The Buzz of Greater Rome Arts / links /Health /Business / Politics / Braves / Renegades NEW VENUE FOR ROME GLADIATORS The Rome Gladiators open season two with a new venue: Shorter College's Winthrop-King Centre at 315 Shorter Ave. starting tonight. The Gladiators, part of the WBA, played the first season to small crowds at The Forum. And the team was supposed to be there again this year, says Forum Manager Brent Poplin. "All dates were scheduled," he said, "but we could not come to terms on an agreement." So tonight's exhibition game vs. The Georgia Grizzlies is at Shorter and the Gladiators' 12 regular-season  home games are set for Shorter as well. Tonight's game start at 7 and there is no admission charge. >SCHEDULE The Gladiators, owned by NBA superstar Theo Ratliff, open the season at Shorter at 7 p.m. Monday vs. Birmingham. General admission tickets are $5 per person. AREA CATHOLICS EMBRACE NEW POPE Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany has been selected as the new pope to more than 1.1 billion Catholics around the world. He has adopted the papal name of Benedict XVI. Ratzinger was perceived as the likely choice to replace the late John Paul II. His selection on Tuesday was greeted with the release of white balloons by students at St. Mary's Catholic School in Rome. Earlier in the day, as the cardinals failed to reach agreement, the students released black balloons. Both simulated the white and black smoke spotted above the Sistine Chapel during the cardinals' voting. Father James Miceli, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, said this of the new pope: "Cardinal Ratzinger had the support of many of the Cardinals going into the Conclave. The fact that he was elected on the fourth vote indicates that the respect, confidence, and the affection of the Cardinals for him coalesced very quickly. "This is a good thing for the Church. He has one of the greatest theological minds in the Church today. He speaks several languages, and they say his English is perfect. Obviously, he is a son of the Second Vatican Council. The direction begun by the Council and so brilliantly carried out by John Paul II will obviously continue under Pope Benedict the XVI. "People who know him well speak of him as a humble, holy, and disarmingly affable. Of course, we don't know if he will travel to the extent that John Paul II did, but I am sure Benedict will win the minds and hearts of Catholics and all people of good will in the course of his Papacy." HOUSING AUTHORITY OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY: A former Cave Spring officer assigned to the housing authority was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to 14 counts of theft by deception and one count of theft by taking. William H. Hudgins will spend two years in prison following Friday's plea agreement before Superior Court Judge Walter J. Matthews. The judge also ordered Hudgins to pay a $10,000 fine and make restitution of nearly $24,000. Hudgins was indicted in August, according to District Attorney Leigh Patterson. He was given blank checks to cover reimbursement expenses and, in turn, was writing them for amounts as much as 10 times the cost of the compensation value, she said. The theft-by-taking charge stemmed from his keeping a $7,000 police dog after being fired from the housing authority, she said. As part of the plea agreement, Hudgins had to agree to give up all law enforcement certification and to never seek employment in security or related fields again, Patterson said. Assistant District Attorney Kevin Salmon handled the case; Hudgins was represented by Wade Hoyt III. BROOME PROMOTED AT ANIMAL CONTROL: Jason Broome has been promoted to shelter manager, which means he'll be in charge of day-to-day operations of facility, staff and animal care. Broome joined the agency in 1998 as an animal control officer. FANFARE A HIT FOR RACA, SUPPORTERS Fanfare 2005 was a record-setting fund-raiser for the Rome Area Council of the Arts. About $38,000 was raised thanks to "approximately 150 generous arts patrons" as the council puts it. By far, the 10-year-old fund-raiser was the best yet in terms of funds raised to help local arts interests. Both the preview and the gala were held at Coosa Country Club. The funds provide a much-needed boost to the finances of the arts council, which is now at 248 Broad St. The new RACA space is part of the McBrayer Brothers Furniture Co. While McBrayer Brothers is going out of business, RACA plans to remain in its current location at least through the end of its lease in November 2006, if not indefinitely. "We are very happy with the new location, the quality of the space, and the improved visibility," said Allen Bell, RACA Executive Director. "248 Broad St. is the perfect venue for RACA. We hope to be here a long time." RACA celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2006. GREATER CARE FOR GEORGIA CRIME VICTIMS Victims of crimes are being honored and remembered this week in a series of special events. Locally, District Attorney Leigh Patterson and her office's director of the victim witness assistance program, Lydia Trimble, are helping mark the 25th anniversary of the National Crime Victims Rights Week. (Web site) On Monday, they presented area school officials with 40 copies of "Georgia's Meth Epidemic," a special video designed to help kids and adults recognize and avoid the dangers of meth.   