Dance for Dogs to benefit Carroll County Animal Shelter Saturday

A 17-month-old Boxer mix up for adoption at the Carroll County Animal Shelter.

Show off your dance moves and help support the Carroll County Animal Shelter at the first annual Dance for Dogs this Saturday at the Carroll County Recreation Department. The event begins at noon and lasts through 2 p.m. A $8 donation entitles guests to two hours of Zumba with two certified instructors, a limited edition t-shirt and refreshments.

WGTC Taking Submissions for Travelling Art Show

West Georgia Technical College is accepting submissions for the college's first campus-wide art exhibit through April 15. Current and recent WGTC staff, faculty and students, as well as high school students from Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether and Troup Counties are all encouraged to submit their work.

Census Data Charts County's Growth

Over the past decade, Carroll County’s population grew by approximately 27% from 87,268 residents in 2000 to 110,527 residents in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The 23,259 additional persons helped the county’s overall population to occupy 39,187 out of 44,607 residences, an 88% rate of occupancy.

Nazi Hunter: Simon Wiesenthal Opens Friday at Townsend Center

The University of West Georgia’s Townsend Center for the Performing Arts will present Tom Dugan’s “Nazi Hunter: Simon Wiesenthal,” a one-man theatrical journey about the Austrian-Jewish Holocaust survivor.

Wiesenthal survived the horrors of concentration camps and then began a pursuit of Nazi war criminals. He tracked down and brought to justice more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals around the world.

Ephesus Public Library Holding Blowout Book Sale

 

The Ephesus Public Library is hosting a 'Blowout Sale' featuring used books, CDs, DVDs and cookbooks. The sale, which helps benefit the library, begins today and lasts through April 9th. The sale is a great opportunity to pick up some inexpensive spring reading material while supporting one of the county's local libraries.

UWG Names New Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs

The University of West Georgia is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Horvath will become its next provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Horvath is currently professor and dean of the School of Education at Indiana University South Bend. He has worked as a dean of education in public, regional institutions for the past 15 years, including as professor and dean of the School of Education at Missouri Southern State University and professor and chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University.

Emergency Preparedness Fair Set for April 23rd.

Floods, severe thunder storms, tornadoes and even ice storms are constant reminders that west Georgia is not at all insulated against the threats of severe weather. 

Tanner's Short Stay/Clinic Avenue Entrance Closing, Courtesy Valet Parking Expanding

As construction continues on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, the Clinic Avenue/Short Stay parking lot and entrance to the hospital will close on April 4. The facility will begin offering free valet service on that date at the Dixie Street atrium as a courtesy to its patients.

Free Wind Symphony Concert Tonight

The University of West Georgia's Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will be performing a free concert tonight at the campus' Townsend Center for the Performing Arts at 8:15 p.m. It's a great way to unwind after a long Monday.

WGTC to Host Motorcycle Ride for March of Dimes

Set aside your walking shoes, break out your motorcycle boots and get ready to Ride for Babies! West Georgia Technical College is hosting a Motorcycle Ride to benefit the March of Dimes on Saturday, April 9th. 

Carroll County Boys & Girls Club Recognized with Proclamation

On Wednesday, Carroll County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Chappell toured the Carroll County Boys & Girls Club and signed a proclamation recognizing the club's efforts, designating March 20 through March 26 as 'Boys & Girls Club Week.'

UWG Grad Publishes Children's Book

Recent University of West Georgia graduate Brittany Reid has published her first children’s book, Quack-a-Doodle-Doo: Do it Like Dave. Reid says it is the first in what will be a series of books focused on self worth, positive self-esteem and education. “The series will follow the story of Uni, a duck who thinks he is a chicken, but slowly learns to love and accept himself for being different from the brids around him,” said Reid.

Last Day to Register for AJC's Peachtree Road Race

Registration ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. for the 2011 Atlanta Journal Constitution's Peachtree Road Race. This year's 10-kilometer race will have 60,000 runners, an increase of 5,000 over previous years. Register here.

Carroll Meth Awareness Coalition to Host Special Program Tonight

The Carroll Meth Awareness Coalition is hosting a free program tonight featuring a panel discussion on the types of intervention, treatment and support resources available for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carrollton Housing Authority's Elder Circle Community Center at 512 Elder Circle. Tonight's panelists include representatives from Drug Court, faith-based treatment programs and Willowbrooke at Tanner.

