Not too late to get a flu shot
December 1, 2021–11:40 a.m. STAFF REPORTS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reduced population immunity due to lack of flu virus activity since March 2020 could result in a possibly severe flu season this year. Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District said it’s not too late to…
Dr. Gary Voccio talks about the Omicron variant
November 30, 2021–10:23 a.m. STAFF REPORTS Over the last few days, we have been hearing about a new COVID-19 variant. The Omicron variant was first detected on November 9 in Botswana in Africa, according to Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District. “Then a very astute physician…
Wednesday is World AIDS Day
November 30, 2021–9:18 a.m. STAFF REPORTS Wednesday is World AIDS Day and the Floyd County Health Department will be offering free testing, information and other resources. Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District said there has been a disturbing trend regarding HIV infections. “The last data that…
Georgia gas prices down slightly
November 30, 2021–7:17 a.m. AAA SOUTH There is a little relief at the pump. Georgia gas prices decreased slightly, with motorists now paying an average price of $3.22 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. That is two is 2 cents less than a week ago, 3 cents less than last month, and $1.26 more than this time last year. According to…
Man arrested following police pursuit in Polk County
November 29, 2021–7:00 p.m. POLK COUNTY POLICE A man was arrested Friday following a pursuit in Polk County. According to Polk County Police, officers stopped a Chevy S-10 for traffic violations in the area of Berry Road and Piedmont Highway. As the officers were speaking to the driver, he put the vehicle in drive and…
Man charged with aggravated assault, hit and run
November 28, 2021–6:55 p.m. FLOYD COUNTY JAIL RECORDS A Rockmart man was jailed Thanksgiving evening following an argument on Walton Creek Way in Rome. According to Floyd County Jail records, 55-year old Michael Revis Salter backed his vehicle into the victim’s truck while the passengers were inside and about to exit. There were children under…
Black Friday shopping tips
November 25, 2021–9:20 p.m. STAFF REPORTS The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It is anticipated that there will be more shoppers this year than last year. Remembering a few safety tips will help make your quest for the perfect present more enjoyable. If you are…
Salvation Army looking for volunteers to ring bells
November 25, 2021–9:17 p.m. STAFF REPORTS Every Christmas Season, at kettle stands all over the world; volunteers ring the Bells of Hope for The Salvation Army. Volunteers are being sought to help ring those bells this holiday season. Many businesses, organizations, families, and churches have found it to be a wonderful way to get involved…
Public health officials fear post-holiday COVID-19 spike
November 25, 2021–9:09 p.m. STAFF REPORTS Public health officials are fearful that we could see another spike in COVID-19 cases as we did following the holidays last year. Some countries in Europe are already seeing an increase as colder weather sets in and more people are spending time indoors. “Historically we have seen a spike…
Floyd ATC saved athlete’s life
November 24, 2021–9:07 a.m. NEWS RELEASE Each year, Atrium Health Floyd provides more than 37,000 hours of athletic training to more than 3,000 student-athletes in our community, at no cost to the schools, the students, or their families. One of those athletic trainers is Hope Horne, a licensed Athletic Trainer serving at Pepperell High School.…
DOT to suspended lane closures for holiday weekend
November 23, 2021–12:05 p.m. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes from Wednesday morning until Sunday evening. These statewide lane closure restrictions will help to reduce traffic congestion during the Thanksgiving holiday. While construction related lane closures will be suspended, the department reminds…
Roads are expected to be busy this holiday weekend
November 22, 2021–7:10 p.m. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Based on travel volume data following Labor Day Weekend 2021, it is predicted that Thanksgiving travel volumes will return to pre-pandemic levels this year. If you do need to travel this holiday, please keep in mind the following Thanksgiving travel forecast for metro Atlanta interstates: Heavy congestion on…
Gas prices expected to remain elevated during the holidays
November 22, 2021–8:51 a.m. AAA SOUTH Georgia gas prices are slightly lower than a week ago. Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $3.24 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Monday’s state average is a penny less than a week ago, but 4 cents more than last month and $1.29 more than this time last year. There…
Suspect in Instagram beatdown arrested in Cedartown
November 17, 2021–11:28 a.m. CLAYTON COUNTY POLICE A suspect wanted in connection with the beating of a woman that was broadcasted on Instagram Live on Halloween was taken into custody Tuesday in Cedartown. Daniellie Moose has been on the run since the incident that occurred in Clayton County. Multiple agencies collaborated to bring her into…
Man arrested following standoff in Cedartown
November 16, 2021–11:24 a.m. STAFF REPORTS A Cedartown man is facing multiple charges following a standoff with police Monday afternoon. According to Polk County Jail records, 40-year old Justin Steve Hayes is charged with aggravated assault, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, obstruction of law enforcement, possession of a firearm during the commission of a…
Buchanan nominated for US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
November 15, 2021–8:54 p.m. STAFF REPORTS President Joe Biden has nominated Ryan K. Buchanan for the job of US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Buchanan is currently an Assistant United States Attorney for the office, where he has served since 2013. Mr. Buchanan has served as the Deputy Chief of the Violent Crime…
Gas prices hold steady
November 15, 2021–10:39 a.m. AAA SOUTH Georgia gas prices remain unchanged this week as motorists continue to pay an average price of $3.25 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Monday’s state average is 15 cents more than last month and $1.28 more than this time last year. Although gas prices have managed to remain stable for the past few weeks,…
Polk: US 27/SR 1 resurfacing continues Monday
November 13th, 2021 – 2:30 PM Georgia Department of Transportation – Weather permitting, crews will continue resurfacing US 27/SR 1 between the Haralson county line and Old Knight Highway. The work will close portions of the northbound roadway while crews work on the northbound shoulder of the route and along the side streets. WHEN: Monday, November…
Motorcycle pursuit ends with an arrest at Polk County line
November 10th, 2021 – 3:45 PM Polk County Police Department – On November 9th the Polk County Police Department was dispatched to the area of Highway 101 in reference to a motorcycle pursuit that began in Gordon County and ended at Floyd County at the Polk County Line. Officers spotted the motorcycle in the area…
Floyd now allowing two visitors per patient
November 9, 2021–4:38 p.m. NEWS RELEASE Most patients at Atrium Health Floyd will be able to have two visitors, effective Wednesday, Nov.10. Some visitation restrictions remain because of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of patients, staff members, and visitors. No visitors younger than 18 will be permitted for hospitalized patients. Requests for additional visitors due…