The videos will be shown to faculty as well as students ages sixth grade and above at Rome, Floyd County, Darlington, Unity and St. Mary's schools, Patterson said.   They were presented in recognition of the community's crime victims and were made possible thanks to a grant from the GBI and its director, Vernon Keenan. Also on Monday, Trimble attended a ceremony in Douglas County as Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the Crime Victims Restitution Act of 2005.   House Bill 172 reduces the hurdles and delays in awarding and collecting restitution. It “revises Georgia's restitution laws to recognize that victims' rights are a priority,” Perdue said. Trimble says the law, which takes effect July 1, "makes it easier for the victims to get compensation. Sometimes, it has been kind of a reach if they had access at all."   Patterson said the changes should speed up the process of victims being compensated. "After victims get over the emotional and physical part of dealing with the crime, the first thing they always talk to (Trimble) about is restitution," Patterson said.   Patterson and Trimble urge those who are crime victims or know of others who are to contact the Victim Witness Office at 706-233-0023. ISAKSON, MCDOUGALD TO ADDRESS SHORTER GRADUATES U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson will address graduates during Shorter College's 10 a.m. commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 30, while veteran broadcaster Mike McDougald will be featured during the 2 p.m. ceremony. Both ceremonies will be held in the Winthrop-King Centre; 380 students will receive degrees. Isakson served 17 years in the Georgia General Assembly and three years as chairman of the Georgia Board of Education.  He served three terms in the U.S. House, beginning in 1999, working on education and transportation committees, prior to being elected to the Senate in November. He also was president of Northside Realty for 22 years.  He recently was named Georgia Trend's 2005 Georgian of the Year. McDougald, a veteran businessman, will give the keynote address for the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony. He is vice president and chief financial officer of Advertising Dynamics in Rome.   After retiring from years of daily radio broadcasting, McDougald has been a frequent speaker on the lecture circuit and has even worked as an adjunct professor at Shorter College teaching ethics in media to journalism students.  He has been honored with the famed Marconi Award of the National Association of Broadcasters twice and was inducted into the Georgia Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the University of Georgia. McDougald is an active member of the Rome community and in the state.  He was also appointed vice chairman of the Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission and is the national president of Emory University Alumni Association. PERDUE LAUDS 2005 LEGISLATURE Gov. Sonny Perdue saw 19 of his 20 legislative agenda items by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, including the expected approval of ethics reform.  "Tonight we conclude one of the most historic and productive sessions of the Georgia General Assembly.  When we last gathered here together, we charted a new course for Georgia -- less government, more personal responsibility and making education our top priority," Perdue told lawmakers. "We made a promise to listen to the people and make state government a partner for the citizens of Georgia, not an obstacle to their dreams.  Tonight, I believe this legislature can proudly say -- we promised, and we delivered." The General Assembly passed a compromise ethics reform package late Thursday. Perdue has sought reforms since his campaign three years ago. "You're going to make history tonight by passing the strongest ethics reform package Georgia has ever seen," said Perdue, a Republican. The final version of the ethics reform package included the following provisions: Includes increased penalties for violations of the Ethics in Government Act. Individuals who lobby for state contracts and changes in state rules and regulations will be required to register as lobbyists and file lobbyist disclosure reports. The bill includes a revolving door provision that will prohibit legislators, state elected officials, constitutional officers, agency heads and the executive directors of boards, commissions and authorities from lobbying for one year after leaving office. Lobbyists will not be eligible for executive appointment to any board, commission or authority that regulates the activities of the business that the lobbyist represented for one year after lobbying. Public officers will be prohibited from advocating for the advancement, employment, appointment, or promotion of a family member to a state job in the executive branch. The bill specifies allowable campaign expenditures, prohibiting personal use of such funds. Legislators will be prohibited from seeking or accepting campaign contributions or pledges of contributions during the legislative session. Significantly increases and expands financial disclosure requirements for public officials and lobbyists. Requires lobbyists to disclose individuals who pay the lobbyist more than $10,000 a year. The Ethics Commission will publish overall lobbyist spending by