Northwest Georgia NewsRome To Consider Mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance
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, September 21st and happy 74th birthday to actor Bill Murray
***09.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – BILL MURRAY***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
- Rome To Consider Mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance
- Gordon County Adopts 2024 Millage Rate
- Georgia PSC Gives Final Approval to Biomass Projects
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 To Consider Mandatory Spay And Neuter Ordinance
The Rome Public Safety Committee has advised the City Commission to enact an ordinance requiring all pets to be spayed or neutered to combat a surge in abandoned animals in the city. Floyd County Public Animal Welfare Services Director Katy Walters highlighted that while the ordinance won't immediately solve the problem, it will help reduce the number of stray pets over time. Similar ordinances exist in Floyd County and Cave Spring, exempting working farm dogs and pet breeders. Public concerns primarily centered on costs, but affordable options are available through PAWS, which offers spay/neuter services, micro-chipping, and vaccinations at reduced rates. Despite these efforts, pet intake numbers remain high, with nearly 800 dogs picked up by PAWS through August, indicating the pressing need for the ordinance.
STORY 2: Gordon County Adopts 2024 Millage Rate
Gordon County has officially adopted its 2024 millage rate, maintaining the county government's rate at 9.042 and the County Board of Education's rate at 16.364, totaling 25.406 for property owners. Residents within the City of Calhoun will have a combined rate of 27.42, incorporating the 9.042 county rate, a 3.5 city rate, and a 14.878 rate from the Calhoun Board of Education. The adoption followed three public hearings, with the final one seeing no public comments, and was approved by a 5-0 vote. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the taxable property value by the millage rate and dividing by 1,000.
STORY 3: Georgia PSC Gives Final Approval to Biomass Projects
State energy regulators in Georgia have approved Georgia Power's plan to acquire approximately 80 megawatts of electricity from biomass, primarily through a 30-year power-purchasing agreement with Altamaha Green Energy LLC for 70 megawatts. Additional agreements include two 10-year PPAs with International Paper Co. Despite support from groups like the Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Forestry Association, critics, including Commissioner Tricia Pridemore, voiced concerns about the high costs and environmental impact, noting that biomass can release more pollution than coal. Critics argue the project may not be economically viable, especially for Georgia Power ratepayers, and highlighted reliability issues with biomass during past power shortages.
Back in a moment
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STORY 4: Chelsea Losh Named RCS Teacher Of The Year
At the Rome City Schools awards banquet, Elm Street Elementary STEM teacher Chelsea Losh was honored as the Teacher of the Year, lauded for equipping students with impactful skills. She is now a contender for Georgia Teacher of the Year. The event celebrated outstanding educators and staff, with West End Elementary Principal Dennis Drummond receiving the Exemplary Leader of the Year award. The banquet featured a lively atmosphere, catered by RCS culinary students who volunteered to serve guests. Over 20 awards were presented, including the Exemplary Bus Driver of the Year to Jane Earle, noted for her dedication and festive spirit. Title I coordinator Sunday Stephens was named Exemplary Staff Person of the Year, highlighting the diverse recognition of excellence within the school system.
STORY 5: State Launches 988 Decal Distributions To Prevent Student Suicides
Georgia's mental health agency is collaborating with the University System of Georgia to promote the 988 suicide and crisis hotline by placing decals in dorm rooms across all public college and university campuses. This initiative aims to remind students that confidential support is always accessible. Suicide ranks as the second-leading cause of death among young adults aged 18 to 24 in Georgia, making this effort crucial. The decal placement is part of a larger Mental Health Initiative, launched in 2020, to enhance mental health services for students. Besides dorm rooms, decals will also appear in student activity and health centers, reaching about 200,000 students. Additionally, 988 wallet cards will be distributed to faculty, staff, and students to further support mental health awareness and access to help.
Back in just a moment
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STORY 6: Floyd Courts Praised For Clearing Cases Amid Pandemic Hurdles
Floyd County courts were honored with a Clearance Rate Excellence award by the Judicial Council of Georgia for their effective case management during the pandemic. From 2021 to 2023, the Superior Court disposed of cases at a rate exceeding 110% of new filings. Chief Judge John "Jack" Niedrach credited this achievement to the dedication and cooperation of various court stakeholders, including the district attorney's office, public defender's office, court clerk, and sheriff's office. Despite the Georgia Supreme Court's judicial emergency order in March 2020, which halted jury trials, the court maintained essential functions through virtual hearings. As in-person trials resumed in March 2021, Floyd County adapted by using the Forum as a spacious venue for proceedings, facilitating social distancing and addressing case backlogs.
STORY 7: Floyd County Eyes Second Project Using Tire-Based Mix Paving
Floyd County has completed its first smart mix paving project using recycled tires on a section of Terhune Road, with plans to expand this environmentally friendly approach to Rush Chapel Road, pending grant approval. This innovative mix could recycle 500-600 tires per mile and improve road durability. Meanwhile, other infrastructure developments are progressing: Brushy Branch Road repairs are set for early October, involving temporary closures for culvert stabilization. The Second Avenue widening project involves utility relocations and storm drain installations. Bridge replacements on Martha Berry Highway and Kingston Highway continue, with traffic shifts anticipated for construction phases. Resurfacing on Ga. 1 Loop is nearly finished, and work on Ga. 140 includes lane reconstructions.
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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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