Panda Express opens in Calhoun. Quick look at Cotton Block pizza shop (in progress). Heat index of 98 due today. Russell Airport earns Purple Heart designation. Outdoors updates.

The local news you need throughout your busy day from www.hometownheadlines.com

 

 

Ware Mechanical forecast:

• Mid 90s with a heat index of 98 due. No relief in sight.
• Spring 2016 was warmer, considerably drier in Rome, Cartersville vs. normal, according to the National Weather Service.
• 'Code Orange' smog alert Wednesday for Bartow, metro Atlanta. Smog

Today's headlines:

• Panda Express opens in Calhoun as Asian fast-food giant continues growth. Quick look inside potential pizza restaurant. Dining
• Big day for Richard B. Russell Regional Airport/Towers Field as it becomes the nation's second Purple Heart Airport. With photos.
• Georgia Health News: Task force aims to reshape Georgia stance on health coverage. Health
• Outdoors: Paddle Georgia arrives in Calhoun for street party tonight; trek ends Friday in Rome. Paddle
• As we head to the water, some key river safety tips from Floyd County E-911. Outdoors
• Changing of the guard at Seven Hills Rotary on Tuesday. Facebook
• Remembering Mr. Wayman Marian Holder, Mr. Billy Presley. Obituaries
• Public Health restaurant inspection scores. Dining
  
• Area arrest reports brought to you by Dr. Miniyar's Pediatrics. CrimeWatch

Recommended reads:

• Floyd Schools, first responders produce chilling video that will change the way you drive, let alone your teenagers. Video
• 2016 Guide to Summer Camps in Northwest Georgia. Camps
• Vacation Bible Schools plan a busy summer. What's ahead. VBS
• Northwest Georgia traffic conditions via Google Maps or Waze.
• 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

• Five Rome Braves in Tuesday's All-Star game, playing for the southern division.
• Next: All-Star break through today; home Thursday-Sunday vs. Charleston.
• Mills Fitzner's Rome Braves' home game photo gallery.
• Atlanta Braves: Marlins today; home Thursday-Sunday vs. Mets.
• Links to high school football schedules this fall.
• Links to sports summer camps. Football, baseball and more.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 98.7 FM (streaming)

Please join our guests from 7-9 a.m. including:

• At 7:20 a.m.: Joe Cook, who's on the river with Paddle Georgia, updates us on the trip winding its way to Rome this week.
• At 7:40 a.m.: Patrick Eidson, Rome's assistant city manager, on the annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge on Aug. 20.
• At 8:10 a.m.: Daniel Morris, a recent Darlington graduate, on assembling his dream, the Cedartown Coca-Cola Museum opening this weekend.