category and will post a list on its website including the name of each filer who has failed to file a required campaign contribution disclosure report, financial disclosure report or lobbyist disclosure report. Individuals who have made campaign contributions to the Governor in the 30 day period prior to the vacancy of a judicial position or after the vacancy occurred will not be eligible for judicial appointment unless they have requested and received a refund. The bill contains a millionaire's clause – candidates will not be able to repay personal loans over $250,000 after the date of the election. Creates a joint legislative ethics committee that will assist the general assembly in establishing rules and regulations relating to conflicts between the private interests of the member of the legislative branch and the duties of the member.  Ordinary citizens will be able to file complaints alleging prohibited conflicts of interest with this committee and the committee will investigate and recommend appropriate punishment of legislators and legislative staff. Finally, the Senate tonight passed a separate bill (HB 665) providing whistleblower protection for state employees. Legislative highlights include: -Perdue's education package -- the Georgia Virtual High School, Master Teacher legislation, extending local flexibility, and a tax credit for teachers. -Legislation that will help create jobs by promoting Georgia tourism, supporting small business growth and help Georgia companies expand their operations here. -A far-reaching conservation effort in state history, the Georgia Land Conservation Act. -Criminal justice reform that will restore balance in criminal prosecutions and strengthen the rights of victims; -Protection of Georgia consumers and their privacy with the Slam Spam Email Act and the Wireless Privacy Act. The legislature also passed civil justice reforms--introduced by state Sen. Preston Smith--that will rein in "junk lawsuits" and improve access to healthcare for all Georgians, particularly women.  >>PATTERSON LAUDS PASSAGE OF JUSTICE REFORM BILL: District Attorney Leigh Patterson is thrilled by the Legislature's passage of House Bill 170, which equals the playing field for prosecutors when it comes to selecting and disqualifying jurors. It means both prosecutors and defense attorneys can disqualify three would-be jurors each for misdemeanor cases, nine each in felony case and 15 each in death penalty cases. Currently, the defense gets more disqualifications. Patterson says the bill also lets a prosecutor treat a defendant much like any other witness, especially when it comes to introducing the suspect's prior record in specific, key cases. She calls the bill "very good for victims and their families in the state of Georgia." SMITH COLUMN/HUGE YEAR IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: From tort reform to criminal justice changes to "Joshua's Law" and more, the 2005 session of the General Assembly will be regarded as a hallmark one, says state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome. >SMITH FLOYD NAME CHANGE FIGHT REKINDLED: Keep an eye on renewed efforts to rename Floyd College "Georgia Highlands College." Opponents are mobilizing, in part concerned because the name is similar to the Georgia Highlands mental health center. Letters, e-mail posts and blog entires (mostly unsigned) are popping up. The name change still needs a blessing from the state Board of Regents next month so watch to see if opponents take their cause to that group. >>CONTACT BOX FOR REGENTS: >>REGENTS ANIMAL CONTROL WINS NATIONAL HONOR: (3/29/05) Floyd County Animal Control has been selected as the recipient of the 2005 National Animal Control Association "Outstanding Agency Award." The honor will be presented at the association conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., in June. The award recognizes an agency's exceptional efforts to provide effective training programs for personnel and innovative public education programs as well as acknowledging active community involvement and standard officer response time. "Floyd County was competing against much larger agencies with more personnel. It was the remarkable years of service, professionalism and dedication to helping the animals and the citizens of Floyd County that really impressed us," said Awards Committee Chair Mark Kumpf. Scotty Hancock and Jason Broome, who has been with the department for more than seven years, will accept the award. Said Hancock: "Our agency has six employees, two of which have been with the department for over 15 years. We work with very few people and they cover an especially large area while maintaining the highest standards for an animal control agency. It is not often you see this kind of dedication in the animal control field. They deserve to be recognized for their commitment and hard work." Hancock was appointed Animal Control director a year ago and has been instrumental in providing direction to the department. With just three animal control officers to work a 514-square-mile area, Animal Control answered 6,223 calls in 2004, an average of 2,074 calls per officer. They also spend many hours attending training, acting as adoption coordinators and running public education programs. Adoptions are up 40 percent over last year. Successful spay/neuter programs, rabies clinics and special events have been put in place to promote responsible pet guardianship.     