Dream Parks to generate $20 million in annual taxes? Signs of change of Broad Street. Soggy start to 2011. Arey's bowl picks.

 

For all of today's headlines, please click Hometown Headlines  

  

$20 million a year in new tax revenue from Dream Parks at LakePoint?

-Updated reports to regional planners add new details including annual taxes, the project's overall value, water usage, transportation plans and more.

 

Signs of change on Broad Street.

-The new Mellow Mushroom sign got a little workout Thursday.

 

Year in review and what's ahead: Restaurants. Druck Report  

 -Dining out New Year's Eve? Check our latest public health restaurant inspection scores first. Dining

-Downtown Entertainment: Bryan Mullins' guide to New Year's Eve. Click.

 

Your New Year's weekend forecast:

-New Year's Eve: High of 63. Low of 52; 80% rain chance overnight.

-New Year's Day: High of 63; 90% rain chance. Low 39; 40% rain chance.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 54, low of 23. 20% rain chance.

 

MegaMillions jackpot worth $242 million tonight.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-TCU and UCONN simply overmatched in their bowl outings; Gators win Urban finale.

Football Daily honors Darlington players.

 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum. 

 

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

 

Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome. 

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries. 

Year to end on wetter, warmer notes. Opi's opens; outlets to see two stores close. Year in review: Employment. Arey on sports.

Please see http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:

30% chance of freezing rain before 7 a.m., then rain
-Weather statement: Freezing rain is possible before 7 a.m. along and north of a line from Cedartown to Cleveland. No accumulation is expected but it could make roads and bridges slick in some spots.
-Thursday: High of 49, low of 37. 30% chance of rain.
-New Year's Eve: High of 63. Low of 46; 58% rain chance overnight.
-New Year's Day: High of 61; 90% rain chance. Low 41; 50% rain chance.
-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 54, low of 25.

Business Buzz:
-Opi's Roadhouse in Shannon open for business. Signs along Ga. 53 greeted Rome-to-Calhoun motorists Wednesday afternoon.
-Toys-R-Us Express closing Jan. 23: Seasonal store at Calhoun Premium Outlets plans 2011 return.
-Liz Claiborne cuts prices by 75-90 percent as final days of outlet location tick closer.
-Young Professionals of Rome to meet at Blue Sky Outfitter Jan. 5.

Year in review and what's ahead: Employment.

Dining out New Year's Eve? Check our latest public health restaurant inspection scores first.

Calhoun's Landon Curtis named AA Offensive Player of the Year.
-Eight Yellow Jackets, three from Pepperell named to post-season lists,

Shorter Christmas Basketball Classic begins today.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-No highlights for Tech; is there a better quarterback right now than Drew Brees?

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.



Dining Guide. Click

-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.







Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome.





Wine News Vine. Wine

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries.

Freezing rain possible overnight, early Thursday. Rain to follow. Latest on Dream Parks project in Emerson.

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:

Freezing rain possible tonight, Thursday across NW Georgia

-Weather statement: Freezing rain is possible between 2 and 10 a.m. along and north of a line from Rome to Helen. No accumulation is expected but it could make roads and bridges slick in some spots. Details

-Continuing updates all day, night on Hometown Headlines.

-Wednesday: A balmy high of 47, low of 32. Chance of freezing rain: 20%.

-Thursday: High of 51, low of 33. Freezing rain chance: 30%.

-New Year's Eve: 20% rain chance, high of 60. Low of 46; 50% rain chance.

-New Year's Day: High of 61; 60% rain chance. Low of 38.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

New details on LakePoint Sporting Community & Town Center

-The developers of the billion-dollar mixed-use Dream Parks sports campus proposed between U.S. 41 and I-75 as well as the city of Emerson have filed the required "development of regional impact" application with planners. While it answers some questions about the "privately funded" project backed in part by retired Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and others, there are key blanks that will require revision such as traffic, water, sewage and other infrastructure needs. What's included:

-It will feature a 248-acre sports complex.

-The overall size is 1,401.28 acres.

-Planned are 1,883,000 square feet of retail space. That's almost four times the square footage under roof at Mount Berry Square.

-Also due: 551,000 square feet of office space. Again imagine Mount Berry Square--and add the equivalent of two Circuit City locations.

