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(Mostly from a Berry PR release) Another $3 million has been donated toward Berry College’s planned Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center, bringing the total to $12 million. The gift is from a philanthropic foundation that prefers to remain unnamed.

The college’s $100 million Century Campaign, which topped its goal in November, now stands at $104 million.

The $32.5 million Cage Center is the final major priority of the Century Campaign and has emerged as a separate project.

The donation comes just as Berry prepares for its fall graduation ceremonies (2:30 p.m. Saturday; County Commission Jerry Jennings, a Berry psychology professor, is the speaker)

"This gift represents a strong vote of confidence in Berry College and the value of the Cage Center to our students," said Berry President Scott Colley. "We believe the gift will serve as a catalyst for the support of others and are deeply grateful."

College officials want to break ground as soon as possible. That goal depends on the level of funds raised.

"Our board is solidly behind this project and all would like to see the Cage Center built as soon as possible, particularly as we watch construction costs rise. Fiscal responsibility, however, requires that we move prudently. We expect to break ground when we have raised approximately 50 percent of its cost,” Colley said.

Rising construction costs caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as other factors pushed the estimated cost of the project from $28.5 million to the current $32.5 million.

The Cage Center is planned to be a three-level, 124,000-square-foot facility housing extensive fitness, recreation and sporting facilities. A nearly 2,000-seat intercollegiate sports arena that also is suitable for concerts, convocation, major speakers and other events is at the center of the structure.

Floor seating would increase capacity by 900, and the arena would convert into three recreational courts for basketball and volleyball.

Also included are two racquetball courts, an eight-lane pool with observation seating, a multipurpose court, physical education classrooms, a complete fitness center, multipurpose rooms for aerobics and other student activities, athletic training facilities, offices, sports locker rooms and a Hall of Sports History.

The Hall of Sports History has been named for the late Garland and Edward Dickey; the racquetball courts have been named in honor of former Dean of Students Tom Carver.

"One of the most important components of the Cage Center project is its role in uniting the Berry community," Colley stated. "Through its location adjacent to the Krannert Student Center, the Cage will create a natural hub of activity on our 28,000-acre campus. It will be tied to the academic and residential areas of the campus by an outdoor plaza, which has been funded by alumni Harold and Suzi Golden Kilpatrick."

RPD EARNS SIXTH NATIONAL ACCREDITATION: Rome's police department is nationally accredited for the sixth time. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. recently examined RPD's policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The department was required to comply with 383 standards. The department has now been accredited for 19 years.

"Accreditation brings a sense of pride and achievement to our department and employees as we again receive national recognition of professional excellence and continue to increase citizen confidence with improved delivery of law enforcement services,” said Chief Hubert Smith.

PFC Greg Nichols is the agency's accreditation manager. Accreditation is for three years, during which time the department must submit annual reports showing continued compliance with those standards under which it initially was accredited.

NANCY SMITH PARADE GRAND MARSHALNancy Loveday Smith will serve as grand marshal of this year's Rome Christmas Parade. The event begins a week from today, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Rome. The rain date: Thursday, Dec. 1. Smith owns N.L. Smithworks, a graphic design and marketing company, and a very active community volunteer. She is involved with a number of organizations, including the Rome Area Council for the Arts. This marked the third year Heritage First Bank has sponsored the grand marshal and given a breakfast in her/his honor.More than 100 entries will be featured in this year's parade. The theme: Christmas Around the World. BENNETT NAMED TOP TEACHER; HRUBES IS SUPPORT EMPLOYEE: Deborah Bennett, a sixth grade teacher at Elm Street Elementary, is the Rome City School System's teacher of the year. The support employee for the year is John Hrubes, a custodian at Southeast Elementary.Bennett will be entered into the state of Georgia competition.The other teacher of the year nominees were: • Rhonda Richards, kindergarten teacher at Anna K. Davie Elementary;
• Tara Davenport, first grade teacher at East Central Elementary;
• Marc Roberts, math coach at Main Elementary;
• Suzannah Yoder, sixth grade teacher at North Heights Elementary;
• Deborah Scoggins, science teacher at Rome Middle School;
• Dawn Faulkner, English teacher at Rome High School;
• Tiffany Abbott, fourth grade teacher at Southeast Elementary;
• Deanna Hackney, special education teacher at West Central Elementary; and
• Ronald DeAngelus, physical education teacher at West End Elementary.

