Year's final retail surge to start with Kohl's, then Ulta, others. COVID: 8 more deaths, 406 new cases, 156 patients in Rome hospitals. First look at Floyd Schools' remote plan starting today. First of five candidate forums tonight.

Heritage First Headlines:

• Business: Kohl's to open Oct. 31 at East Bend in Rome. Three more on the way.
• 8 weekend COVID deaths in NW Georgia: 3 each in Floyd and Bartow; 2 in Gordon. 156 virus patients in Floyd, Redmond on Monday, down 7. New cases since Friday: 406.
• Get a first look at Floyd County Schools' new remote learning protocols which begin on Tuesday.
• Campaign Watch: First of five forums with Rome City Commission, School Board candidates -- and Cave Spring hopefuls -- begins tonight.
• Buzz: Rome Symphony Orchestra announces three new board members. For the third time since 2016, Apple names Darlington an Apple Distinguished School. Rome-Floyd Development Authority meets this morning.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: More drizzle into Thursday; low of 50 by Friday morning.
• Obituaries: Mrs. Shirley Jeanelle Hunt Browning, Ms. Jennifer June Ballard Reed Berg, Mrs. Jacqueline Bohannon Cook, Alfredo Escutia Cornejo Jr., Ms. Bobbie Elkins, Richard G. (Rich) Head, Ms. Carla E. Jones, Elizabeth Claire Price Kempson, Mr. James D. Mostellar, Carol Dillard Peek, Tracy Lagina Godfrey Tillery, Joseph H Wall, Ms. Annie Jane Weems.
• 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 

• John McClellan's high school picks: Cedartown over Calhoun in Thursday game; another rough night for Rome; big wins for Darlington, Pepperell, Armuchee. McClellan.
• Thursday, Friday high school contests.
• Atlanta Braves at Diamondbacks through Thursday.
• Atlanta Falcons at NY Giants 1 p.m. Sunday.
• Community sports updates.