-Another 600,000 square feet for mixed use. A media release earlier said "4,000 hotel keys" will be on site as well as 20 restaurants and entertainment venues.

-Total buildout: 2020. First use of sporting venues: Spring 2012.

-What's next: LakePoint Sports Development Group will need regional approval as well as some rezoning for the property. In announcing the project earlier this month, developers said they hoped to begin work by April.

-Links: Website / Facebook / Initial development files: Click & Click

Floyd GOP plans canned food drive as part of Deal's Day of Service call:

-The Floyd County Republican Party is joining in with the Day of Service on Jan. 8, honoring the inauguration of Gov.-elect Nathan Deal. Residents are asked to bring canned food to the former GOP office beside Kroger from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Donations benefit Rome Action Ministries.  A drop-off service is available. Volunteers are asked to contact Ansley Saville at 706-232-9811.

Year in review and what's ahead: Existing, expanding industry

-Now through Friday, we're looking at the key stories in our business community this year and what to expect in 2011. These are the same commentaries you hear each day on The Druck Report at 7:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM, sponsored by 333 on Broad.

-Today: New, existing industry grew in 2010 but a few exits, too. Druck Report

Tuesday's MegaMillions jackpot Details

Today's Buzz:

-Floyd EMA urges community to 'resolve to be ready in 2011.' Ready

-Recycle Christmas trees at Floyd County Remote Solid Waste Collection Sites now through Jan. 5. Sites

-Latest state business updates from Georgia Trend. Ga. Business

-Georgia Political & Policy Digest's daily headlines. Ga. Politics

Specialty Hospital, due early next year, now hiring. What's new with local dining (almost-free pizza). After a low of 18, warmer days ahead--and rain on New Year's. Year in review: Retail

White stuff could stick around another day; low tonight: 18. Hotel looking at West Third Street in Rome? Loveliest Lips contest honors Rome businesswoman. Year in review: healthcare, education

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Buzz

-Marriott interested in potential full-service hotel in West Third district?

-Loveliest Lips contest honors downtown business woman, raises awareness of women's heart health.

Your latest forecast: Another cold one tonight.

-Our 'White Christmas' might linger another day.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 35. Gusts to 25 mph. Low of 18.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high near 43. Low of 18. 

Year in review and what's ahead:

-Now through Friday, we're looking at the key stories in our business community this year and what to expect in 2011. These are the same commentaries you hear each day on The Druck Report at 7:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. on WRGA 1470 AM, sponsored by 333 on Broad.

-Today's focus: Healthcare and higher education. Click Druck Report 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-I'm willing to take an oath: I've never received an improper benefit from a tattoo parlor.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.  Sports

1 to 3 inches of snow in Rome for Christmas? Radio team helps save suicidal man

60% chance of a white Christmas in Northwest Georgia. Latest dining news. Updates on Dream Parks at LakePoint

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/

 

You guessed it: A 60% chance of a white Christmas

-The National Weather Service now predicts a 60% chance of snow/rain on Christmas Day with a high of just 38 degrees. There's a 30% chance of snow that night as well. A special weather statement says some accumulation is possible in the north part of the state.

-We'll continue to track the forecast throughout the holiday.

-Your latest forecast:

-Wednesday: High of 56; low of 28. 20% rain chance.

Business

-Perfect Game USA to move 50 employees from Cedar Rapids to Bartow sports hub: An update on Friday's announcement on the billion-dollar sports campus planned near Emerson. Perfect Game USA, already committed to the Bartow site, plans to move up to 50 of its employees from the Iowa headquarters. Details

-An earlier story reported Perfect Game was in talks with developers in 'Cobb County' and Kissimmee in Central Florida. Details

-Follow Dream Parks at Lake Point on Facebook.

Dining

-Cups & Mugs 'pouring soon' with a Jan. 7 opening. In addition to coffee, crepes and other items, look for some space set aside for sales as well as live entertainment. Work continues on the interior at 239 Broad St. this week. Facebook

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Click Dining

Today's Buzz:

-NAIA brings $1.5 million to local economy in 2010. Expanded report.

-Ga. Northwestern expands programs into Whitfield, Murray counties. Click

The 2010 Census results. Click

-U.S. population: 308,745,533.