News of the award comes just prior to the first National Animal Control Appreciation Week set for April 11-17. For more, call 236-4545 or click HERE. APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS WIGGINS' CONVICTION (3/25) Forrmer Rome Police Officer Paul Wiggins Jr.'s conviction on charges stemming from an incident involving a 16-year-old girl has been upheld by the Georgia  Court of Appeals but the state also must hold a new hearing on its bid regarding restitution for the victim. The decision (click HERE) was handed down on Wednesday. A three-judge panel unanimously upheld his conviction on charges of cruelty to children, false writings and statements and violation of oath of office. Chris Twyman, who represents Wiggins, said this afternoon he plans to appeal the case to the Georgia Supreme Court. In the same ruling, the appeals court judges sent the case back to Floyd County Superior Court for a separate hearing to determine whether Wiggins should make restitution to the victim. Wiggins was convicted in 2003 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The teen alleged she was raped by the officer in July 2003 after he was sent to investigate a disturbance at an area hotel. She alleged the two met off Martha Berry Highway where she later was attacked. Jurors found Wiggins innocent of charges of rape, sodomy, false imprisonment and sexual battery. GINGREY PRAISES ACTION TO SAVE SCHIAVO President Bush early today signed legislation that lets the parents of Terri Schiavo seek assistance from the federal courts to keep their daughter alive. Bush's action comes after the House passed the bill on a 203-58 vote. Here are comments on the vote and case by U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga.: "This evening, Congress acted to ensure Terri Schiavo won't be deprived of her right to life without due process of law.  I was encouraged that members from both political parties stood together in support of this important legislation.  Terri's family hasn't given up on her, and tonight Congress showed that we won't give up either. "Terri is every bit as alive as you and me.  She breathes on her own without life support. She responds to her mother's voice. She can move her limbs on command.  Terri can also feel pain, which makes it shocking that her husband is content to let her die a drawn-out death by dehydration and starvation.  "The state of Florida doesn't let criminals or even dogs starve to death, and Terri Schiavo shouldn't suffer this horrible end either. "This is absolutely the just and moral thing to do.  The manner in which Terri's case has been handled to date leaves many questions unanswered, and letting a federal court hear her case will give Terri the chance we all deserve. "I'm relieved Congress passed this important legislation tonight. I only hope we've done it in time to save Terri.  I will keep Terri and her family in my prayers as they continue fighting for her life." FLOYD COLLEGE NAME ANNOUNCEMENT SET: Floyd College officials plan an 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, press conference at Heritage Hall to announce the selection of the school's possible new name. The proposal would go to the state Board of Regents for approval, most likely at the April 20-21 meetings set for Middle Georgia College in Cochran. An earlier attempt to rename the school Etowah College was withdrawn after coming under fire. Among the options: A recent edition of the college's newspaper, The Six Mile Post, reported that three names are included in a faculty/staff wish list--Georgia Foothills, Georgia Heritage and Georgia Highlands. The article also says Floyd College President Dr. Randy Pierce will float a name already rejected by the regents: Georgia Northwestern College. Floyd officials are seeking the change, citing the shifting demographics and business of the college. A new $21 million Bartow County campus on Ga. 20 is nearly complete. Also, Floyd is expanding its service to nearby Cherokee County and is looking for more room for its Acworth-based classes. <<FLOYD FORUM: Change the college's name or leave it?>FORUM GORDON DISPLAYS PAGE FROM RARE KING JAMES BIBLE A page from the first edition of the King James Bible, published in 1611, is now on display at Gordon Hospital in Calhoun. The page has portions of Luke chapters eight and nine describing the healing miracles of Christ. Included: Christ casting demons out of a man who terrorized the citizens of Gadara with his violent mental illness. Christ stopping the flow of a 12-year hemorrhage which had dominated the life of a female patient. Jesus raising a ruler's daughter from death. Jesus commissioning his 12 disciples "to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." The story of how this document found a home inside Gordon Hospital begins in Johnson City, Tenn. While on vacation, Gordon Hospital Chaplain/Health Educator Dave Smith stopped by Moody Books to browse the used book and rare document collection. Smith learned the owner had a page from "the Doctor's Gospel"   (referring to Saint Luke, who was a physician and wrote the New Testament's third book). He called Gordon Hospital President/CEO Carlene Jamerson to report his discover. "We had been looking for ways to visually emphasize our faith-based heritage, and this document