A record 17 pandemic deaths posted from one day in NW Georgia. 186 virus patients at Rome hospitals. Rome Schools to keep masks into mid-October. Retail and restaurant updates. Cooler afternoons this week.

Heritage First Headlines:

• 17 deaths, a pandemic record, posted in NW Georgia on Tuesday. 15 died from COVID, including 5 in Floyd County; 2 'probable' deaths as well. 186 virus patients at Floyd, Redmond on Tuesday; down 15. New cases: 180 since Monday.
• COVID on campus: Rome Schools to require masks into October; adds two in-service days; seeing help from current safeguards. Also: Rome Schools reports 9 new cases; Floyd County posts 19 students, no faulty or staff.
• Georgia Health News: 60% of the new COVID cases are in our state's schools, grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Business: Sign's up at Old Navy as 'opening this fall' draws closer. Changes for Summerville restaurant. Latest business newsmakers.
• Buzz: Household Hazard Waste/Electronics recycling event this Saturday; call for an appointment. Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation plans a ribbon cutting ceremony at Shag Williams Park on Sept. 21. Hancock sworn in. GNTC's outdoor mum sale next week. Blood Assurance offering Sickle Cell tests.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Cooler afternoons move in; highs in the low 80s.
• Obituaries:  Erma Braden, Mr. Emory Wayne Green, Mrs. Linda Diane Mack, Billy Wade Prater, Rose Marie Remington, Mrs. Harriet McKnight Strickland, Mrs. Cassie Elaine Williams.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

Sponsored report:

• Harbin Clinic Headlines: Meet Dr. Bennett Brock, who joins Harbin Clinic General Surgery Rome, and is eager to join the expert group of surgeons and start caring for patients.  Dr. Brock shared the ways the technically and mentally challenging elements of surgery fit his personality and life goals. As he was considering what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, he wanted a challenge. And with surgery, he feels challenged daily. He may be doing the same operation repeatedly, but the patient and circumstances are always different. He approaches each operation individually.

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Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report 

• Rome Braves vs. Hickory. Plus players of the week; roster moves.
• Braves announce 2022 schedule.
• Atlanta Braves host Rockies through Thursday.
• John McClellan's high school picks: Rome to rebound; Ws for all the ranked local teams; first win of the season for Pepperell. McClellan.
• Berry, Shorter both on the road this Saturday.
• Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Sunday.
• Community sports updates: Half-price special on upcoming Dash.