Named as the 2007 Support Employees of the Year nominees are: • Rosa Spivey, custodian at Anna K. Davie Elementary;
• Sylvia Shields, special education paraprofessional at East Central Elementary;
• Sylvia Castillo, special education paraprofessional at Elm Street Elementary;
• Aurora Behner, classroom paraprofessional at Main Elementary;
• Debra J. Hall, special education paraprofessional at North Heights Elementary;
• Teresa McPherson, attendance clerk at Rome Middle School;
• Marie Coffey, secretary at Rome High School;
• Christy Ray, secretary at West Central Elementary;
• Doylene Burns, school nutrition manager at West End Elementary;
• Melinda Morrison, bus driver at Maintenance Department; and
• Paula Stanley, payroll clerk at Central Office.MORE RECORDS TO FALL? With highs today in the low 80s, it is likely we'll see a third straight day of record-high h eat. Monday and Tuesday set records and Saturday's high tied a record. This would be the first time high-temp records have been set on three straight days in November. In 1967, record lows were set on three straight days--Nov. 7, 8 and 9--the same days as this year's record highs.

(11/1) PROPOSALS DUE TODAY FOR NEW STADIUM: Work on the new Barron Stadium is whisking along faster than most realize. A "request for proposals" for what’s called the "Barron Stadium Sportsplex Project" as well as the Miracle League Field for handicapped baseball players was sent to architectural and engineering firms this past Monday. Responses are due by 4 p.m. today (11/1). Finalists are scheduled to be recommended by a week from today with the final selection set for Nov. 7.The document tells applicants to assume work will begin "on or about Nov. 15, 2005" with a completion date of next August in time for the 2006 football season.The stadium's price tag is estimated at $3.5 million to $4 million and that doesn’t include the construction cost of the special baseball field.The package also shows that the sports complex would be used by Rome High, Shorter College, Berry College and the Atlanta Braves.The stadium would accommodate these sports: high school and college football, prep and college soccer, prep and college track and field events, and high school lacrosse.As planned, the stadium would be equipped with a:

-Separate college and high school dressing rooms. -200-plus parking spacesMuch of the preliminary work has been done by Mike Page of P&C Design Build of Rome.

HENSON: 'HEART IS IN FLOYD COUNTY AND WITH FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOLS': Floyd County Schools Superintendent Kelly Henson's candidacy to be the next chief of Cobb County's massive school system is over. Henson, 56, said today he is withdrawing from consideration, five days after he interviewed with the Cobb school board in Marietta.

Said Henson in a statement: "I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Cobb County Board of Education for providing me the opportunity to discuss with them the position of superintendent in Cobb County Schools. Cobb is an excellent school system and I was very impressed with the high level of discussion of important educational issues that took place in our meeting. "However, in simplest terms, my heart is in Floyd County and with Floyd County Schools. We have an excellent school system and our employees are dedicated and skilled professionals. We have a professional and supportive Board of Education. "I am immensely proud to be a part of our school system. Therefore, I have decided not to pursue the position of superintendent in Cobb County Schools. I look forward to continuing to serve the employees, students, parents, and Board of Education in Floyd County." Henson worked in Marietta and Cobb County before being named Floyd's superintendent in 2001, was interviewed by Cobb board members on Sunday. Henson said he was "gratified" that the board "invited me to interview;" he did not apply. The Cobb job would have been a homecoming for Henson. He was a principal with the school system before becoming assistant superintendent with Marietta schools. The Cobb system has 105,000 students--10 times Floyd's head count--and is the second largest school system in the state. It also ranks in the top 30 or so systems in the nation. The Cobb system has been in the headlines recently for the controversial proposal of equipping students with laptop computers. The superintendent, Joe Redden, resigned under pressure. An investigation continues. Henson's time with the Floyd system has been a successful one. In addition to changing the system to the year-round calendar without a hitch, Coosa High last year won a Governor's Cup for improved SAT scores. Coosa Middle School recently was named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School as well. Henson also guided the school system through the Marcus Dixon case. WILLIS' SECRET: 'MUSIC HELPS CHILDREN TO REMEMBER'

Heather Willis was selected as the top teacher from three finalists. The other candidates were:

>Angela Lacey, a math teacher at Coosa High School>Apryl Hawkins, a language arts teacher at Pepperell High School.

