. Gordon sheriff, in passionate statement, urges community to get vaccine. After selling his downtown service station, Ratliffe going to Disney World; convenience to replace it. Real estate updates. GNTC students fight COVID

Heritage First Headlines:

• Gordon sheriff urges residents to consider vaccine: Calling himself 'a devout conservative, a freedom-loving American and a follower of Christ, Ralston urges community to 'follow your healthcare providers' advice and take the vaccine.' Latest community updates.
• Business: Now that he's sold his auto service business in downtown Rome, Dennis Ratliff is (truly) going to Disney World. Buyer Rocky Singh is refurbishing and plans a convenience store on the property.
• Real estate: Rome/Floyd County home sales up slightly in July; median sales price jumps 19.5%. Top honors for Atlanta Real Estate Forum, produced by Cartersville's Denim Marketing.
• Buzz: As COVID creates new demand for healthcare workers, Georgia Northwestern has answer. GNTC has awarded more than 5,000 degrees, diplomas and technical certificates through the college's healthcare programs.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: No rain today, but Hurricane Ida primed to dump rain, possible thunderstorms on Northwest Georgia Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Obituaries:  Mr. Winfred Bernard Prater. Ms. Delos Wright.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

Advertising:

• Hardy Realty's Open House Gallery for Sunday: 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath cottage in the Village of Maplewood. Plus four nearby townhomes. Open house.