Electronics Recycling Event Set for April 9th

Tanner's Harmony for Healing to Feature Student Choruses

Tanner Health System's Harmony for Healing music therapy program is pleased to announce two unique upcoming performances in the atrium of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton that the public is welcome to attend.

The Carrollton Middle School Singers, featuring more than 60 fifth grade students under the direction of Susan Fields, will perform on March 29 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Their program, “On the Radio,” will consist of songs heard over the airwaves from the Great Depression and World War II through the birth of rock-and-roll, the British Invasion and disco. “Tune in” for popular hits of years past, including “Ain’t We Got Fun?,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Hound Dog,” “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Footloose.”

Free AARP Tax Help in Whitesburg Today

Representatives from the AARP Tax Aide Program will be at the Whitesburg Public Library Today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is a free service run by the AARP to help moderate to low income tax payers with a special emphasis on senior citizens.

Upcoming Events at the Cultural Arts Center

More exhibits, classes, performances, shows and concerts on the way at the Carroll Cultural Arts Center.

Family Creates Women's Studies Scholarship

Michael Menkes, a UWG criminology and women’s studies student, on behalf of the Menkes family and in celebration of Women’s History Month, is pleased to announce the creation of the Menkes Family Women’s Studies Scholarship. This scholarship will give generous support to students who are planning to minor in the Women’s Studies Program.

Reception for New Villa Rica Head Football Coach Tonight

A reminder for all the Wildcats fans, Villa Rica High School will be hosting a reception to meet and greet new Head Football Coach Mike Falleur tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria. Members of the public are encouraged to come and welcome the new coach. A spaghetti dinner will be served.

Professor Makes Homes for Eastern Bluebirds on UWG Campus

Spring is here and the changing of the season means more feathery friends on the UWG campus. 

Barbara Ballentine, assistant professor of behavioral ecology and evolution, is especially interested in the arrival of Eastern bluebirds. She is conducting a new research project to study their behavior and morphology.

Hundreds Visit John Tanner Park for Junior Sportsman Bonanza

Snake Master Steve Scruggs shows off the jaws on one of his many snakes during the Junior Sportsman Bonanza at John Tanner Park on Saturday.

Hundreds of local residents and guests from other counties visited John Tanner Park Saturday for the Junior Sportsman Bonanza. The event was one of the many great opportunities to have family fun close to home at Carroll County's beautiful parks.

Fallen Heroes Memorial Tour Honors Two Local Officers

The tour pulls into the parking lot of the Bradley Street Warehouse Friday morning in Carrollton.

WGTC Recognizes Student and Teacher of the Year

Karen Freeman

West Georgia Technical College has announced its Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner – Dale Bowers, a Registered Nursing student from Moreland – and its Rick Perkins Award winner – Early Childhood Care and Education instructor Karen Freeman of LaGrange. 

Silent Auction At Mt. Zion Community Center

Come and show your support for the Mt. Zion Community Center and Library by participating in their silent auction, which continues today from 9:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. through 2:30 p.m.

There are a variety of items to bid on, including gift sets and Mt. Zion hats and sweatshirts. You don’t have to be present to win your bid and all proceeds benefit the Mt. Zion Community Center and Library.

Carroll Tomorrow Announces New Economic Development VP

Brian Dill

Carroll Tomorrow is pleased to announce that Brian Dill has been selected as Vice President of Economic Development and Global Commerce for the Carroll Tomorrow Economic Development Foundation, according to Daniel Jackson, President and CEO. 

UWG Jazz Ensemble Performs Tonight

The University of West Georgia Jazz Ensemble will be holding their spring concert tonight at 8:15 p.m. in the campus' Townsend Center. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy live jazz while supporting collegiate musicians.

AARP Tax Help Still Available

Carroll County residents seeking help filing their tax returns should look no further than the AARP’s Tax-Aide program, a free service that helps low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with a special emphasis placed on senior citizens.

Three UWG Students Finalists in Peachtree Road Race Design Contest

For the third consecutive year art students from the University of West Georgia are finalists in the AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt Design Contest.

Three designs by UWG students are among the five that were selected by a panel of judges representing the Atlanta Track Club, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and local graphic artists.

Central HS Chorus' Spring Music Revue Tonight

The Central High School Chorus, under the direction of Melissa Stamps, will perform “CINEMAGIC”, its annual spring musical revue, tonight at The Townsend Center Performing Arts Center on the campus of UWG.

