Headlines: Why gas costs more here

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As gas prices climb, a look at why Floyd is always higher

-It is the question we hear the most: "Why does gas cost more in Rome?" Today, Natalie Simms has some answers, or conclusions at least, as Northwest Georgians watch gas prices begin their summer climbs yet again. For one vendor, gas is a money-losing operation but helps get people inside the store. Click Prices

More restaurant news/Redmond Circle updates:

-Down South Country Cooking is gone. Another Redmond Circle restaurant is gone. Down South Country Cooking at 1818 Redmond has a red "closed" sign in the front door. A sign for Martin's Real Estate is in front of the business. Down South was once home to Backyard Barbecue before its short-lived move to Armuchee Village. Last month, Sassafras Grille at 1802 Redmond Road closed. Also gone are Sparkles and the former fitness center, leaving only the Dollar Store in the strip center. What is filling up: Redmond Place, home to Sweet Sensations, All-Star Pizza and Subs, and other shops.

E-mails flying about Thursday's DOT hearing on 411 Connector:

-The final open house on the 411 Connector is set for 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cartersville Civic Center at 435 W. Main St. Chambers of commerce in both Rome/Floyd and Cartersville/Bartow are urging members to attend and to " update yourself on this important project as well as make recorded comments," says an e-mail missive from the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce.

-The "Coalition for the Right Road" has hired a public relations first, Cookerly Public Relations, to help promote consideration of an alternative route for the Bypass, citing in part comments made about the connector route by Republican gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel. For more on the coalition, click Road.

State House honors Rome's retiring Chief of Police Frog Smith> Click

Floyd's economic impact in 2007: Nearly $438 million

-Report shows Floyd sustained " 4,412 full-time jobs throughout Rome and the rest of the state, including 2,211 full- and part-time employees at Floyd." Click Details

Wednesday's Buzz:

-Tom Blankenship has been named Area Operations Manager of the Coosa Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Rome resident graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration and has had a 20- year career in small business management.  Most recently, he was general manager of the Garden Lakes Pharmacy. Said Jac Whatley, Executive Director:  "Tom's presence in the office will allow me to spend more time sharing the work of the Coosa Valley Chapter with the public, and spending more time with our supporters."

Blankenship began work March 8 at 112 John Maddox Drive in Rome.

-New look, features on Berry College Web site, including social media> BC

-Joshua Eugene Brown of Rome has been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Georgia Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation> Click

-Susanna Brown, a Berry College junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance, has earned the 2010 Barbara Malis Award thanks to her winning effort in a recent competition sponsored by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra> Berry

Local restaurants, Braves celebrating St. Patrick's Day:

-Bryan Mullins of MullinsMania files an early weekend entertainment report complete with your guide to tonight's parties>  Downtown

-Wednesday is a green day for much of the world as the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, is feted. Some of the activities planned in our area include:

-Schroeder's New Deli (downtown): Green beer and "The Leprechaun" pizza: Green pesto sauce, mozzarella, spinach, green peppers, green olives, feta cheese. 

-333 on Broad: In edition to lunch and dinner, look for $2 Green Bud Light draught beer and $2 Killians (12-ounce bottles)> Click

-Rome Braves, State Mutual Stadium: The St. Patrick's Day party starts at 4 p.m. with happy hour, food and drink specials, karaoke DJ, green beer and Guinness specials. No cover. Click

-Restaurants: Send us two lines on your St. Patrick's Day specials> E-mail

Your latest forecast

-Wednesday: 40% chance of rain, high of 56.

-Wednesday night: Low of 41; 20% chance of rain.

-Thursday: Partly sunny with a high of 63.

-Thursday night: Cloudy, a low of 38.
-Extended forecast> Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey

-Dan Houston is off the bench to sub for Norman for a few days this week.

-Controlled re-entry for Tiger at The Masters; coach in control of the Oregon Ducks