Murder rate jumps in Floyd, Bartow counties this year. Druck Report: The big farce behind The Big Switch. Ahead of the Headlines: Runoff election, economic development meetings (3), parades (5). John McClellan: Championships for Cartersville, Rockmart next week. Georgia vs. Texas in Sugar Bowl.

With four weeks left in the year, the number of murders in Floyd and Bartow counties is up 40% compared to 2017. Arrests have been made in majority of those cases but others remain mysteries -- including a Bartow County case that made national news. Crime

 

Druck Report: How panic government, abusive power ignited a critical need to update Rome/Floyd County's economic development package, from priorities and planning to personnel. Druck Report

 

Politics: Polls open Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. for statewide runoff. Updates on the House District 14 special election on Dec. 18. Home page

 

Christmas 2018: Five parades this week, starting in Summerville tonight, Cartersville and Cedartown on Thursday, Rockmart on Friday and Cave Spring on Saturday. Plus: Christmas Back Home this Friday, Saturday at Rome Civic Auditorium. Home page

 

Ahead of the Headlines: Statewide runoff election, economic development meetings (3), Realtors install new officers, Christmas parades and concert. Ahead

 

Ware Mechanical Weather Center: 'Spring break' (sunny, mid 70s) ends today as colder air returns. Weather

 

Obituaries: Mrs. Brandy Lee Baird, Mrs. Doris Ann Fritz Green, Dr. Sarah Kathleen "Sally" Maddox. Obituaries

 

Public Health restaurant inspection scores returns Tuesday morning. Dining

 

Area arrest reports for Floyd, Bartow, Polk counties sponsored by Living Proof Recovery. Crimewatch

 

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Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report: Sports.

Georgia left out of College Football Playoff committee's final four. Bulldogs no. 5, Ohio State no. 6. Plus: Final regular season Top 25 rankings. Playoffs

 

COLLEGES/bowls

 

-Georgia Bulldogs:  Bulldogs vs.Texas, Sugar Bowl, 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1.

-Georgia Tech:

-Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: .Saturday, Dec. 29, noon. Florida vs. MIchigan.

 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

 

John McClellan's Georgia High School football championship picks for 2018: Cartersville Purple Hurricanes, Rockmart Yellow Jackets will win state titles Dec. 12. Also: A breakdown on the six other games. McClellan

State Championships for high school football:

• Class 2A: Rockmart vs. Heard Co., Dec. 12 at 1 p.m., Mercedes Benz Stadium.  Polk County Schools will be closed on Dec. 12 for the championship game.
• Class 4A: Cartersville vs. Blessed Trinity, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m., Mercedes Benz Stadium. Cartersville City Schools will have a half-day of class on Dec. 12 for the championship game.
• All games to be broadcast on GPB.

Atlanta Falcons sink to 4-8 in 26-16 loss to Ravens. Next: At Green Bay on Sunday.

Registration continues for the annual #JamieStrong Rome Half Marathon to be held this Saturday at State Mutual Stadium.

• Former Model High and Berry College standout Michelle Abernathy Lane will be the guest speaker the 2018 GoGo Running All-Area Cross Country Banquet to be held Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Krannert Ballroom at Berry College.

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

 

7:40 a.m. Mandy Perry of Blood Assurance Rome on the need for blood donations during the bustling Christmas season.

 

8:40 a.m. Amy Knitig, director of development, and Lisa Moore, executive director, from Haven Health on changes there as well as ongoing services to the community.