Bartow's jobless rate drops to 6.9% in November; Floyd posts lowest rate in five years. Big year ahead for retail in Northwest Georgia. Another busy shopping day today. Latest Public Health restaurant scores. Slightly warmer; no rain until Saturday night

For more on these updates and for today's latest news, business, weather and sports headlines, please see www.bartowheadlines.com:   Floyd posts lowest jobless rate (7.6%) since November 2008; Bartow down to 6.9%. A county-by-county comparison.

What to look for in 2014: Retail boom -We've ended 2013 with an uptick thanks to the opening ofDunham's Sports. One the way in the new year: Harbor Freight Tools in West Rome and Hobby Lobby at Midtown Crossing.   Speaking of retail: Welcome to the second busiest shopping day of the Christmas season. Calhoun Premium Outlets opened at 7 this morning to greet anxious shoppers.   Polar Bear Plunge to greet new year in Cave Spring.   Ware Mechanical weather: -Slightly warmer temperatures through Sunday; no rain until overnight Saturday.   Regional Public Health restaurant scores -Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Polk and Chattooga counties.   Today's jail reports.

Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report    Norman's No Nos by Norman Arey: -Coming Friday: Find out why the upcoming seven days of bowl games are driving Norman crazy. We'll average three day.   Busy week for college bowls.   Links to latest updates from Berry, Shorter, Georgia Northwestern and Georgia Highlands.

Your  Ware Mechanical forecast: -Thursday: Sunny and cool with a high of 51, low of 26. -Get your three-day forecast and updated weather links at Hometown Headlines.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition 7-9 a.m. weekdays. Listen live online atwrga.streamon.fm  -Please join our guests Thursday: -Layla Shipman, chair of the Floyd County Republican Party, on what's ahead in 2014. -Mary Hardin Thornton of Keep Road Floyd Beautiful on Bring One for the Chipper.