accomplishes that mission and more," Smith said. "The message in the verses gives the reason why Gordon Hospital even exists." Jamerson's response to Smith: "Get it! We need it hanging in the halls of Gordon Hospital!" You can see it in the hospital's main corridor seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PHOTO: Gordon Hospital Chaplain/Health Educator Dave Smith points out Luke 9, verses 1 and 2 where Christ commissions His disciples to medical evangelism. CHAMBLISS INTRODUCES MILITARY REORGANIZATION ACT (3/16/05) U.S. senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., are introducing today intelligence reform legislation that would create a unified  intelligence command (called INTCOM) to bring a majority of the military intelligence capabilities within the Department of Defense under a single commander. The Military Reorganization Act of 2005 would provide the new Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with one primary advisor regarding military intelligence. It also would help ensure combat commanders and troops have a military intelligence structure that is streamlined, inclusive, easy to use and up-to-date, says a release from Chambliss' office. "INTCOM creates one point of contact for military intelligence for the new (director of national intelligence) and creates a more efficient, responsive and simpler military intelligence structure," said Chambliss, Georgia's senior U.S. senator.  "To be successful, the new DNI will need a structure in place that is manageable and our combatant commanders need a military officer to articulate their intelligence requirements to the DNI." GINGREY PRAISES IRAQI NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S INAUGURATION U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., issued this statement today regarding the inauguration of the Iraqi National Assembly: "I commend the Iraqi National Assembly on convening their inaugural session today.  This is an exciting day for the Iraqi people, and for people around the globe who yearn for freedom. "In January, Iraqi citizens braved terrorist threats and bodily harm to turn out at the polls in amazing numbers. Today, the fruits of their labor are evident, and the Iraqi people finally live in a free and democratic society. "National Assembly President Jalal Talabani choose a significant day to convene the Assembly. On March 16, 1988 --17 years ago today--Saddam Hussein massacred 5,000 innocent Kurdish men, women and children in the Iraqi town of Halabja.  "By convening the assembly on this tragic anniversary, President Talabani is showing the stark difference between life under Saddam's brutal regime and life under the new, democratic National Assembly. "Today's events are encouraging not only to Iraqis but to people struggling for freedom around the world.  We've seen how the historic elections in Iraq and Afghanistan have inspired change in Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. "As democracy begins to take root in the Middle East, I want to thank the Iraqi people who courageously risked their lives to vote for a better future. "I offer my sincerest congratulations to the Iraqi people on this historic and symbolic occasion.  Seeing Iraqi men--and women--enjoy their newfound freedom is a solemn reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a free nation." LUMSDEN CHAIRS LOCAL GOP: Eddie Lumsden is the new chair of the Floyd County Republican Party as Keith Howell steps aside. Lumsden (left), a former state trooper, ran against state Rep. Barbara Massey Reece in the 2004 House District 11 race. His name continues to come up as a candidate in 2006 as well. Other new officers elected at Saturday's GOP convention include: Jeff Kelley, First Vice Chairman; Martha Bryant, Second Vice Chairman; Steve Hulsey, Third Vice Chairman; Joy Deaton, Fourth Vice Chairman; Stuart Peeples, Treasurer; and Cookie Wozniak, Secretary. Hulsey faced Tim Burkhalter in a heated Floyd County sheriff's race last fall and is expected to make another bid for that post in 2008. Other updates from the convention, attended by more than 50 people: Dr. Dan Hanks presented Howell with a plaque recognizing his leadership and state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, spoke about the successes of the local and state party. LOUDERMILK'S FINGERPRINT BAN PASSES COMMITTEE TEST: A bill sponsored by state Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, to repeals a law requiring your fingerprint before you get or renew a driver's license has cleared the House Motor Vehicles Committee by a unanimous, bi-partisan vote. House Bill 577, if passed, would repeal Georgia's current law which requires citizens be fingerprinted before they can receive a driver's license. Currently, the state scans the fingerprints of everyone applying for a new driver's license or renewing an existing license. An applicant's personal information, an electronic matrix of the fingerprint and a computer image of the print are electronically transferred and stored in a vendor's database. "Requiring law abiding citizens to surrender their fingerprints just to get a drivers license violates those principles our founding fathers conveyed to us through our Constitution," Loudermilk told committee members. Several organizations support Loudermilk's bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union as well as former congressman and privacy advocate Bob Barr. "I support Representative Loudermilk and his commitment to restoring the constitutional right to privacy for all Georgian's," Barr said after hearing the news of the committee passing HB 577.   