Severe storms expect early afternoon; updates Hometown. The Buzz: Appalachian Grill scouts downtown Rome location; Mike Huckabee in Rome March 10.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Severe storms now expected in early afternoon hours.
-Large hail, 30-mph winds, lightning, maybe tornadoes possible.
-Wind advisory in effect until 7 tonight; gusts to 35 mph likely.
-In a statement late Sunday, Scotty Hancock, Floyd's emergency management director, said: "We should see large hail, heavy winds, cloud-to-ground lightning, strong winds and isolated tornadoes."
-Monday: 100% rain chance with occasional storms and some could be severe. High of 76; low of 40 with 30% rain chance overnight.
-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 63; low of 33.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

-Pollen count from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic. Click Pollen.  

 

Continuing weather updates all day from Hometown Headlines.

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click Buzz

-Appalachian Grill still scouting for right Rome location. Greener Burger, March 10 auction sites downtown won't work out.

-Mike Huckabee (right) due in Rome March 10 for 'A Simple Government' book signing.

-Economist says healthcare growth helping heal Georgia's economy. Is Northwest Georgia leading that charge?

-Spring things: Berry Half-Marathon, Tougher Mudder. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-No one seems to want to be No.1 in college basketball; NFL doesn't like Oregon 

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-Bobby Cox figurine, Jason Heyward bobble head highlight Romes Braves promotions schedule. Also: Sunday-Thursday game specials.

-2011 first pitch: 7 p.m. April 7, State Mutual Stadium.

Wind Advisory today, Changes at Northside Bank, Phatgirlz Pizza coming to Lindale

Click www.hometownheadlines.com Wind Advisory until 5 p.m. today. Expect winds of 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Rain moving out, making way for beautiful weekend. Your latest forecast: -Today: 20% rain chance, high of 63; low of 33. -Saturday: Sunny, high of 66; low of 46. -Sunday: 30% rain chance, high of 72; low of 53 with 30% rain chance. -Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click -Pollen count from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic. Click Pollen.  Financial -Northside Bank to sell controlling shares to two investors P. Bryon Defoor and Winston A. Porter to bring in $6.3 million in additional capital. -Synovus, parent company of Citizens First Bank, announces quarterly stock dividend.   Dining -Phatgirlz Pizza & Grill to open March 16 in former Hometown Pizza location at 5 N. Fourth St. in Lindale. -New things coming to Chick-Fil-A as the restaurant will begin offering Banana Pudding Milkshakes on Monday.  -Plus the Dwarf House is also preparing to re-open their concession at State Mutual Stadium for the upcoming Rome Braves season with new items.  -Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.   Education -Rome High School senior Jacob Sanborn has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Rep. Phil Gingrey. -Floyd County Schools has received a $10,000 grant to support the system's teacher development efforts as a Ford PAS Next Generation Learning Community, one of only 12 in the country. -GNTC announces new Whitfield-Murray County Campus and program offerings.   -Heart of the Community Walk scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday at Citizens First Bank -Bryan Mullins' weekend entertainment report. Click Downtown

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -Who's the real culprit at Tennessee? Remember the name of Marshon Brooks.

Severe weather coming tonight, Large crowd at former Zartic/Pierre Foods auction; Funeral services for GHC nursing professor

Click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

Severe weather heading our way: The Weather Channel says severe weather including possible tornadoes, high winds and large hail will be moving through the Southeast U.S.

Today's forecast:

Thursday: 20% rain chance, high of 76; low of 58, 100% rain chance.

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 65; low of 35. 

-The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) might be interested in purchasing Synovus Financial based in Columbus, Ga, according to report in today's Atlanta Biz Chronicle. Synovus is parent company of Rome's Citizens First Bank and Calhoun's GB & T.  

-Large crowd attends auction at former Zartic/Pierre Foods off Lavendar Drive. Two tracts of property sold.

