The Georgia Virtue - North

10/10/2022

UPCOMING RECRUITMENT EVENT | Career Fair

WHAT: Gordon State College Career and Grad Expo
WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 | 10am to 3pm
WHERE: Gordon State College SARC, 419 College Dr, Barnesville, GA 30204

05/10/2022

West Central Elementary STEAM Class Constructs Solar Ovens

Third-grade students at West Central Elementary accessed their engineering skills to try their hand at baking, the STEAM lab way.

To coincide with lessons on sources of heat and how heat energy can be measured using thermometers, WCE STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) teacher Natalie Hall, led students in a STEAM experiment to design, engineer and construct functioning solar ovens.

“To extend their learning, they have had a week-long (Sept. 19-23) challenge in the STEAM lab to create a device that can increase the warming effect of solar energy enough to melt their s'mores,” Hall explained.

With their goal in focus, students worked in teams to follow the PRINTS design process that consisted of planning, creating and improving their designs.

“Prior to putting s'mores in their solar ovens,” Hall said, “students did a test run on Thursday with only a thermometer inside. Using data gathered Thursday afternoon, students were able to make final improvements before putting their s'mores in the ovens on Friday.”

“We are so excited to have a STEAM teacher in every elementary school this year, and Natalie Hall is doing a wonderful job of filling that role for us at West Central,” Principal Jennifer Uldrick said. “She plans closely with classroom teachers to ensure that what she does in the STEAM lab both supports and extends the learning that is taking place each day. Students are always eager for their weekly visit to the STEAM lab, as they are invited to participate in engaging, hands-on activities like solar ovens.”

After putting in the time and effort to study, design, engineer and test, that sweet, melted treat was just a delicious bonus next to the satisfaction of a functioning STEAM-style solar oven!

04/10/2022

Rome City Schools Board of Education Names Christian A. Barnes Principal of RMS

The Rome City Schools Board of Education met during a called Board meeting to name a principal at Rome Middle School. The Board voted to approve the hiring of Christian A. Barnes who has served as the assistant principal, AP coordinator and discipline coordinator at Allatoona High School.

Barnes holds a BA in communications and a MA in higher education from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Berry College in Rome, Ga. Additionally, Barnes has a certificate in school leadership that he earned from Wilmington University in Delaware, N.J.

Rome Middle School’s new principal started his career in education at Camden County College where he served as an adjunct professor in Aug. 2001. In March of 2009, he became the director of curriculum and later the principal at Children of Promise School in Clementon, N.J. He has also served as vice principal at Trenton Community Charter School (March 2010-June 2011) and interim principal at Freedom Academy Charter School (Aug 2012-June 2013), both in New Jersey.

Barnes began his work in Georgia’s education system in July of 2014 where he has served as the assistant principal at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga. and of Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Ga., Currently, Barnes is the assistant principal at Allatoona High School in Acworth, Ga.

During his 22 years in education, Barnes has worked closely with system administrators to improve student achievement on state standardized tests, consulted with charter school start-ups, served on a discipline panel for the Cobb County School District, and has been a keynote speaker, contributing author and creator of workshops geared towards stakeholder awareness. Barnes is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

“We are thrilled to announce Mr. Christian Barnes as the new principal at Rome Middle School,” said Dr. Eric L. Holland. “He will be a wonderful addition to our Rome City School family.”

Barnes will begin his tenure as Rome Middle School principal on October 17, 2022.

03/10/2022

Rome City Schools Board of Education Names Christian A. Barnes Principal of RMS

The Rome City Schools Board of Education met during a called Board meeting to name a principal at Rome Middle School. The Board voted to approve the hiring of Christian A. Barnes who has served as the assistant principal, AP coordinator and discipline coordinator at Allatoona High School.

Barnes holds a BA in communications and a MA in higher education from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Berry College in Rome, Ga. Additionally, Barnes has a certificate in school leadership that he earned from Wilmington University in Delaware, N.J.

Rome Middle School’s new principal started his career in education at Camden County College where he served as an adjunct professor in Aug. 2001. In March of 2009, he became the director of curriculum and later the principal at Children of Promise School in Clementon, N.J. He has also served as vice principal at Trenton Community Charter School (March 2010-June 2011) and interim principal at Freedom Academy Charter School (Aug 2012-June 2013), both in New Jersey.