A cast of approximately 100 students will incorporate singing, dancing, and costumes in a tribute to some of the greatest songs from the movies.

E-SPLOST IV Passes Handily

Voters on Tuesday approved the E-SPLOST IV measure, allowing school administrators to move forward with future building plans. With an election turnout of a little more than 10 percent, the measure garnered 60 percent of the total vote, passing easily. See the voting totals here or visit the Board of Elections' website: www.elections.carrollcountyga.com.

Don't Forget to Cast Your Ballot

It's election day, and all voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. tonight to allow voters to cast a ballot in the referendum on the proposed E-SPLOST IV. For more information please visit the Carroll County Board of Elections website.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Opens This Week

Tim Plumley as Willy Wonka

Carroll County Community Theatre presents the musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl March 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. and March 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m. This musical is directed by Lisa York and music directed by Jennifer Green. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man (played by Tim Plumley) and his quest to fine an heir, comes to life in a scrumdidilyumptious world. Tim recently stole the show in CCCT’s Dracula as the insane character of Renfield and brings a little of that intensity back to the stage in this role.  

Vanishing Georgia Archive Chronicles Carroll County of Yesteryear

Vanishing Georgia is a digital photo archive run by the Georgia Division of Archives and History that contains over 150 images from Carroll County around the dawn of the 20th century. The archive is something that can be appreciated by history buffs, longtime residents and newcomers alike. Visit the archive to take in a piece of Carroll County's agricultural heritage.

Vanishing Georgia: Carroll County

Carroll County Foster Parents Association to Host Annual Fundraiser

The Carroll County Foster Parents Association has scheduled its annual fundraiser for May 9th at Mirror Lake Country Club. 

Proceeds from the event, 'Fore the Foster Kids' Charity 4-Person Scramble, benefit local foster kids and help provide them the opportunity to participate in school and summer activities. The funds also help provide birthday and holiday gifts, braces for some children, and bikes for foster children living in Carroll County.

UWG Bridge Partially Open

The bridge connecting the University of West Georgia campus to its football stadium has opened to pedestrians and bicycle traffic. The $480,000 bridge was a joint project between the University and the City of Carrollton.

Georgia One of Eight States to Earn AAA Bond Rating

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Georgia has once again received triple-A bond ratings from all three major municipal bond rating agencies.

“Georgia is one of just eight states with the coveted triple-A ratings from all three rating agencies, and it is a reflection of the state’s commitment to sound fiscal management and the conservative leadership of our General Assembly,” said Deal.

Grape Planting on North Hulett Road

Friends and neighbors of Jerry Culver volunteered their time to help him plant acres of grape vines on his farm on North Hulett Road Saturday. Culver and friends planted Black Spanish and Blanc Du Bois vines, both known for producing quality wines. 

UWG's 'Go West' Commercials Win Telly Award

The University of West Georgia is proud to announce that it has been honored with a prestigious Telly Award for its “Go West” branded television commercials.

The Telly Awards are the premier honors for outstanding local, regional and national TV commercials and programs. The widely known and highly respected competition draws more than 11,000 entries annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries. UWG was chosen for a bronze Telly in the “Local TV Campaign Not-for-
Profit” category. The Tellys consist only of silver and bronze awards in each category.

UWG launched its Go West branding campaign in the fall, with billboards, print media and radio advertisements and a website, in addition to the TV commercials.

The Telly honor follows a Best of Show ranking UWG garnered for its branding campaign in the coveted Educational Advertising Awards national competition last month. That award was given to just 17 institutions nationally, among more than 1,000 that submitted more than 2,500 entries.

To view the TV ads, visit gowestgeorgia.com.

Daylight Savings This Weekend

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead by one hour before bed on Saturday, as daylight saving time goes into effect 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Another sign that spring is almost here.

Lindy Hop Down to the WPA Center for Saturday's Gatsby Bash!

Learn the Charleston and dance the night away this Saturday at the Big Read’s Gatsby Bash. The event will run from 7:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the WPA Center in Carrollton and will feature dancing, period music, dance lessons, an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  

City Dedicates Croft Street Bridge

Members of the community gathered Thursday evening at the Croft Street Bridge in Carrollton for its dedication ceremony and to honor engineer Farlan Floyd.

