Jan. 12, 2022

Snow on Sunday, Omicron surge and these other headlines:

-We're due for some sort of winter event early Sunday, likely 0.4 of an inch of snow. We're tracking the changing forecast today.

-COVID numbers continue to surge in all directions: a record day for new cases; Rome hospitals more than doubling virus patient counts in 12 days; dozens of new school-reported cases.

-EDUCATION: New member, new leadership for Rome City Schools while a search panel is named to find the next Charger in Charge at Georgia Highlands (still among our favorite Twitter handles).

-SPORTS: Two new high school football coaches in Bartow... Latest high school basketball rankings... Time to celebrate in Athens ... Wild card weekend for the NFL.

Continuing updates at:

Rome hospitals see jump in COVID patients, now 128. 11 more virus deaths in NW Georgia. Rome Schools all requiring masks, classroom meals. Polk Schools go virtual. Stevenson Rome's new mayor.

Today's first headlines:

• Weekend surge in COVID patients admitted to Rome hospitals: 128 total as of Monday, up 32 since Friday's report. 11 more deaths in NW Georgia; 3 more probable deaths. 2,254 new cases here since last report.
• All Rome schools requiring masks, in-room meals starting today Citing high faculty/staff COVID issues, Polk School District go virtual. At Berry, 61 students test positive since Saturday. 49 more cases at Floyd Schools Monday.
• Rome's new mayor is Sundai Stevenson; Mark Cochran is pro tem. Also, Elaina Beeman joined the commission.
• Education: Floyd School Board elects Strickland chair, Shell vice chair; tables social media policy.
• Leprechaun-a-thon 5K and Health Walk returns March 19 with a downtown course, foamy aftermath at Town Green.
• AdventHealth Gordon, Harbin Clinic team up to offer advance cardiac services.
• Education: Floyd County Schools Pre-K Online application for the next school year open Feb. 1.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: 48 today and then back to the 50s through Saturday under sunny skies.
• Remembering Dr. Earl Graeff Barton Jr., from Eagle Scout to chief resident to a senior staff member at the VA Medical Center in Atlanta -- and a 'wicked sense of humor.'
• Obituaries: Robert Jackson Brown, Inez Beaty Durham, Mr. Kaylon Blake Higgins, Mrs. Rachel Ann Breeden Highfield, Lynne Sherri Mills, Mrs. Doris Evelyn Gober Sitten,
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia 33-18 over  Alabama: Your national champion. .
• Update on what's next for Rome High star Knox Kadum.
• Model loses appeal for reclassification by GHSA.
• NFL wild card schedule for this Saturday through Monday.
• Falcons already building 2022 team; a look at who they play.
• Community sports updates.

 

Coosa's newest member: Marjorie Taylor Greene? 2 GOP opponents for Hufstetler. Is new salary, title enough for next elections boss? General Assembly begins. Annual King Celebration starts Saturday.

Today's first headlines:

 

Newsletter: Hometown's insider report -- now twice each week.

 

• Will we see a Greene on the greens at Coosa Country Club?
• The crowded GOP primary for state Senate.
• Are the new title, salary for Floyd's next elections boss enough in today's conspiracy madness?
• Peaks & Valleys.

 

Also today:

• Who's who in our local legislative delegation as the General Assembly convenes today.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration begins Saturday with virtual prayer breakfast, ends with annual march.
• Buzz: Rome-Floyd Recycling Center sets Household Hazardous Waste/Electronics event for Saturday. Free legal services this Friday.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Upper 40s to start the week with some higher gusts today. Sunny skies.
• Obituaries: No additional obituaries from Sunday.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

•  
  • Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
  • Advance, post-game coverage on SEC Network.
  • Falcons fall to the Saints in the season finale, 30-20.
  • Community sports updates.

 

 

As Omicron cases surge here, vaccination numbers in need of a booster. GBI investigating death of Floyd jail inmate. Thank area veterans for the huge economic impact on our area. Update on flu season.

Today's first headlines:

• Vaccination numbers barely moved last week amid the Omicron surge across NW Georgia. The week saw a 57% increase in hospitalizations and 2,146 new cases (with two days of data still out).
• GBI asked to investigate death of a Floyd County Jail inmate, 55, who was found 'unresponsive' late Friday.
• Another reason to thank nearly 9,000 veterans in Floyd and Gordon for their service: They have a huge economic impact on our area.
• Ahead of the headlines: Floyd Board of Education expected to vote on staff social media policy. Rome City Commission installs new member, picks mayor. Rome School Board elects officers, talks next extra-penny tax proposal. Floyd commission meets.
• Health: Two more flu deaths in Georgia this season (6 to date), already double the total from the mild 2020-21 season.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: An inch-plus of rain due Sunday afternoon and then colder to start the week.
• Obituaries: Jerry Lee Lambert, Deacon John T. Searcy.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• More pregame for Georgia vs. Alabama including a friendly face in Indy.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 this afternoon, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale.
• Community sports updates.

