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 21st and happy birthday to Samuel L Jackson  

***12.21.24 - BIRTHDAY – SAMUEL L JACKSON*** 

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

1. Rome Transit Puts Focus on Future 
2. 64-Year-Old dies in Walker County House Fire 
3. Jackets on top! 

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!  

Commercial: Drake Realty (Northwest Georgia) 

STORY 1:   Rome Transit Puts Focus on Future 

The Rome Transit Department will reinstate bus fares in 2025, ending free rides as federal pandemic funding ends. RTD Director Courtnay Griffin views this as an opportunity to enhance local public transportation as an economic tool. Preparations have included marketing and community engagement to ease the transition. The department aims to optimize routes, improve operations, and introduce electronic fare options. Future plans include expanding routes and partnering with local businesses. The new fare structure, increasing to $1.50 for regular fares and $0.75 for students and seniors, is set for a vote in January and will take effect on March 31, 2025. 

STORY 2:  64-Year-Old dies in Walker County House Fire 

A 64-year-old man died in a house fire on December 18 in Chickamauga. Walker County firefighters responded to the fire at 52 Liberty Drive around 6 a.m. and found the man's body in the living room. The victim, who was bedridden and lived alone, has not been identified. Family members arrived before the firefighters and helped contain the fire, minimizing damage to the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

STORY 3:  Jackets on top! 

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets defeated the Jefferson Dragons 20-7 to win the 2024 GHSA 3-A State Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday night. 

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We will be right back 

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STORY 4: What's Happening Around Polk County? 

Keep Polk Beautiful will host its annual "Bring One For The Chipper" event on January 4 at Camp Antioch, offering free tree seedlings for those recycling their real Christmas trees. Additionally, free groceries are available at Worldview Baptist Church in Cedartown on the second Wednesday of each month, and the Good Neighbor Center Food Pantry is open on the second and fourth Thursdays. Cross Factor Church provides a free monthly community meal and clothing through its Blessings Closet.  

STORY 5:   Floyd County Man Charged With Animal Cruelty 

A Floyd County man, Sylvester Askew, 59, was arrested for felony aggravated cruelty to animals after his dog was found on October 22 in poor conditions on Hasty Road. The dog lacked adequate food, water, and sanitary conditions, long toenails, and a fever. Askew remains in jail with a $5,000 bond as of Wednesday. 

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STORY 6: Catoosa Schools Honor Sheriff’s Office for Kids' Gift Program 

Catoosa County recently honored Sheriff Gary Sisk and resource officers for their contributions to the Stocking Full of Love program, which provides toys to 1,200 children annually. The Board of Education and Catoosa County Public Schools employees recognized them on December 12, bringing gifts and preparing breakfast for the event. Superintendent Chance Nix praised the partnership with Sheriff Sisk and the resource officers for ensuring school safety. The Stocking Full of Love program, started over 30 years ago, continues to grow, supporting 495 families each Christmas and other nonprofits throughout the year, thanks to community donations and volunteers. 

STORY 7:   Catoosa County Celebrates REACH Scholars 

Catoosa County Public Schools celebrated its eighth annual REACH Scholarship presentation, awarding four 8th-grade students a $10,000 college scholarship each. This state initiative supports academically promising students with academic, social, and financial resources. Superintendent Chance Nix praised the program and its sponsors, including the Catoosa County Sheriff and local businesses. REACH Scholars commit to maintaining good grades, behavior, and attendance, and engage with mentors and coaches. The scholarship is applicable at various Georgia educational institutions. The 2024 recipients are Aaron Cicilia, Angel Armondo Espinoza-Elliott, Scarlet Schorle, and Allie “Lulu” White. 

We will have closing comments after this 

COMMERCIAL: 11.12.24 MORGAN MEDICAL NOV_FINAL 

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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