ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

Kayla and Deon Wooten bought their dream business two years ago, the former family-owned, generational animal grooming, boarding and daycare facility Classy Critters on Callier Spring Road in Rome. And business has been good, very good, Kayla said … until the past week. On July 18, a series of viral videos and photos from a similarly named business, this one in North Carolina and with no connection to Classy Critters in Rome, were posted on Facebook by a former employee whistleblower of the NC facility showing abusive behaviors toward animals. We and many, many clients know Kayla and her staff to be nothing but caring and professional to their animal clients, but because of the similar name, sheÐÔÊӽ紫ý being tagged on social media platforms, receiving harassing and threatening phone calls, and even getting a drive-by — all the more remarkable because Classy Critters isn’t exactly on the main road — with shouts of “animal abusers.â€� Yes, the name of the businesses is the same — “The name Classy Critters isn’t exactly trademarked,â€� Kayla said. — but the business she runs has been Rome-reliable since 1985. Look beyond the headlines, folks, before you give someone a negative shoutout. And letÐÔÊӽ紫ý give Kayla a show of support by tagging her with our good intentions, calling with a thank you or even making a friendly stop by if you happen to be in the area. And another plus if you visit, take a glance at the stone building to the right of her new facility. That structure was the original building of the business, but before that it was the first African-American school in the county.

Quick appointed to GMA council

Rome City Commissioner Randy Quick has been appointed to the Georgia Municipal AssociationÐÔÊӽ紫ý Legislative Policy Council for the 2025-2026 term. The city announced Quick will help shape state legislative priorities and advocate for policies that benefit cities across the state. “His service ensures that the voices of local communities are heard at the state level, and we are grateful for his continued leadership and dedication to public service,â€� a statement read. We offer our congratulations to the commissioner on his appointment.

Yes, soup for you … especially curated from Vietnam

If you want to know whatÐÔÊӽ紫ý the fuss about pho, then head to Sriracha Thai Fusion inside the Miniyar Loft & Food Court space on the Cotton Block at 114 Broad St. Pho, pronounced “fuh,â€� is a beef noodle soup popularized in Vietnamese cuisine and is just one of the fantastic dishes available. Chef Arthawut and his wife, Sonthaya Arthakorn, originally opened Crystal Thai restaurant at 516 Broad St. in 2007 before moving the business to Cartersville. We look forward to trying this and many other international dishes from RomeÐÔÊӽ紫ý large selection of restaurants.

TCSG police departments earn first-in-nation distinction

The Technical College System of Georgia announced that its college police departments — serving 88 campuses across 22 colleges — have achieved full state certification through the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. This marks the first time in the nation that police departments within a statewide college system have simultaneously earned this accreditation. Congratulations to each of these college police departments for achieving this singular distinction, with a special mention to Georgia Northwestern Technical College led by Chief Chad Cardin and North Georgia Technical College led by Chief Mark Fitzpatrick.

Baseball teams up with Habitat for Humanity

Summer is winding down, but baseball is still winding up. Locals have the chance to enjoy a Rome Emperors game while supporting a nonprofit, getting a little extra bang for their buck. Coosa Valley’s Habitat for Humanity will receive $1 for each ticket purchased for the Rome Emperors game Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m., when purchased through this link, . The home game will be at the AdventHealth Stadium, 755 Braves Blvd. This funding will allow the organization to continue pouring into the Coosa Valley community by building homes for those in need. The deadline for ticket purchases supporting Habitat is 5 p.m. on game night. This is a fun way to enjoy a baseball game while supporting Habitat for Humanity, which does so much for helping our area residents. The impact they have is great, and everyone has the chance to make a difference of their own with something as fun and classic as baseball tickets. Let’s help Habitat Night be a home run.