidate ballot access. House Bill 1207 reduces voting machines, requires poll workers to be U.S. citizens, and allows closer poll watcher access. House Bill 974 mandates a statewide ballot scanning system and more election result audits. Supporters claim these measures enhance election integrity, but critics, including the ACLU, argue they create barriers for voters and election administrators, particularly Senate Bill 189.
STORY 5: GNTC, Atrium Health Floyd Pact Aims to Fill Healthcare Gap
Atrium Health Floyd and Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) have signed an agreement to enhance enrollment programs for respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, and certified nursing assistants in Northwest Georgia. Atrium Health Floyd will allocate approximately $1.1 million over five years to expand these programs at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus. GNTC will place students in preceptorship slots at Atrium Health Floyd, with a focus on radiologic technology, respiratory care, and CNA programs. The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Additionally, the agreement will fund instructor positions and laboratory upgrades at GNTC, administered by the GNTC Foundation with compliance reporting.
STORY 6: Greene’s Attempt to Oust House Speaker Johnson Fails
The House overwhelmingly voted 359-43 to table Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, with most Republicans and many Democrats supporting Johnson. Greene's resolution aimed to declare the speaker's office vacant, citing complaints about Johnson's leadership, particularly regarding fiscal appropriations and Ukraine aid. Despite initial speculation, Greene's effort lacked significant GOP support, with only a few Republicans joining her against tabling the motion. Democrats also opted to support Johnson, avoiding a repeat of the chaos from last October when the House was paralyzed by leadership challenges. Johnson's bipartisan negotiations and support for crucial legislation likely influenced Democrats' decision to protect him. Despite the opposition, Greene remained resolute, but her effort lacked the traction needed to challenge Johnson's leadership effectively.
STORY 7: Hospital Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers
Atrium Health Floyd honors four exceptional volunteers as Good Samaritans for their dedication during National Volunteer Month. Pat McGivaren, remembered fondly for his cheerful demeanor, served as a greeter for over eight years, mentoring college volunteers and returning after the COVID lockdown. Rogena Cordle, a retired pediatrician, played a crucial role in starting volunteer companionship at Heyman Hospice Care, forming meaningful friendships with patients. Wanda Hilyer faithfully volunteers at the Polk Medical Center gift shop, brightening everyone's day with her dedication. Lori Lotz's punctuality and versatility at Cancer Navigators earned her praise, as she handles various tasks with efficiency and kindness.
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 northwestgeorgianews.com
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