Ocoee
Ocoee, TN · Municipal
Cherokee Tribune
KGET
Tornado siren fixes underway in these Cherokee County towns
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Rome News-Tribune
Northwest Georgia students put construction skills to the test in Rome
The sounds of hammers pounding, saws cutting through wood and power drills buzzing filled the Forum River Center as high school students from across Northwest Georgia competed in the annual Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge. Students competed in carpentry, electrical work, welding, masonry and other trades during the 10th annual event Thursday, hosted by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. The event allowed students to showcase their abilities while gaining experience that could help launch future careers in construction. The event, held in partnership with Duffey Southeast Inc. and RaLin, brought students from 14 Northwest Georgia counties to Rome. Dan Baker, chairman and CEO of Cedartown-based Duffey Southeast, said the competition gives students an opportunity to develop skills that are increasingly valuable in the construction industry. “These young people can come straight out of high school and go into trades and make bank,” Baker said. “So, it’s a great opportunity for these young people, especially right now.” During the competition, students were tasked with completing construction projects based on predetermined plans and specifications. Competitors in each trade were given identical assignments and judged on the accuracy and quality of their work. Baker said the experience teaches students more than technical skills.
Rome News-Tribune
Rome city employees turn pumpkins into scholarships
City of Rome employees put their pumpkin-decorating skills to work this October, competing for bragging rights while raising money to help the children and grandchildren of fellow employees pay for college. For the city’s second Pumpkin Decorating Contest, residents are invited to vote for their favorite creations by donating $1 per vote at city hall, 601 Broad St. All proceeds benefit the city’s employee scholarship program, which has awarded $86,650 to 130 students since it was established in 2005. Kelley Ledford, the city’s director of strategic initiatives, said the contest was developed through an employee engagement committee to bring city workers together while supporting the scholarship fund. “They get very competitive about it,” Ledford said. “But it’s a fun way just to get them involved.” City employees can submit decorated pumpkins, either real or artificial, which are displayed in the city hall foyer. Visitors can place donations in boxes corresponding to their favorite entries. The pumpkin receiving the most donations earns its creator bragging rights and a traveling trophy. Last year’s winner, John Hendricks of the Water and Sewer Department, has kept the roughly 10-pound trophy in his office throughout the year. Retired city payroll technician Alline Mobbs originated the