Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Local news without the static.

Today's headlines:

Today's headlines:

So now we have two spots, and maybe a third brewing, on the west side of Turner McCall at the Riverbend/Hicks drive intersection closed or closing.

And yet, as the “Store Closing” signs went up in the windows at Pier 1, massive earth-moving machines continued to prepare the foundation for the next big shopping center in town. East Bend is designed to feature 20 to 28 retailers and restaurants when open this fall.

It just seems we keep jumping from retail hot spot to retail hot spot, with some later reclaimed while others continue to basically shop for shoppers.  It kind of reminds us of the Atlanta Braves – from new stadium to newer stadium to whatever they’re calling the “newest” place as of Tuesday.

And in this era where Amazon or even Walmart will deliver your items to your door step in a day or two, compared to all the hassle of shopping to begin with, you have to wonder why we keep subsidizing and building newer, better, bigger retail. And keep in mind some of this new retail, such as East Bend, come with long-term tax breaks so any money to be made is going to have to come from retail sales taxes.

Is there an answer to it all?

Today's headlines:

The start of the all-new, all-different Rome City Commission was a lot like the blackout. The two top members of the commission were elected unanimously and without opposition. No fireworks, no power, no challenges.

Bill Collins returned for a second term as Rome’s mayor. That was far different from a year ago when Collins won a 5-4 squeaker after Randy Quick flipped from supporting incumbent Jamie Doss to Collins’ side.   Quick was then voted mayor pro tem.

Even with three new members on the commission this time around, Quick saw a little payback for his swing vote in 2019. Craig McDaniel was nominated by Jamie Doss to be pro tem and it was seconded in a second. There were no other candidates nominated. Once again, a unanimous vote and McDaniel was in. Quick was a one-termer.

Today's headlines:

Today's headlines:

Normally this time of year, we're talking snow or ice or other things that result in the wiping out of the milk, bread -- and yes, beer -- aisles at area grocers. 

But this weekend, we're tracking severe weather that could include tornadoes. We've seen F-3 tornadoes here in January, as recent as 2013.

So we're following the weather service into the "prevent defense" mode to keep folks up-to-date on the potential risks ahead. One friend calls it 'weather panic.' 

Maybe. But if it helps keep Northwest Georgia safe and informed this weekend, then weather panic it is. 

Today's headlines:

City commissioners again will select a mayor from among their ranks on Monday, Jan. 13, but things are far different. There are three new faces on the board – Bonny Askew (who actually is making a return to the commission) and newcomers Jim Bojo and Mark Cochran.

Perhaps more important: Will the City Commission of 2020 embrace the push for change in city government mandated in the November election? The mayor’s vote and that of pro tem will be the first indicators. 

November's election was built around the need to change the commission, to change the culture of city government.

More important, people want to be heard and not told what to do by those who think they know best. Last year alone showed that the city is out of touch; the November vote underscored that.

It all comes down to Monday night's vote.