Willis has been teaching for seven years. She spent her first four years at Coosa Middle School and has spent the last three years at Cave Spring Elementary. She uses music as a part of her formula for success in teaching science to children. "I have found that putting a science concept to music helps children to remember so I make up little songs about a lesson we are studying," Willis said. "I see the children singing the songs to themselves during test and usually they will get those questions related to the songs right on the tests."

She'll now represent the Floyd County School System in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program. The top state teacher will be announced by the Georgia Department of Education in the spring. The Floyd County finalists were selected by a review committee from the Northwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency. The committee made the selections from written applications submitted by the "Teacher of the Year" representatives from each county school. Willis was selected by a panel from the Rome/Floyd Retired Teachers Association. The three finalists participated in interviews and classroom observations as a part of the selection process. Willis received $500, a plaque for her classroom and a "Teacher of the Year" commemorative apple from the Northwest Georgia Credit Union. Each finalist also received $100.00 from Northwest Georgia Credit Union. Teachers honored as individual school "Teachers of the Year" at the October meeting were:>Debra Hall, Alto Park Elementary

>Vivian Johnson, Armuchee Elementary>Tishanna McClure Defoor, Armuchee High>Tiffany Bobo, Armuchee Middle>Heather Willis, Cave Spring Elementary>Angela Lacey, Coosa High (and county finalist) >Sarah St. Clair, Coosa Middle.>Rob Boice, Floyd County Education Center>Hillari Knight, Floyd County Technical High.>Lisa Brewer, Garden Lakes Elementary.>Joan Little, Glenwood Primary>Denise Newby, Johnson Elementary>Sarah Durrett, McHenry Primary>April Cummings, Midway Primary>Pam Payton, Model Elementary>Terri Samuelson, Model High>Justin Castile, Model Middle>Margie Hunnicutt, Pepperell Primary>Patricia Sweezy, Pepperell Elementary>Apryl Hawkins, Pepperell High (and county finalist) >and Carla Clemones, Pepperell Middle.

LEVY PROPOSES SOUTH ROME HOME DEVELOPMENT>Rome businessman Ira Levy is attempting to form a non-profit development corporation that, in turn, would build homes on contiguous South Rome lots for purchase by area residents.

The plan is still coming together, Levy says. It would be somewhat similar to Habitat for Humanity but would not compete with it, he says. Instead, the homes would be sold to those qualifying for conventional mortgages.

If the home costs $45,000 to build, it would be sold for that amount, he said. Ballpark costs were put in the $45,000-to-$65,000 range and likely would include two-story Victorian-style design. Levy says he hopes the city would consider donating contiguous, reclaimed lots in neighborhoods off the main road, South Broad Street. In turn, the corporation would develop two or three models at a time and then start on additional homes once those are sold. The city would benefit because homeowners would be paying property taxes.He wants the project to grow in the same area and not on lots scattered throughout the South Rome community.

For now, Levy is awaiting non-profit status. He plans to form a committee and is sending letters to potential donors.

411 CONNECTOR HEARING SET FOR OCT. 24

Rome High School, which had the fourth highest SAT scores in the state this year, is among 35 regional winners in the Governor's Cup competition. In addition to awarding five Governor's Cups, Gov. Sonny Perdue also paid tribute to RHS and 34 other schools because of increase SAT scores. The list> SAT

BARRON HEARING: NEW DETAILS, UNANSWERED QUESTIONS Interesting udpates have been made to the latest draft of the "binding memorandum of understanding" between the city of Rome and developers Dee Yancey and Doc Kibler.A "summary" of the "West Third Street Redevelopment Project" was distributed at Tuesday afternoon's public hearing. It outlines a series of key points regarding the project. To access a scanned copy of that document, click HERE (we apologize for the quality; it is an issue on this end).The summary outlines some key parts of the pending agreement set to go before the City Commission for approval or rejection on Sept. 29. What is clear is this: City officials have taken dramatic steps to police this agreement. But much more is needed, especially answers to key, lingering questions (see below).As for the changes:Example: the project management fee suggested by the developers has not only been reduced greatly but it also is staggered per phase of development. It pays the developers a bit more each time. Even at the top rate, 3 percent, the figure is still a third of the originally proposed amount.What has yet to be resolved: Where to place the rec offices and facilities. The Marine Armory is now being considered. An option was needed after voters rejected the June SPLOST package (so much for the stadium project not being tied to the special purpose tax package).Also: The second pedestrian bridge over the rivers, further linking downtown to the project and to Floyd Medical Center, remains--literally--up in the air.And this bombshell: This note appears under the area headlined "issues of concern": "The developer is not guaranteeing specific plans or any specific project."Still pending as well: a parking agreement that would allow use of spaces at State Mutual Stadium by Barron Stadium patrons. This involves the county and the Braves' organization. While the stadium is publicly owned, it is still leased by the Braves for another 15 years. Some other highlights from the "summary":-No demolition would begin until construction financing is in hand.