If passed by the House Rules Committee, the bill could be debated on the House floor this week. BARRON 2.0: READY FOR FOOTBALL AUG. 19? Plans to move ahead with the new Barron Stadium across the parking lot from the home of the Rome Braves are closer than you think. Following an initial blessing by the city/county planning commission on Thursday, the project goes before Rome City Commissioners (6:30 p.m. Monday) for a critical public hearing. Tons of questions remain and lots of details are to be worked out but Assistant City Manager Jim Dixon--speaking for the developers Thursday afternoon--said the operating date to play ball at the new field is Aug. 19. That's barely five months from now. Planning commissioners voted 10-0 to let the project continue but with one stipulation: any resulting traffic improvements must be paid by the developer--Dee Yancey and Doc Kibler in this case. Also Thursday, the size of the stadium came down a bit. At one point, a 6,500-seat stadium was in the mix, making the project come under review of the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center. the size has since been reduced although the range still goes from 4,800 to 5,500. The current Barron holds 4,500 permanent seats, Dixon told planners. The new size was put to city school and Shorter officials (the college will play football at Barron this fall), and they signed off on the size, commissioners were told. Even at 5,000 seats, the new Barron would be about the size of its would-be neighbor, State Mutual Stadium. The ballpark seats 5,105. A deal with the Braves would need to be worked out regarding parking as well; the two parks likely will share some spaces. Aside from the stadium, other items on the map weren't discussed. The rendering (click HERE for a larger view of it) shows a proposed gymnastics center and indoor pool as well as a vacant 1.5-acre spot at the entrance to the stadiums. The lot could become the new home of State Mutual Insurance Co. which is in talks with West Rome Baptist Church. ROME MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING WIFE, BOYFRIEND: A Rome man has been sentenced to two life sentences plus 10 years in prison after pleading guilty today to killing his estranged wife and her boyfriend in December 2003. Camilo Reyes Hernandez was charged with killing Maricruz Martinez Ruiz, 31, and Jose Lorenzo Palmerin Fonseca, 23, at her home off Shorter Avenue on Dec. 5 2003. Hernandez waited outside the home until Fonseca arrived, shot him and then repeatedly shot Ruiz who had been sleeping in her bedroom, District Attorney Leigh Patterson said. Two children, ages 12 and 3, were in the home at the time. Hernandez told the older child, "You don't have no more mother. Forgive me, your mother is gone." He was arrested in Acworth several days after the twin slayings on two counts of malice murder and one count of aggravated stalking. He told authorities he thought he'd either be killed by police or else take his own life, Patterson said. Superior Court Judge F. Larry Salmon sentenced Hernandez to two concurrent life sentences with 10 years to be served on top of that. Assistant District Attorney Natalee Staats handled the plea for Patterson's office; Ronald G. Shedd represented Hernandez. (2/22) FLOYD NAME CHANGE DELAYED A MONTH: Efforts to rename Floyd College are being delayed until April for several reasons. For one, the state Board of Regents' meeting in March is more of a "house cleaning" session so the college has postponed the issue until April, says Dana Davis, Floyd's director of college relations. Also, the college continues to get suggestions from the community and also is doing an internal audit of faculty and staff with names offered by the college's foundation board. A new name likely will be announced before the April 20-21 Board of Regents' meeting set for Middle Georgia College in Cochran. The board had been asked to rename it Etowah College at its February meeting but that was withdrawn by Floyd officials because of community response to the proposal. To suggest a name, e-mail Davis at ddavis@floyd.edu. LOUDERMILK INTRODUCES TWO BILLS State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, is proposing bills designed to require parents or guardians be told of a child's efforts to get contraceptives and related materials, and to remove provisions for the fingerprinting of drivers license applicants. House Bill 566, assigned to Health and Human Services Committee on Friday, would require state agencies to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before giving contraceptives or prescribing birth control to children. (Loudermilk serves on the committee). Current law permits the Department of Human Resources and local health departments to prescribe and distribute contraceptives to children as young as 10, says Loudermilk, who represents eastern Floyd County and part of Bartow County. Last year, state agencies provided contraceptives--including birth control pills, diaphragms, IUDs, morning after pills and condoms--to more than 17,000 Georgia's children, mostly girls, without requiring their parent's or guardian's consent, he said. Children between the ages of 10 and 19 are provided sexual counseling, education, pregnancy screening, medical services, contraceptives and birth control through 39 government-funded teen centers in Georgia. The centers are managed through DHR's Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program and the Department of Community Health. Loudermilk's bill would allow teen centers and county health departments to continue providing family planning services to adolescents but with these stipulations: before birth control devices, contraceptives or reproductive medical services could be provided, the parent or guardian would have to be notified and give their consent.   