Mellow Mushroom already expanding--and growing. Broad Street changes and one constant player. Economy takes a toll on some healthcare needs. Wet start to week.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click Buzz

-Things not slowing down for Mellow Mushroom's owners: changes ahead in Rome and new restaurant on the way.

-With all the restaurant changes along Broad Street, one independent goes on and on: Schroeder's marks 30 years this week. Click Broad.

-Steve Forbes to speak at Berry this spring. Click Berry

-Norman Arey returns to print with weekly column for RNT (radio, Hometown updates continue). Click Arey

Today's Focus: Click Health

-Not a 'healthy' economy: Symptoms abound as more people save money by bypassing medical visits, medications because of money issues. Natalie Simms reports.

Blood Assurance's Donor U blood drive Tuesday to benefit local schools

-From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Blood Assurance will be staging a community wide blood drive at The Forum to help bolster blood products at area hospitals. Blood Assurance is the only agency supplying blood to hospitals in our area. By donating blood, donors will be able to "vote" for a local school. Gift cards to Staples will be awarded to the top three schools in both the public and private categories ($500, $250 and $100). For more: please see the website.

-Feb. 4-5: Join Junior Service League of Rome for a fabulous Forties Follies: Come see your favorite JSL member sing and swing dance to benefit the Open Door Home. Shows both nights at the Rome City Auditorium at 8 p.m.  Patron tickets are still available, which includes reserved seating and a special pre-show party at Citizens First. Details: www.jslofrome.com .

-Saint Mary's Catholic School adding PreK-3 this fall: Saint Mary's Catholic School adds PreK-3 this fall; open house Tuesday evening. Details

Your latest forecast: Warm, wet start to the week.

-Monday:  High of 59, low of 44. Rain chance: 40 to 50%

-Tuesday: High of 60, low of 41. Rain chance: 70 to 90%

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-If Georgia hires Friedgen, ring him in as a coordinator, not a position coach.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Tonight: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.  Sports

-List of some of the items in Hot Stove Gathering silent auction. Memorabilia

-Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves

'Wavers' helping power growth of Liberty Tax. Chamber honors members at annual meeting. Heritage First operations center staying put. GREAT weekend forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

'Wavers' at Turner McCall and First Street are having fun but they're very serious about what they do: trying to grow Liberty Tax in Rome, NW Georgia.

-Michelle Picon reports on the franchisee's goal to have fun -- with taxes?

 

Downtown Buzz:

-Heritage First Bank's operations center staying put. First Avenue signage seeks tenants for vacant parts of the building.

-Bridal show this Sunday at The Forum. Annual Home & Garden Show moves to Clarence Brown Center in Cartersville next month.

-Later this morning: Updates from the Downtown Development coffee break.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Synovus (Citizens First, GB & T) financial report due today.

Your latest forecast: Nice weekend ahead.

 

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 53, low of 32.
-Saturday: High of 63, low of 37.
-Sunday: High of 57, low of 44. Rain chance: 20%

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey  -UConn donor could create chaos; no cheerleaders for Super Bowl.   Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports -Jan. 31: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering. Sports -New: List of some of the items up in Monday's Hot Stove Gathering silent auction. Memorabilia. -New: Rome Braves offering free Hot Stove tickets -- if you know baseball and Facebook. Today through Sunday. -Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves   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.

December jobless rate shows little, no improvement. Bartow industrial project valued at $85 million. Tourism impact last year: $9.3 million

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

December jobless report: Little to no improvement vs. November 2010, December 2009. Jobless rates range from 10.6% in Floyd and Polk to 14.3% in Chattooga.

 

Bartow industrial project worth $85 million at buildout.

-Projected annual taxes: $1.3 million.

 

Recent snow storm a poster child for 2011 Severe Weather Awareness Week.

-Current forecast below; nice weekend ahead.

 

Business:

-$9.3 million economic impact here from tourism.

-Downtown coffee break changes venues--not sponsor.

-Chamber annual meeting tonight in Rome ... and Cartersville ...  and Sonoraville ...  and Rockmart.

 

Health:

-Redmond honored by Georgia Hospital Association.

-Eight advocates join Breast Center at Floyd.