-Georgia's population: 9,687,653, up from 8,186,453 or 18.3 percent from 2000 Census.

-What it means: Georgia gains a 14th seat in Congress. Gov.-elect Nathan Deal will call the General Assembly into special session next year to draw new districts for state House and Senate members as well as Congress.

-Says U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey: "We will not know where the 14th Congressional District will be until our state lawmakers begin drawing the new maps." He called the gain a "testament to the economic growth and high quality of life for which our state is known." Gingrey's 11th district includes much of Northwest Georgia.

Christmas updates:

-All construction-related lane closures in Northwest Georgia will be suspended for the Christmas holidays, beginning at noon Thursday and continuing until 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 27. 

-Rising gas prices--Merry Christmas? Just in time for that holiday trip, you're seeing gas prices are at their highest level since October 2008. We're paying 45 cents more a gallon than we did a year ago. Georgia Gas Prices

.

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Shaq conducts himself with grace; there are fans, then there are Auburn fans.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering: The Rome Braves announce that Major League Baseball and Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro will highlight a group of special guests for the 2011 Hot Stove Gathering at The Forum.  Sports

-Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse celebrating second anniversary with Jan. 7 wine dinner: The award-winning barbecue spot near the Covered Bridge in Euharlee celebrates its second anniversary next month with a special wine dinner on Jan. 7.(Menu) It begins at 7 p.m. Cost: For reservations, call 770-383-3383. Facebook

-Gray power at The Palladium starting Sunday: Diners 55 and older get a 10 percent discount on the Sunday buffet at The Palladium starting Dec. 26. Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $10.95 for adults; $5.95 for kids 10 and under; and 3-and-younger, free.Click

New owner for Rome's Pro Performance. Mellow Mushroom opening date now Jan. 17. Latest business news. Rain returns today, Christmas Eve.

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:

Pro Performance gets a new owner--and it's a familiar face.


New hours for Coosa Valley Credit Union.
-Update on Brad White, most recently president of Rome's SunTrust office.

Cartersville's WXYC 1270 AM returns in early January after a year off the air.
-For the first time, online ad spending tops newspaper ad revenue.
-Mellow Mushroom opening now set for Jan. 17.

DOT suspending lane closures during Christmas weekend
-Merry Christmas! Gas prices 45 cents higher than 2009; highest since fall 2008.
-Christmas Eve, Christmas Day service list.

Your latest forecast:
-Tuesday: High of 50; 30% chance of rain. Low of 48.
-Wednesday: High of 55; low of 29.
-Christmas Eve: 50% chance of rain, low of 36.
-Christmas Day: 20% rain chance, high of 46, low of 26.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Tebow's first NFL start wasn't bad. Unfortunate but true, Michael Vick may be MVP.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Search under way for new manager as 'designated manager' takes job with Houston Astros instead.

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

Downtown Headlines. Downtown
-What's ahead in downtown Rome.

Most stores seeing increases as Christmas shopping season enters final days. New around town: Rome ReSale, Triple Threat Arts, Turtle Trax. Peaks & Valleys.

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Buzz

-Christmas shopping 2010: Mostly thumbs up from Rome, Calhoun, Cartersville retailers. And wait until you see the Dec. 26 sales.
-Rome ReSale: Group's idea is to accept donated clothing, furniture, etc., sell it and channel the proceeds to local charities.
-Triple Threat Arts Co. opening in January.
-Indoor dirt track for hobby racing fans just part of Turtle Trax in Cartersville.
-Tracking Santa: Watch Christmas Eve as NORAD tracks St. Nick.
-Peaks & Valleys: The NAIA experience; the 'ice road commuters.'

List of services Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

Your latest forecast:
-Monday: High of 52, low of 33. 20% chance of frozen rain overnight.
-Tuesday: High of 52; 20% chance of rain. Low of 43.
-Christmas Eve: 40% chance of rain, low of 39.
-Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, high of 48.

Dec. 20-21: Lunar eclipse means an all-nighter at Tellus -- for staff and guests A rare, total lunar eclipse is due the morning of Dec. 21 and Tellus: Northwest Georgia's Science Museum will pull an all-nighter to help area residents take it in.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-Mark Cuban is talking the talk, now let's see him actually walk the walk

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Search under way for new manager as 'designated manager' takes job with Houston Astros instead.