 

-New Manager hired for Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau's Last Stop Gift Shop

 

-Funeral services announced for Georgia Highland's Associate Nursing Professor Lesley Henderson

 

-Ricci Lattanzi resigns as Shorter's Director of Athletic Operations 

 

Dining & Drink:

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

Entertainment:

-Bryan Mullins' weekend entertainment report. Click Downtown

 

-Today: State Sen. Barry Loudermilk hosts a town hall meeting from 6-7:15 p.m. at Etowah Senior Center, Rome.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey. -Braves already in a hole; why GA Tech really can't afford to fire Paul Hewitt

Politics: Gingrey at cancer center, 7 Hills Rotary. Andrew Young visits Shorter. Business: Artisan Furniture's total liquidation sale. Some rain, high of 66.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Politics

-Gingrey to address Seven Hills Rotary after morning tour of Tony E. Warren, M.D., Cancer Center.

-Andrew Young talks politics, civil rights during visit to Shorter.

-Facebook a rallying point for supporters of Sunday package sales initiative in planning Capitol rally Wednesday.

-Loudermilk town hall meeting Thursday in Rome.

 

Business:

-Total liquidation sale at Artisan Furniture at Mount Berry Square.

-Young Professionals of Rome to meet March 1.

-Rome area tourism staff attending Travel South Showcase.

 

The Buzz:

-New gymnastics center goes into service Monday as parks & rec transitions to Marine complex.

 

Education:

-Saint Mary's salutes Duke Talent Search students.

-Big honors for Darlington students. 

 

Your latest forecast:

-Tuesday: 20% rain chance. High of 66, low of 33.

-Wednesday: Some clouds; high of 63, low of 45.

-Pollen count from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Not everyone can become a film star; once-proud ACC is in semi-shambles. 

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-Bobby Cox figurine, Jason Heyward bobble head highlight Romes Braves promotions schedule. Also: Sunday-Thursday game specials.

-2011 first pitch: 7 p.m. April 7, State Mutual Stadium.

 

 

Fire threat high even with rain due tonight. Buzz: Cold real estate market a heat wave for auction companies. Business updates. Arey on sports.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia: Click

-Cold real estate market creates heat wave for local auction companies. Downtown Rome auction just one example. 

-The time is right for a Northwest Georgia independent sports council.

-Buzzing: Chamber salutes members; Harvest Moon's lunch tweaks; Home & Garden Show this weekend; AT & T open on Turner McCall.    

Even with wet forecast, fire danger rating high
-Weather service statement: "High fire danger conditions are expected from mid-morning through early evening due to strong winds and 'dry fuels' (vegetation killed by winter weather)."

-Presidents Day: High of 70, low of 45. 50% rain chance tonight.
-Tuesday: Decreasing clouds. High of 62, low of 33.

 

Grim words on surging gas prices:
-"Retail gas prices are starting the week a little higher, with a 4-cent increase in the national average from last week."  The national average price of unleaded: $3.16 per gallon. In Georgia: $3.09.

 

Link to daily pollen count returns today.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Want to see a spring game? You might take a trip to Baton Rogue.

         

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-Bobby Cox figurine, Jason Heyward bobble head highlight Romes Braves promotions schedule. Also: Sunday-Thursday game specials.

-2011 first pitch: 7 p.m. April 7, State Mutual Stadium.

More restaurant changes. Tennis center gets a look-over--online. Quake shakes nearby Blue Ridge. Perfect weekend weather; weekend guide.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Dining & Drink

-New name, same owner for Los Potros, formerly known as El Alazar.

-Two Rome restaurants score in the 60s while Troy's, The Fruit Jar, Mulligan's, El Nopal (Cedartown) at the top of the chart. Dining

-Wine News Vine: 'Blind tasting' Friday at Riverside Gourmet.  

 

Tennis Center video grabbing some eyes:

-At least count Thursday evening, more than 650 had viewed the nearly four-minute promotion animation created to help sell the Tennis Center of Georgia at Berry College to state officials and potential donors.

-Facebook page created for Tennis Center. 

 

Whole lot of shakin' going on near Blue Ridge:

-Earthquake, 2.2 on the Richter scale, hits around 2:14 this morning.

 

Redmond takes over ambulance duties in Chattooga.