 

Education:

-Shorter adding club sports program. Plus: Virtually Shorter posted.

-Georgia Northwestern: Latest faculty updates.

 

Politics:

-Latest updates on appointment to DOT board.

-Floyd GOP women meeting Feb. 1. 

 

Dining & Entertainment:

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

-Bryan Mullins' entertainment report for Greater Rome.

Your latest forecast: Nice weekend ahead.
-Thursday: Mostly sunny, high of 49, low of 29.

-Friday: Mostly sunny, high of 52, low of 31.

-Weekend: Sunny, upper 50s both days.

 Norman Arey's Sports Commentary: Arey 

-Ochocinco is getting his Johnson back; Polamalu is the most popular with women.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.  Sports

-New: List of some of the items up in Monday's Hot Stove Gathering silent auction. Memorabilia

-Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves

 

60% snow chance until 1 p.m., winter weather advisory in Chattooga, NE Alabama. State of real estate, 2008-10. New media on Dream Parks' meeting. Gingrey on Obama speech

For these and other updates, please click Hometown Headlines.    Report shows how tough real estate has been over the past few years. -Comparison of numbers from 2008, 2009 and last year show changes in sales, home values, average prices.   New media covers old-fashioned Town Hall meeting on Dream Parks. -Facebook, Twitter and a 'live blog' provided key points Tuesday night.   Gingrey on president's State of the Union address: -" . . . it is my genuine hope that President Obama will put action behind his words and work with Congress for meaningful solutions to the serious problems facing this nation. Simply put, we can no longer afford to perpetuate insincere rhetoric."   Latest community news.    Your latest forecast   -60% chance of snow before 1 p.m.? Rainfall at .85 of an inch. The weather service is predicting a 60 percent chance of snow between now and 1 p.m. following a warmer-than-expected night. Rainfall since 9 a.m. Tuesday was at .85 of an inch with some sprinkles continuing. Your latest forecast: -Wednesday: 60% chance of snow, then flurries. High of 40. Gusts: 25 mph. -Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 25. -Thursday: Mostly sunny, high of 51, low of 28. -Weekend: Sunny, mid 50s both days.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey  - Should we get ready for another college football conference free for all?      Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports -Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.   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.

Feb. 26: Community Volunteer Fair scheduled in Rome

Media release: The NWGA Chapter of the American Red Cross and Rome/Floyd 211 Information and Referral Line is hosting a volunteer fair in Rome.

The "Volunteer Rome" Community Volunteer Fair will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at "The Well," 914 Shorter Ave, next to West Rome Baptist Church.

"Volunteer Rome" is a chance for families and friends to discover ways they can be involved in the Rome and Floyd County community. The purpose of this event is to connect people who want to make a difference with organizations that are already doing so. Several non-profit organizations, including Floyd Medical Center, the Sexual Assault Center, Floyd Against Drugs, Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Red Cross, will be representing their work and how everyone can volunteer.

This is a family friendly event that will include WRGA 1470 AM's Nelle Reagan as the emcee. Also planned: face painting, refreshments, door prizes and more.

For more information, please contact Austin Wolff at austindwolff@gmail.com or (912) 288-0755.

Up to an inch of snow Wednesday morning? 100% rain chance today. Town hall meeting on Dream Parks. Big industrial park by top developer proposed of I-75 in Cartersville.

 

For these and other updates, please click Hometown Headlines.

  

Special weather statement: Up to an inch of snow possible Wednesday.

 -Continuing updates all day, evening on Hometown Headlines.

 

Town hall meeting this evening in Emerson to discuss Dream Parks at Lakepoint. Meeting begins at 6 p.m.; representatives from the development due to attend, mayor says.

 

More Bartow growth: One of the state's most regarded industrial park firms has ties to a large project coming to Cassville-White Road off I-75. 

 

Today's Buzz:

-A record 2010 for Bank of the Ozarks--and a solid fourth quarter, too.

-Latest community updates.

-Lady Vikings stun Hawks in OT.

-Men: Hawks hang on, beat Vikings 62-58.

-Darlington's Shawn Powell co-MVP of Florida State's special teams in 2010.