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

Downtown Headlines. Downtown
-What's ahead in downtown Rome.

Bartow picked for billion-dollar sports, mixed use campus. NAIA football weekend is here. Weather: No snow but rain, cooler temps

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Billion-dollar sports/mixed-use development announced for Emerson

-Just let the numbers tell the story of what LakePoint Sports Development Group plans for 1,380 acres front I-75 and backing up to U.S. 41 (Google map, right). According to a story in today's Cartersville Daily Tribune News, the project would feature sports fields, entertainment, shopping, hotels, dining and "educational campuses." Those numbers include:

-260-acre sports complex with 16 Major League Baseball-sized fields.

-12 soccer and lacrosse fields.

-100,000-square-foot indoor sports facility.

Latest weather forecast:

-Friday: Some sun, high of 47, low of 32; 20% chance of rain overnight.

-Saturday: 40% rain chance. High of 47, low 25.

-Sunday: High of 48, low of 23.

First awards due today at DDA's Christmas coffee break: The final coffee break of the year for the Downtown Development Authority is in a familiar setting--Coosa Country Club--but the agenda is a bit different. Several new awards will be presented by the authority. The gathering begins at 8:30 a.m.; we'll have details later today. The timing is appropriate with a potentially busy weekend here for downtown shops and restaurants thanks to the NAIA football game Saturday.

-Reservations start Dec. 27 for free spicy chicken biscuit: Chick-Fil-A is resurrecting the freebie it used to launch the spicy chicken sandwich to help with the premiere of the same-style breakfast biscuit. Starting Dec. 27, you can make reservations to taste the biscuit. They go on sale Jan. 10. Details

NAIA weekend updates: Sold-out banquet tonight

Members of the Carroll College Fighting Saints meet with Main Elementary students

on Thursday. For more, click NAIA photos. Photo by Dana Thompson/Shorter.

-You'll be seeing more of the players and some of the fans for Sioux Falls and Carroll today as the championship game draws closer. The teams will again visit some area schools. Tonight, the Banquet of Champions begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Forum, and is a sellout. At 8 p.m., Fanatic Friday premieres at Town Green. It is free and open to all. Events

-Coosa's Van Curen, Calhoun's Parlo named 'Champions of Character': Jared Van Curen of Coosa High School and Blaire Parlo of Calhoun High School were recognized as recipients of the Greene's Jewelers 2010 Champions of Character High School Athlete Award. Details.

-Additional updates on the NAIA game, upcoming events. Click

Christmas services for area churches

-St. Peter's Episcopal Church: Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. Children's Service; 11 p.m. Eve of the Nativity, also broadcast live on WLAQ 1410 AM (hear a replay of Dec. 12 Lessons and Carols at 10 p.m.). Christmas: 11 a.m.

-St. Mary's Catholic Church: Christmas Eve: 4 and 5:30 p.m. (children's pageants at 3:45 and 5:15 p.m.); 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. in Spanish; 10 p.m. choir program; 11 p.m. Midnight Mass. Christmas: 11 a.m. and, in Spanish, 1 p.m.

-Send listings (above format only, please) by clicking E-mail.

Final Christmas shopping blitz begins

We've seen Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now it's 7-and-Counting -- that is shopping days left before Christmas. What's on tap:

-Mount Berry Square is open until 11 p.m. now through Thursday (OK, 10 p.m. Sunday). The mall also opens at 8 this morning and 7 a.m. Saturday.

-Cotton Block Friday's Christmas Market and Crafts Bazaar is tonight from 5 to 7 and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

-Calhoun Premium Outlets is operating pretty much at 12-hour days, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., except Sunday and Christmas Eve.

-The Belk store in Cartersville is open today from 8 a.m. until midnight and from 6 a.m. until midnight Saturday.

Today's Buzz

-Harbin Clinic President Ken Davis, M.D., and Al Diaz, M.D., Medical Director, talk best practices at Washington health summit. Details.

-Harbin Surgeon Dr. Brad Bushnell publishes research of snakebite treatment in extremities. Health

-Loudermilk, lawmakers reject pay increase:

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey

-Here are Norman's No-Nos to kick off the ridiculously long 35-game bowl season.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Click Dining

Latest weather updates: snow Friday night? Mixed report on jobs: unemployment applications drop but so does job count. Restaurant scores.

