WRGA Rome's NewsTalk

10/31/2025

👻🎃💀🍁 Downtown Rome got a head start on Halloween fun Friday afternoon as crowds of families packed Broad Street for some early trick-or-treating 👻🎃💀🍁

October 31st, 2025 - 4:30 PM Ethan Garrett - WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter – https://youtu.be/mnb2Txrjbt0?si=vfPsNTgb1qTBlRtb Downtown Rome got a head start on Halloween fun Friday afternoon as crowds of families packed Broad Street for some early trick-or-treating

10/31/2025

Our top local stories for Friday……It’s Halloween and there are plenty activities for the kids today in Rome; on Saturday, SNAP benefits will stop being paid, as the government shutdown continues, and local food collection efforts are underway; today is the final day of early voting for the November 4 elections; a North Rome woman was jailed on Wednesday, charged with aggravated assault, aggressive driving, hit and run, and stalking; and two Lindale men are facing charges following a traffic stop on Maple Road. These stories and more at wrganews.com

10/30/2025

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE

The YMCA of Rome & Floyd County, along with Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries, are teaming up to keep pantry shelves full and our mobile markets rolling!

Here’s why this matters:

A. Many of our neighbors may see a gap in SNAP benefits (food stamps) in November and beyond, until the federal government reopens.

Georgia has been told that November SNAP benefits will not load to EBT cards starting Saturday, November 1, 2025 unless Congress restores funding. Families can still use any remaining benefits already on their cards from October.

B. At the same time, both the Y and our food bank partners have had trouble getting enough food to keep up with demand.

C. When Rome shows up, families eat. It’s that simple. Food on the table is a community effort.

Items Currently Needed:

Peanut Butter
Canned meat (chicken/ham)
Canned fruit (peaches/pears)
Hearty canned soups (chili/stews)
Instant mashed potatoes
Instant oatmeal

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS & HOURS:

Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries Food Pantry
90 E Callahan Street, Rome, GA
Monday / Tuesday / Thursday
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

YMCA of Rome & Floyd County
810 E. 2nd Ave, Rome, GA
Monday – Friday 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If you need food or support: Call 211

United Way of Rome & Floyd County’s 211 program is a free, confidential helpline that connects you with up-to-date local resources — food, housing, utility help, and more. If you’re worried about groceries for your family, please reach out. 🧡

This is a moment for neighbors to take care of neighbors.

If you’re able to give, thank you.
If you need help, we’re here for you.

A special thank you to ALL of our partners.

Together, we’re making a difference!

10/30/2025

Another motor vehicle accident has been reported. This one is an overturned vehicle with possible entrapment in the 300 block of Horseleg Creek Road.

10/30/2025

Traffic note: Police and fire have responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 101 coming off of Highway 411 near the Stay Lodge. The inbound lanes of 101 are shut down. Find an alternate route.

10/30/2025

Our top local stories for Thursday……Authorities have identified a woman whose body was discovered behind a business on the Cotton Block in Downtown Rome on Tuesday; the Georgia Department of Transportation is sharing anticipated travel forecasts for interstates and surface streets from today through Sunday to help motorists plan their Halloween activities accordingly; due to the forecasted rain throughout the day, the Unity Point ribbon-cutting ceremony, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 4, at 2:00 PM; and the Aspen Institute has named Georgia Highlands College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. These stories and more at wrganews.com

10/29/2025

Our top local stories for Wednesday….At this time, there is no evidence of foul play in the death of a 29-year old woman who body was discovered behind a business in the first block of Broad Street Tuesday morning; the USDA has informed the Georgia Department of Human Services that there is insufficient funding to cover November SNAP benefits if the federal shutdown continues; the Floyd County Commission has approved a resolution regarding the issuance of revenue bonds through the Development Authority of Floyd for Lavender Mountain Health for the Spires at Berry College project; and Georgia Highlands College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony next week for the renovation of the Lakeview Healthcare Education Center on the Floyd Campus in Rome. These stories and more at wrganews.com

10/28/2025

This morning at 8:20 a.m., we responded to a welfare call behind a Broad Street business near Bridgepoint Plaza/Unity Point.

An adult female was located and later pronounced deceased on scene. Based on information gathered, the individual had recently walked from a local hospital prior to being found.

There is no evidence of foul play, and the deceased’s family has been notified. The Rome Police Department continues to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We appreciate the community’s concern and ask for continued respect for the family during this time. No additional details will be released at this time.

10/28/2025

Rome Police have confirmed the body of a woman was discovered this morning between the Cotton Block and Bridgepoint Plaza downtown. We will have additional details as they become available.

10/27/2025

Our top local stories for Monday…..The Rome City Commission will consider revoking the beer package license at the K&A Mart on Maple Avenue when it meets on Monday; city commissioners will also conduct a second reading and vote regarding an updated Business Improvement District ordinance during tonight’s meeting; it’s the final week of early voting for the November 4 elections; the Georgia Department of Agriculture, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza at a commercial poultry operation in Gordon County; a 17-year-old Cartersville High School student was transported to the hospital with a serious leg injury following an accident near the school on Friday; and the City of Rome Employee Engagement Committee has announced the inaugural City Department Pumpkin Decorating Contest and the public is invited to join in the fun by voting for their favorite pumpkin masterpiece. These stories and more at wrganews.com

10/24/2025

Persistent dry conditions mean that fire danger will remain a concern today (Friday), primarily across portions of north and east-central Georgia. Low relative humidity and dry vegetation mean that outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

10/24/2025

🌤️ It’s a busy weekend in the City of Rome!

Several events are taking place Friday and Saturday — expect increased traffic and limited parking near key venues. This is NOT an extensive list - just a sample of what's going on within the City that requires extra caution and attention.

📅 Friday Highlights
🏌️‍♂️ 9:00 AM – Rome-Floyd Hall of Fame Golf Tournament (Stonebridge Golf Course)
🐾 1:00 PM – Schnauzerfest Rome (The Forum)
🕯️ 7:00 PM – Domestic Violence Awareness Candlelight Vigil (Rotary Plaza, hosted by Hospitality House)
🎭 8:00 PM – The Rocky Horror Picture Show (DeSoto Theatre)

🚗 Please allow extra time for travel, watch for pedestrians, and park only in designated areas.

For more event details and additional activities throughout Rome and Floyd County, visit:
🔗 romegeorgia.org/visit-rome/calendar/