Will we have Halloween? Trick-or-treating listed as 'high risk'. Updates on local events. No new COVID deaths, another 95 cases in region. Over 500 Floyd, Rome students in quarantine. Johnson Elementary named 'National Blue Ribbon School'.

 

Today's first headlines:

• Will we have Halloween? New CDC guidance lists several traditional activities as high-risk. No decision yet on Downtown Trick-or-Treat event. Pumpkins arriving at Trinity on Oct. 11.
• No new deaths reported in Northwest Georgia on Thursday, regional toll stands at 198 since March. Also: 95 new positive tests here since Wednesday; another 1,368 statewide.
• COVID on campus: 517 students, staff in quarantine at Floyd, Rome schools. Three new positive tests reported. At Berry: 36 students, 1 employee positive since Sunday.
• Johnson Elementary School (Floyd County) named a 'National Blue Ribbon School', listed among top in nation by U.S. Department of Education.
• Education: Floyd BOE called meeting today to discuss personnel. GHC to present virtual speaker series. State Superintendent makes changes to Milestones testing. 

Also today:

• Rome GA Cares team on way home from Louisiana after week-long 'The Faith and the Badge' mission. Podcast: An interview with a grateful Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford.
• Buzz: Berry College Eagles return to nest. Final Between the Rivers Farmers' Market of season on Saturday. Parks and Rec bring 'The Market' to Garden Lakes. Rose Lawn Arts Festival winners.  
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Patchy fog possible this morning. Today, mostly cloudy with high near 78. Partly sunny for weekend with temps back up in mid-80s. 
• Obituaries: Eva Nell Akins, Dolores Jean Skidmore Evans, Mr. Thomas "Tommy" Amos Mathis, Sr., Mrs. Della Mae Mitchell, Mr. Harold Earnest " Pee Wee " Truitt Sr.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

Advertising:

• Hardy Realty's open house gallery for Sunday: A 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in Maplewood priced at $299,900. Open house.

Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Tonight, Saturday night high school football schedules.
• Braves open final regular-season series at home vs. Boston.
• Colleges: Georgia at Arkansas; Tech at Syracuse.
• -Plus: The SEC schedule for the weekend.
• Falcons at Bears this Sunday.
• Community sports updates.

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