 

Area schools report almost 400 student, staff cases in first week. 96 virus patients in Rome hospitals. Business updates. Warmer, wetter weekend.

Today's first headlines:

• COVID on campus: Almost 400 student, staff COVID cases after the first week of classes (some reports pending). 5 of 8 Rome Schools in phase 2 protocols. Berry cases climb; most students back this weekend.
• 96 virus patients in Rome hospitals Friday, up 6. State records 21,233 new cases since Thursday; no county-by-county reports again Friday. Voccio: Omicron is the dominant variant here; hospitals seeing surge in patients.
• Business: Final First National Community Bank signs up on former Heritage First offices. The Development Authority of Floyd County meets Wednesday.
• Education: Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation awards scholarships to 34 students for the 2022 spring semester.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Sunny and low 50s today and then another rain/colder air cycle begins Sunday.
• Obituaries: Earl Graeff Barton Jr., Ava Mae Freeman, Curtis E. Hoover, Barbara June McElyea, Sherry Alene Matthews Willerson.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale.
• Berry women's basketball game canceled as Hendrix team enters protocol.
• Community sports includes tennis tournament at month's end.

 

Frigid Friday begins; latest updates. School COVID cases continue to rise; 4 of 8 Rome schools in 'phase 2' protocols. 90 virus patients in Rome hospitals.

Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Cold morning with 22 degrees due and a wind chill of 13. High today only 39; warmer weekend.

• Updates on any delays or closings.

Also today:

• GBI: Investigation under way into Calhoun Police officer-involved shooting that left a 37-year-old burglary suspect dead.
• COVID on campus: Anna K. Davie, West Central, Rome Middle join East Central on phase 2 of pandemic restrictions; mandatory masks, meals in classrooms, no visitors. Latest count: Rome Schools, 24. Floyd Schools, 31; Polk Schools, 88; Berry College staff, students, 65 active cases.
• 90 virus patients in Rome hospitals, down 2 from Wednesday. State records 18,556 new cases; no local reports Thursday.
• Buzz: Habitat accepting applications through Feb. 25; what to know. Blood Assurance, stung by weather and COVID cancellations, needs donors.
• Services for Ava Freeman set for Tuesday, Wednesday (Jan. 11-12) at Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church. A memorial service set for Jan. 16 for Matthew Hines at Rome First United Methodist Church.
• Obituaries: Mrs. DeJuan Marcelle "Marcie" Thurman Fuqua,  Mr. Benjamin Locke "Ben" Graves Jr., Ms. Katheryne Reynolds Milam Lindsey, Mr. James Vizuet, Mrs. Carol Ann Mathis Watters.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• SEC Network coverage plans for championship Monday.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale. Roster moves.
• TRED announces 'Assail the Trail' on Feb. 19.
• Parks and Recreation spring signups continue.

 

Rain this afternoon, brutal cold Friday a.m. Rome woman dies in I-75 collision. COVID: School cases, hospitalizations rising. $90 million Bartow project announced.

Today's first headlines:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center:  Rain, no evening snow, this afternoon and then frigid cold in the morning with wind chills around 15 degrees.
• Rome woman, 24, killed in collision on I-75 north Wednesday morning that blocked traffic from LakePoint to Cartersville.
• 92 virus patients in Rome hospitals, up 10 from Tuesday. Awaiting additional state updates.
• COVID on campus: Rome's East Central moves to phase 2 of pandemic restrictions; mandatory masks, meals in classrooms, no visitors. Rome Schools report 43 positive tests on day 1; 18 more cases at Floyd Schools; 69 at Polk Schools on Wednesday; and 45 active cases at Berry.
• Business: Bartow booming again with $90 million, 1.53 million-square-foot logistics center at Cass-White east of I-75.
• Rome-Floyd Planning Commission to review changes to building code, allowing road setbacks to drop from 60 to 40 feet. Staff recommends the change, in part citing earlier construction and today's urban planning.
• FAIR, dedicated to supporting civil rights and liberties, opens chapter in Rome. A Q & A with Jennifer Thompson who's leading the local office.
• Those railroad crossing blues change: Norfolk Southern won't start Rome repairs until Jan. 17. Work will spread into the county through at least Feb. 4. The schedule and crossings
• Health: Misty Traylor named Georgia market care management director with responsibilities at AdventHealth Redmond, Gordon and Murray.  COVID surge alters annual Heart of the Community plans.
• The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation adds two board members. Floyd Board of Education meets Monday evening.
• Buzz: Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation donates athletic equipment to Harbor House. PFLAG virtual meeting is Jan. 11.
• Obituaries: Pastor Perry Davis Jr., Ms. Wilma "Jean" Mobbs Gross, Mrs. Sarah Beatrice "Bea" Reeves Purdy.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale.
• Shorter women's game postponed; Lee in COVID protocols.
• TRED announces 'Assail the Trail' on Feb. 19.
• Parks and Recreation spring signups continue.