Barnes began his work in Georgia’s education system in July of 2014 where he has served as the assistant principal at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga. and of Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Ga., Currently, Barnes is the assistant principal at Allatoona High School in Acworth, Ga.

During his 22 years in education, Barnes has worked closely with system administrators to improve student achievement on state standardized tests, consulted with charter school start-ups, served on a discipline panel for the Cobb County School District, and has been a keynote speaker, contributing author and creator of workshops geared towards stakeholder awareness. Barnes is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

“We are thrilled to announce Mr. Christian Barnes as the new principal at Rome Middle School,” said Dr. Eric L. Holland. “He will be a wonderful addition to our Rome City School family.

Barnes will begin his tenure as Rome High School principal on October 17, 2002.

03/10/2022

ATTENTION: Please note our CLEAR BAG policy for the 2022 Coosa Valley Fair. Please plan your visit accordingly. Thank you!

03/10/2022

On Monday October 3, 2022 Detention Officer Janice Borders officially retired from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. An official retirement celebration was held at the Sheriff’s Office with Detention Officer Borders’ family, friends, and co-workers present.

Detention Officer Borders began her law enforcement career with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office on September 20, 2001 as a Jailer. Detention Officer Borders quickly realized her passion was working in the Jail, which is the reason she stayed in the Jail Division for the majority of her career. During her over 21 year career with the Sheriff’s Office, she served under two different sheriffs.

Detention Officer Borders began her career with the Sheriff’s Office like most, working in our Jail Division. She attended Basic Jail training at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy where she graduated and became a P.O.S.T. certified Jailer. For a short time, Detention Officer Borders worked in the Warrants/Civil Division as an administrative clerk before moving back to the Jail Division. Detention Officer Borders spent the majority of her career in the Jail Division working in many different positions at the Jail, to include a supervisory role at one point. For the past twelve years, Detention Officer Borders has been tasked with being the Court Services liaison where she worked closely with the many different courts in Paulding County.

Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “Janice was a hard worker and always enjoyed her job in our Jail Division. She was extremely knowledgeable about our Jail and the court system and will be truly missed. I am thankful that Janice has the opportunity to retire and I hope she has plenty of time to relax with her family.”

Detention Officer Borders’ law enforcement career has spanned over 21 years. During her tenure in law enforcement, she has seen many changes. We want to wish Detention Officer Borders a happy and relaxing retirement. Now she will have plenty of time to enjoy life and spend time with her family.

01/10/2022

The bill, donned the Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act, would allow schools to use excess federal funds to purchase naloxone, train school staff on administering the drug and educate students.

https://bit.ly/3y0dGlw

(The Center Square) – A bill introduced Monday by two Colorado congressmen would allow schools to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds to combat fentanyl. Under the Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., and Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., schools would be able to re...

01/10/2022

Georgia taxpayers could be on the hook for $400,000 worth of new election equipment for Coffee County after individuals illegally accessed voting equipment.

https://bit.ly/3RbtXuE

(The Center Square) — Georgia taxpayers could be on the hook for $400,000 worth of new election equipment for Coffee County after individuals illegally accessed voting equipment. The state is sending the county 100 ballot marking devices, 100 printers, 21 poll pads, 10 precinct scanners, and new f...

30/09/2022

Gun type, gun locks, lost & stolen guns...and more are slated to be topics of discussion in the 2023 legislative session, Georgia Democrats say.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-legislature/georgia-democrats-plan-gun-control-push-in-legislature-in-the-next-session/

(The Center Square) — Georgia Democrats are planning to introduce a series of gun control legislation for lawmakers to consider during the next legislative session. Among the proposed legislation is a measure to prohibit supplying a semiautomatic assault weapon to anyone under the age of 21 years....

