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JOIN US SATURDAY MORNINGS ON AM-1590... FOR A REPORT ON ALL THE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES!   TUNE IN AT NEWS TIME, JUST PAST 6,7 AND 8 AM SATURDAYS... THE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUBWAY OF LAFAYETTE AND FOUNTAIN PLAZA CAR WASH AND FAST-LUBE. 
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FRIDAY FOOTBALL SCORES:

TRION 21 - LAFAYETTE 0   THE RAMBLERS LOST THEIR HOME-OPENER... THEY'RE 1 AND 1 ON THE SEASON.

GORDON LEE HAD AN OPEN DATE FRIDAY
ALLATOONA 17 - RIDGELAND 14
HERITAGE 28 - LFO 0
RINGGOLD 25 - MURPHY 20
PEPPERELL 14 - CHATTOOGA 6
DADE CO. 19 - ADAIRSVILLE 11
DALTON 55 - MURRAY CO. 0
CREEKVIEW 18 - NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 0
CALHOUN 49 - ARMUCHEE 13
GORDON CENTRAL 34 - COOSA 19
SONORAVILLE 14 - MODEL 13
ROCKMART 43 - NORTH MURRAY 3
ROME 27 - CASS 14
CARTERSVILLE 28 - DARLINGTON 23
PICKENS CO. 14 - FANNIN CO. 10

    THIS YEAR'S LABOR DAY CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW, TO BENEFIT THE WALKER COUNTY STOCKING FULL OF LOVE, IS READY TO ROLL.  ACTUALLY, THERE ARE THREE EVENTS PLANNED....
    ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th... IT'S THE STOCKING FULL OF LOVE POKER RUN FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS... AND THE ANNUAL "SOCK HOP" AT THE WALKER COUNTY CIVIC CENTER.  REGISTRATION FOR THE POKER RUN STARTS AT 11:30 SUNDAY MORNING... WITH FIRST BIKE OUT AT 12:30.   THE SOCK HOP WILL BE HELD FROM 7 - 11 PM SUNDAY... FEATURING MUSIC BY VICKI ROBERTS, THE DAMAGED GOODS BAND AND THE BOURBON STREET BAND.  ADMISSION TO THE SOCK HOP IS $3 PER PERSON, $5 PER COUPLE... AND CHILDREN UNDER 6, FREE.   
    THEN ON LABOR DAY MONDAY... THE CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW WILL FEATURE GREAT FOOD... FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY... AND OVER 100 AWARDS.  REGISTRATION WILL BE HELD FROM 8 - 11:30 AM AT THE WALKER COUNTY CIVIC CENTER.  ON SPECIAL EXHIBIT WILL BE RACE CARS BY BILL ELLIOTT AND ELLIOTT SADLER.
    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE AL MILLARD MEMORIAL STOCKING FULL OF LOVE... WHICH PROVIDES CHRISTMAS FOR DESERVING KIDS ALL ACROSS WALKER COUNTY.   FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 706 638 1909... EXTENSION 276.

    MONDAY IS LABOR DAY... CITY, COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED... ALONG WITH BANKS AND THE POST OFFICE.  WALKER COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL ALSO HAVE A DAY-OFF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th.

     FOLLOWING A TIP... AUTHORITIES HAVE MADE AN ARREST IN A "SMASH AND GRAB" DRUG THEFT FROM MEDI-THRIFT PHARMACY IN LAFAYETTE. 
    JEREMY SHANE EDWARDS WAS ARRESTED DURING A TRAFFIC STOP THIS WEEK.   A WARRANT FOR HIS ARREST WAS ISSUED BY LAFAYETTE POLICE AFTER AN UN-NAMED ACQUAINTANCE OF EDWARDS' TOLD INVESTIGATORS HE HAD ADMITTED TO THE CRIME.
    SEVERAL HUNDRED PAIN PILLS WERE TAKEN FROM THE PHARMACY EARLY ON THE MORNING OF SUNDAY, JULY 11th.  A WINDOW WAS SMASHED AND SECURITY VIDEO INDICATED THE BURGLAR WAS ONLY IN THE STORE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES.   STREET VALUE OF THE DRUGS TAKEN WAS AROUND $4,500.
    POLICE SAY EDWARDS, OF A HIGHWAY 136 ADDRESS... HAS CONFESSED TO THE CRIME.  HE IS A SUSPECT IN ANOTHER PHARMACY BREAK-IN REPORTED IN THE ROME AREA.  