 

Weekend checklist:

-Saturday: Run With the Wolves RHS benefit, State Mutual Stadium.

-Saturday: Saint Mary's annual auction, Forum.

-Saturday: Kate Campbell concert, benefits Davies shelter. DeSoto.

-Public Health restaurant inspection scores. Click.

-Downtown entertainment by Bryan Mullins.  Click 

 

Weather: Picture-perfect weekend.

-Friday: High of 70, low of 47.

-Saturday: 'Party sunny,' high of 68, low of 44.

-Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 68, low of 47.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Clemson might consider calling in sick. Dale Jr.: nothing but bad luck

    

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-Bobby Cox figurine, Jason Heyward bobble head highlight Romes Braves promotions schedule. Also: Sunday-Thursday game specials.

-2011 first pitch: 7 p.m. April 7, State Mutual Stadium.

 

First-time jobless claims down a bit in Floyd; Gordon sees surge. Fabulous forecast: 74 today. Even more vacancies at East Rome center.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Latest employment trends: Down in Floyd, way up in Gordon.

-The January report on first-time unemployment insurance applications shows some encouragement in most Northwest Georgia counties -- except for a striking 42.2 percent surge in Gordon County.  

-Bartow County say claims drop more than 24 percent when compared to January 2010 followed by 23.9 percent in Chattooga and 22.2 percent in Polk. 

-Floyd saw a 5.6 percent drop, smaller than the 5.9 percent year-over-year drop posted by the entire state. 

 

Another chunk of East Rome shopping center now on the market; this time for lease.

 

Musselwhite's 'Der Greis' getting good play around the country;  next is 'Next of Kin.'   

Weather: Spring fling continues with sunny skies, high of 74 today.

-Thursday: Watch early morning fog. High of 74, low of 43.

-Friday: Beautiful day with a high of 72, low of 48.

-Weekend: Low 70s, mid 40s at night; rain late Sunday?

 

Dining & Drink

-Two Rome restaurants score in the 60s while Troy's, The Fruit Jar, Mulligan's, El Nopal (Cedartown) at the top of the chart. Dining

-Wine News Vine: 'Blind tasting' Friday at Riverside Gourmet. Plus: What's ahead at the North Georgia wineries. Click

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Do nothing, make money. Who's in like to coach Tech basketball?

Tennis Center grows to 82 courts; price grows to $18.7 million. Behind the Tony E. Warren, M.D., Cancer Center. Yogurt shop to open, Bartow restaurant closes. Fabulous weekend forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Tennis Center of Georgia at Berry College grows to 82 courts.

-Funding for $18.7 million center the big question.

-Watch the animated tour of the proposed tennis hub.

 

Tony E. Warren, M.D., Cancer Center to open in April

-Harbin Clinic naming ceremony pays trip to patient-first doctor.

 

Business updates:

-Jandy's Frozen Yogurt prepares to hire; opening in two weeks.

-River Thai in Cartersville closes: 'lost a fabulous restaurant.'

 

Art teacher leads colleagues, students in effort to complete a makeover at Open Door Home. Team paints 14 rooms in under 5 days.

 

River Jam 2011 line-up to feature Darius Rucker.

-8th edition of Rome Film Festival is Sept. 9-10.

 

Your latest forecast: A blast from the past--it's an all-70s weekend.
-Wednesday: Partly sunny, high of 65, low of 42.
-Thursday: Watch early morning fog. High of 69, low of 44.
-Weekend: Mostly sunny, low 70s.  

 

Plus community updates. 

 

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Kansas was No. 1 for less than six hours; Cam Newton banks his first million.

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-First pitch set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, vs. Hagerstown.

-Latest local updates.

 

Exclusive first look at tennis center renderings; Floyd, Rome leaders to review project tonight. Loudermilk wants definition of when life begins changed. Regional health showcase March 15. Key news update by 11 this morning.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

 County, city leaders meet to decide Tennis Center options.

-Your first look at some of the renderings of the proposed Tennis Center of Georgia. An animation is expected to be reviewed as well as whether the governments will pursue the 13-month-old proposal.