30/09/2022

There's nothing politicians love more than jocks and movie stars," Kennesaw State University economist J.C. Bradbury told The Center Square. "That's why they give out a lot of subsidies for sports stadiums, and film and movie credits are also something that are often given out."
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-news/georgias-6-5b-in-film-subsidies-add-up-to-416k-per-each-new-industry-job/

(The Center Square) — Georgia officials pride themselves on the state’s tax credits for the movie industry, but a leading economist says the tax credits don’t benefit the state. “There’s nothing politicians love more than jocks and movie stars,” Kennesaw State University economist J.C. B...

29/09/2022

The committee of Georgia lawmakers will determine whether low literacy impacts the state's competitiveness.

https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-politics/bipartisan-committee-investigating-issues-with-georgias-literacy-programs/

(The Center Square) — A bipartisan Georgia House committee will study state programs providing literacy instruction to Georgians and determine whether low literacy impacts the state’s competitiveness. The House Study Committee on Literacy Instruction, established by House Resolution 650, will e...

29/09/2022

Leaders in smaller departments say they can't compete with the pay and benefits of departments in larger cities.

But one chief from South Georgia petitioned lawmakers create a state-funded mandatory statewide use of force database and a uniform statewide retirement system for local governments to encourage people to 'stay in the field.'
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/law-enforcement/georgia-law-enforcement-officers-ask-legislature-for-wage-increases-due-to-retention-issues/

(The Center Square) — Law enforcement officers from across Georgia want state lawmakers to help increase wages for officers. During a House Study Committee on State and Local Law Enforcement Salaries meeting in Americus, representatives from state and local agencies detailed the difficulties they ...

28/09/2022

World War II veteran Dr. Matt McGowan courageously joined the Marines in 1943.
Dr. McGowan bravely served this great nation for 28 years, including as a Chaplain for the U.S. Army.
https://bit.ly/3LQODH5

Congressman Andrew Clyde recently recognized a World War II veteran after he was honored by a northeast Georgia veterans initiative. Last month, Northeast Georgian veterans held a recognition ceremony for World War II veteran Dr. Matt McGowan, who courageously joined the Marines in 1943. Dr. McGowan...

28/09/2022

Grants Give a Boost of Funding to Rome City Schools Groups

Early morning Walmart shoppers may have noted a crowd of community leaders, Rome City Schools staff and supporters, citizens, and Walmart associates gathered outside store #658 in West Rome on Sept. 16, 2022. They may have also heard the music, snapped a photo with Coca-Cola’s polar bear and smelled the good eats of Taqueria De Leon’s food truck just west of the front doors. It would have been hard not to notice a celebration was underway.

During the grand re-opening and ribbon cutting of Walmart’s #658 store, and in front of an audience including Mayor Sundai Stevenson, two groups from RCS were awarded grants by the Walmart Foundation to support students and schools.

Principal Dr. Dennis Drummond, PTO president Melanie Matteo and PTO treasurer Aerial Holbert graciously accepted a $1,500 check from Walmart store manager Brandy Thomas on behalf of West End Elementary.

Drummond credited the school’s vibrant and active PTO members for helping to progress ideas and plans that continue to make West End’s environment an excellent place to learn and grow. Matteo said the grant from the Walmart Foundation will go toward the school’s goal of building a pavilion on the lower playground to provide a covered space for outdoor recreation and learning.

Rome Band Boosters president Eric Vaughn and Meredith Thomas were clearly overjoyed to accept a $1,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. The band boosters support all RCS bands for grades six through 12. Vaughn and Thomas said funds would be used to cover expenses such as instrument and uniform repair, vehicle maintenance and paying for things such as rights to the music that the RCS bands learn and perform for the public.

Both groups expressed excitement and gratitude for the support of the Walmart Foundation and their local store. When community partners and schools come together, the kids always win.

28/09/2022

Since the Cash Assistance Program launched on Sept. 20th, 328,433 Georgians have claimed $114,951,550 and spent $62,709,599.02.

There were issues with the cards working last week and over the weekend, but those problems have been resolved, the state says.
https://bit.ly/3ULJ94w

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) says that the technical issues impacting some Cash Assistance Program prepaid card transactions have largely been resolved. From the press release from the Georgia Department of Human Services: Throughout the weekend, DHS worked with Mastercard and the....