   THE 10-YEAR OLD GIRL, INJURED BY A B-B SHOT TO THE EYE... IS NOW SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.  MEGAN NEAL, A 4th GRADER AT CHICKAMAUGA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL... IS SAID TO BE "IN A SLEEP-LIKE STATE"... BUT SHE DOES RESPOND BY SQUEEZING HANDS.
    IN WHAT SHERIFF STEVE WILSON HAS CALLED "A TRAGIC ACCIDENT"... MEGAN WAS SHOT IN THE EYE BY A B-B GUN... AND THE PROJECTILE LODGED IN THE BACK OF HER BRAIN.
    THOUSANDS OF WELL-WISHERS HAVE CONTACTED THE FAMILY ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE "PRAYERS FOR MEGAN".

     WALKER COUNTY COMMISSIONER BEBE HEISKELL HAS SIGNED THE AGREEMENT TO BEGIN DESIGN WORK FOR AN ADDITION AND RENOVATION PROJECT ON THE LAFAYETTE - WALKER LIBRARY.
    KILLIAN CLARK PARTNERSHIP, INCORPORATED WILL PROVIDE THE DESIGN SERVICES AND WILL OVERSEE BIDDING AND CONSTRUCTION ON THE PROJECT AS WELL.  THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE SAME FIRM DESIGNED THE NEW ARMUCHEE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER AND FIRE HALL, WHICH WILL BE OPENING SOON.
    THE LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT HAS A 4-MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET... WITH 1.5-MILLION COMING FROM THE COUNTY SPLOST AND ANOTHER 500-THOUSAND FROM CITY SPLOST FUNDS.  THE REST IS COMING FROM THE STATE AND OTHER SOURCES.
    THE EXPANSION WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR A MUCH LARGER COMPUTER LAB, STUDY ROOMS, A YOUNG ADULT AND TEEN SECTION AND AN EXPANDED GENEALOGY ROOM.   THE FRONT FACADE OF THE LIBRARY WILL BE TOTALLY NEW... ENTRY WILL BE MOVED TO THE CITY HALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING... AND EXPANDED PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE REAR. 

    AN OFFICER WITH THE CATOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS ARRESTED IN WALKER COUNTY FOLLOWING A SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT LAST WEEK.
    38 YEAR OLD JOSH HERBERT WAS CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AFTER RUNNING HIS CAR OFF OF CHATTANOOGA VALLEY ROAD.   HE WAS OFF-DUTY AT THE TIME.  HIS VEHICLE STRUCK A UTILITY POLE - AND HE WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BY THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
    SHERIFF PHIL SUMMERS SAID IN A RELEASE YESTERDAY... THAT "HE'S DISAPPOINTED" IN HERBERT'S ACTIONS.   HE'S BEEN PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE FROM HIS JOB AS A COURT SERVICES DEPUTY... PENDING THE INVESTIGATION.

    THE UNITED WAY OF WALKER, DADE AND CATOOSA COUNTIES HAS SET AN AMBITIOUS GOAL... TO RAISE 540-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN THE THREE-COUNTY AREA.  LAST YEAR'S GOAL... WHICH WAS MET AND EXCEEDED... WAS 500-THOUSAND. 
    UNITED WAY FUNDS SCOUTING PROGRAMS, WALKER COUNTY 4-H, THE EMPTY STOCKING FUND, FOUR-POINTS AND MANY OTHER AGENCIES THAT SERVE THE PUBLIC.  MONIES RAISED IN NORTH GEORGIA ARE RETURNED TO PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT WALKER, DADE AND CATOOSA COUNTIES.
    FIND OUT MORE AT THEIR WEB SITE:   WWW.LIVEUNITEDWCD.ORG.

