9 more COVID deaths across our 5 counties posted Tuesday. Rome has low quarantine count as in-person teaching resumes. Vaccine updates. Close competition for East Bend restaurants. Hager to lead South Rome Alliance.

Today's first headlines

• 4 more die in Floyd, 2 in Chattooga, 1 each in Bartow, Polk. Region total: 514. Floyd, Redmond report 69 COVID patients Tuesday, up 1.
• Berry professor Dr. Christopher Hall joins Community Watch to discuss vaccines and safety. 35,000 vaccinations given in NW Georgia so far; 1,248,477 in Georgia.
• On campus: 48 students, staff in quarantine; 3 positives as Rome in-person classes resume. Floyd Schools still not available. Cartersville: 5 positives; 64 quarantines.
• Competitors Jersey Mike's, McAlister's Deli are going to be close at East Bend. Cartersville-Bartow Chamber's annual honors. State sees rise in monthly tax collections.
• South Rome Alliance names Jake F. Hager as executive director. A Berry graduate, he was active in the community during his college years.
• Buzz: Parks and Recreation start summer camp sign-ups; COVID precautions in place. $345,000 for Cedartown soccer renovation. Berry professor gets Smithsonian nod.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Our 'spring break' from winter continues into Thursday but look for rain then through early Friday.
• Obituaries: Mrs. Virginia Ramey Dougherty Connell, age 102. Also: Louis Stephen Hajosy, Mrs. Betty Jo Holcombe, Jake Denson Miller.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by thestoragehound.com. Updates on arrests.

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Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Un-Corked: High school football package not returning to Rome this fall.
• Spring training for Major League Baseball to begin Feb. 17; season opens April 1.
• Berry opens spring football Saturday vs. 1-0 Birmingham-Southern.
• Spring sports registration under way with Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation.
• Commit 2 Fit Leprechaun-a-thon 5K and Health Walk returns March 20.