COVID cases surge in Georgia; climbing here, too. Dunkin due at former Regions site in West Rome. A lot of 'new' at the tennis center in 2022. Area Christmas services; weather anything but frightful.

Today's first headlines:

• Georgia COVID cases surging; regional cases rise from 77 on Tuesday to 147 on Thursday. Chattooga resident the latest area virus victim. 26 COVID patients in Rome hospitals Thursday, down 4.
• Dunkin (doughnuts, coffees) will rise from the just-demolished Regions branch on Shorter.
• New year, new management, new director for the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College and downtown courts. What's ahead: Hotel opening, ACC college tournaments.
• Tonight's church services; final evening of Live Nativity.
• Buzz: Railroad crossings to close during 'servicing' starting Jan. 6. Camping prices rising at Allatoona.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: A Christmas bonus forecast -- unless you wanted a white Christmas.
• Obituaries: Mr. James Robert Allen, Donald Ray Brown Jr., Melvin Edward "Eddie" Hale, Edward Kenneth (Ed) Hendrix Sr., Mrs. Addie Lavern Wood.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

 

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Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Falcons home vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Latest look at COVID surge and the impact on pro, college sports.
• Bowl game tonight, Christmas Day.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 31.