    FORT OGLETHORPE'S 6th CAVALRY MUSEUM WILL PRESENT "REMEMBERING OUR HERO'S"... A SPECIAL EVENT THIS SATURDAY AT THE POLO FIELD.
    REINACTORS WILL DEMONSTRATE WORLD WAR II FIGHTING TACTICS, VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.   30 TO 40 REINACTORS ARE EXPECTED FROM 11 AM UNTIL 2 PM SATURDAY.  ADMISSION IS $5 FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE. 
    THEN SATURDAY NIGHT, GENERAL GEORGE PATTON'S GRANDSON, GEORGE PATTON WATERS, WILL SPEAK AT A DINNER AND AUCTION AT THE COLONNADE IN RINGGOLD.   ADMISSION IS $25 PER PERSON.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 706 861 2860.  PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE 6th CAVALRY MUSEUM.

     FORT OGLETHORPE HOSTS "LABOR DAY AT THE POST" MONDAY.  IT KICKS-OFF WITH A PARADE AT 11 AM... ENDING AT THE POLO FIELD ON BARNHARDT CIRCLE.  THE DAY CONTINUES WITH MUSIC, FOOD, ARTS AND CRAFTS AND A KIDS FUN ZONE, FROM 11 AM UNTIL 5 PM MONDAY. 

     CHATTOOGA COUNTY'S FORMER STATE COURT JUDGE WILL PAY A 15-THOUSAND DOLLAR FINE TO END AN ELECTION FRAUD INVESTIGATION.   CARLTON VINES WILL ALSO GET A PUBLIC REPRIMAND FROM THE STATE ELECTIONS BOARD.
    CHARGES AGAINST VINES INCLUDED ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF BALLOTS, CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ELECTION FRAUD AND FALSE SWEARING, FROM A 2006 CAMPAIGN.  THE CRIMINAL CHARGES WERE DROPPED LAST YEAR IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS RESIGNATION AND PROMISE NEVER TO SEEK A JUDGESHIP AGAIN.

    THE FIRST OF THREE GEORGIA DOVE SEASONS WILL OPEN THIS SATURDAY AT NOON.   THIS YEAR'S DATES ARE SEPTEMBER 4 - 19... OCTOBER 9 - 17... AND NOVEMBER 25 - JANUARY 8.
    GEORGIA D.N.R. SAYS... DON'T EXPECT MUCH ACTION ON THE LOCAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS... AS VERY LITTLE MONEY WAS AVAILABLE FOR PLANTING THE DOVE FIELDS THIS YEAR.   THIS YEAR'S BAG LIMIT FOR DOVE IS 15 PER HUNTER.

    THE BARWICK - LAFAYETTE AIRPORT IS APPLYING FOR A GRANT TO BUILD ANTI-DEER FENCING ALONG THE RUNWAY.  THE ONE-GEORGIA AUTHORITY GRANT, IF APPROVED, WOULD PROVIDE A HALF-MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE 10-FOOT FENCE.
    DEER ARE FREQUENTLY SEEN ON THE AIRSTRIP.  ACCORDING TO AIRPORT CO-MANAGER, RON WESTBROOK... THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW CLOSE CALLS... BUT SO FAR, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PLANE-DEER COLLISIONS.
    AIRCRAFT LANDING OR TAKING OFF WOULD HAVE LITTLE CONTROL IF AN ANIMAL SUDDENLY LUNGED INTO THEIR PATH... AS THEY SO OFTEN DO WITH CARS ON ROADWAYS.   WESTBROOK SAID "IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC."
    THE PROPOSED 10-FOOT-TALL FENCE WOULD BE NEARLY 2 MILES IN LENGTH.

    FIRST, LAFAYETTE LOST BURGER KING... THEN DOMINO'S... AND NOW, ANOTHER NATIONAL CHAIN HAS CLOSED ITS RESTAURANT DOORS.
    KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN ON NORTH MAIN CLOSED TUESDAY... AND THE BUILDING IS FOR SALE.  15 EMPLOYEES WERE LAID-OFF IN THE CLOSING.
    A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OWNERS SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH KFC OVER FACILITY REQUIREMENTS AT THE LOCAL FRANCHISE STORE.