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:


Continuing updates on the weather, closings, delays and area roads all day.

First-time job claims in November drop from same month last year BUT soar when compared to October 2010 reports.
-Rome/Floyd loses 300 jobs between November 2009-last month.
-County-by-county look at first-time jobless claims.

NAIA football championship events, practices under way.
-Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Barron Stadium; 30% rain chance, high of 45.


Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia.


WorkReady program salutes Georgia Northwestern Technical College's economic development team.
-Governor's Office of Highway Safety awards grants to Pepperell, Coosa High schools. Details
-Redmond Regional receives Silver Plus performance award. Click
-Latest edition of Virtually Shorter now posted. Hawks

Byran Mullins' downtown entertainment report.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
- No SEC team makes it into the top five of next year's preseason college ranking.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Search under way for new manager as 'designated manager' takes job with Houston Astros instead.




Final high school football polls of 2010.






-Darlington, Calhoun ranked.






Dining Guide. Click


-Latest updates on restaurant changes, health inspection scores.










Downtown Headlines. Downtown


-What's ahead in downtown Rome.


-Bryan Mullins' downtown entertainment report.










Wine News Vine. Wine


-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries.

Wintry mix, freezing rain back in Rome forecast. NAIA game activities begin. A November to remember? Hardy.

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:


Wintry mix, freezing rain back in today's forecast; more snow, too
-The on-again, off-again "wintry precipitation" forecast is back. Look for a 20 percent chance of "wintry" weather today followed by a 70 percent chance of snow and freezing rain tonight with little to no accumulation of ice expected. Rain will continue into the weekend followed by a 20 percent snow chance Saturday night. Details

NAIA gets under way as teams due today: What to know.
-Sioux Falls and Carroll teams and support staff as well as others begin to arrive in Rome later today for Saturday's 4:30 p.m. national title game at Barron Stadium. Thevisitors bureau predicts 2,000 out-of-town fans, accounting for 1,100 hotel stays between today and Sunday morning.
-Economic impact: $1 million-plus (2009 game:$1.8 million; 2007, $1.55 million)
-Weather forecast: 50% chance of rain, high of 48 on Saturday.
-What's new at the stadium: They'll see changes at the stadium since their last visits including the artificial turf and scoreboard. More is on the way; see below.
-What's new nearby: The Harbin Clinic Cancer Center, due in April, will be readily visible from the stadium as will the new cut into Heritage Park.
-What's new around town: Hight Homes is gone, soon to be replaced by Charles Hight Square and probably Publix ... The Specialty Hospital is rising on the other side of the Floyd Medical Center campus.
-What's new downtown: Johnny's New York Style Pizza, The Greener Burgerand Pastime restaurants are open; The Partridge has a revitalized look and menu.
-Accommodations: Let's hope the teams get along. They're in neighboring hotels,Country Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express.
-What's next: Thursday's activities begin with the Champions of Character/Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast, The Forum. Events.
-What the game means to Rome: Click // NAIA championship website

Parks and Rec office to move to new offices in 45 days:
-In the NAIA update above, we mentioned changes to Barron Stadium. Much more is on the way, and soon, along West Third Street. The parks and rec offices will jump Second Avenue to the renovated Marine compound within 45 days. Also coming up soon: the demolition of Memorial Gym. The gym will give way to additional enhancements of Barron Stadium, upgrades funded by the 2009, $3.69 million SPLOST package. They include concessions, locker rooms, restrooms and other improvements. SPLOST

Local restaurant closing? We're checking reports of a local favorite closing its doors. Look for updates later this morning.

Not a November to remember after all:
-The good news was state revenue collections were 6.7 percent last month compared to November 2009 ($1.27 billion vs. $1.19 billion). But when compared to November 2007, we're still not quite back to pre-recessionary levels just yet. Revenue for that month was $1.42 billion and for November 2007, $1.4 billion. That's still a 9 percent deficit when comparing 2007 and 2010 reports. Details
-Big drop in local home sales: Make that 27 homes sold in November vs. 59 a year earlier, or a 54 percent, year-over-year drop. The value of those homes dropped by about $4,000 or to the $120,000 range, according to the Greater Rome Board of Realtors.

