Tornado watch up in NE Alabama until noon. Greater Rome: 100% chance of rain; 1-2 inches possible. Updates all day. Plus: Election runoff today; precincts open until 7 p.m.

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Tornado watch up for Northeast Alabama until noon EST today:
-Our long day of possible severe weather is under way

-We expect that watch to move eastward into parts of Georgia later this morning as the storm system moves eastward.
-Today: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 7 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 64. Rain chance: 100%. Rainfall: 1 to 2 inches.

-Tonight: 40% chance of showers before 1 a.m. Cloudy with a low around 33. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

-Weather updates all day as needed.

 

Business:

-Schroeder's Armuchee location sold to Calhoun pair. 

-Cups & Mugs to offer free samples at 239 Broad during Thursday's parade.

 

Thursday will be a busy night for parades

-Rome, Cartersville, Rockmart all have parades that night.

-Plus: Regional parade schedule.

 

Remember to vote today in supreme court, court of appeals races. 

-Polls close at 7 tonight.  Results later from Secretary of State's office.

as a tornado watch is up in the border counties of Northeast Alabama through noon today.

 

Community news:

-Noon Optimist Club's Students of the Month.

-Bring one for the Chipper is Jan. 8

-Polar Bear Paddle set for Jan. 15.   

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey  - Richt says he's not interested in moving on; heat is off the bowls with Bulldogs' win.   John McClellan's high school football playoff picks. McClellan -Unbeatens Calhoun, Carver of Columbus clash Friday with the Yellow Jackets coming up 2 points short of championship bid.     Track the NAIA's final four: -This Saturday decides who's coming to Rome for the NAIA title game Dec. 18. Your final four.    Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports -Annual half-price sale at The Trading Post is Dec. 11. -Big changes for the new season already under way.

Decision possible today on incoming rain, Rome's Christmas parade. Studio vacant but WGPB plays on. Busy month for new Rome restaurants

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The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click 

-Busy week ahead for Cotton Block, downtown Rome ('weather' or not).

-Earthworks keeps art spaces tradition alive; adds new wine event.

-Restaurants: Busy month ahead for newest restaurants.

-WGPB: Former K98 lacks local staff but Georgia Public Radio continues.

Latest forecast: Up to two inches of rain Tuesday?

-Monday: High of 51, low of 49. 60%, then 100% rain chance tonight.

-Tuesday: 100% rain chance; possible severe storms. Up to two inches of rain. High of 61. Low of 35, 50% rain chance overnight.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

-Weather updates all day as needed.

Decision on postponing downtown's Christmas Parade could come today:

-As of now, the downtown Rome Christmas Parade remains set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. But organizers are expected to meet today to decide whether to move it to Thursday's rain date (same time). We'll have updates today as needed. Parade

-Voting in the rain? Turnout for Tuesday's runoff election for seats on the state supreme and appellate courts already looks iffy. Add a rainy forecast to it and turnout looks grim. Polls are open  Tuesday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Candidates

Community's churches celebrate the start of Advent:

-Four candles stand near the foot of the altar at Saint Mary's Catholic Church on Sunday as the Christian community begins the season of Advent. Each Sunday, a new candle burns, reflecting a countdown to the Christmas miracle. Background

-You'll find our growing list of Christmas events below in our Calendar section.

John McClellan's High School football picks. Click McClellan

-Unbeatens Calhoun, Carver of Columbus clash Friday with the Yellow Jackets coming up 2 points short of championship bid.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-A few high spots and low ones from the week that was in college football.

Track the NAIA's final four:

-This Saturday decides who's coming to Rome for the NAIA title game Dec. 18. Your final four: Click

-NAIA spirit contest coming soon to downtown Rome. NAIA

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes in 2011: Rome Braves get new manager, coaches.

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

Wednesday's updates; Happy Thanksgiving!

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Dense fog advisory in effect until 9 this morning. Details

Be thankful -- jobless rate dips below 10% in Floyd, Polk in Oct.