    SUPPORTERS OF THE CARE MISSION RECEIVED TOURS DURING AN "OPEN HOUSE" TUESDAY... AND DIRECTORS DEN AND KENDRA PHILLIPS SAY WITH THE CURRENT ECONOMY... THEIR MINISTRY HAS BEEN EXTREMELY BUSY.
    THE CARE MISSION PROVIDES FOOD AND CLOTHING TO THOSE IN NEED... AND A NEW RECORD WAS SET DURING THE MONTH OF JULY:   501 FAMILIES WERE SERVED DURING THE MONTH.
    IN FACT, THE CARE MISSION HAS HELPED ALMOST AS MANY FAMILIES THROUGH AUGUST OF 2010, AS THEY DID IN THE ENTIRE YEAR - 2009.  THAT AMOUNTS TO OVER 7,500 INDIVIDUALS SERVED SO FAR THIS YEAR.
    THE PHILLIPS SAID "WE HAVE NEVER RUN OUT OF FOOD - GOD CONTINUES TO PROVIDE."  SINCE THE MINISTRY OPENED IN 2005, THE MISSION HAS DISTRIBUTED 518 TONS OF FOOD.  THE CARE MISSION ALSO HELPS FAMILIES TO "START OVER" AFTER A CRISIS... LIKE HOME FIRES, FLOODING, DIVORCE, DOMESTIC ABUSE OR JOB LOSSES.
    THE STORE IS SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS AND BY THE THRIFT STORE THEY OPERATE ON NORTH CHATTANOOGA STREET.  THE CARE MISSION IS OPEN WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SATURDAYS.   SUPPORT MAY BE SENT TO THE CARE MISSION, 105 NORTH CHATTANOOGA STREET, LAFAYETTE - 30728.   OR CALL FOR INFORMATION, 706 638 3664.

    THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE HAS BEEN AWARDED A HALF-MILLION DOLLAR LOAN TO UPGRADE IT'S WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.   GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE AUTHORITY DIRECTOR PHIL FOIL MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TUESDAY.
    "THE FEDERAL WATER AND SEWER PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY GEFA, ASSIST LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH IMPROVING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE", FOIL SAID.   HE EXPRESSED APPRECIATION TO THE GOVERNOR, STATE SENATOR JEFF MULLIS AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE JAY NEAL FOR THEIR SUPPORT.  
    THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE WILL PAY 3-PERCENT INTEREST ON THE 20-YEAR LOAN... AND THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE WILL LOWER THE COST OF UTILITIES TO RUN THE SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITY FOR YEARS TO COME.  

    RESERVE SEASON TICKETS FOR RAMBLER HOME FOOTBALL GAMES ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE.  SEASON TICKETS FOR SEATING ONLY, ARE $40 PER PERSON... OR CHOOSE RESERVE SEATS WITH PRE-PAID PARKING, FOR $50.
    RESERVED PARKING PLACES ARE SOLD SEPARATELY FROM RESERVED SEATING... A LIMITED NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIVE HOME GAMES, AT $40.
    A GENERAL ADMISSION FAMILY PASS IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES OF 3 OR MORE...AT $100.
    MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL... AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 706 638 2342, EXTENSION ZERO.  THE RAMBLER'S FIRST HOME GAME IS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, AGAINST TRION.

     THE DEADLINE FOR CRAFT VENDORS TO APPLY FOR SPACE AT THIS YEAR'S BALLOONS AND TUNES FESTIVAL IS FAST APPROACHING.  VENDORS WILL BE SELECTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AND MUST SUBMIT A RECENT PHOTO OF THEIR SETUP OR BUSINESS SITE.   APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE AT WWW (DOT) BALLOONS AND TUNES FESTIVAL (DOT) COM.
    IN ADDITION TO ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDORS, THE FESTIVAL WELCOMES INFORMATION BOOTHS FROM BUSINESSES.   ELECTRIC HOOKUPS ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.  
    THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE ROCK SPRING INDUSTRIAL PARK SEPTEMBER 24 - 26.   CALL THE CHAMBER AT 706 375 7702 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