Lunar eclipse means an all-nighter at Tellus -- for staff and guests:
-A rare, total lunar eclipse is due the morning of Dec. 21 and Tellus: Northwest Georgia's Science Museumwill pull an all-nighter to help area residents take it in.The galleries, store and café will open at midnight. Says a media release: "There will be many viewing options: in the observatory, through our smaller telescopes in the grounds, and inside the museum, with a live image of the eclipse being fed from the 20-inch telescope into the theater, banquet rooms, planetarium and Great Hall."
The event is free for members; it is included in the cost of regular admission for non-members. Tellus will remain open until 5:30 a.m. The eclipse will begin around 1:30 and will end around 5 a.m. Details: 770-606-5700.

Rain could be with us through Saturday; slight chance of snow that night:
-Wednesday: 20% chance of wintry mix, high of 37.
-Tonight: 70% chance of rain, frozen rain. Low of 33.
-Thursday: 50% rain chance, high of 55; low of 38. Winds: 5 mph.
-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-Those Brainiacs in the Big Ten (or whatever) just won't let up for a second.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

2,000 out-of-town fans, 1,100 hotel nights spell $1 million-plus economic impact for Saturday's NAIA National Championship Game

(Media release) Saturday’s NAIA Football National Championship is expected to have an economic impact of over $1 million, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau announced Tuesday.

GRCVB officials estimate that over 2,000 out-of-town visitors are expected to travel into Rome for the weekend. Additionally, more than 3,000 locals are expected to attend the match-up between Carroll College from Montana and the University of Sioux Falls from South Dakota.

Saturday’s game will be played at Barron Stadium, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. It will be broadcast on CBS College Sports.

The event is estimated to bring approximately 1,100 hotel room nights to Rome from Wednesday, Dec. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 18.

Teams are housed in the Holiday Inn Express and the Country Inn and Suites. Fans and officials are spread throughout the city’s 30 other hotels.

Since the same teams from the 2008 inaugural match-up in Rome are returning, they have developed a familiarity with Rome and Floyd County. “These groups now know our venues, restaurants and attractions. They seem to be extending their trip to experience even more of the city,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of the GRCVB.

Significant impact was also generated by the addition of sponsor and booster club tailgating. Both schools and numerous sponsors have spent dollars on catering and rentals for their pre-game events.

This year the championship game was moved from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. In addition to promoting an extra night’s stay in Rome from visitors, the time change was also strategic for public image. “Football simply looks better on camera when under the lights at night,” said Ann Hortman, sports marketing and event coordinator for GRCVB.

The championship has a $1.8 million impact in 2009 and $1.55 million in 2008.

Rome will host the NAIA Football National Championship through 2015.

Rome's 'duck pond' site to be home to Kohl's, Best Buy, Dick's? More cold today; freezing rain Wednesday

Please click http://www.hometownheadlines.com/:

Ledbetters' City Center: Kohl's, Dick's, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby?
-A little surprise popped up on the LoopNet real estate site: a solicitation for tenants for City Center, a new "power center" retail spot with 342,248 square feet planned by R.H. Ledbetter Properties at Riverside Parkway and Turner McCall. The major anchors are listed as Hobby Lobby, Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy.
More cold today; concerns about Wednesday
-15 degrees 'official' low so far: The reporting station at the airport is out so the 15-degree reading comes from the UGA ag center. The record low is 13 degrees set Dec. 14, 1960.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 31, low 18.
-Wednesday: 40-60% chance of freezing rain, high of 39, low of 33.

Today's Buzz
-Reality show looking for contestants next month
-State revenue collections up 6.7% year over year:
-Georgia Northwestern announces 2010-11 EAGLE Honorees. Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-That's dedication, folks, when you voluntarily take a $300,000 cut in pay.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Final high school football polls for the season: The list, released by Georgia Public Broadcasting and the AJC, includes:
-A: Darlington at No. 10 with a 10-2 record.
-AA: Calhoun at No. 2 with a 14-1 record.

Wind chill of 10 starts Rome's day. Buzz: After Publix--'So, what about Target?' NAIA game week: How to get involved.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Wind chill at 10 degrees at 6 a.m.; windy, cold day ahead

-Morning low: 22 as of 6 a.m. Highest gust so far today: 31 mph.