Also, Loudermilk filed House Bill 577 which would repeal a Georgia law that requires fingerprinting of all drivers license applicants--something he says is considered a violation of privacy rights. "Identity protection is a growing concern with Georgians," said Loudermilk, who represents District 14, "especially with the recent announcement of thousands of identities being stolen from computer systems of an Atlanta-based business." Fingerprints acquired by the Depatment of Motor Vehicles are stored on a vendor's database, not by the state, he said. To get the fingerprint image or the computer coded matrix of an individual's fingerprint, the state has to request it from the vendor's system.   At issue: Loudermilk says the DMV lacks the equipment to read the fingerprints on a driver's license--and that there are no recorded cases of the agency using the fingerprint data to identify a criminal trying to obtain a license. "It appears that the state is simply acquiring a lot of excess information on individuals," says Loudermilk's press release on the bill. SMITH INTRODUCES 'JOSHUA'S LAW' TRAFFIC FINES WOULD PAY FOR DRIVER'S ED SIMULATORS Last month in Cartersville, state Sen. Preston Smith met with the family and friends of Joshua Brown. It was Jan. 20, the night of the first Joshua Brown Foundation banquet. The Rome Republican of plans to introduce "Joshua's Law," legislation designed to forward Joshua's parents' goal to fund simulators for high school students eager to get their driver's license. On Friday, standing before 123 chairs draped with graduation robes representing the number of teen drivers killed in auto accidents in Georgia in 2003, Smith unveiled the proposed measure. "Joshua Brown and 122 teen drivers and passengers lost their lives a couple of years ago -- most likely because they were too inexperienced to be behind the wheel of an automobile when something out of the ordinary happened," Smith said during the press conference in Atlanta. "Joshua Brown was a bright, good-looking young man who had his whole life ahead of him.  He had two parents who loved him and grieve for him every day. He had a host of friends who miss him constantly, and he would have graduated from Cartersville High School last spring, attended college, gotten a job, married and raised a family. "Joshua's parents, Alan and LuGina Brown, did not want him to die in vain, so they are here with us today as I propose legislation that I hope will save the lives of many of our teenage drivers." Senate Bill 226 would create a nine-member Georgia Driver's Education Commission, which would be permitted to accept both public and private donations to fund driving simulators in every Georgia high school.  Because driver's ed is not required in order to receive a license in Georgia, many people, particularly teenagers, are being taught to drive by relatives or peers instead of licensed instructors.  In addition, because of the liability insurance and the cost of a fleet of cars for driver's ed classes, most high schools no longer offer the training, so students are forced to learn elsewhere or pay for private instruction.  SB 226 would add a 5 percent surcharge onto any Georgia traffic violation to help pay for the simulators in order to return driver's ed to high schools. Joshusa's parents started the foundation to provide 250 non-licensed CHS students with simulator driver training. They lost Joshua in a July 2003 crash. Smith wants to expand their work to train every student in the state who is seeking a driver's license.  Smith also is proposing students who successfully complete driver's education qualify for their license at age 16 but students who fail to take a driver's education course would not be eligible for a license until they're 17. "By charging drivers who disobey the law, we will be able to purchase the equipment we need to train our young drivers so that they can become better drivers," said Smith, who represents Floyd and parts of Bartow and Gordon counties. "It won't be an unfunded mandate -- so it won't create a hardship for our school systems, but it will benefit our students and hopefully will save the lives of countless teenagers who have their whole lives ahead of them." For more on the foundation, please click HERE. GINGREY NAMED TO HOUSE HEALTHCARE PANEL  U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey has been named co-chair of the House Republican Conference's Healthcare Public Affairs Team.   It will serve as the primary Republican communication resource on healthcare issues. The team will focus on long-term care, patient safety, electronic medical records, preventative care and medical malpractice civil justice reform.    