Big jump in local jobs; work force at highest point in 13 months. EPD finds no 'health hazards' following Bekaert fire. Latest on Marietta bid to buy RNT. Small roof fire at Georgia Highlands. Busy weekend ahead.

Where Greater Rome's news day starts – and ends. Continuing coverage at www.hometownheadlines.com:

 

Ware Mechanical forecast:

• After a record-setting low of 15 in Rome and 14 in Cartersville on Wednesday, a warmer -- then wetter -- weekend.

Headlines:

• Jobs: Local labor force jumps to 39,700 in October, the highest in at least 13 months. First-time jobless claims down in most area counties:  Employment
• Bekaert aftermath: EPD check finds no 'health hazards.' Watching for symptoms of potential respiratory problems. Health
• Marietta's deal to purchase News Publishing amended to address key debts. What happens next? Media
• Small roof fire reported at Georgia Highlands student center in Rome. Highlands
• Weekend: Christmas shopping downtown. Nutcracker. Lots of pancakes. Victory Bowl. And what to know about Ebola. Events
• Local Stop Hunger Now! packages off to Zambia. Georgia Northwestern graduates 9 law enforcers today. Christmas concert set. Updates
• Public Health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia. Dining
• Floyd County Jail reports from 4 and 8 a.m. as well as 8 p.m. Crimewatch
• Regular features:
• Christmas events in Northwest Georgia this season. Parades, performances and more.  Christmas
• Today's business headlines from  Georgia Trend
• Northwest Georgia's best source for job leads. Click Career Builder

Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report  (click)

• John McCellan's high school football playoff picks: Coosa, Model, Adairsville in for rough nights. Big win for Cartersville; close call for Calhoun
• Georgia High School Football Daily.
• New volleyball coach at Rome High.
• Coming Friday: Norman Arey's Norman's No-Nos, 15 locks to lose this weekend in college football.
• Saturday: NCCAA's Victory Bowl at Barron Stadium featuring Shorter University and North Greenville (S.C). Noon kickoff. Tickets: $15.
• Hawks' Jordan Shaw named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year; more GSC honors

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 98.7 FM & 1470 AM

• 7-9 a.m. Click to listen live online
• Please join our guests including:
• Representatives from Floyd Medical Center about new infectuous disease health procedures