-Area closings and delays: Walker County campus of Georgia Northwestern Technical College closed Monday because of weather. E-mail closing info

-Ga. schools closing. Click // Roads: Click   // Tennessee: Click

-Wind advisory: Now through 5 this evening. Gusts to 35 mph.

-Monday night's low: 14 degrees (Record: 13 degrees, 1960).

-Coming up: Slow in Wednesday's forecast as well.

The latest forecast: 
-Monday: High near 32. Gusts to 30 mph. 
-Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 31, low 19.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Buzz

-'So, what about Target?' Don't laugh; that's one of the first questions we heard after the Publix commital to Rome. A closer look.

-Big week for restaurant openings: Mi Alazan, Opi's Roadhouse.

-Focus: Saturday's NAIA championship game comes to Rome; now Rome needs to come to the game.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Since when does integrity have anything at all to do with college sports?

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Awaiting word on new manager for the Rome Braves as Runge has joined the Astros' organization.

Rome's Doss in a fight to keep transportation seat? Opi's opens next week. No flurries, plenty of rain this weekend. Watch Calhoun v. Buford on TV. Later today: Call if Rome's own taste of the holidays.

 

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David Doss in a fight to keep his seat on state transportation board?

-Cobb County senator wants the post--and maybe a few others. Floyd leaders could be looking at 'plan B' nominee although they want Doss to continue.

Opi's Roadhouse to open next week in Shannons.

-Inspections are about all that's left to do as establishment battles back from fire, ownership changes.

-12 Days of Christmas deals at Dwarf House/Chick-Fil-A.

-Latest public health inspection scores // Wineries and holdiay specials. 

Coming by 10 this morning:

-An epic (urean) way to celebrate the holidays in Rome: Holiday-themed food and beverages bring business to restaurants at a time when people are spending money on their holiday shopping.

Weekend forecast: 

-Friday: High of 50, low of 22.
-Saturday: High 54, low 35; 20 to 80% rain chance.
-Sunday: 80% chance of rain; high of 40, low of 19.

Calhoun vs. Buford for state AA title, 4:30 today at Georgia Dome

-Watch it live on Georgia Public Television; results later this evening.

-John McClellan: Buford wins by 10.

-Georgia High School Football writers: Another win for Buford.

Today's Buzz 

Yanmar America to introduce new product line at Adairsville headquarters Monday.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-I have no patience for Derek Jeter, Albert Haynesworth or Rex Ryan.

 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.

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.

Rome's forecast: Sleet on Saturday, flurries Sunday night? Downtown hot dog shop opens. Latest restaurant scores. Banking updates.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Your latest forecast: Sleet Saturday a.m., flurries Sunday night?

-Thursday: High of 45, low of 22.

-Friday: High of 51, low of 32. Mostly cloudy.

-Saturday: 60% sleet, rain chance. High 56, low 40; 90% rain chance.

-Sunday: 40% rain chance; high of 45. Low of 21, chance of flurries.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Pastime hot dog shop opens today in Cotton Block:

-New today: Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties. Dining

Consider this the two-week warning on Christmas shopping:

Leadership changes at NorthSide Bank:

Today's Buzz:

-Hight resigning as director of Darlington's Upper School at year's end.

-AT&T shop moving to 1601 Turner McCall Blvd.

-Registration under way for the March 5 Berry Half Marathon. -Coosa Valley Tennis: Drawing for gift certificates, play day for kids. Details

-If you missed last week's 2010 Rome Christmas Parade, it will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 10 on Comcast Channel 4. You can also see it on demand on the library website.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Perhaps we'll never know why Urban Meyer quit one of the top jobs in the country.

John McClellan's picks for championship week. McClellan

-Third Calhoun v. Buford showdown will end the same way -- Wolves' win. Plus: Four other statewide winners.

Georgia High School Football Daily: A closer look at Friday's game; history on the AA championship, including a look at Adairsville's four-year run. Click

Dec. 18: NAIA National  Football Championship Game, Barron Stadium.

- 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Barron Stadium features Carroll College and the University of Sioux Falls.

-The teams arrive Wednesday, Dec. 15, and formal activities Thursday, Friday and the game on Saturday. Look for the first wave of fans by Thursday, Dec. 16, if not earlier. List of NAIA events prior to, including the title game. Events.

