December was NW Georgia's deadliest month yet -- 100 deaths: 82 from COVID, 18 others 'probable.' Surge in new cases; school updates. Tuesday's runoffs only part of the 2021 election season. Key day on Cave Spring, Glenwood schools

Today's first headlines:

• Deadly December: 100 people lost their lives in Northwest Georgia -- a record 82 listed as COVID cases, another 18 as 'probable' deaths involving the virus.
• 5,088 new cases reported in the state on Sunday; 241 in Northwest Georgia (now 22,204 since March). State will top 10,000 deaths this week. Free test sites reopen today.
• COVID on campus: Students return to school this week after Christmas break. Updates from Floyd, Gordon, Polk school systems.
• Voting: All eyes on Tuesday's runoff elections with local turnout estimates from 30% to 60%. Precincts open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday. And a look at what's ahead in 2021.
• This week: Floyd Board of Education to discuss options for Cave Spring Elementary, Glenwood Primary at 8:15 a.m. work session; final vote due this evening. Runoff election on Tuesday. Planning Commission meets Thursday. Bring One for Chipper on Saturday.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Sunny, mid 50s to start the week with about half an inch of rain due Thursday into Friday.
• Obituaries: Mrs. Annie Lucille Pierce Alexander, Mrs. Donna Faye Davis Blanton, Daniel Edward Comer Sr., Robert Sibley Ogletree, Ramona Wood.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

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Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Falcons close season with 44-27 loss to Tampa Bay.
• Trevor Lawrence, 3 others up for Heisman on Tuesday.
• Jan. 11: Alabama vs. Ohio State for National Championship in Miami, 8 p.m., ESPN
• Local college football: Updates on the spring seasons for the Shorter Hawks, Berry Vikings.
• Too early for baseball? Atlanta Braves' first spring training game is Feb. 27 (at Orioles). At North Port March 1.
• No word yet on new league, schedule for Rome Braves.