	October employed	October unemployed	October % jobless	September % jobless	Oct. 2009 % jobless
Bartow	40,010	4,937	11.0%	11.5%	12.5%
Chattooga	9,169	1,155	11.2%	11.7%	13.2%
Floyd	43,741	4,805	9.9%	10.2%	10.7%
Gordon	21.699	2,817	11.5%	11.6%	13.5%
Polk	18,264	1,983	9.8%	10.0%	10.7%
State	4,206,896	448,747	9.6%	9.9%	10.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

 

-For the first time in more than a year, the jobless rate in Floyd County dropped out of double-digits--barely. The The Georgia Department of Labor reports the Rome/Floyd jobless rate in October was 9.9 percent vs. 10.2 percent in September and 10.7 percent in October 2009.

 

Wednesday's Buzz

-Big day indeed--Black Friday and 'official'opening day for Stephens' Music Co. in Rome:  Says the Facebook account: "Looks like this Friday Nov. 26 (BLACK FRIDAY) is the 'official' opening of SMC Rome. We are also bringing in new stock and re-arranging SMC Calhoun" Shane West says the doors to the store at Etowah Crossing shopping center near Home Depot and Kmart are open but inventory is still arriving. Facebook page

-Gingrey on C-SPAN's Washington Journal this morning: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingreywill be a guest on the show beginning at 9:15 a.m. C-SPAN

-AJC: Questions raised by NY Times about super agent Scott Boras' reported loans to Rome Braves shortstop Edward Salcedo. Details

-Former South 107 personality Kristen Charles back in the ATL: She's been hired to do middays at 106.7 FM's True Oldies, replacing the syndicated Scott Shannon, reports the AJC. Charles.

-Did you enjoy the sausage at the last week's pancake breakfast?The Noon Optimist Club of Rome has frozen one-pound packages still available. Contact Susan Cooley at scooley@romelibrary.org

Early voting ends tonight at 5 for Nov. 30 runoff

Thanksgiving holiday updates:

-Gas prices nothing to be thankful for: You'll pay about a quarter more per gallon for unleaded this Thanksgiving weekend trip vs. last year's holiday. The average price is now $2.72 a gallon. Prices haven't been this high since May of last year. GasWatch

-DOT suspending road closings for holiday: DOT is suspending all construction-related lane closures on interstate highways and primary state roads now through midnight, Sunday. DOT // Traffic map

Dining & Drink. Click

-This week's public health restaurant inspection scores

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

-What's up this weekend at the North Georgia wineries.

Community updates:

Shorter University will officially break ground on its library expansion on Friday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. The expansion will create an additional 18,000 square feet of library space that will feature a two-story cathedral atrium, a fireplace, soft seating and study areas. Shorter

-Dec. 16: The teams and coaches vying for the NAIA championship will join with community leaders, sponsors and the public for the FCA Champions of Character Breakfast, which will begin at 8 a.m. in The Forum. The speaker: Todd Wheeler, who was a multisport standout at Pepperell High before playing football at the University of Georgia and for the New Orleans Saints.   Breakfast

-Berry Viking Fusion staffers finalists for College Broadcasters honors; Berry's Mark Hannah elected BCI president. Fusion

-With Christmas gift-buying under way, chamber urges area residents to 'ShopRome'. Chamber

-Dec. 5: 'Christmas at First Baptist,' a concert featuring the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, with special music by the Youth and Children's choirs is at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary at 100 E. Fourth Ave.  A nursery is provided. For more: 706-291-6850.

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: High of 70, low of 50.

-Thanksgiving: Partly sunny, high of 70, low of 49; 60% rain chance.

-Weekend: Low 50s with lows near 30.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Only four years later, Mitch Mustain may finally start another football game.

John McClellan's High School football picks: Click McClellan

-In a thriller, John forecasts Fitzgerald topping Calhoun by two.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes in 2011: Rome Braves get new manager, coaches.

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

Floyd's October jobless rate falls below 10%; first time out of double digits in more than a year. Latest restaurant inspection scores. Holiday forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

Dense fog advisory in effect until 9 this morning. Details

Be thankful -- jobless rate dips below 10% in Floyd, Polk in Oct.

