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Rome News-Tribune
Rome Commission renews ethics pledge, but not without questions
Questions about whether commissioners are living up to their own ethical standards surfaced as the Rome City Commission voted 6-2 to renew its commitment to the Georgia Municipal Association’s City of Ethics program. The resolution, approved during the Nov. 9 meeting, allows the city to seek recertification under the program, which requires participating governments to reaffirm their commitment to five ethical principles every four years. City Clerk Joe Smith explained that Rome first became a Certified City of Ethics in 2000, when the commission adopted its original ethics ordinance. That ordinance was amended in 2008 and completely replaced in 2024. The five principles call on elected officials to serve others rather than themselves, use public resources efficiently, treat all people fairly, use their positions for the benefit of constituents and create an environment of honesty, openness and integrity. During discussion, Commissioner Bill Collins questioned whether the commission was meeting the fifth principle, which calls for honesty, openness and integrity. “I have a problem with No. 5,” Collins said. “I don’t think we’re there yet. I’m gonna leave that right there.” Commissioner Elaina Beeman also questioned whether commissioners are already meeting the ethical standards or simply pledging to work toward them.
Rome News-Tribune
Honoring those who served - Rome celebrates Veterans Day
Charles Graves of Rome was only 18 years old when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1917. He was killed 14 months later, by a piece of shrapnel from a German artillery shell. His body was buried in France alongside thousands of other Americans who died in what was then called the “Great War.” Graves's body now rests in Myrtle Hill Cemetery, but his journey back to Rome was a long one. A few years after his death, his body was returned to the United States along with those of his fallen comrades. At that time the U.S. government established the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to honor all those whose bodies may never be recovered or identified. Alongside it, they wanted to have the Tomb of the Known Soldier. Graves was randomly chosen to represent the known soldiers from a list of the returned remains; however, his mother objected and insisted her son be buried at their church on Callier Springs Road. After she died, with permission from Graves's brother, the soldier's body was moved for a third time to his final resting place at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in 1923. It was in
Rome News-Tribune
United Military Care turkey giveaway is a success
United Military Care gave out free turkeys to veterans at the Rome Civic Center, and hundreds of veterans spoke with officers from the Georgia Department of Veterans Services about benefits they are eligible for. Veterans and their families had to preregister to receive a turkey, but turnout was strong at the Saturday event, according to UMC Director of Communications Andi Edwards. “It was a fantastic day,” Edwards said. UMC partnered with wholesale food distributor Sysco to offer the turkeys to veterans, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 25-8 helped distribute them. “And also thanks to the staff from the Rome Emperors, with Julius the mascot, who helped out,” Edwards added. UMC, the organization behind the We Care Veterans Fair, is a nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors across Georgia. Their stated mission is to ensure no veteran goes hungry, homeless or forgotten. The organization connects veterans to essential resources, including food assistance, housing support, benefits guidance and community outreach programs. “Our United Military Care team is always excited to serve Rome’s veterans and families,” Edwards said. “And we look forward to coming back to Rome in 2027 for the We Care Veterans Fair.”
hoodline.com
Rome Commission Hits Pause on $5.6M Tax Break for Match Point Way Housing Project
Rome city commissioners hit the brakes Monday on a $5.6 million tax incentive package for a new residential development on Match Point Way, deciding to wait until they have final paperwork in hand before signing off. The commission voted to table the tax allocation district agreement rather than approve funding for the project, which sits on land owned by Berry College near the Rome Tennis Center and Mount Berry Mall.
wlaq1410.com
Rome Turkey Trot Set for Thanksgiving Day [AUDIO]
AdventHealth Redmond invites members of the community to participate in the 2026 Rome Turkey Trot 5K Run and 3K Feel Whole Stroll, set for 9 am on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26th) at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome. TRED of Rome/Floyd County is pleased to again partner with AdventHealth Redmond for...
Rome News-Tribune
Shaylan Johnson selected for this year's Appalachian Leadership Institute Class
Shaylan Johnson, president of the Northwest Georgia Minority Business Association, is one of a few dozen people selected from the region for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s 2026-2027 Appalachian Leadership Institute. During the eight-month leadership and economic development program, participants will attend several multi-day seminars in all 13 states in the Appalachian region. There are only 40 fellows chosen from throughout the Appalachian region, and Johnson is one of just three who were chosen from Georgia this year. The last time anyone from Rome was selected was in 2023, when Rome Floyd Chamber President Pam Powers-Smith received a fellowship. “It feels really good to be able to follow behind her and to be able to grow,” Johnson said. “I feel like that brings and shows that Rome has powerhouses. We have leaders. … So, it feels good to be able to follow behind and follow in the footsteps of the greats.” Their first session ran from Oct. 23-27 in Huntsville, Alabama. Fellows are learning how to bring resources back to their communities and build the Appalachian region, Johnson said. Some of the topics they discuss include the complexity of being a leader, as well as understanding and learning how to get
wlaq1410.com
Rome City Schools Names 2031 REACH Scholars
Five Rome Middle School students took an important step toward their college futures Tuesday afternoon, signing commitments to earn $10,000 college scholarships through the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program during a ceremony at Rome High School’s College and Career Academy. Kai Green, Kendrah Green, Yaretzi Hernandez, Nozomi Perry, and Zy’ion...
coosavalleynews.com
GNTC graduate earns cryptocurrency transaction security patent
Computers once intimidated a Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) graduate who holds a patent on technology to make cryptocurrency transactions more secure. Evelyn Cronnon shares the patent, which was awarded in 2025 and utilizes fully homomorphic encryption, with two collaborators. Their technology allows cryptocurrency transactions to be conducted without decrypting private information or exposing an individual’s encryption key; the technology prevents threat actors from taking over a digital wallet.
Rome News-Tribune
Red Kettle Campaign helps Salvation Army care for the hungry, homeless
When you donate to the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, you might be doing more good than you suspect. The fundraising effort helps the organization provide year-round support to those who need it in Floyd, Polk and Chattooga counties. This year’s campaign is scheduled to begin Friday, Nov. 20, at Kroger, Rome’s two Walmart locations, Sam’s Club and Belk at Mount Berry Mall. Kettles will also be placed at the Walmart stores in Cedartown and Trion. There are some important numbers from 2025 that illustrate how the Salvation Army helps make lives better in Northwest Georgia: ♦ 15,405: That’s how many free meals the agency provided to the hungry at the agency’s First Avenue location in Rome. “We serve dinner 365 days a year, every day of the year,” said Corps Officer Lt. Cory Tilley, who staffs the Rome location with his wife, Capt. Cristina Tilley. They spoke this week at the Seven Hills Rotary Club. “We do not take weekends off; we do not take holidays off. On Thanksgiving, on Christmas Day, we are serving meals to anyone walking into our First Avenue location right down the road here,” Cory Tilley said. “These are people who may not
wlaq1410.com
It’s Playoff Time for Local High School Football Teams!
Local high school football teams have finished the 2026 regular season and are playoff-bound this weekend. WLAQ 1410 AM/96.9 FM will provide coverage of the Darlington Tigers on Friday as they hit the road to take on Mt. Bethel Christian in the first round of the GHSA’s Private State Football Championship.
wrganews.com
Arrest reports for November 11
Man charged with aggravated stalking, possession of cocaine. A Garden Lakes man has been arrested on charges of Aggravated stalking, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine, and obstruction of officers. According to an arrest warrant and Floyd County Jail records:. 45-year-old Zakelvis Mylea Mayes violated a dating violence temporary protective...