 

 

1,563 new COVID cases here in 4 days. Schools, Berry see highest positive tests in months. 82 patients virus patients in Rome hospitals. Levy buys former Georgia Power building. Expo postponed.

Today's first headlines:

• By the numbers: 1,563 more COVID cases in NW Georgia since Friday; 55,973 in Georgia. 82 virus patients in Rome hospitals, up 7 from Monday. 5 more COVID deaths in region since Friday.
• Floyd County Schools (25), Polk School District (36), Berry College (37) first reports show impact of COVID surge as semester begins.
• Business: Rome Floyd Chamber's Expo delaying next week's Expo to Nov. 3.
• Business: Ira Levy purchases 800 Broad St. at Turner McCall with plans for possible housing in addition to more business tenants.
• Developing: Five people arrested on interference with custody charges after 12-year-old Adairsville boy found safe.
• Buzz: Rome's Gretchen Corbin again among state's '100 most influential' in latest Georgia Trend list. Floyd Democrats meet by Zoom on Thursday.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Snow showers early Thursday followed by a high of 51 and low of 21. Colder on Friday.
• Funeral services pending for Matthew Hines, Ava Freeman.
• Obituaries: Mr. Jerome Benjamin Daniel Sr., Ms. Zinari MaeSara Smith.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• New: Game day summary for Monday night.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale.
• Falcons' roster updates: COVID, depth chart for Sunday vs. Saints
• Model to appeal latest classification.

 

Rome residents, 22 and 20, die in Gatlinburg traffic accident. Hospitals treating 86 COVID patients in Rome, Calhoun. Despite surge, only 3 school systems expand safety steps.

Today's first headlines:

• TV stations: Accident near Gatlinburg on Sunday kills Rome driver, 22, and passenger, 20.
• 75 COVID patients in Rome hospitals on Monday, up 14 since Friday and the most since Oct. 8. 11 more in Advent Health Gordon. System 'overwhelmed' by data; no state reports today.
• Education: As COVID surges in Northwest Georgia (2,984 cases in 14 days), just two requiring masks and a third restricting visitors.
• Education: New access road to East Central Elementary off Dean Avenue dedicated; new dropoff/pickup lines start Tuesday.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Colder temperatures remain and maybe another snow bout early Friday.
• Obituaries: Mr. John Ray Baldwin, Mr. Joshua LaVelle Cooper, Mr. Jerome Benjamin Daniel Sr., Johnny Otis Nelson.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama, national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN.
• Falcons vs. Saints, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor. Season finale.
• Falcons lose a coach before season finale.
• Latest girls, boys high school basketball rankings.
• Berry's Ellis earns league honors.
• Vikings at Rhodes: No fans because of COVID.

 

Overnight updates on our blast of winter weather. Closings and delays. Newsletter: From business updates (old is new again) to baseball questions (play ball?) to politics (who's the mayor). Plus Peaks & Valleys.

Today's first headlines:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: The latest on our surprising winter weather and what's next.
• Closings and delays: Growing list of delays for this morning.

Newsletter: Our weekly take on local news.

 

• Something new at Rome's top antiques/interiors shop.
• A 'Remedy' for the January blues.
• More fast food?
• Play ball? Spring training was scheduled to start in under two months.
• Popcorn & politics. Who's the new mayor?
• Peaks & Valleys.

Also today:

• Obituaries: Mr. Jerry Creamer.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Alabama in college football's national championship, 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, ESPN.
• Latest bowl updates.
• Falcons fall 29-15 to Buffalo; record at 7-9 with a game to go.
• Spring sports registration opens today at Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation.

 

 

Storm threat ends; snow next. Winter weather advisory overnight. Friends to celebrate the lives of engaged couple killed in Floyd wreck. Meet Floyd's and Bartow's new year's babies -- both boys. Busy news week ahead.

