First-time jobless claims rise in Bartow vs. October 2013; only increase in five-county area. EPD: No 'health hazards' following Rome plant fire. Latest on Marietta bid to buy Rome paper. Later today: Bartow County Jail, Cartersville Police arrest reports

Where Bartow County's news day starts – and ends. Continuing coverage at www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Ware Mechanical forecast:

• After a record-setting low of 15 in Rome and 14 in Cartersville on Wednesday, a warmer -- then wetter -- weekend.

Headlines:

• Jobs: Local labor force jumps to 39,700 in October, the highest in at least 13 months. First-time jobless claims up in Bartow County.  Employment
• Bekaert aftermath: EPD check finds no 'health hazards.' Watching for symptoms of potential respiratory problems. Health
• Marietta's deal to purchase News Publishing amended to address key debts. What happens next? Media
• Small roof fire reported at Georgia Highlands student center in Rome. Highlands
• Weekend: Christmas shopping downtown. Nutcracker. Lots of pancakes. Victory Bowl. And what to know about Ebola. Events
• Local Stop Hunger Now! packages off to Zambia. Georgia Northwestern graduates 9 law enforcers today. Christmas concert set. Updates
• Public Health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia. Dining
• Bartow County Jail reports, Cartersville Police arrest reports.
  

Regular features:

• Christmas events in Northwest Georgia this season. Parades, performances and more.  Christmas
• Today's business headlines from  Georgia Trend
• Northwest Georgia's best source for job leads. Click Career Builder

Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report  (click)

• John McCellan's high school football playoff picks: Coosa, Model, Adairsville in for rough nights. Big win for Cartersville; close call for Calhoun
• Georgia High School Football Daily.
• New volleyball coach at Rome High.
• Coming Friday: Norman Arey's Norman's No-Nos, 15 locks to lose this weekend in college football.
• Saturday: NCCAA's Victory Bowl at Barron Stadium featuring Shorter University and North Greenville (S.C). Noon kickoff. Tickets: $15.
• Hawks' Jordan Shaw named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year; more GSC honors

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition on WRGA 98.7 FM & 1470 AM

• 7-9 a.m. Click to listen live online
• Please join our guests including:
• Representatives from Floyd Medical Center about new infectuous disease health procedures