Equestrian Access to Remain Constant at McIntosh

A letter from Trudy Crunkleton, director of parks for Carroll County:

I would like to take this opportunity to dispel any confusion regarding trail usage at McIntosh Reserve. The County has not made any changes regarding equestrian use at the park. We welcome all visitors and appreciate the loyalty and good stewardship exhibited by our equestrian guests. We appreciate the families who chose to spend time at our park and hope they will continue to make McIntosh a part of their family traditions for generations to come.

New Exhibits on Display at Carrollton Cultural Arts Center

Stoneware by Don McWhorter

The Carrollton Cultural Arts Center is hosting some of the detailed pottery and mosaics created by local artists Helen Helwig, Don McWhorter, Ron Free, Randy Ayers and Melanie Drew in the building’s Galleria from March 1 through June 30. The display is free and all members of the public are welcome to come down and support show their support of the local artistic community.

Hazardous Weather Forecast for Carroll

Carroll County could see a few thunderstorms and some potential flooding today as a weather system originating in Mississippi and Alabama makes its way westward. The storms are expected to move into west-central Georgia in the late afternoon and continue sporadically through the early evening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects most of the severe thunderstorms will be confined to the southwest region of the state.

Overall rainfall for the entire system is forecasted at 2-3 inches, which will likely become direct runoff into already elevated rivers and streams, with the likely potential for some flooding. A flood watch has been issued for Carroll County and will be in effect until 1:00 p.m. Thursday. 

County Gets Grant Money for Trails

Carroll County received the news last week that it had been approved for a $100,000 grant to go towards trail work at Little Tallapoosa Park.

Before the county will receive the money, it must complete an environmental review, which examines the possible impact the project will have on such things as endangered species and archaeological resources. The review is cursory, and the county has already been approved for the funds.

Inside the New Judicial Center

Construction crews continue to work on the steel structure of the new Carroll County Judicial Center, a $16 million project funded entirely through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

Sportstastic Weekend in Carroll County

Carroll County is hosting three tournaments this weekend, giving local residents an opportunity to come out and support youth athletics.

The Georgia High School Association is holding part of their Boys & Girls AAAAA and AAAA quarterfinals basketball tournament at the University of West Georgia Coliseum, with a series of games starting on Friday and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. A complete schedule can be found here.

Board Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers

District 1 Commissioner Trent North and Commission Chairman Bill Chappell thank Dr. J. Mark Miller for his years of service at the Carroll County Mediation Center.

Earlier this week, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners recognized a few of the many volunteers who unselfishly donate their time annually to help make the county a better place to work, live and raise a family.

23 Skidoo Down to the Screening of The Great Gatsby Tonight

Don’t forget to celebrate the start of this year’s The Big Read tonight with a showing of the 1974 film The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel.

The screening will take place this evening at the University of West Georgia’s Education Center with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and the introduction of the movie at 7:00 p.m. Free tickets are still available for the screening and can be picked up at the Neva Lomason Memorial Library or at the door to the UWG Education Center.

Without Farmers, Georgia Can't Grow

Junior Sportsman Bonanza at Tanner Park

Looking to spend some quality time outside enjoying the warm weather? Look no further than John Tanner Park and the Junior Sportsman Bonanza scheduled for March 19. The event has something for all young sportsmen, including wildlife displays, fishing and shooting simulators and bouncy houses for the younger kids.

County Gymnastics Team Takes Championship Over Weekend

The gymnastics teams from the Carroll County Recreation Department travelled to Sevierville, TN over the weekend to compete against 1,200 other participants from around the United States. How'd they do? They brought home the team gold in the levels of Prep Optional Beginner, Prep Optional One and Prep Optional Two. Not bad for a program that has only been in existence for a couple of years.

Below are the results from the meet with the respective scores in brackets.

Work Begins On Local VA Clinic

Crews are busy moving dirt at what will be the future site of a local VA clinic off of Bankhead Highway in Carrollton. The scope of the new facility is yet to be seen, though there's little doubt it will provide a great benefit to local veterans who would otherwise have to travel more than an hour for care.

UWG's Go West Campaign Wins Best of Show

The University of West Georgia has won a coveted Best of Show honor in the 26^th annual Educational Advertising Awards, a national competition sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report.

Tanner Hospitals Place on Quality Honor Roll

Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica and Higgins General Hospital in Bremen have been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Quality Honor Roll. The three facilities are among just 56 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Presidential category, one of the highest on the list.