  

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: 100% chance of rain; high of 45. Gusts to 15 mph.
-Tuesday night: 100% chance of rain, snow. Low of 35.
-Wednesday: 60% snow chance; half-inch accumulation. High of 42.
-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 25.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click  

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-

How's this for an idea? Pat Summitt as head basketball coach at Georgia Tech.

 

 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

 

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. 

 

 

Wet week ahead; snow likely, too. Buzz: Bank of the Ozarks growing from NW Georgia 'roots.' More bank updates.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Soggy week ahead; 60% snow chance early Wednesday

-Monday: High of 54, low of 31. 20% rain chance overnight.

-Tuesday: 70% chance of rain; high of 47. Half inch of rain?

-Tuesday night: 90% chance of rain, then snow after 4 a.m. Low of 35.

-Wednesday: 60% chance of snow before 1 p.m., high of 44.

-Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, low of 27.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Buzz 

-The Bank of the Ozarks entered the Georgia market when Unity National failed here last March. The Little Rock bank now has 12 Georgia offices and hopes to grow more in this state and the Southeast.

-Also: Changes continue to sweep Northwest Georgia banks.

-Own a piece of The Partridge? You can drink to that.

-As Cartersville's 1270 AM prepares for a return, David Paul opts out.

-Plus: 2011 looks like a big year for local radio.

-Blood Assurance's 'Donor U' to help public, private schools.

And we say good morning to Emma, reading us in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Auburn celebrates big; here's why the ACC is having a down basketball year.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.  Sports

-Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves

Sports headlines

-Shorter vs. Berry classic gets a video throwdown courtesy of SUHawkVision: The annual Seven Hills Rotary game is Jan. 24 at the Cage Center. Click

Snow a no show; gusts to 44 mph. Publix a done deal; look for big store with pharmacy. Church has offer to buy White Rabbit site.

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

Snow a no show; flurries possible tonight, Saturday

-What didn't happen: Give WAGA's Ken Cook the win. Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, he told viewers the storm system was just about out of our area and that the winter storm advisory would be dropped by 3 a.m. The weather service did that--at 12:30 a.m. What did happen: Gusts to 44 mph at the airport overnight.
-Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 42, gusts to 20 mph. Low of 23.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 45, maybe some flurries; low of 23.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 50, low of 28.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Contract signed; 'big' Publix coming to Charles Hight Square in 2012

Seven Hills Fellowship offers to buy former White Rabbit site on Broad: A vintage piece of property on Broad Street and Sixth Avenue is being sought by The Seven Hills Fellowship. The congregation hopes to close on the purchase of 538 Broad St. by Jan. 28. Downtown

Jan. 25: R.A.C.E.  Rome unveiling set: The Rome Triathlon Club has a new name, expanded mission and an exciting 2011 schedule of events to benefit local charities.  The unveiling of R.A.C.E. Rome unveiling is set for 6:30 p.m. at the South Rome Unit of the Boys & Girls Club. Click

Friday's Buzz:

-Wood, Pigott join ADAMS Management Services Corp. ADAMS

-Floyd sees 600-job drop in labor force between December 2009, 2010. Plus: Floyd's first-time unemployment insurance claims soar 37% in December but down 32% from year earlier. Business.

-Pepperell High Academic Decathlon team wins Floyd competition. Floyd. 

-Dempsey named Chief Deputy Whip. Release

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Dining

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Do you have a nominee for the all-names team? NCAA needs more security.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.  Sports

-Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves

Sports headlines

-Jan. 22: Shorter Baseball to host 'Meet the Team' dinner at 6 p.m. at Winthrop-King Centre. $25 gets you steak dinner, T-shirt, media guide. Details

-Shorter vs. Berry classic gets a video throwdown courtesy of SUHawkVision: The annual Seven Hills Rotary game is Jan. 24 at the Cage Center. Click

No snow, 44-mph gusts, highs in mid-40s. Publix deal complete; big store with pharmacy due in 2012. Church bids on White Rabbit site.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Snow a no show; flurries possible tonight, Saturday

-What didn't happen: Give WAGA's Ken Cook the win. Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, he told viewers the storm system was just about out of our area and that the winter storm advisory would be dropped by 3 a.m. The weather service did that--at 12:30 a.m. What did happen: Gusts to 44 mph at the airport overnight.
-Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 42, gusts to 20 mph. Low of 23.

