Happy New Year! COVID cases at record levels in NW Georgia. Plus: 2021 was our worst year of the pandemic. More rough weather possible tonight, early Sunday.

Today's first headlines:

• 61 COVID patients in Rome hospitals Friday, highest in 6 weeks. A record 605 new cases in NW Georgia since Thursday; in Georgia, 17,641 new cases.
• COVID: 2021 was our deadliest year of the pandemic. 693 lost in NW Georgia; 162 'probable' deaths; 33,331 cases reported; and too few vaccinations requested.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Keep an eye on storms due later this evening and overnight. Nearly an inch of rain, gusts and a brief tornado possible.
• Obituaries: Mr. Carl William Acrey, Mr. Carl Gibson, Mr. Harry Lee, Mr. David Steve Young.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.