 

11 a.m. update: We'll have a key news update by 11 this morning. Please check back then.

 

Region's largest health and wellness showcase coming together.

-25 vendors, several key sponsors, part of March 15 expo.

 

Calhoun High grad's mission in Haita grows after January 2010 quake.

-Ed Lockett Jr. talks about post-quake life, progress, setbacks.

 

Loudermilk introducing Senate resoltuion calling for constitutional amendment vote on defining when life begins.

-More legislative updates.

-Education updates.

 

After Monday's high of 68, more sunshine today
-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 63, low of 34.
-Wednesday: Partly sunny, high of 64, low of 41.

-Rest of the week: Upper 60s,low 40s.  

  

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Injuries wreck the ACC; Tech embarrasses itself; don't look now but Cliff Ellis is back. 

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-First pitch set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, vs. Hagerstown.

-Latest local updates.

Steak N Shake for breakfast. More auction news. Fine time for wine. Focus: Local medical team's mission of mercy. Sweetheart of a forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here 

-A mission of mercy: Team of Northwest Georgia doctors pays own way to Haiti 13 months after killer quake to offer help -- and hope.

-Steak N Shake adds breakfast starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

-Add Cartersville hotel to local auction list.

-Wine News Vine: Tasting this Friday; two wine packages in Saint Mary's auction Saturday; Johnny Mitchell's March 3 wine dinner.  

 

Your Valentine's forecast: A real sweetheart.

-Monday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Low of 30.

-Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high of 61, low of 32.

-Rest of the week: Pretty nice with lots of sun.  

  

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey.

-Urban Meyer says college football is 'full of garbage;' Tech after Tubby Smith?

 

Rome Braves updates. Braves

-First pitch set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, vs. Hagerstown.

-Latest local updates.

760 acres adjacent to Dream Parks being marketed. A few minutes with Shorter's new president. Dining updates. Great weekend forecast.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

 760 acres adjoining proposed Dream Parks at Lakepoint now being marketed.

-Spokesman: 'The property is ideal for a hospitality-focused development that will serve the new sports complex.'

-'Dream Team' continuing community appearances, meetings. 

 

Dining & Drink

-Gondolier opening Porto Bello Grill in Cedartown.

-Menu: Opi's Roadhouse has most unique menu in Northwest Georgia thanks to 'Highway 53' special.

-333 on Broad adds to menu.

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores.

-Wine News Vine: Chocolate, special dinners, wine dominate Valentine's weekend offerings at North Georgia wineries.

 

Forecast: Nothing but sunshine for the next few days

-Friday: Sunny, high of 46, low of 18.

-Saturday: Warmer, high near 50, low of 24.

-Sunday: Sunny with a high of 58, low of 31.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey   

-Other than that, Auburn should have a magnificent year in football.

  

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-First pitch for 2011 at 7 p.m. April 7 vs. Hagerstown. 

 

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: Cornbread Killers, Francisco Vidal,  Kneckdown, My Ninja, Husky Burnette, Muletide Perkins.

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries. 

No closings after light overnight snow. Next: Cold nights, nice weekend. Almanac: more winter ahead? Latest updates.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com

 

No closings to report following night of light snow, temperatures around freezing. Latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 40, wins to 20 mph. Low of 20.

-Friday: Sunny, high of 47, low of 19.

-Saturday:  Warmer, high near 53, low of 26.

-Sunday: Sunny with a high of 61, low of 32

 

Snow sidebar:

-Tired of snow? Then hope the Farmers' Almanac is wrong. A major snow event, perhaps up to 10 inches, predicted for late February. Natalie Simms reports.

 

Today's Buzz:

-Shorter to name next president today at 3:30 p.m.

-Lewis in, Doss out as District 11 representative on state transportation panel.

-More remodeling along Turner McCall as McDonald's begins refit.

-Gingrey, Graves want more immigration enforcement.