-Saturday: Sunny, high of 45, maybe some flurries; low of 23.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 50, low of 28.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Contract signed; 'big' Publix coming to Charles Hight Square in 2012

Seven Hills Fellowship offers to buy former White Rabbit site on Broad: A vintage piece of property on Broad Street and Sixth Avenue is being sought by The Seven Hills Fellowship. The congregation hopes to close on the purchase of 538 Broad St. by Jan. 28. Downtown

Jan. 25: R.A.C.E.  Rome unveiling set: The Rome Triathlon Club has a new name, expanded mission and an exciting 2011 schedule of events to benefit local charities.  The unveiling of R.A.C.E. Rome unveiling is set for 6:30 p.m. at the South Rome Unit of the Boys & Girls Club. Click

Friday's Buzz:

-Wood, Pigott join ADAMS Management Services Corp. ADAMS

-Floyd sees 600-job drop in labor force between December 2009, 2010. Plus: Floyd's first-time unemployment insurance claims soar 37% in December but down 32% from year earlier. Business.

-Pepperell High Academic Decathlon team wins Floyd competition. Floyd. 

-Dempsey named Chief Deputy Whip. Release

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores. Dining

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Do you have a nominee for the all-names team? NCAA needs more security.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro headlines Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.  Sports

-Matt Walbeck to manage Rome Braves in 2011. Rome Braves

Sports headlines

-Jan. 22: Shorter Baseball to host 'Meet the Team' dinner at 6 p.m. at Winthrop-King Centre. $25 gets you steak dinner, T-shirt, media guide. Details

-Shorter vs. Berry classic gets a video throwdown courtesy of SUHawkVision: The annual Seven Hills Rotary game is Jan. 24 at the Cage Center. Click

60% chance of snow tonight, Friday a.m. Little to no accumulation? Updates all day

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

'Snow line' starts in Summerville: half to an inch possible

-The Rome forecast: little to no accumulation. Updates all day, evening.
-From the weather service: "The primary hazard will be snow accumulations of one-half to one inch north of a line from Summerville to Dawsonville to Cleveland between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday morning." Details / Latest forecast:
-Today: 20% chance of rain, high of 56.
-Tonight: 60% chance of rain/snow mix before 1 a.m., becoming all snow after that. Low around 29.
-Friday: 43, with flurries before 1 p.m. Overnight low: 21. Gusts: 20 mph
-Weekend: Sunny and cool. Highs in the mid-40s, lows in the low 20s.

Hometown Headlines will have updates all day and into the night.  

Snow Hero

-We received some great nominees for you on those who made special efforts to help people in need during our snow and ice last week. The winner of the 333 on Broad/Hometown Headlines Storm Hero title is Doug Cannon. He wins a $100 gift certificate to 333 on Broad. Read the nomination -- and all the great nominations -- on Hometown.

Two thirds of the crepe myrtles in the median of the Bypass to be removed.

-The trees were planted too close to one another and won't survive unless thinned.

-Oak trees on Broad Street median to be reduced by almost 50 percent. Different trees will replace them.

Gingrey praises House vote to repeal 'Obamacare.'

Shorter studies switching to NCAA Division II status.

Scana to join lineup of DLS Financial Center at Broad, Turner McCall. Tower will grow to 75% occupancy rate.

Thursday's Buzz: Medical updates, what's new in downtown Rome.

60% chance of snow tonight, Friday; no accumulation in Rome. Today's Buzz

'Snow line' starts in Summerville: half to an inch possible

-The Rome forecast: little to no accumulation. Updates all day, evening.
-From the weather service: "The primary hazard will be snow accumulations of one-half to one inch north of a line from Summerville to Dawsonville to Cleveland between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday morning." Details / Latest forecast:
-Today: 20% chance of rain, high of 56.
-Tonight: 60% chance of rain/snow mix before 1 a.m., becoming all snow after that. Low around 29.
-Friday: 43, with flurries before 1 p.m. Overnight low: 21. Gusts: 20 mph
-Weekend: Sunny and cool. Highs in the mid-40s, lows in the low 20s.

