Thursday's updates; snow in the forecast

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Snow in Saturday's forecast. And maybe more on the way. Details below.

Edible Arrangements coming to Rome's RiverWalk: The retail center at Turner McCall and Riverside Parkway will soon be home to an Edible Arrangements franchise, one of nearly 950 around the world. Founded in 1999, Edible Arrangements offers "fresh fruit bouquets to make any occasion special - from birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations to business events and client gifts." The shop is opening in a 1,200-square-foot storefront next to Stella Blu in RiverWalk. For more on the company, please click Edible

Loudermilk: I will not be a candidate for House speaker

-Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, has announced he will not be a candidate for House Speaker when Republicans convene today. Wrote Loudermilk in his "Dear Friends" letter: "I am very grateful to those who have given their public and private endorsement to me, and I believe this overwhelming support shows the desire for true conservative leadership in our state. After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided that, at this important juncture, the state would be best served if I, and other conservatives, combine our support behind a candidate who also holds to the principles of less government, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and traditional American values." For more, click Loudermilk 

-Awaiting House speaker updates later this morning: Keep an eye on Peach Pundit and the AJC's Gold Dome.

More executive changes in local banks: Yet another significant change has occurred at a community bank in Northwest Georgia, this time in Calhoun. David Lance Sr. is out as president and chief executive officer of North Georgia National Bank. Lance in a note to the media and others, said he and his board had had differences in recent years concerning how to manage the financial center. Lance also wrote that he has a "100 percent commitment" to Calhoun/Gordon County and recalled how the bank has grown from $11 million in assets to $160 million during his tenure. Calls to George Crowley, executive vice president of the bank, were not returned late Wednesday. Background: North Georgia reported assets of $164.7 million as of June 30, down 6.2 percent from June 2009. Deposits were $138.2 million, up 1.3 percent for the period, according to a Hometown Headlines review of FDIC reports. (Archive) For Lance's letter, please click Gordon.

-Previous changes: This past summer, Heritage First Bancshares saw Dr. Ken Davis named as chairman, replacing Barry Hurley. Weeks ago, River City Bank CEO Eddie Wilson was succeeded by Roger Smith. Wilson has since landed nicely at State Bank & Trust based in Macon.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will hold a press conference at 10 this morning to release November's unemployment rate and to "discuss the state's plan for funding future state unemployment insurance benefit costs and announce details regarding a Georgia Jobs Summit that will be held in January."

- AJC: Here's what to expect> Click

NAIA championship game headlines> Football Report.

-Weather could become an issue for Saturday's game. Forecast calls for highs in the upper 40s but also a 40% chance of rain/snow.Weather below.

-Live streaming of NAIA events begins today.

-Later today/Coverage of the NAIA/Fellow of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Breakfast.

-NAIA banquet Friday night a sellout. Tickets remains for Saturday's national championship game ($25 each, available at The Forum. Click Here)

-Hickman, McDaniel are miracle workers for NAIA championship> Click

-FANatic Friday features teams, RHS band, Ga. Blues Brothers> Latest

-Downtown entertainment report, including NAIA events> Downtown

Today's Buzz:

-Beer, menu samples posted for 'A Holiday Tasting of Downtown'> Click

-Longtime nurse Nancy Bell, 'driving force' behind Kiki's Kids Camp, honored by state group> Health

-Berry College's Wendy Dahlgren awarded the 2009 Ruth Knight Outstanding Advisor Award> Details

-Latest edition of Virtually Shorter now online> Click

-Ga. Highlands, W. Georgia sign lease for Douglasville classes> Campus

-Dec. 18/The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority will meet at 8:30 am at the Forum in the Floyd Room.  This will be a joint meeting with The Development Authority of Floyd County.

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: More sun, high of 52, low of 37. Rain chance: 70%
-Friday: High of 41, 100% rain chance. Low of 35; 50% rain chance.
-Saturday: NAIA game: 47 degrees,  40% chance of rain/snow; low of 35; 30% chance of rain/snow.

-Extended forecast> Click  /  Local radar  / regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-No matter that it might be a little early: here are the top 10 college football teams for 2010.

Georgia High School Football Daily> Details

-Several local names make North-South All-Star game rosters.