First National Community Bank headlines. Floyd housing boom continues; another 325 units proposed; some 3,300 proposed overall. 7 more COVID deaths posted Wednesday in NW Georgia; 362 new cases. Latest jobs snapshot. Very cold weekend ahead.

Today’s first headlines:

Business: Development with 325 residences proposed off Ga. 53 on West Hermitage near Pepsi plant turn. That’s 3,300 homes and town homes in play right now.
7 more die in Northwest Georgia from COVID since Tuesday. 362 new cases in 24 hours. 176 virus patients in Rome hospitals Wednesday, down 4.
Campus updates: Awaiting regular updates from Floyd, Rome schools. The latest from Polk Schools, Berry College.
December: Unemployment rate inches up in Floyd and Bartow counties even as the number of people working grew.
Liam Samples wins Rome City Schools’ spelling bee.
Model’s Liam Marshall among candidates in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Georgia Highlands names fall president’s, dean’s lists.
Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Get ready for a couple of cold ones this weekend.
Obituaries: Obituaries: Mrs. Ora Mae Cook-Washington, Mr. Charles William “Bill” “Cotton” Helms, Mr. Robert Howard Jackson, Mr. Jeffrey Edwin McDonald.
Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan’s Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

Sports Buzz on a game delay for Chargers; who’s visiting Rome High football; and Falcons staying busy.
NFL championships this Sunday: AFC, 3 p.m., CBS: Bengals vs. Chiefs. NFC, 6:30 p.m., Fox, 49ers vs. Rams.
Community sports calendar.

Hometown Text Network:

News tip or a question? Please text us at 706-346-2031.
Subscribe to major news alerts. Text 313131; type HometownText. Sponsor: First National Community Bank.