 

Latest public health restaurant inspection scores:

-Dee's Road Kill Cafe in White has another great score; low score for Chinese spot in Bartow County.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey   

- Underclassmen leaving college early for the NFL seems to be paying off.   

  

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-First pitch for 2011 at 7 p.m. April 7 vs. Hagerstown. 

 

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: Cornbread Killers, Francisco Vidal,  Kneckdown, My Ninja, Husky Burnette, Muletide Perkins.

Wine News Vine.  Wine 

-Upcoming events at the North Georgia wineries. 

 

 

Winter weather advisory, 6 tonight until noon Thursday: Rain, then up to an inch of snow. Plus: 8 buildings up for auction in downtown Rome

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Winter weather advisory, 6 tonight until noon Thursday

-Scenario tonight: Rain, then inch of snow, freezing temps
-Wednesday: High of 44, 20% rain, snow chance.
-Wednesday night: Low of 27, 90% chance of snow.

-Thursday: High of 40; chance of flurries in the morning.

-Thursday night; Low of 24.

-Continuing updates all day, evening on Hometown Headlines. 

 

Downtown stunner: Eight buildings up for auction on March 10.

-Six front Broad Street; two homes on East Third St.; some parking.

-All are different from current properties for sale in downtown Rome.

 

Yet another LEGO connection: Storey Lumber providing wood for restoration of roller coaster at LEGOLAND Florida opening this fall.

 

Gingrey appointed to key Helsinki Commitssion.

 

Georgia revenue ticks up again in January; Deal says government still must downsize.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-

Vick's Comeback Player of the Year Award is a joke; Super Bowl sets record for viewers. 

  

  

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-First pitch for 2011 at 7 p.m. April 7 vs. Hagerstown. 

 

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. 

1-2 inches of snow overnight Wednesday? Publix site drawing 'returning' retailer? 'Donut' hunt. Job boom downtown.

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Charles Hight Square already building some development buzz.

-'Returning retailer' said to be considering a site. The Gap, perhaps?

 

Dunkin Donuts also scouting sites for a possible return to Rome.

 

Big January for downtown Rome: 89 net new jobs as Mellow Mushroom, Cups & Mugs opens; Greener Burger closes. 

 

Rome joins Crime Mapping website, showcasing latest crime reports around the city. Also: Site offers e-mail alerts on crimes reported near your home or office.

 

Buzz:

-ServiceMaster by Twins helping with Texas-sized storm cleanup.

-'Blind wine tasting' set for Feb. 18 at Riverside Gourmet.

-Community updates.

 

Weather

-Snow, sleet, rain expected Wednesday night, Thursday: The latest forecast calls for one to two inches in northern Georgia counties with wintry precipitation as far south as Harris and Warren counties. Details.

-Tuesday: Sunny, high of 43, low of 24.

-Wednesday: High of 48, low of 27: 70% chance of overnight rain/snow.

-Thursday: High of 42, low of 21; 30% chance of daytime snow.

 

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey 

-

The game was better than the ads; my vote for top QB still goes to Peyton Manning.

 

  

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-First pitch for 2011 at 7 p.m. April 7 vs. Hagerstown. 

 

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. 

More snow in Rome tonight, Wednesday, Thursday? Buzz: Business updates, 'Loveliest Lips' and meet a preacher who uses his LEGO hobby to minister to kids

For these and other updates, please click Hometown Headlines.    The Buzz of Northwest Georgia. Click here    'Loveliest Lips' contest smacks of success. -Still time to vote in the unique Heart of the Community fund-raiser.   What's next for Cartersville-Bartow chamber -Search for new president comes as county sizzles with Dream Parks, two industrial sites.   Battle of the banks in Calhoun -Gordon County's $750 million in deposits to see another competitor soon.   Hometown Adlines: Social media ad solutions. -New service offers advertisers new services for social media ads.   Focus: Youth minister's passion for God, LEGO helps him connect with kids -Chris Giddens' longtime  love of all things LEGO both a hobby and now part of his calling.    Light snow tonight, more Wednesday night, Thursday? -The National Weather Service has special weather statement about a possible dusting of snow overnight north of a line from Cedartown to Homer. Little if any accumulation is possible. Watch out for possibly icy patches on roads. Details. -Monday: 80% chance of rain, high of 52. Low of 30; 30% rain/snow chance. -Tuesday: High of 43, low of 23. -Wednesday night-Thursday: Snow possible once again.

