How the Church at Liberty Square, among COVID's first 'hot spots,' grieved 14 friends but never gave up. Virus: Shortest month taking big toll. Shorter Hawks football honoring 'CPJ' -- Coach Phil Jones -- as season starts Saturday.

Today's first headlines:

• Cartersville's Church at Liberty Square, a hot spot that lost 14 to COVID, continues to heal a year later. The recovery 'also revealed the hope and resiliency of the body of Christ.'
• Pandemic's shortest month just as dangerous in NW Georgia: 70 deaths so far; new cases up almost 4,000. Vaccinations: Nearly 20,500 have both doses here.
• Shorter Hawks to play with their hearts on their helmets this spring to honor the football program's founder, Coach Phil Jones.
• Buzz: Gas prices jump as Texas freezes; up more than 50 cents a gallon since mid-November. Scouts present District Awards of Merit, Silver Beaver honors.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Low to mid 60s Tuesday through Thursday; sunny as well.
• Obituaries: Ivy Joe Allen, Mr. Daniel Avis "Dan" Fricks, Bobby George Sr., Mrs. Marguerite Louise "Mugs" Grindstaff, Mother Margie Pinson.
• 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:

• Busy week for state basketball playoffs: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (so far).
• Berry (home) and Shorter (away) spring football games on Saturday. Please check attendance policies first.
• Baseball updates including spring training; Braves' full squad due Tuesday.
• Community sports updates.