Gingrey, a Marietta Republican who represents much of Northwest Georgia, is an OB/GYN. He stepped away from active practice when he was elected to Congress in 2002.   "We're making it easier for people to understand what Republicans in Congress are doing to ensure healthcare is more affordable and accessible to all Americans," he said.   House Republican Conference Chair Deborah Pryce called Gingrey "a logical choice to help lead this group." Gingrey also will serve on the Education and Career Opportunities Public Affairs Team. GA. POWER'S LUPO PROMOTED, MOVING Terri Lupo, region manager of Georgia Power's Rome office and an active member of the community, has been named a region vice president for the utility. She's moving to Valdosta to supervise the company's south zone. Serving as the new Rome-based vice president of Georgia Power's northwest region will be Jeff Franklin. The moves are part of an effort to increase the company's focus on customers and the communities it serves, Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett said. It involves a restructuring of the company's field operations that moves some officer positions out of Atlanta to key spots around the state.   Lupo, Franklin and other region vice presidents in Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus and Macon will report to Mickey Brown, executive vice president of the customer service organization. Lupo has been very involved in the community, especially with literacy projects and with the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. She had been scheduled to serve as chamber chair beginning in 2006. Click GAPOWER to read the full press release. PERDUE SIGNS SMITH'S TORT REFORM BILL Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed into law a bill authored by state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, that reforms medical malpractice standards.   The ceremonial signing took place Wednesday afternoon at Northside Hospital in Atlanta with Smith, other lawmakers and medical leaders in attendance. "Due to the rising costs of lawsuits, many of our state's OB/GYN physicians have been forced to leave their practice," Perdue said. "These reforms will help our medical community continue to provide and care for expectant mothers in our state." (Photo: Perdue signs SB3; Smith is to the far left) Health care providers have been rocked by rising liability insurance costs The result has been a reduction in access to health care services, especially in South Georgia.   Senate Bill 3, written by Smith and passed by the General Assembly last week, puts a $350,000 cap on malpractice awards among other reforms. Said Smith: "Senate Bill 3 is intended as a comprehensive and meaningful civil justice reform package that will make substantive changes to ensure affordable access to quality healthcare and balances the important rights of litigants to redress their grievances in our courts with the need for affordable access to quality healthcare for all Georgians." One bit of irony about where the bill was signed: Smith was born at Northside Hospital 32 years ago. (Click SB3 to read the law). LANCE TO DEFEND TOUR DE GEORGIA CROWN Key local dates: April 20, 21 (CLICK `race TO rOME`) News that Lance Armstrong will defend his 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia crown has Greater Rome cycling fans and merchants in "crews control." Armstrong will join his new crew, The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, as it competes in the 2005 TDG starting April 19. For Greater Rome, that means not just huge national exposure on the Outdoor Life Network but also another big boost of international coverage as well. Armstrong, the six-time Tour de France champ, won both Rome-based stages of the 2004 TDG: the trek from Carrollton to First Street in downtown Rome and then the afternoon time trial around Mount Alto. Armstrong went on to capture the tour crown as well. This year's race looks much like the 2004 event, only this time the Rome stages are on separate days. Armstrong & Co. will zip into town from Fayetteville on Wednesday, April 20, and then compete in the time trial--again around Mount Alto--on Thursday, April 21. That boosts Rome's exposure to twice last year's level, if not more. No other stop on the 2005 Tour has near as much time with the cyclists, their crews and fans. Armstrong's team also confirms he'll seek a seventh consecutive Tour de France title this July. For more, click ARMSTRONG. SPECIAL REPORT/THE RACE TO ROME: For detailed coverage on the 2005 Tour de Georgia, please visit our special report, "The Race to Rome." Click TOUR. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: A 2005 TDG local organizing committee already is set up in Greater Rome. The committee--the community--will need more volunteers than ever because the cyclists, their crews and the media will be spending two nights in Greater Rome. The next local organizing committee meeting is at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in the Carnegie Building training room. Those interested in helping can contact Lisa Smith at the Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 295-5576. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOUR? Please send us your questions on the race, Rome's involvement and more by clicking Q&A 1
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