-Businesses encouraged to welcome NAIA. Championship

-Rome High, Central of Carrollton bands to be featured at 2010 NAIA Football National Championship. Bands

-New/The Carroll 'Fighting Saints' will be at St. Mary's Catholic School on Friday, Dec. 17, for a Team Mass in the school chapel and the chance to visit a few student classrooms, prior to a rousing sendoff and mini "pep rally" by the Saint Mary's students on their behalf.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Annual half-price sale at Trading Post is Dec. 11.

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

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

40% snow chance in Rome Sunday; 20% Sunday night. More cold ahead. Business updates. Henson to stay with state standards commission.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

Snow, rain in Sunday forecast; frigid nights continue:

-The latest forecast shows a 40% chance of rain and snow on Sunday with a high of 41 and a 20% chance of snow Sunday night with a low of 25. We'll continue to track updates through the day. As for this morning: the low was 24 degrees at 6 a.m.

 

Make that a 'double to go' at Fuddruckers

 

What's up at 1601 Turner McCall Blvd.?

 

For sale -- the Chattanooga Lookouts?

 

Henson to continue with Professional Standards Commission under Deal:

-Also: A fine welcome aboard for Rome's Dr. John Barge, Georgia's incoming education superintendent: The AJC has an exclusive interview with Gov.-elect Nathan Deal who warns of more cuts to the K-12 education system. AJC

Dec. 9: Training mission at Richard B. Russell Airport/Towers Field: Floyd Emergency Medical Services is joining with the Dobbins AFB National Guard for a training session at Russell Field at 10 a.m. The National Guard will be flying in a Blackhawk helicopter for the training mission.

Wednesday's Buzz:

-GNTC's Adult Education Program sets winter enrollment. Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Now where,  Tim Tebow? Texas shakes up staff; Heisman voters are idiots

John McClellan's picks for championship week. McClellan

-Third Calhoun v. Buford showdown will end the same way -- Wolves' win. Plus: Four other statewide winners.

Dec. 18: NAIA National  Football Championship Game, Barron Stadium.

- 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Barron Stadium features Carroll College and the University of Sioux Falls.

-The teams arrive Wednesday, Dec. 15, and formal activities Thursday, Friday and the game on Saturday. Look for the first wave of fans by Thursday, Dec. 16, if not earlier. List of NAIA events prior to, including the title game. Events.

-Businesses encouraged to welcome NAIA. Championship

-Rome High, Central of Carrollton bands to be featured at 2010 NAIA Football National Championship. Bands

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Annual half-price sale at Trading Post is Dec. 11.

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

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.

Big month for NW Georgia tourism thanks to graduation, NAIA game. Gas prices surge, temperature plunge in Rome

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

December looks good for local tourism thanks to colleges, game

-Two college graduations and the NAIA National Championship Football Game should mean big things for local hotels, restaurants and shops starting later this week and continuing through Dec. 19 or later.

 

With Christmas trips just days away as schools let out next week, gasoline prices are surging again. A week ago, and even a month ago, the average price of a gallon of unleaded was $2.70 a gallon. On Monday, the average was $2.84 a gallon vs. $2.50 a year ago. Click price chart.

 

Frigid nights ahead: 19 the forecast low tonight, 18 on Wednesday

-Chilly start today: It was 22 degrees at 6 a.m. -- but no wind chill.

-Tuesday: More sun, high of 40, low of 19. Gusts to 20 mph.

-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high of 40, low of 18.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Tuesday's Buzz:

-WRGA: No penalties in alcohol-minors case for five Rome businesses

-Make that the 'award-winning Wicked Pimina Cheese,' please:

-Harbin neurosurgeon John Cowan (right) shares Rome spine surgery procedure with statewide colleagues. Health.

-Floyd County Water news: White Oak Trail NE is closed to through traffic from Fourth Street in Shannon and will remain closed until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 to allow Floyd County Water Department to upgrade a water line.

John McClellan's picks for championship week. McClellan

-Third Calhoun v. Buford showdown will end the same way -- Wolves' win. Plus: Four other statewide winners.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-The worst Heisman winners: the best coaches, the worst bowl games, perhaps ever. 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Annual half-price sale at Trading Post is Dec. 11.

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

-Coming in January: Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering.