Chamber logo reflects new, broader focus. Plus: Annual awards and a commentary on the 'real news.' $24 million plant, 200 new jobs has Bartow booming again. Report card for local schools. Chilly weekend -- and maybe snow? (perfect time for a Hot Stove Gathering)

This morning's first headlines and updates all day from Hometown Headlines

Business: Rome Floyd Chamber (new name) celebrates year's top small business, ambassador, community successes. Chamber

Commentary: The small talk from the chamber's annual meeting was the real news of the night. Commentary

Business: Germany's Huhoco Group building $24 million in plant in Cartersville, bringing 200 jobs. Business

Report card for area school systems on 'quality, character' as well as financial ratings tied to per-pupil expenditures. Ratings 

Safe Driving Expo returns April 9 but at a new location: Walmart in East Rome. Driving expo 

Buzz: RHS registration showcase is Feb. 2. Maloney named RACA director. Snider joins Center for Healthy Churches. Plus more. Buzz

Ware Mechanical Weather Center: 'Normal' temperatures of highs around 50, lows near freezing return; snow still possible late Sunday. Weather

Paddle Georgia 2017 to float the Etowah River with stops including Cartersville before ending in Rome. Dates: June 17-23. Paddle

Georgia Health News: State lawmakers to tackle 'surprise' medical billing to patients. Health

Remembering Rev. Bobby Green, Eugene L. McCauley Jr. Obituaries 

Public Health restaurant inspection scores. 'U' for Rome restaurant just weeks after perfect score.  Dining

Area arrest reports brought to you by Dr. Miniyar's Pediatrics. Crimewatch

Also today:

Traffic: Georgia DOT, Google Maps or Waze.

State business headlines: Georgia Trend

Northwest Georgia jobs: Career Builder

SPORTS: Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report 

Rome Braves Hot Stove Gathering, concert set for Saturday.

Braves adding huge HD screen to the ballpark for this season.

 

High school basketball updates.

 

Local college basketball updates.

 

Falcons, Super Bowl links.

RADIO: Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, 7-9 a.m., WRGA 98.7 FM

A special edition today as we're joined by three panelists in the 7:40 and 8:10 a.m. segments discussing what's next for downtown Rome. They are Jay Shell, DDA member and Rome City Brewing/Brewhouse owner; Ryan Earnest, president of Broad Street-based Heritage First Bank; and Patrick Eidson, assistant city manager.

Please take a minute to do our quick downtown survey on Twitter @hometown.