	October employed	October unemployed	October % jobless	September % jobless	Oct. 2009 % jobless
Bartow	40,010	4,937	11.0%	11.5%	12.5%
Chattooga	9,169	1,155	11.2%	11.7%	13.2%
Floyd	43,741	4,805	9.9%	10.2%	10.7%
Gordon	21.699	2,817	11.5%	11.6%	13.5%
Polk	18,264	1,983	9.8%	10.0%	10.7%
State	4,206,896	448,747	9.6%	9.9%	10.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

 

-For the first time in more than a year, the jobless rate in Floyd County dropped out of double-digits--barely. The The Georgia Department of Labor reports the Rome/Floyd jobless rate in October was 9.9 percent vs. 10.2 percent in September and 10.7 percent in October 2009.

 

Wednesday's Buzz

-Big day indeed--Black Friday and 'official'opening day for Stephens' Music Co. in Rome:  Says the Facebook account: "Looks like this Friday Nov. 26 (BLACK FRIDAY) is the 'official' opening of SMC Rome. We are also bringing in new stock and re-arranging SMC Calhoun" Shane West says the doors to the store at Etowah Crossing shopping center near Home Depot and Kmart are open but inventory is still arriving. Facebook page

-Gingrey on C-SPAN's Washington Journal this morning: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingreywill be a guest on the show beginning at 9:15 a.m. C-SPAN

-AJC: Questions raised by NY Times about super agent Scott Boras' reported loans to Rome Braves shortstop Edward Salcedo. Details

-Former South 107 personality Kristen Charles back in the ATL: She's been hired to do middays at 106.7 FM's True Oldies, replacing the syndicated Scott Shannon, reports the AJC. Charles.

-Did you enjoy the sausage at the last week's pancake breakfast?The Noon Optimist Club of Rome has frozen one-pound packages still available. Contact Susan Cooley at scooley@romelibrary.org

Early voting ends tonight at 5 for Nov. 30 runoff

Thanksgiving holiday updates:

-Gas prices nothing to be thankful for: You'll pay about a quarter more per gallon for unleaded this Thanksgiving weekend trip vs. last year's holiday. The average price is now $2.72 a gallon. Prices haven't been this high since May of last year. GasWatch

-DOT suspending road closings for holiday: DOT is suspending all construction-related lane closures on interstate highways and primary state roads now through midnight, Sunday. DOT // Traffic map

Dining & Drink. Click

-This week's public health restaurant inspection scores

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

-What's up this weekend at the North Georgia wineries.

Community updates:

Shorter University will officially break ground on its library expansion on Friday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. The expansion will create an additional 18,000 square feet of library space that will feature a two-story cathedral atrium, a fireplace, soft seating and study areas. Shorter

-Dec. 16: The teams and coaches vying for the NAIA championship will join with community leaders, sponsors and the public for the FCA Champions of Character Breakfast, which will begin at 8 a.m. in The Forum. The speaker: Todd Wheeler, who was a multisport standout at Pepperell High before playing football at the University of Georgia and for the New Orleans Saints.   Breakfast

-Berry Viking Fusion staffers finalists for College Broadcasters honors; Berry's Mark Hannah elected BCI president. Fusion

-With Christmas gift-buying under way, chamber urges area residents to 'ShopRome'. Chamber

-Dec. 5: 'Christmas at First Baptist,' a concert featuring the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, with special music by the Youth and Children's choirs is at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary at 100 E. Fourth Ave.  A nursery is provided. For more: 706-291-6850.

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: High of 70, low of 50.

-Thanksgiving: Partly sunny, high of 70, low of 49; 60% rain chance.

-Weekend: Low 50s with lows near 30.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Only four years later, Mitch Mustain may finally start another football game.

John McClellan's High School football picks: Click McClellan

-In a thriller, John forecasts Fitzgerald topping Calhoun by two.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes in 2011: Rome Braves get new manager, coaches.

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

Retired Chief Hubert Smith named Christmas parade grand marshal. Story & Video

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Retired Police Chief Hubert Smith named parade grand marshal

-Watch our two-minute video of Smith's humble acceptance of the grand marshal duties. Video

-For years, Hubert Smith's officers at the Rome Police Department have helped keep watch of the 20,000-plus attending the downtown Christmas parade. On Nov. 30, the retired police chief will lead the event from Broad and First Avenue to the big tree in front of City Hall. Smith was named grand marshal during this morning parade breakfast held at Coosa Country Club. Larry Atwell, parade committee, says Smith has "been a friend to all", noting his dedication to the Boys and Girls Club, and was immediate choice when his name came up.

