Polk County, citing COVID surge, takes aggressive safety steps. 7 more deaths in NW Georgia posted Thursday (2 in Polk). School quarantines jump again. $185 million distribution center proposed near Calhoun. I-75 chase ends with suspect's death. Cold weekend.

Today's first headlines:

• 7 local deaths posted Thursday: 1 in Floyd, 2 each in Bartow, Gordon, Polk; regional total in 10 months: 418. State: 142 fatalities, just shy of record. 208 new cases here in a day. 146 virus patients in Floyd, Redmond; 37 in Gordon.
• More than 1,300 students, staff in quarantine at Floyd, Rome school systems. Digital learning today for Rome Schools. Cartersville: 3 test positive; 40 sent home.
• Cedartown, Rockmart close city offices until further notice because of 'spike in COVID-19 cases.' Rockmart High limits basketball crowd Friday, cancels Saturday games.
• Business: $185 million, 3.1 million-square-foot manufacturing/warehousing/distribution center proposed in Gordon County.
• State patrol: Chase ends off I-75 and Ga. 53 in Calhoun with motorist dead; two others escape injury.
• $223 million issued by the state Labor Department to help those idled by the pandemic.

Also today:

• Buzz: Got the Chick-fil-A One app? Get a free brownie. Household waste/electronics recycling is Saturday; appointments only. Development authority retreat is Wednesday.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Mid 40s due Saturday with enough wind to make it feel like the upper 30s.
• Obituaries: Remembering Anna McKenzie Espy.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

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Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Rockmart High limits attendance at basketball tonight, cancels Saturday game.
• Falcons said to be zeroing in on Terry Fontenot as general manager.
• Baseball: Lookouts name 2021 field staff.
• NFL divisional showdowns: Two games each on Saturday and Sunday
• Local college football: Updates on the spring seasons for the Shorter Hawks, Berry Vikings.