   A REPORT ON CHATTANOOGA-AREA CRIME STATISTICS HAS NOTED RINGGOLD AND ROSSVILLE AS PROBLEM AREAS.  THE CRIME REPORT WAS RELEASED BY THE OCHS CENTER FOR METROPOLITAN STUDIES IN CHATTANOOGA... WHICH GATHERED CRIME DATA REPORTED SINCE 2003.
    RINGGOLD IN PARTICULAR HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST CRIME RATES PER 100,000 RESIDENTS... WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER REGIONAL CITIES.   PROPERTY CRIMES SHOW THE BIGGEST GROWTH IN THE RINGGOLD AREA... PARTICULARLY THEFTS FROM VEHICLES.
    IN ROSSVILLE AND NORTH WALKER COUNTY... HOUSE BREAK-INS ARE AMONG THE MOST FREQUENT PROPERTY CRIMES REPORTED.
    EXPERTS SAY THAT A COMBINATION OF DRUGS, POPULATION GROWTH AND A POOR ECONOMY EXPLAIN MUCH OF THE CRIME-RATE GROWTH IN THE NORTH GEORGIA TOWNS THAT BORDER CHATTANOOGA.  THE REPORT PLACED CHATTANOOGA 11th IN THE NATION, IN TERMS OF OVERALL CRIME STATS.

   ONE OF THE VICTIMS IN A BIRTHDAY PARTY SHOOT-OUT LAST WEEK... IS NOW BEING CALLED A "HERO" BY THOSE WHO KNEW HIM.
    41 YEAR OLD KENNETH SIMONSON DIED AFTER THE SHOOTING SPREE AT THE WHITFIELD COUNTY HOME OF HIS EX-WIFE THURSDAY NIGHT... BUT NOT BEFORE HE SWEPT HIS THREE CHILDREN TO SAFETY IN AN UPPER FLOOR OF THE HOUSE... AND SHIELDED TWO OF THEM FROM GUNSHOTS WITH HIS OWN BODY.  SIMONSON IS ALSO CREDITED WITH CREATING A DIVERSION THAT ALLOWED THEIR MOTHER TO ESCAPE WITH HER LIFE.
    THE INITIAL SHOOTER WAS IDENTIFIED AS MINDY BULLARD'S EX-BOYFRIEND... WHO WITNESSES SAY CAME TO THE PARTY DRUNK AND ANGRY.   DAVID DWIGHT HARTLINE OF SUMMERVILLE WAS KILLED IN THE SHOOTOUT, ALONG WITH BULLARD'S DAD, EDWARD HENRY MANZ III.   BULLARD, WHOSE DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY WAS THE REASON FOR THE GATHERING, WAS WOUNDED IN THE LEGS AND BROKE HER ANKLE IN A FALL FROM THE SECOND STORY, BUT SHE IS RECOVERING. THE CHILDREN WERE ALL UNHURT.

    A LABOR-DAY-WEEKEND TRADITION IS BACK THIS YEAR... THE ANNUAL KENSINGTON RODEO WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
    THE COVE ARENA IS LOCATED OFF HOG JOWL ROAD WEST OF LAFAYETTE.   FOLLOW THE SIGNS OUT 193 WEST OF LAFAYETTE.   GATES OPEN AT 6 PM... WITH RODEO ACTION STARTING AT 8 O'CLOCK BOTH NIGHTS.   ADULT ADMISSION IS $12 PER PERSON... KIDS 11 AND UNDER, $5.  

    EXCELLENT SCORES CONTINUED IN LAST WEEK'S RESTAURANT AND KITCHEN INSPECTIONS BY WALKER ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH.
    ROCK SPRING ELEMENTARY SCORED A 96, FOR AN "A"...   AND SUBWAY OF LAFAYETTE ON NORTH MAIN, ALSO HAD AN "A" INSPECTION.
    SCORING "B'S" LAST WEEK IN LAFAYETTE, WERE C.J.'S AND DON LOLO'S.

   ONE OF WALKER COUNTY'S "MOST WANTED" WAS HOSPITALIZED LAST WEEK... FOLLOWING A DRUG OVERDOSE - ACCORDING TO SHERIFF STEVE WILSON.
    CASEY LEE GAMBLE WAS BEING SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THE ILLEGAL SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN THE CHICKAMAUGA AREA.   ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF, GAMBLE TURNED HIMSELF IN... BUT WAS SENT TO THE HUTCHESON I.C.U. AFTER AN APPARENT OVERDOSE.
    CHICKAMAUGA POLICE TALKED TO GAMBLE BY PHONE EARLIER THIS MONTH... TRYING TO PERSUADE HIM TO SURRENDER.  REPORTEDLY, GAMBLE TOLD POLICE:  "HAPPY HUNTING", BEFORE HANGING UP.
    A TOTAL OF NINE PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOLLOWING A 3-MONTH INVESTIGATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG SALES.  MUCH OF THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITY WAS CENTERED AROUND A CHICKAMAUGA TANNING SALON, WHICH IS NOW CLOSED.

