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, March 27th, and happy 60th birthday to director Quentin Tarantino.

***03.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – QUENTIN TARANTINO***

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

1. Two Men from Calhoun Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Hospital Nurse
2. Georgia State Senate Approves Education Bill Amidst 'Culture Wars' Debate
3. Armuchee Educator Named Finalist in Georgia's Teacher of the Year Competition

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milks health benefits.

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: Calhoun Men Accused of Threatening Nurse at Hospital

Jonathan Riffle, aged 29, and Authur Riffle, aged 71, both residents of Calhoun, have been detained following an incident at AdventHealth Gordon.

Reports indicate that Jonathan Riffle became vocally aggressive and issued threats towards a nurse who was providing care for his mother's chest pain. Authur Riffle is also accused of threatening not only the nurse but a security guard as well, with both individuals displaying aggressive behavior which led to their removal from the hospital premises.

The accounts of witnesses at the scene have led to the issuance of arrest warrants on charges including disorderly conduct, felony terroristic threats, simple assault, and obstructing emergency professionals.

Jonathan Riffle was subsequently arrested at his residence, while Authur Riffle was taken into custody during a traffic stop. They are currently being held at Gordon County Jail, pending the setting of bond.

STORY 2: State Senate passes 'culture wars' education measure

The GA Senate recently approved House Bill 1104, which initially aimed to tackle mental health issues among student athletes but has since been expanded to include measures that have sparked significant debate.

The bill now encompasses restrictions on sex education, mandating it not begin before sixth grade, and introduces policies that affect transgender students, including regulations on bathroom usage according to birth certificate gender and prohibiting transgender males from participating in girls' sports.

Additionally, the bill requires parental notification for students' library book checkouts. Senator Clint Dixon supported the bill, highlighting its focus on safeguarding children and enhancing parental rights.

Conversely, Democrats have strongly opposed the bill's content and legislative process, labeling it as overly harsh and discriminatory towards LGBTQ students. The legislation is set to return to the House for final consideration.

STORY 3: Armuchee Resident is Finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year

Leigha Burnham, serving as a library media and technology specialist at Summerville Middle School in Chattooga County, has been distinguished as one of the ten finalists for the Georgia Teacher of the Year award.

Announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, Burnham's selection acknowledges her substantial contributions to advancing literacy and STEM education within her community.

With a notable career in education, she has been pivotal in establishing the school's inaugural STEM program, fostering an educational ethos centered on collaboration and creativity.

The process to determine the Georgia Teacher of the Year involves a rigorous evaluation, including formal interviews and presentations by the candidates, drawn from district-level Teachers of the Year.

The announcement of the winner is scheduled for May, with the recipient set to represent Georgia in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

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Back in a moment

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STORY 4: FOOTBALL: Hall Gets The Call To Shorter

Heritage High School senior, Tanner Hall, has officially committed to continue his football career with Shorter University.

At 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, the linebacker is set to join the Division II Hawks, potentially serving in a versatile capacity that may include positions as a linebacker, strong safety, or in a hybrid role.

Hall's impressive high school stats include 72 solo tackles, and multiple sacks and interceptions.

He thanked Shorter University for this significant opportunity, expressing his intent to fully dedicate himself to the team's success.

Heritage High's head coach, E.K. Slaughter, praises Hall for his leadership and substantial impact on the team, often referring to him as the "quarterback of the defense."

STORY 5: What new 4-way stops in Cedartown mean for drivers on College Street

Cedartown has introduced new traffic control measures on College Street by converting intersections at Jule Peek Avenue, West Girard Avenue, and Wissahickon Avenue into four-way stops.

This adjustment responds to anticipated traffic shifts resulting from the closure of North Main Street for bridge renovations.

Edward Guzman, the City Manager, highlighted that while these modifications are temporary, their effectiveness will be assessed after the construction work concludes. Previously, the stop requirement was only in place for West Girard and Jule Peek avenues.

With the update, all drivers at these intersections must now comply with the four-way stop regulations, enhanced by red flashing lights and LED-illuminated stop signs to improve visibility and safety.

Back in just a moment

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STORY 7: Leah McGrath

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk’s health benefits.

STORY 8: Leah McGrath

***Leah McGrath Interview***

We’ll have closing comments after this.

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Sign off--

Thanks again for listening to today’s Northwest Georgia News podcast.  For more on these stories and other great content visit northwestgeorgianews.com. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast.

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network

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