Hometown Headlines will have updates all day and into the night.  

Snow Hero

-We received some great nominees for you on those who made special efforts to help people in need during our snow and ice last week. The winner of the 333 on Broad/Hometown Headlines Storm Hero title is Doug Cannon. He wins a $100 gift certificate to 333 on Broad. Read the nomination -- and all the great nominations -- on Hometown.

Two thirds of the crepe myrtles in the median of the Bypass to be removed.

-The trees were planted too close to one another and won't survive unless thinned.

-Oak trees on Broad Street median to be reduced by almost 50 percent. Different trees will replace them.

Gingrey praises House vote to repeal 'Obamacare.'

Shorter studies switching to NCAA Division II status.

Scana to join lineup of DLS Financial Center at Broad, Turner McCall. Tower will grow to 75% occupancy rate.

Thursday's Buzz: Medical updates, what's new in downtown Rome.

60% chance of rain, snow overnight Thursday. Courtney, Villa Hizer focus on biggest challenge yet. Today's Buzz.

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

60% chance of rain, snow showers overnight Thursday:
-Any white stuff is expected to fall after 1 a.m. Friday, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast. We're tracking the forecast all day. Also: More snow in the Monday night forecast (40% chance).
-Wednesday: Some clouds, high of 47, low of 28.
-Thursday: Partly sunny, high of 56.-Thursday night: 60% chance of rain before 1 a.m., then rain and snow showers. Low around 27.
-Friday: High of 40, sunny skies. Overnight low: 17.

 Today's Profile:
-Courtney and Villa Hizer worked side-by-side, running a successful beer distributing company and some of the fastest cars ever at Bonneyville Salt Flats. But now they face their toughest challenge: Courtney's serious illness. Once again, they're taking it on together. See Michelle Picon's profile. The Hizers

Social media:
-Next social media lab at Georgia Northwest Technical College in February, early March. Course designed to help businesses use social media, blogs to grow.-Free golf? Just check in from Putt-Putt with Facebook for 'BOGO' deal.

 Tellus awaits 400,00th visitor on Thursday.

-Milestone reached just two years after opening.

-Tellus clocks 7.2 magnitude quake in Pakistan.


Listening session for employees of Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital moves to The Forum, begins at 5:30 this evening.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey
-Auburn will be hurting. What's the magic number for Bulldogs' Mark Richt?

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports
-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

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

As snow break ends for Rome/Floyd schools, more snow in this week's forecast. Rain today: 80%. Buzz: Expanded duties for Cancer Navigators. Greener Burger closes.

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

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Buzz

-Cancer Navigators to get expanded role as Harbin Clinic Cancer Center opens. 

-Special benefit to help Navigators set for April 10.

-Another 'pitch' to help the group: The Rome Braves' Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering, featuring pitching great Phil Niekro, to benefit Navigators Jan. 31.

-Three-Dot Buzz: AM 1270 in Cartersville close to return.  More good news for Broad Street? Seven Hills Rotary gets ready for Berry-Shorter showdown.

The Greener Burger closes after seven months; owner says it is temporary as he seeks new capital. 

Rain due today; snow Thursday night, Friday?

-Forecasters are calling for another potential snow show. This one is possible early Friday and then into the morning.
-Today: 80% rain chance, high of 48. Low of 35; 40% rain chance.

-Wednesday: Some clouds, high of 47, low of 27.-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click 

Plus: Today's Buzz including updates from Shorter's Hopkins Institute for Business Ethics. 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Farve is gone; Les is not; Break up the mighty Yellow Jackets basketballers.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

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. 

As snow break ends for Rome/Floyd schools, more snow in this week's forecast. Rain today: 80%. Buzz: Expanded duties for Cancer Navigators. Greener Burger closes.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Buzz

-Cancer Navigators to get expanded role as Harbin Clinic Cancer Center opens. 

-Special benefit to help Navigators set for April 10.

-Another 'pitch' to help the group: The Rome Braves' Ninth Annual Hot Stove Gathering, featuring pitching great Phil Niekro, to benefit Navigators Jan. 31.