    WALKER COUNTY'S UNEMPLOYMENT ROLES GREW BY 235 FROM JUNE TO JULY... CAUSING MORE THAN A HALF-PERCENT JUMP IN THE LATEST FIGURES.  
    UNEMPLOYMENT HERE WAS 9.4 PERCENT IN JULY... UP FROM 8.8 THE PREVIOUS MONTH.  THAT'S AN INCREASE OF 6-TENTHS OF A PERCENTAGE POINT.
    CHATTOOGA COUNTY HAD A SIMILAR JUMP... RISING FROM 11.2 IN JUNE TO 11.8 PERCENT IN JULY.
    CATOOSA COUNTY'S UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE SLIGHTLY TO 8 PERCENT.   AND IN WHITFIELD COUNTY, UNEMPLOYMENT DROPPED SLIGHTLY TO 11.6 PERCENT IN JULY.
    FOR THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGION, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REPORTS UNEMPLOYMENT AT 10.6 PERCENT FOR JULY... UP BY ONE-TENTH OF A PERCENT OVER THE MONTH. 

    THE WALKER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2010 "CITIZEN OF THE YEAR" AWARD.   IT'S PRESENTED TO A CITIZEN OF WALKER COUNTY WHO HAS PERFORMED MERITORIOUS SERVICE ABOVE AND BEYOND THAT WHICH IS NORMALLY EXPECTED.  EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS WILL BE CONSIDERED.  
    THE RECIPIENT WILL BE HONORED AT THE WALKER COUNTY GALA ON OCTOBER 23rd AT THE CHATTANOOGAN HOTEL.  NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT THE CIVIC CENTER... OR ONLINE AT WALKER CO CHAMBER (DOT) COM.   THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS OCTOBER 1st.   CONTACT THE CHAMBER WITH QUESTIONS, AT 706 375 7702. 

    THE APRIL EXPLOSION THAT LEVELED A THREE-STORY HOUSE IN CALHOUN, GEORGIA... WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT.  THAT WAS THE ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY FROM THE INSURANCE AND SAFETY FIRE COMMISSIONER. 
    THE NATURAL GAS EXPLOSION AT A HOME IN THE SADDLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT DAMAGED NEARLY 60 OTHER HOMES IN THE AREA AND 8 FAMILIES WERE LEFT HOMELESS.  DAMAGES FROM THE BLAST TOPPED 6-MILLION DOLLARS... BUT NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
    INSURANCE COMMISSIONER JOHN OXENDINE SAID "EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT SOMEONE WENT INTO THE HOME AND TAMPERED WITH A GAS LINE."   AND WHILE THE OFFICIAL RULING MAKES ARSON THE CAUSE... INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL WORKING ON THE QUESTION:  "WHAT MADE THE EXPLOSION SO HUGE?"  
    NO SUSPECTS WERE NAMED... BUT REWARDS OF UP TO 10-THOUSAND DOLLARS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION IN THE CASE. 

    THE WALKER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON OPEN TWO NEW STATIONS... ACCORDING TO CHIEF RANDY CAMP.
    STATION 2 WILL BE MOVING FROM THE OLD LINWOOD FIRE STATION TO A NEW LOCATION ON OLD MINERAL SPRINGS ROAD.   THE NEW LOCATION WILL MEAN A BETTER FIRE RATING FOR HOME-OWNERS.
    THE OTHER MOVE IS PLANNED FOR STATION 14 IN VILLANOW.  IT WILL BE MOVING ABOUT A HALF-MILE INTO THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED "EAST ARMUCHEE COMMUNITY CENTER" COMPLEX.  THAT BUILDING WILL ALSO HOUSE A SHERIFF'S OFFICE, COMMUNITY CENTER AND VOTING PRECINCT.
    BOTH FIRE HALLS WERE BUILT LARGELY WITH FUNDS FROM THE 'SPLOST' PENNY SALES TAX.

     A LAFAYETTE CHURCH WILL SOON BE OFFERING ADULTS FREE HELP WITH LEARNING TO READ AND WRITE... OR STUDYING FOR THE G.E.D.  HARBOR LIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH WILL BEGIN SATURDAY CLASSES, BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 11th... AND ADULTS 18 AND OVER ARE WELCOME.   CLASSES WILL BE TAUGHT BY QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS, FROM 9 AM TIL 1 PM.   THE CHURCH IS LOCATED AT 600 CRANE STREET, THE FORMER FORTUNE SCHOOL LOCATION.   ALL CLASSES ARE FREE... FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 423 902 3101.

     FORT OGLETHORPE OFFICIALS HAVE SET THE DATE FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE SEAT OF THE LATE MAYOR, RONNIE COBB.   THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 2nd... THE SAME DAY AS THE NATIONAL MID-TERM ELECTION, BUT VOTING FOR MAYOR WILL TAKE PLACE ONLY AT FORT OGLETHORPE CITY HALL.
    THE SPECIAL ELECTION WILL FILL THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM.  MAYOR COBB DIED UNEXPECTEDLY LAST WEEK... AND FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD FRIDAY.

     MORE BROADBAND INTERNET IS COMING TO NORTHWEST GEORGIA.  A 21-MILLION DOLLAR GRANT HAS BEEN APPROVED IN THE LATEST ROUND OF FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY... AND WALKER COUNTY IS ON THE LIST TO BENEFIT.
    LARRY BROOKS WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE LOCAL SHARE WILL BE USED TO CONNECT "LATERALS" TO THE EXISTING FIBER-OPTIC CABLE... WHICH WAS INSTALLED ADJACENT TO RAILROAD TRACKS SEVERAL YEARS AGO.   THAT MAIN CABLE RUNS THROUGH ROSSVILLE, CHICKAMAUGA AND LAFAYETTE.  THE "LATERALS" WILL ALLOW FOR CONNECTION TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BROADBAND CUSTOMERS... ALTHOUGH THE SPECIFIC LOCATIONS TO BE SERVED ARE NOT YET KNOWN. 
    BROOKS SAID THE WALKER COUNTY COURTHOUSE WILL LIKELY BE CONNECTED THROUGH AN UNDERGROUND LATERAL LINE.  BUT AFTER THAT INFRA-STRUCTURE IS IN THE GROUND... OTHERS WOULD BE ABLE TO CONNECT FOR BROADBAND SERVICE AT A LATER TIME.
    THE GRANT, ANNOUNCED BY THE WHITE HOUSE... WILL SERVE THREE COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST ALABAMA AND NINE GEORGIA COUNTIES.   WALKER, DADE AND CHATTOOGA WILL ALL GET SERVICE IN OUR AREA.
    THE ACTUAL "BUILD-OUT" OF THE PROJECT WILL BE DONE BY TWO COMPANIES... PARKER FIBERNET OF SUMMERVILLE... AND BLUE STREAK OF FLORIDA... ACCORDING TO BROOKS.
    ANOTHER GRANT, ANNOUNCED EARLIER THROUGH THE USDA.... WILL ALSO BENEFIT WALKER COUNTY BROADBAND CUSTOMERS BY HELPING WINDSTREAM EXPAND THEIR NETWORK.
    WALKER COUNTY IS PART OF THE LOWER APPALACHIAN VALLEY - WHICH HAS BEEN TARGETED BY THE FEDS FOR BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT, DUE TO THE LOSS OF JOBS HERE IN RECENT YEARS.

    A NEW BROCHURE IS OUT, COVERING THE 1864 "BATTLE OF LAFAYETTE".   THE LAFAYETTE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND THE MAIN STREET DESIGN COMMITTEE UPDATED THE BROCHURE, ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY THE LAFAYETTE WOMAN'S CLUB.  IT HAS NEW PHOTOS AND INFORMATION... A MAP, PLUS A NARRATIVE OF THE CIVIL WAR BATTLE FOUGHT HERE.
    FUNDING FOR THE PUBLICATION WAS PROVIDED THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE BIKE, WALK NORTHWEST GEORGIA PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL COMMISSION.  IT IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED AT SITES IN WALKER COUNTY... INCLUDING CHATTOOGA ACADEMY, ALSO KNOWN AS GORDON HALL, ON NORTH MAIN IN LAFAYETTE... AND AT LAFAYETTE CITY HALL.
    THE NEW BROCHURE WILL BE USED AT A "WALKING BREAKFAST"... PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd... PRIOR TO "HERITAGE DAY" EVENTS AT THE MARSH HOUSE.   THE BREAKFAST WALK WILL START AT JOE STOCK MEMORIAL PARK AT 8:30 THAT MORNING.

     FOUR CANDIDATES HAVE QUALIFIED FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION IN ROSSVILLE, TO FILL THE SEAT OF THE LATE COUNCILMAN NATHAN BAIN... WHO DIED JULY 21st.
    CANDIDATES INCLUDE HIS WIDOW, MAXINE BAIN... FORMER POLICE CHIEF CHARLES 'PAPPY' DUNN, DANA BLEVINS AND FORMER MAYOR CANDIDATE, JOYCE WALL.  THE SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 21st.

    THE LAFAYETTE CITY COUNCIL HAS SET THE DATE FOR THIS YEAR'S "SCARE ON THE SQUARE" EVENT.  SINCE HALLOWEEN FALLS ON A SUNDAY THIS YEAR, THE ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT IN LAFAYETTE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29th.  THE MAJORITY OF DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS REQUESTED THE EVENT BE HELD ON FRIDAY.  THE RAMBLERS WILL HAVE A HOME FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST RINGGOLD THAT SAME EVENING.

     AN INITIAL LOOK AT WALKER COUNTY'S CRITERION REFERENCED TESTING SHOWS ENCOURAGING RESULTS FROM 2010, COMPARED TO '09.  HERE'S A SAMPLE OF THIS YEAR'S PROGRESS... LOOKING AT THIRD GRADE RESULTS FROM WALKER COUNTY SCHOOLS:
IN READING, 93.1 PERCENT PASSED, UP 3.9 PERCENT FROM 2009.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, 89.4 PERCENT PASSED, UP 2 PERCENT.
MATH, 80.4 PERCENT PASSED, UP 3.1 PERCENT.
SCIENCE, 86.8 PERCENT PASSED, UP 2.5 PERCENT.
AND IN SOCIAL STUDIES, 84.2 PERCENT PASSED, UP 5.5 PERCENT FROM 2009.
    THERE WERE SIMILAR IMPROVEMENTS IN 4th, 6th, 7th AND 8th GRADE SCORES.  THE ONE PROBLEM AREA APPEARED TO BE WALKER COUNTY'S 5th GRADE CLASSES, WHERE SEVERAL SUBJECTS HAD A SLIGHTLY LOWER RATE OF STUDENTS PASSING.
FOR 5th GRADE, IN READING...
92.1 PERCENT PASSED, DOWN BY 1.5 PERCENT FROM 2009.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, 93.2 PASSED, DOWN BY 1.6 PERCENT.
MATH, 81 PERCENT PASSED, UP 1.1 PERCENT. 
SCIENCE, 85.8 PASSED, DOWN 0.8 PERCENT.
AND IN SOCIAL STUDIES, 81.3 PASSED, DOWN 0.6 PERCENT.   
    CRCT SCORES ARE A MAJOR FACTOR IN COMPILING EACH SCHOOL'S ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS. 

   THE 2010 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE HAS BEEN RELEASED FOR THE LAFAYETTE HIGH RAMBLERS... IN THEIR OPENING SEASON UNDER THE DIRECTION OF HEAD COACH, TAB GABLE.
    IT STARTS AUGUST 27th AT CHATTOOGA... FOLLOWED BY A HOME GAME AGAINST TRION.  LAFAYETTE PLAYS AT CARTERSVILLE AND MURRAY COUNTY... FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN DATE ON SEPTEMBER 24.
    IN OCTOBER, LAFAYETTE PLAYS AT SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD... FOLLOWED BY A HOME GAME AGAINST CROSS-COUNTY RIVAL, RIDGELAND.  LAFAYETTE PLAYS AT HERITAGE... THEN HEADS HOME TO PLAY DALTON... FINISHING THE MONTH AGAINST RINGGOLD AT HOME.
    A CROSSOVER GAME ON NOVEMBER 7th WILL DETERMINE WHICH TEAMS HEAD TO THE STATE PLAYOFFS.

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