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey  -Gays in the NHL? No QB in Miami yet; Vicks wins award; Simms, Howard to fight?   Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports -First pitch for 2011 at 7 p.m. April 7 vs. Hagerstown.    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.

100% chance of rain, maybe some snow and freezing rain today; 80% tonight. Snow early Saturday? Updates on Greater Rome Bank's Calhoun plans. Parking deck to be removed. Greener Burger, restaurant updates

Please click www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Winter weather advisory remains in effect until 8 this morning.

-100% chance of freezing rain until 10 a.m, then freezing rain. Advisory

-No closings to report as of 5:40 a.m. Updates continuing right now.

The forecast:

-The situation:  Temperatures remained right at freezing overnight. Some freezing rain followed Thursday evening's brief snow but no accumulation occurred.

-Friday: 100% chance of freezing rain, then rain. High of 38.

-Friday night: Low of 36; 80% chance of rain/snow mix.

-Saturday: 30% chance of rain, snow. High of 46, low of 26.

-Sunday: Sunny and 54 low of 35.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Make that Greater Community Bank

-Legal ads placed in the latest edition of The Calhoun Times establish the names of Greater Community Bank and Greater Community Bank of Calhuon, and list them as "engaged in the business of banking" and "owned and carried by Greater Rome Bank." The notice is from David J. Lance, the president and CEO of Greater Rome Bank who previously led North Georgia National Bank, also based in Calhoun. Greater Rome Bank earlier won state approval to open an office in the former Movie Gallery at 305 W. Belmont Drive. See the ad.

A to-go order on Greener Burger?

-Neighbors of The Greener Burger owner Michael Landers report he and his family have left Rome, opting to return to the Atlanta area where he was involved in earlier development  projects. We tried to contact Landers Thursday evening but his cell phone number no longer works. Landers closed the Broad Street restaurant on Jan. 16, seven months after its dazzling premiere at the restyled former Krystal. Landers, at the time of the closing, said he was attempting to line up investors to keep the business going at the level of service he expected. We're checking on the fate of the building and contents.

Calhoun parking deck made famous in last snow storm coming down: Gordon County officials are seeking bids to demolish the structure that went viral on YouTube last month (video). The image showed a snow plow plunging through part of the floor of the parking deck while attempting to remove snow. Details: Legal Ad

Dining

-Harvest Moon to open Valentine's night. The Broad Street mainstay normally closes after lunch on Mondays but will open the night of Feb. 14.

-Honeymoon Bakery is extending hours until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting tonight.

-Restaurant inspection scores: Several perfect scores this week and two Rome restaurants tumble into the 60s. Dining Guide

New year off to a better start for Greater Rome realtors:

-Preliminary reports for January home sales by Greater Rome Realtors show that 30 homes "closed" last month, up from 25 homes in January 2010. Also on the plus side: The total dollar volume for last month was $3,636,475 vs $2,756,807 12 months earlier. The average value of a home sold was $121,215 vs.  $110,272 January 2010. Also key to note: 24 homes went under contract during January but did not close by month's end, says Debbie Hayes of Hardy Realty and president of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors.

Friday's Buzz

-Highlands' 'Hershey to chair state's freshman English committee. GHC

-Library, visitors bureau collecting Civil War stories. Details

-Oglethorpe Power gives $4,000 to Floyd County College & Career Academy to support the academy's 2011 scholarship program. FCBOE

Weekend

-Bryan Mullins downtown entertainment report. MullinsMania.

-Wine News Vine: Lots of chocolate, special meals this month, especially over Valentine's Day weekend. Wineries

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

Noon Optimist Club of  Rome names 2011 Terrific Kids: Three dozen kids and their teachers honored Monday. Details // New: More photos

-For more, click Terrific Kid photos