28/09/2022

Peach State politicians have targeted EV companies to locate facilities in the state, and Georgia officials have announced more than 20 EV-related projects since 2020.

https://bit.ly/3dJsjTe

(The Center Square) — The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on Georgia’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, opening the door to millions in federal taxpayer dollars for the state. With this approval, the Georgia Department of Transportation can start planning how the stat...

28/09/2022

🎙️In Ep 237 of the Let Me Tell You Why You're Wrong Podcast, Dave rolls solo and discusses the not so Sunny View, COVID Fraud, a fake DEA agent, Stacy Abrams’ expert biology lesson, Russian conscripts, and huge Canadian falsies.

https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/podcasts/let-me-tell-you-why-youre-wrong/ep-237-a-solo-effort/

In LMTYWYW Ep 237, Dave rolls solo and discusses the not so Sunny View, COVID Fraud, a fake DEA agent, Stacy Abrams’ expert biology lesson, Russian conscripts, and huge Canadian falsies. LISTEN to LMTYWYW Podcast Ep 237 Ep. 237: Solo Effort In Ep. 237, Dave discusses the not so Sunny View, COVID F...

28/09/2022

Rome City Schools Board of Education Names Parke Wilkinson Principal of RHS

The Rome City Schools Board of Education met during a called Board meeting to name a principal at Rome High School. The Board voted to approve the hiring of G. Parke Wilkinson, Jr. who currently serves as the principal at Rome Middle School.

Wilkinson holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama (1995); an M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College (2004); a certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama (2006) and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama (2008).

After stints in Tampa, Florida and Dekalb County, Ga., Wilkinson came to East Central Elementary School in 2001. While at East Central he was a fifth grade ELA and science teacher, and then served as the assistant principal from 2001 through 2008.

In 2008, Wilkinson served as assistant principal at Rome High School. While working at the high school as assistant principal, Wilkinson was charged with creating a testing schedule, implemented credit recovery, evaluated teachers and was responsible for discipline on 22 Rome City Schools’ buses.

In Aug. of 2009, Wilkinson became the principal of Main Elementary School. During his time in leadership at Main Elementary School (2009-2011) sixth grade students scored 100 percent in reading earning a National Blue Ribbon.

Wilkinson then served as principal at East Central Elementary School from Aug. of 2011 until May of 2015. While at East Central, he created the Red Hat Reader program and the East Central Brick Campaign that raised money for the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

Wilkinson was also principal of Anna K. Davie Elementary School from 2015-2017 where he focused on student achievement and community involvement, as well.

In 2017, Wilkinson became the principal of Rome Middle School where he presently works with students in Rome City Schools. Under his leadership, the school has seen the creation of six CTAE classes, the return of a robust foreign language program, STEM teams for seventh and eighth grade students, and a mentoring program in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Northwest Georgia.

“Mr. Wilkinson has tremendous leadership skills and a broad range of experience in not only school leadership, but community leadership as well,” said Dr. Eric L. Holland, Superintendent of Rome City Schools. “I am excited about working with Mr. Wilkinson as he applies his leadership skills at Rome High, and as we move forward with our many future projects and plans there.”

Wilkinson will begin his tenure as Rome High School principal on October 10, 2022. Rome City Schools will begin reviewing applications immediately to fill the position of principal at Rome Middle School.

28/09/2022

Rome High School’s Sound of the Seven Hills Marching Band received all superior ratings from judges at the 58th Annual Midsouth Marching Festival in Gadsden, Ala. The band competed on Sept. 24, 2022.

In addition to an all-superior performance, the RHS Band was named Grand Champion for Class 3A, 4A, and 5A! Rome High School Drum Major, Color Guard and Percussion also were recognized as BEST IN CLASS!!!

27/09/2022

Deputies responded to a call for an assault in progress and discovered a teen with a gunshot wound to the chest.

https://bit.ly/3BPpcRL

A 17-year-old has been arrested for the murder of another 17-year-old. Deputies with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence on Saturday, September 24, 2022 for an assault in progress. A person had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male subject had fled th...

27/09/2022

Rome High School’s Varsity Football Game versus Woodstock High School has been rescheduled due to weather concerns.

The game will be played on September 29, 2022, at Woodstock.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

26/09/2022

Though models suggest it will weaken before making landfall on Thursday, and its ultimate route is still undetermined, Ian could result in severe weather damage for large parts of Georgia.

Hence Kemp's activation slated for Monday.

https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-crime/kemp-emergency-management-officials-to-activate-state-operations-center-monday/

In coordination with Director Chris Stallings of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the National Weather Service, and other storm response partners, Governor Brian P. Kemp has ordered the activation of the State Operations Center on Monday, September 26, to prep...

23/09/2022

91 Congressional lawmakers recently introduced the "Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act" to prohibit the implementation of and funding of what they're calling "President Biden’s pro-abortion Executive Orders."
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/national-politics/91-lawmakers-back-bill-to-undo-the-negligent-biden-orders-right-now/

91 Congressional lawmakers recently introduced the “Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act” to prohibit the implementation of and funding of what they’re calling “President Biden’s pro-abortion Executive Orders.” The initiative follows a letter sent to Biden i...

21/09/2022

The first phase of the facility development is expected to be complete and operational next month.

Economic development officials say it represents only an initial $35 million investment in the state and that the company plans to further develop the facility over the next three years.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-news/georgia-taxpayers-to-help-agribusiness-technology-manufacturer-build-35m-facility/

(The Center Square) — A global agriscience technology manufacturer plans to invest nearly $35 million to launch a campus in Jasper County. Profile Products, based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, plans to produce wood-based erosion control technologies and horticulture substrates at the new plant. The ...

21/09/2022

State Rep. Sandra Scott says Georgia students living in poverty need additional funding.

She contends that "nearly every state provides this type of funding, and it typically has bipartisan support" and a 2015 committee on education in Georgia even recommended it.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/opinion-columns/state-rep-georgias-low-income-students-fall-behind-while-lawmakers-stand-idle/

By State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) Georgia’s low-income students are falling behind, and state lawmakers have an opportunity and a responsibility to do something about it. Georgia is one of only six states that does not provide additional funding for students living in poverty, and our l...

20/09/2022

In tagging, major credit card companies will separately categorize gun and ammunition retailers.
Supporters say it will enable companies to contact law enforcement for suspicious behavior.

Opponents and 2A supporters say it's a workaround to a registry and one GA Congressman plans to introduce a bill to prevent the practice.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/national-politics/opponents-say-tagging-gun-sales-on-credit-cards-will-create-a-registry/

Late last week, the international organization responsible for creating merchant category codes for credit card purchases announced it had given its approval to establish one for transactions made at gun stores. In doing so, major credit card companies will separately categorize gun and ammunition r...

19/09/2022

🚟 🚊With federal money dwindling, some mass transit agencies are preparing to seek more tax dollars at a time when fewer people are riding.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/national-politics/report-transit-agencies-may-turn-to-taxpayers-for-more-money-when-covid-19-funds-dry-up/

(The Center Square) – Transit agencies could turn to taxpayers for more money when federal COVID-19 money runs out. With federal money dwindling, some mass transit agencies are preparing to seek more tax dollars at a time when fewer people are riding, according to a report from a credit rating ag...

18/09/2022

Most of these programs are funded by taxpayers.
Universal basic income programs are generally open to everyone in the community.
Guaranteed income programs target a specific sector of the population, often lower-income individuals.
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/national-politics/guaranteed-income-programs-popping-up-throughout-the-country/

(The Center Square) – Communities throughout the U.S. are experimenting with social programs that give a “guaranteed income” to some residents with few or no strings attached. An economics professor says universal income could be a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars as long as it replaces ...

18/09/2022

"There are warning signals, including worldwide drought and continued energy disruptions, that inflation is not yet tamed," Erik Randolph, the Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) director of research, said in a statement. "Moreover, Federal Reserve policy is refusing to allow the price level to come back down, meaning that most households will continue to contend with higher prices and lagging income growth."
https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-news/expert-says-despite-improved-federal-data-georgia-still-faces-inflationary-pressures/

(The Center Square) — While the July and August Consumer Price Index numbers show “inflation has stalled,” a Georgia expert warns that “we’re not out of the woods yet.” On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the CPI rose 0.1% in August and 8.3% year-over-year. ....