-Photo:  That's Smith, right, with parade committee members Jerry Rucker, left, andRandy Quick, center.

-The parade has a record 130 entries this year and is sponsored for the eighth consecutive year by Heritage First Bank. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 with a rain date of Dec. 2. Details

-Additional parade details. Click Downtown Headlines

Cups & Mugs coming to 239 Broad St. in Rome. Closer look at downtown's 200 block. Rain returns. Thanksgiving updates.

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Cups & Mugs coming to 239 Broad St.

-A new coffee shop is coming to Broad Street in January. Cups & Mugs in the former T. Martooni's spot at 239 Broad St. the first week of January, according to owner Allison Cox.

-200 block update: Cups & Mugs is the latest new player in the 200 block. 

-The Greener Burger now open on Mondays: The premium beef shop on Broad is now open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays.

Downtown tree ready for Santa

-The big tree in front of Rome City Hall is mostly decorated, awaiting Santa's stop a week from today to hit the lights. Each year, Santa's final stop in the downtown Christmas parade is the big tree. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 with a rate date of Dec. 2.

-We'll have more on the parade's grand marshal later this morning.

Thanksgiving holiday updates.

Early voting now through Wednesday for Nov. 30 runoff

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: 50% rain chance, high of 71, low of 47.

-Wednesday: High of 65, low of 48. Rain chance: 30%

-Thanksgiving: 20% rain chance, high of 69, low of 47.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Maybe there are just too many bowls if there's not enough teams to go around.

John McClellan's High School football picks: Click McClellan

-In a thriller, John forecasts Fitzgerald topping Calhoun by two.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes in 2011: Rome Braves get new manager, coaches.

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

How to save more on Black Friday, Cyber Monday. Greener pastures for Greener Burger? Rain in Thanksgiving forecast

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Buzz

-Today's focus: Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Natalie Simms shares how to get the biggest bang for your holiday bucks.

-What's next for The Greener Burger? 

-Adding heat to Rome Braves' Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering

 

Your latest forecast:

-Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 72, low of 50.

-Tuesday: 40% rain chance, high of 71, low of 41.

-Thanksgiving: 30% rain chance, high of 70, low of 48.

 

Reminder: Early voting under way for two statewide court seats.

 

Latest updates on the NAIA football playoffs as college teams battle to play in the championship game in Rome on Dec. 18.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-What was Georgia thinking when it agreed to open next season against Boise State?

John McClellan's high school football playoff picks. McClellan

-Fitzgerald (10-2) at Calhoun (12-0): In a game that 'could go either way,' John sees a two-point win for the Purple Hurricanes. 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes for 2011: New manager, coaches for Braves.

 

Dining Guide. Click
-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.

Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. 

-Thursday-Saturday: Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report. 

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries.

Latest Greater Rome dining updates. Early voting for runoff. Darlington's playoff chances; scoreboard tonight. Fabulous weekend forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

Dining

-Fire-damaged Wendy's back in business:

-Harvest Moon is going seasonal with the return of the The Holiday Wrap.

-Johnny's New York Style Pizza has a new menu.

-Patio to get a roof at 333 on Broad: .

-Schroeder's New Deli on Broad is getting active on Facebook. One point to share: Parking in the Fourth Avenue deck is free after 5 each night and on Saturday.

Early voting starts, or expands, Monday for Nov. 30 runoff

Weekend football:

-Tonight by 10:30 p.m. Playoff scoreboard report.

-John McClellan's high school playoff picks: Darlington done? Below.

-Norman Arey's Norman's No-Nos: 15 'guaranteed' college football losers this weekend. Below.

Big changes for Rome Braves' field managers:

-Paul Runge is the new manager of the Rome Braves, arriving from the Danville Braves after six successful seasons. He replaces Randy Ingle, who spent five seasons as manager here. Ingle moves to Danville; other former Rome coaches get new titles, too. Details

GNTC's culinary arts students already cooking at Woodlee Thursday's post-ribbon cutting at Georgia Northwestern Technical College's Woodlee Building also gives students a chance to show what they know. Click Dining.