Today's first headlines:

• Celebration of life set for today for couple who died following an accident on the Bypass by Blacks Bluff Road last week. She died at the scene; he died Tuesday from injuries sustained in the accident.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: The latest on our overnight storms; and now we're under a winter weather advisory with snow expected overnight.
• Health: Jameson Buck Buchanan is the first baby of 2022 at Atrium/Floyd, born at 4:22 (naturally for '22) a.m. And Bartow's first baby also is a boy.
• Ahead of this week's headlines: Busy week to start the year -- classes resume, railroad work, planning commission, Bring One for the Chipper.
• Keith Mickler's Rome Grown: Take time to test your home for radon this month. 8% to 14% of Floyd homes have elevated levels of the naturally radioactive gas radon; more in surrounding counties.
• Obituaries: No additional obituaries from Saturday.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Three Falcons come off COVID list for today's game.
• Georgia vs. Alabama in the national championship on Monday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. on ESPN.
• College bowl updates including Saturday's results and what's next.

 

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.

 

We're swamped with COVID: 568 new cases. Hospitals' virus patient count highest since mid October. Rome Schools requiring masks next week. 2022 health: $23 million in projects to start the year. More record heat before reality (mid 20s) Monday morning.

Today's first headlines:

• 568 new COVID cases in our area in a day; most yet in the pandemic. 17,934 in Georgia. 2 more deaths Thursday: 1 in Floyd, 1 in Chattooga. 58 virus patients in Rome hospitals Thursday, up 11 (most since Oct. 15).
• Education: Rome City Schools requiring all use masks as students return Monday. No decision on Floyd Schools. Berry wants students, staff to test before return.
• 2022 Health: More than $23 million in projects planned or under way but the big story for the new year remains the most dire: the pandemic.
• Georgia Health News: State's top health headlines in 2021 included the merger mania that swept Rome, Cartersville hospitals.
• Buzz: First Day Hike set for Saturday at Lock and Dam.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: More than an inch of rain Saturday night into Sunday. New Year's Day high: 77; Monday morning low, 27.
• Obituaries: Ms. Devisha N. Boddie, Mrs. Frances Moody Jones, Richard Keith Shipman.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 tonight.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 this afternoon.
• College bowl updates.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Latest COVID changes.
• Big Blue Classic results.

 

COVID: 6 more local deaths (4 Bartow, 2 Floyd). Surge in new cases swamps hospitals; clinics; 316 additional cases here Wednesday. Updates on our overnight weather. 2022: Housing boom expected.

Today's first headlines:

 

COVID UPDATES

• 6 more deaths: 4 in Bartow, 2 in Floyd. 47 virus patients in Rome hospitals, up 8. Also, 316 new cases in NW Georgia posted Wednesday; 13,834 in the state.
• Atrium Health Floyd, including Polk and Cherokee hospitals, limiting visitation amid COVID surge.
• As Delta, Omicron cases surge in Northwest Georgia and the state, area health officials plead with area residents to visit emergency rooms only for dire needs.

MORE HEADLINES

• 2022 Headlines: As developers respond to housing needs with 2,800-plus residences now proposed, concerns emerging including overtaxed roads, other changes.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: Latest updates on our overnight weather; what's ahead today.
• Flu making a comeback this season; more people have died since October (4) vs. all of last year (3). The season continues until mid May.
• Buzz: Exchange Club already snagging deals for Toys for Tots 2022.
• Obituaries: Mr. Carl Gibson, Cynthia Jenkins, Mr. Harry Lee, Jerle J. Lockaby.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• College bowl updates.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Falcons have 12 players on the COVID list.
• Model's Big Blue Classic basketball tournament concludes today.

 

2022 preview: Rush of new restaurants to continue. COVID: 39 patients in Rome hospitals; 289 new cases here in a day. 2 more Bartow deaths. Severe weather possible later today, overnight.

Today's first headlines:

• 2022 dining: Wings, onion rings and a taste of Louisiana on the menu for foodies in the new year -- as is a returning favorite with a different concept.
• 39 virus patients in Rome hospitals Tuesday, up 5 in a day. 2 more COVID deaths in Bartow. 289 new cases in NW Georgia since Monday.
• Ware Mechanical Weather alert: 'Slight risk' of thunderstorms, even tornadoes for NW Georgia this afternoon, overnight.
• Buzz: Donations being accepted today, Thursday for pets in tornado-ravaged Kentucky. Floyd Republican Women meet Jan. 4.
• Obituaries: Paul L. Coryea, Mr. Carl Gibson, Randy Lee Gunnells, Mr. John Heath, Walter C. Reed, Mrs. Shirley Mae Payne Sargent, Sara Wigley Stewart, Al Smith Willingham Jr.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• College bowl updates.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Bowl updates and COVID issues.
• Model's Big Blue Classic continues.

 

Our '22 forecast begins politics -- and popcorn. Huge year ahead. COVID: Surge in local, state cases over Christmas; 9 more patients in Rome hospitals. Bring One for the Chipper returns Jan. 8. Toasty weather to toast new year.

Today's first headlines:

• 2022 elections: The four races to watch in the new year -- governor (primary/November); U.S. Senate; U.S. House; and state Senate District 52. The primaries will be more exciting than the general election.
• 34 virus patients in Rome hospitals Monday, up 9 since Friday. 414 new cases in NW Georgia since Dec. 24, the most since early September. State sees surge of 23,064 cases.
• Bring One for the Chipper returns Jan. 8 at Home Depot. Bring a tree (132 people did last time), get a Dogwood or Northern Red Oak seedling.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: 70s return today through Friday night; rain also likely with late Wednesday, early Thursday the best chances.
• Obituaries:  Pamela Pritchard Edmondson, Mrs. Ann Nix Ellis, Mrs. James William "Pat" Hughes, Mr. David Keith Martin, Mrs. Barbara Ann Williams, Mrs. Addie Lavern Wood, Gloria Catherine Cordle Wright.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Rome girls win 50-44 in game at State Farm Arena on Monday. Rome boys fall 56-47.
• Model's Big Blue Classic opens today.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• College bowl updates. Another team pulls out, citing COVID.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.

 

27th person dies on Rome/Floyd roads this year. Newsletter: Wet blanket welcome for Varsity, Dunkin, Clocktower lights. Plus: Peaks & Valleys. We'll end year on a warm, wet note.

Today's first headlines:

 

Floyd County accident claims passenger, a 28-year-old Rockmart woman; driver in serious condition. She's the 27th person to die on Rome/Floyd roads this year.

 

Newsletter:

• A wet blanket reception for The Varsity, Dunkin....
• ... And for the changing lights of the Clocktower.
• Tough year for Shorter athletics off the field.
• Pip watch begins for the Berry eagles (see our live link).
• Five-part look at what's ahead in 2022 starts later this week.
• Peaks & Valleys.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather: Temperatures rising as we count down to New Year's Eve. Expected 1.50 inches of rain through Friday.
• Obituaries: Mrs. Viola Irene Burkhalter, Mrs. Barbara Ann (Burkhalter) Garrison.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Falcons hang on for 20-16 win over Detroit.
• Next for Falcons: At Buffalo on Jan. 2.
• Rome High basketball (boys and girls) play at State Farm Arena today.
• Model's Big Blue Classic is Tuesday-
• Darlington boys no. 6 in latest basketball rankings.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.

 

 

Fuel barbecue big step closer; rotating Friday night hours for Creekside Restaurant. Rome Gladiators indoor soccer premieres this week -- but they'll be road warriors. COVID surge has little impact on area vaccination rates.

Today's first headlines:

• Dining: Fuel barbecue looks just about ready on East 12th Street. Creekside Restaurant in Cave Spring adding reservations-only service on rotating Fridays starting Jan. 29.
• Rome Gladiators indoor soccer team debuts Thursday in Memphis; all games will be on-the-road this season. Here's how to watch them.
• COVID surge did little to boost vaccinations in Northwest Georgia last week; Floyd numbers among the lowest we've tracked.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: Low to mid 70s through Thursday with maybe an inch of rain spread across several days.
• Obituaries: No additional obituaries from Saturday.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores return Tuesday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Falcons home vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• Monday's bowl games.
• Model Big Blue Classic starts Tuesday.

 

Wishing you the brightest of Christmases. News: Southeast Bypass takes step forward ($84 million estimate). 3 more COVID deaths in Floyd. Cloudy, 70 degrees today.

Today's first headlines:

• Our wishes for a bright, beautiful Christmas with a gift of peace for all.
• Movement on planned Southeast Bypass from U.S. 411 to U.S. 27; bidding site now includes $84 million project. Highway now a factor in debate over mega housing development nearby.
• 2 more COVID deaths in Floyd County; another 'probable' as well. 120 new virus cases on Friday in NW Georgia; 7,998 in the state. 25 virus patients in Rome hospitals, down 1.
• Education: Communities in Schools/Helping Hands Ending Hunger open food pantry at Coosa Middle School.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: 70 degrees due today with gusts to 20 mph; even warmer through Wednesday.
• Obituaries: Ms. Hattie Harris Lawrence, Mrs. Barbara Ann Smith.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

---

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 updates.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 31.

 

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.

 

---

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.