-Three-Dot Buzz: AM 1270 in Cartersville close to return.  More good news for Broad Street? Seven Hills Rotary gets ready for Berry-Shorter showdown.

 

The Greener Burger closes after seven months; owner says it is temporary as he seeks new capital. 

 

Rain due today; snow Thursday night, Friday?

-Forecasters are calling for another potential snow show. This one is possible early Friday and then into the morning.
-Today: 80% rain chance, high of 48. Low of 35; 40% rain chance.

-Wednesday: Some clouds, high of 47, low of 27.-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click 

 

Plus: Today's Buzz including updates from Shorter's Hopkins Institute for Business Ethics. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Farve is gone; Les is not; Break up the mighty Yellow Jackets basketballers.

 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

 

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. 

 

After a low of 14, more ice concerns. Slow weekend thaw? Latest closings. Updates all weekend. Plus: 700 more jobs in jeopardy in West Rome

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

Continuing weather updates including weekend changes.

-Latest closings: Rome, Floyd schools, Saint Mary's.

-Forecast: Our low this morning was 14 degrees; tonight: 22.

-Weekend thaw? Not so fast: Today's high 37, Saturday's high 39. Sunday: 44.

-Traffic/roads: DOT says interstates mostly 'passable' but operating with fewer lanes.

-Storm notes: For one retailer, snow and ice mean hot sales.

-Final call for your storm heroes. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday.

In other news today:

-Another 700 jobs lost in West Rome: With Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital set to close this summer, the number of jobs lost in West Rome will  hit 1,400 in 12 months (Pierre Foods closing, CCH exodus).

-Leaders scrambling to find ways to save hospital, jobs.

-AOL's local website initiative, Patch, sprouts today in congested online media market in Cartersville.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-Amazing what passes for sports news these days; how mad is the Mad Hatter?

 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

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. 

Peggy Post of Emily Post Institute to speak at Oak Hill Jan. 18

(Media release) The Season Special Event Planning will bring Peggy Post to Rome on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., to speak about wedding etiquette. This complimentary event is co-hosted by Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and is open to the public. Advance reservations are required. To reserve a complimentary ticket to this event or pre-order one of Post’s books, guests may pick up tickets at The Season office at 250 Broad St., The Martha Berry Museum, or at Bussey’s Florist and Gifts in Cedartown or Rome. For more information, call Holly Lynch at 706-767-0606 or email holly@theseasonevents.com.

Peggy Post, Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law, is a director of The Emily Post Institute and the author of more than twelve books relating to etiquette. Post travels the United States providing tips on wedding, business, and social etiquette. Her talk in Rome will focus on modern weddings and invitations. Post will provide answers to even the trickiest wedding invitation dilemmas from addressing to RSVPs. Guests who attend will have the opportunity to ask Peggy their own wedding etiquette question.

The Season is a full-service wedding and event planning company in Rome, and carries the Emily Post line of wedding invitations and social stationery.

Another cold night ahead (12 degrees) but some relief on the way. Latest closings, delayed openings. Plus: Today's Buzz

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

CONTINUING WEATHER/CLOSING UPDATES ALL DAY

-Frigid forecast continues; thaw still a few days off.

-Latest road conditions in Northwest Georgia, metro Atlanta.

-Thursday closings list as well as delayed openings.

-Who's opening today after a few days off.

-Meet our first round of 'Winter Storm Heroes.' Your nominee could win a $100 gift card to 333 on Broad.

In other headlines today:

-Bella Roma Grill celebrates five years with half-price meals through Sunday (some exclusions apply).

-Nacho Hour's return just part of 30-year celebration at Schroeder's.

-Does Q102 have a familiar sound? That's Jim of 'Jim & Karli' fame now paired weekdays with Maddox from 6-10 a.m.

Cabin fever? Bryan Mullins has the Rx with the weekend entertainment report for downtown Rome--and nearby towns, too.

-Later today: Public Health restaurant inspection scores from across Northwest Georgia.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-

Good point! What religion are Nick Saban, Gus Malzahn or Chip Kelly?

 

 

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Jan. 31: Phil Niekro to headline Rome Braves' Hot Stove Gathering.

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

 

Downtown Headlines. Downtown

-What's ahead in downtown Rome.