-Satisfying that step, the demolition of Barron Stadium would begin on Feb. 1.

-The "relocation" of all recreation facilities would be funded by Tax Allocation District bonds (funded by tax increases triggered by new development on the Barron site and at State Mutual Stadium). On the move: Barron, the tennis center and the rec center.

-The new stadium would rise on property adjacent to State Mutual Stadium. It would seat 6,300 fans. -The city would receive 12 acres at the new site in exchange for the 14.4 acres surrounding Barron Stadium. The city also would have access to 6.5 acres of parking at the new site, courtesy of a pending deal with the Braves.

-The so-called Miracle League Stadium for disabled youth and adults adjoining the new Barron would be built on land donated by the city. So there goes some of those 12 newly swapped acres.

-The new tennis center would include 28 tennis courts--not 33 as first listed--and would be built on Riverside Parkway. -The gymnastics center, rec center offices and fitness center could take over the Marine Armory space.

-The fee requested by the developers for project management has been reduced under the city's draft. Phase one would pay 2.5 percent, phase two 2.75 percent and phase three, 3.0 percent. That's a third of what originally was proposed.

These "positive aspects" are listed in the summary as well:-$100 million-plus of new planned development would be constructed in the West Third area.-The possibility of a new downtown hotel would be greatly enhanced.-The proposed development would complement the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center.-The development would support the construction of the pedestrian bridge.-The main partners in Northwest Georgia LLC (Yancey and Kibler) are "local, respected citizens." Some lingering questions following Tuesday's updates:-Aside from a great--although much assumed--vision for the redevelopment of this zone by two area business men, there is no need to jump at this first "offer." It seems concessions and obligations are being incurred by the city as if it were trying to unload a Superfund site. It should be the other way around: the city is the one in the proverbial driver's seat here. There is no need to rush into this or any deal; the land will only appreciate. And it will be developed. -Why is so much public assistance requested? Why is the city having to pay the "relocation" of the recreation facilities it really doesn't have to displace? Why is financing tied to TAD bonds? And why are there payments earmarked to the developers, from project management fees to $800,000 in "predevelopment" costs? And why would the Miracle League acres come from the city if that site already is owned by the developers?-If the deal is that good and the city indeed deems it time to sell, why swap prime publicly owned land for a new site that costs in excess of $300,000 an acre? Have other locations for the stadium been explored? The parking deal with the Braves could sweeten the State Mutual deal and perhaps saves those dollars but, overall, are there better, less-expensive sites? If so, why haven't those sites been reviewed? It is as if this deal came with preset requirements: our land for your land. -If the TAD bonds depend so much on the new tax revenue from these projects, how are the demands--and eventual upkeep--of these new services going to be paid? Expanded police, fire and public safety must be paid. So, too, the maintenance of the newly redone infrastructure. Some $100 million in new growth will need appropriate city services. Will there be enough new tax revenue to both satisfy the bond payments and the costs of required additional service? One document shows six- to seven-figure "excesses" are possible? Are those excesses guaranteed?-The "issues of concern" lists a key item: "The developer is not guaranteeing specific plans or any specific project." So, then, under what terms is this deal being pitched?-Why do the "veiled" threats of this land going to tax-exempt purposes continue? It is insulting to the medical community, our no. 1 industry. Yes, some of this land could be purchased at fair market value--and straight up--by the medical community, thus limiting potential taxes. But aren't the taxes from this proposed development going to help pay for its construction for dozens of years anyway?BOTTOM LINE: The City Commission is set to vote on the "binding memorandum of understanding" during a meeting starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at City Hall. There are lots of answers needed before then.And we'll add one more: Why is it we'll put a $36 million special-purpose local-option sales tax package before voters and not something almost three times that size (i.e., this project)? There is still time to draft a referendum for the November city ballot. Give Rome residents a voice in a project this massive.AGREE OR DISAGREE: We'll post your comments. Send them by clicking HERE

ROME CHRISTMAS PARADE SET FOR NOV. 29

The annual Rome Christmas parade, one of the state's longest-running holiday traditions, gets under way at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in downtown Rome. Just in case, the rain date is set for Thursday, Dec. 1.This year's theme is "Christmas Around the World."Entry applications are due Nov. 15 and are available at either branch of parade sponsor, Heritage First Bank, or at the Carnegie Building on Broad Street.

>Entry rules and guidelines; application form > PARADE RIBBON CUTTNIG SET AT CAVE SPRING ELEMENTARYA ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday at Cave Spring Elementary to introduce the community to the new look of the school.

Also scheduled are comments by local political leaders, school administrators, board members and parents.

The ceremony also will feature performances from Cave Spring students and the Coosa High School band.

A barbecue lunch will be served following the ceremony. Visitors also will be invited to tour the school until 7 that night.

SAT SCORES: LOCAL SCHOOLS DO FINE: Rome High topped both state and national averages as did Armuchee, Model and Pepperell highs. Coosa's score, 956, was below both state (993) and national (1026) averages. Coosa dropped from a score of 1052 last year; it won one of five Governor's Cups for improved SAT scores from the previous years.

Sources: Georgia Department of Education; College BoardSaid Floyd schools superintendent Kelly Henson: "The Floyd County Board of Education made tough decisions to invest additional resources into our academic program during difficult economic times and we are now beginning to see this investment produce results in preparing students for success at the college and university level." (More from FLOYD) Rome Superintendent Gayland Cooper said he is"quite pleased with our students and teachers."to check other schools' scores, click HERE

FLOYD NAMES FINALISTS FOR TOP TEACHER

Three teachers have been selected as finalists for the 2006 "Teacher of the Year" honors for the Floyd County school system. They are:Apryl Hawkins, a language arts teacher at Pepperell High SchoolAngela Lacey, a math teacher at Coosa High School Heather Willis, a science teacher at Cave Spring Elementary. The finalists were selected by a review committee from the Northwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency. The committee made the selections from written applications submitted by representatives from each county school.

Hawkins teaches ninth grade language arts and 11th grade College Board Advanced Placement language arts at Pepperell. She's been teaching 1993 and has spent her entire career in the county system. She previously taught at Coosa High. Hawkins holds a master's degree from Berry College.

Lacey has taught math at Coosa High since 2002. She began teaching in Floyd County at Armuchee Middle School. She also taught briefly at Coosa Valley Technical College and Cedar Hill Middle School in Cedartown. Lacey began her career in Cobb County where she taught at Garrison Mill Elementary. She earned a degree in middle grades education from Kennesaw State.

Willis is in her third year at Cave Spring Elementary, teaching science to children in grades kindergarten through five. She began her career at Coosa Middle School in 1999. Willis holds a bachelor's in education from Shorter College, a master's from Berry College and is seeking a specialists degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

The teachers now begin the final phase of the selection process, which includes a personal interview of each finalist by an independent selection committee on Sept. 15. The process concludes Sept. 20 with classroom observations.
The selection committee is made up of members of the Floyd/Rome Retired Teachers Association. The top teacher will be announced at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 during the school board meeting.Last year's winner: click HERE.

SHERIFF'S YOUTH INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Fifth-grade students in Floyd County schools will be hearing about drugs, alcohol, gangs, Internet dangers and other health and safety issues as part of the Sheriff’s Youth Initiative.

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter on Wednesday unveiled the program which incorporates some of the features associated with the Georgia Sheriff’s Association’s CHAMPS program.

CHAMPS stands for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety.

Ron Morris is coordinating the program for the Floyd sheriff’s office with deputies Kathy Sinclair and Paula Penson assisting.

They’re targeting fifth-grade students in county schools. Their goal is to spend at least 12 hours in each fifth grade class, talking to students about a number of safety issues including meth, other drugs and alcohol abuse.

The Pepperell school district is the first to take part in the CHAMPS program. Following graduation ceremonies in October, the program will move to the Johnson/Armuchee district.

The program is being funded by some $30,000 area residents donated to the sheriff’s office as part of the Change for CHAMP program, earmarked to purchase a community police dog. Some of the money has been spent on the office's special van (above, right),

Additional donations are being sought. They can be mailed to the CHAMPS Coordinator, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, 2526 N. Calhoun Highway, Rome, 30161.CITY'S 'URBAN WATERFRONT' PLAN UP FOR REVIEWThe design firm Jordan, Jones & Goulding has been hired to prepare a master plan for an "Urban Waterfront enhancement" along the Oostanaula River. The area under review stretches from the South Broad Street bridge to the Rome-Floyd Library and involves the proposed pedestrian bridge, according to a city press release. A public information meeting on the project is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at The Forum. It is sponsored by both city and county governments.A design workshop is set for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Forum.The workshop is designed to give people a chance to comment on the project.The project primarily will be funded by the Transportation Enhancement Program as well as city/county funds. 23 GRADUATE FROM EMERGENCY RESPONSE CLASS The Rome-Floyd County Community Emergency Response Team graduated 23 members Aug. 13, bringing the team up to 43 overall. The graduates completed a 20-hour course, taught by local first responders. Topics included emergency preparedness techniques that will allow CERT members to assist their families and neighbors in the event of a manmade or natural disaster. Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, and Scotty Hancock, Director of the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, were on hand to present the certificates and praised the volunteers for their willingness to meet the needs of their community.

"We really appreciate the enthusiasm and motivation this group exhibited while taking this class and learning the emergency skills necessary to assist in the event of a crisis," Hancock said. "They are a great example of the American spirit and a commitment to community. We are proud to have them on our team."

CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve. Everyone is welcome to volunteer and no prior emergency or medical training is required. Members are trained in light search and rescue techniques, disaster preparedness, terrorism, medical treatment, team organization, disaster psychology, and then complete a final exercise using the skills just learned. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capabilities for their area.

The next CERT class starts Oct. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Red Cross Center on the corner of Division Street and John Maddox Drive. To register: Call the EMA office at 236-5002 or the CERT Info Line at 234-6617.

GEORGIA HIGHLANDS SETS BARTOW CEREMONY

A busy morning is planned for Aug. 26 as Georgia Highlands College holds ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new Bartow campus. It begins at 10:30 a.m. at the new building at 5441 Highway 20 NE with remarks by college President Dr. Randy Pierce.In a note with an invitation to the ceremony, Pierce writes: "Please join us in celebrating your contributions of support and hard work as we open our new Cartersville campus. We anticipate that this new building will be the first of several on this site."The campus indeed is design to accommodate perhaps five buildings, including the 100,000-square-foot one that just went into service. (ARCHIVE) The schedule that day includes:-10:30 a.m. Remarks by Joe Frank Harris, Board of Regents and former governor.-10:45 a.m. Bartow County Commissioner Clarence Brown.-10:55 a.m. Cartersville Mayor Mike Fields-11 a.m. Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome.-11:15 a.m. Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith (University System of Georgia)-11:35 a.m. Danny Gibbs and Jerry Norman, co-chairs of the Georgia Highlands College Foundation.-11:45 a.m. Ribbon cuttingTours and other activities follow.

FLOYD BUSES USING CHICKEN FAT AS FUEL

The Floyd County School System's switch to an alternative fuel produced from chicken fat is making national news.ABC's "Good Morning, America" was scheduled to do a segment Tuesday that featured Floyd's switch.
The school system is using a new biofuel that is a mixture of diesel and chicken fat produced by US Biofuel Inc. of Rome. "We not only liked the fact that this was an emerging technology but that it was produced by a local company," said Superintendent Kelly Henson.

The school system started using the new fuel in buses that serve the Coosa community in May. "We decided to start out with just one of our fueling locations so that we could get data comparisons between the new fuel and the regular diesel," said Terry Simpson, director of transportation. Twenty-two of the system's 110 buses were involved. No change in operation has been noticed.
The system started with a 95-5 percent mixture of diesel fuel to chicken fat and will increase the mixture of chicken fat by 5 percent with each new fuel delivery until a mixture of 80/20 is reached. "We will then analyze the performance of the buses over a six-month period. If everything works as planned, we will then take the rest of the fleet to the new fuel," Simpson said.
Once at 80/20, the school system will save a nickel per gallon or about $15,000 a year. "For alternative fuels to be developed manufacturers need a market," said Dr. Bob Puckett, assistant superintendent. "We not only want to save money today, we want to be a part of providing energy answers for the future."
BIG SUMMER FOR COOSA VALLEY TECH; BIG FALL, TOO? Coosa Valley Technical College's three area campuses saw an 8.2 percent enrollment increase this summer and that should mean even more growth when fall classes start Sept. 28. Some 2,119 students enrolled for classes at the Rome, Calhoun or Rockmart classes this summer compared to 1,958 a year ago. The summer surge normally means an increase in fall enrollment, says college President Craig McDaniel. The college usually sees a 40 percent increase in credit enrollment from summer to fall and we anticipate that to hold true this year, McDaniel said. CVTC served 10,871 people through its credit and non-credit program offerings during fiscal 2004 and expects to exceed that number when all data for 2005 is finalized. McDaniel credits the college`s growth to the strong support it receives from all sectors of the communities it serves. Businesses and industries, elected officials, high school teachers and administrators, and our local board of directors have all played a part in helping us build the school we have today, he said. Eighty percent of all jobs require less than a four-year degree but do require education beyond high school, and our technical colleges are meeting that demand, said McDaniel. PLANNING COMMISSIONER RESIGNS TO AVOID CONFLICT: Longtime planning commission member Graham Dixon has resigned to avoid a conflict of interest over property he wants rezoned for his company’s new office.

Dixon, who has served as both chair and vice chair of the Rome-Floyd County Planning Commission since his appointment in 1997, officially resigned Tuesday.

On Thursday, the commission will hear his bid to rezone three lots Dixon & Tate Real Estate purchased on Turner McCall earlier this year. Dixon wants to move his office onto the lots between Eighth and Ninth streets.

The property already is zoned for neighborhood office commercial, which would allow three 2,500-square-foot buildings. Dixon is seeking office-institutional zoning to accommodate a single 4,000-square-foot building.

His fast-growing real estate company, founded three years ago, needs more room.

State law forbids a public official—appointed or elected—from presenting such a rezoning request.

Dixon submitted his resignation letter to Assistant County Manager Sammy Rich. The planning commission currently is chaired by Brian Hampton.

Dixon’s replacement will be appointed by the county commission and will serve the final two years of his term.

NEARLY $22 MILLION FOR 411 CONNECTOR

Nearly $22 million has been secured for the 411 Connector in the Transportation Equity Act, according to U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's office. Upon Senate approval, the legislation will go to President Bush for signature into law. (Click TEA for vote)"I am overjoyed the House and Senate conferees have approved this much-needed funding," said Gingrey, R-Ga. "For almost 30 years, people in Northwest Georgia have waited for easier access to I-75. With the $21.8 million we passed today, I'm proud to say we won't have to wait much longer." The conference report on the Transportation bill provides $21.8 million for the 411 Connector: $16.8 million Gingrey secured and an additional $5 million secured by U.S. senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, both Georgia Republicans."The 411 Connector has been my number one transportation priority since I came to Congress. After years of hard work, and with the ongoing support of Senators Chambliss and Isakson, this project has finally come to fruition. This is a triumph for the people of Northwest Georgia." Gingrey also has worked to get the 411 Connector placed on the federal Department of Transportation's fast-track list. The Connector is one of only 11 projects nationwide with fast-track status, which dramatically expedites the environmental review process. The 411 Connector project is designed to create a direct connection to I-75 for Bartow and Floyd counties. LATEST FROM GA. DOT: As if timed, the latest update from the Georgia Department of Transportation on the 411 Connector arrived in mailboxes today.The fifth edition of "The 411 Connector"--in part--explains why a spring hearing on the project has been delayed to an as-yet unset date this fall. The reasons, as stated by GDOT: "a delay in the assessment of impacts to archaeological resources and a request to study an additional conceptual alignment."Also included in an update on the last citizens advisory committee meeting held in January.THE BOTTOM LINE: What's interesting is the timetable now being floated by GDOT. Page 4 of The Connector newsletter features a "frequently asked questions" area including this key question: "When will right of way acquisition and construction begin?"The answer: "Right of way acquisition cannot begin until after the Record of Decision is completed, which is scheduled for the second half of 2006. Right of way acquisition is scheduled to being in February 2007, and could take approximately two years, with construction following that."Which apparently means 2009.ON THE WEB: You can read more on the project by clicking HERE. A PDF of the latest edition of The 411 Connector should be posted there shortly.

The Buzz of Greater Rome

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FLOYD NAMES FINALISTS FOR TOP TEACHER

SHERIFF'S YOUTH INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

GEORGIA HIGHLANDS SETS BARTOW CEREMONY

FLOYD BUSES USING CHICKEN FAT AS FUEL

NEARLY $22 MILLION FOR 411 CONNECTOR

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