Friday's Buzz

-Pancake breakfast, downtown Christmas open house among weekend highlights. Click Calendar.

-Highlands celebrates 40th; announces Maddox Heritage Hall. Details

-Coosa Valley Credit Union' 'Making the Right Money Moves.'. Click

-Dec. 10: Rome-Floyd County Library's AV sale, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Coosa Room. Items: 25 cents each. Proceeds will be used to purchase more media.

-Nov. 19: Superior Court Judge Walter Matthews to speak to Exchange Club Friday, noon, The Palladium.

Dining & Drink

-Public health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia. Dine

-Latest updates from North Georgia wineries. Drink

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Norman's No-Nos: Georgia Tech's spiral continues; Michigan simply can't make that big statement.

Your weekend forecast:

-Friday: Sunny, high of 65, low of 36.

-Saturday: High of 68, low of 40.

-Sunday: Sunny, high of 71, low of 47. 

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

John McClellan's High School football picks: Click McClellan

-Round two: Rough Friday ahead for Darlington v. Lincoln; Calhoun will beat Westminster, move to round three.

-Georgia High School Football Daily: Split on Darlington game; picks Calhoun to win. Football

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Big changes in 2011: Rome Braves get new manager, coaches.

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

Double-digit drop in first-time unemployment claims in Northwest Georgia. State's jobless rate holds at 9.9%. 20% rain chance today; freezing tonight in Rome.

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Double-digit drop in local, statewide first-time jobless claims in October.

-Statewide jobless rate holds at 9.9% as number of jobs rises in October vs. September. Local jobless rates due later this month.

 

Closer look at changes to GNTC's Woodlee Building as ribbon cutting set for noon today. Culinary program, expansion just part of the story.

 

Dining & Drink

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-What's ahead at the N. Georgia wineries.

-Beer, wine tastings in downtown Rome tonight.

 

Buzz:

-Rep.-elect Coomer attends orientation in Atlanta.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 64, low of 32. 20% rain chance.

-Friday: Sunny, high of 65, low of 33.

-Weekend: Sunny, highs in the upper 60s, lows near 40.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 
- What's the real major difference between Matt Ryan and Michael Vick?

John McClellan's high school football playoff picks. McClellan

-Round two: Rough Friday ahead for Darlington v. Lincoln;
Calhoun will beat Westminster, move to round three.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Up next: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering. January at The Forum.

 

Dining Guide. Click
-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.

 

Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. 

-Thursday-Saturday: Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report. 

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries.

'Sweet 16' begin playoffs for spot in NAIA title game in Rome. Christmas parade line-up posted. Dueling downtown 'tastings' Thursday. Video media release highlights $50K donation to Breast Center

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Sweet 16 for NAIA hopefuls begins; final two to play in Rome Dec. 18

-The opening round of the NAIA college football championship is Saturday; meet the teams battling for a date at Barron Stadium.

 

Dueling tastings on Broad: Wine or beer?

-Take your pick Thursday evening as Riverside Gourmet has a Thanksgiving wine tasting while Old Havana samples craft brews.

 

Tentative downtown Rome Christmas Parade line-up release.

-Clydesdales, Santa -- and Steak N Shake? -- in Nov. 30 parade.

 

Read release or watch video of GE's $50,000 to The Breast Center at Floyd.

-Floyd video of check presentation, Breast Center plans among the area's first video media releases.

 

Wednesday's Buzz: CBS Atlanta reports Polk deputy fired for web postings.

 

Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: Sunny, high of 61, low of 33.

-Thursday: High of 63, low of 36.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey  -Should Georgia Tech look at the College of Charleston for a basketball coach?    John McClellan's high school football playoff picks. McClellan -Round two: Rough Friday ahead for Darlington v. Lincoln; Calhoun will beat Westminster, move to round three. Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports -Up next: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering. January at The Forum.   Dining Guide. Click -Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.   Downtown Headlines. Downtown -What's ahead in downtown Rome.  -Thursday-Saturday: Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report.  Wine News Vine.  Wine  -Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries.