Deano's closes; owner searches for partner. Stained glass window honors late Rome pastor. Dangerous heat this weekend. Politics. Business.

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Weather

-Highs near 100 today, Saturday; heat index: 105. Details

Business

--Deano's Pizza closed but looking at options: Don Rusaw brought the popular East Rome restaurant back in April 2009, which spurred a series of supportive e-mails from past customers anxious to see it reopen. Rusaw says he closed to remodel but now is examining options about whether to reopen or perhaps bring in a partner. If interested, contact Rusaw at 706-676-8512. Deano's is at 1800 Dean Ave.

-Alcohol Control Commission meeting to discuss Rome's food/drink ratio:

Look for additional discussion Monday evening of the city of Rome's 50/50 food-drink sales ratio formula and night clubs in the community. The topic came up during the June Alcohol Control Commission meeting and additional research was requested on what cities the size of Rome do and don't do regarding food/drink ratios (50-50 means the businesses must get at least half their revenue from food sales. The meeting is set for 5 p.m. in the commission chambers. Agenda / Recent minutes

-Courtesy Finance getting close at Riverbend Center: The signage for the shop is now in place but work continues inside. It replaces SOHO Hero small/home office business center between Michael's and Panera Bread.

-Synovus Financial Corp., parent company of Citizens First and GB&T, reports a second quarter loss of $242.6 million, Synovus

-SunTrust posts $56 million second quarter loss. SunTrust

Stained glass window at St. Mary's a tribute to its late pastor, Jim Miceli, and has a story of its own:

-A beautiful new stained glass window at St. Mary's Catholic Church serves as a final memorial to longtime pastor, Father Jim Miceli, who died in December just months after retiring following 19 years of service to the Rome congregation.

-Miceli left behind detailed instructions for the window--but only because it was to be part of the church's major renovation and expansion more than a decade ago.

-Following his surprise death, a committee decided to use funds raised for his retirement to complete for his masterpiece--using the specific design Miceli had left with a friend.

-For Michelle Picon's story on the window and the man who helped design it, please click Miceli.

-For more photos, please click Gallery

With Eddie Lumsden's win official, Maxey offers congratulations, thanks supporters: From Post 4 commission hopeful Larry Maxey: "I want to thank all my supporters. Together, we brought to light the importance of running government like a business with common sense decisions. I encourage all of you to stay involved with our local government and to hold our county government accountable for their decisions, both good and bad. These are hard economic times and we need good leadership to get us through it. I congratulate Mr. Lumsden on his win. I wish Mr. Lumsden and Mr. Garrett good luck in November."

-Lumsden faces Rick Garrett, a Democrat, on Nov. 2.

Friday's Buzz

-Ben Lucas celebrates his 89th birthday with a return to radio: His nametag simply read "The King." And to many longtime radio listeners in Greater Rome, Ben Lucas was exactly that: King of the local airwaves. Lucas, who is celebrating his 89th birthday, was feted Thursday afternoon at WLAQ 1410 AM. In addition to getting some bonus air time, the local Realtor, former politician and community icon enjoyed a birthday part at the station with family, other longtime radio personalities and friends. This photo is courtesy of Mills Fitzner. For more on the party, click Gallery

-Rome's bid for 'Best Tennis Town' honors enters final weekend:

-The United States Tennis Association's search for America's top tennis towns winds up on Monday and local supporters are determined to get Rome -- a top 10 finalist -- into the winner's circle. In addition to the designation, Atlanta,  Charleston and other cities are competing with Rome for the $100,000 grand prize. Second place is worth $50,000; third place, $25,000. The vote started July 16. You can go to www.besttennistown.com to hear Rome's pitch (and others) and then vote. The winner will be announced during the 2010 U.S. Open in New York City.

-Library's summer reading program ends today. Click Kids

-Metro Atlanta teachers getting free flights in Rome Friday. Click

-Harry Musselwhite's film, 'Der Greis,' going to Albuquerque Film Festival.

  

Your latest forecast:

-Friday: High of 99, low of 73. Rain chance: 20%. Heat index: 105.

-Saturday: High of 99, low of 74. Rain chance: 20%. Heat index: 105.

-Sunday: High of 97, low of 72. Rain chance: 30%.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional animated radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-Tiger's misbehavior hasn't cost him that much, at least in dollars.  

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Legends edge Rome Braves, 3-2. 

-Lexington vs. Rome tonight at 7. Greenville up next.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos. (Click)