Bells are ringing at shopping centers throughout the community over the holiday season to solicit donations for the Salvation Army of Rome, GA’s annual Red Kettle campaign. Additional volunteers are sought to ring a bell, states Major Hank Harwell, Corps Officer. He adds that donors are also needed to drop cash and change into ringers’…… read more »
Local News
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR NORTHWEST GEORGIA CHARTER ACADEMY – $2 MILLION CSP
Media release from Northwest Georgia Charter Academy: Northwest Georgia Charter Academy (NWGA Charter Academy) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $2 million through the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant—the maximum amount available – to new charter schools. The award was announced on Wednesday, December 10, in Atlanta when the State Charter…… read more »
TROYANNA FOSTER NAMED GNTC’S 2026 ADULT EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Media release from Georgia Northwestern Technical College: Troyanna “Troy” Foster, Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor for Adult Education in Floyd County, was named Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Adult Education Teacher of the Year for 2026. “Adult Education makes what seems impossible possible,” Foster said. “I take pride in helping students celebrate each small win…… read more »
STAY SAFE THIS SICK SEASON: WAYS YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS
Media release from Atrium Health Floyd: As respiratory illnesses rise, Atrium Health Floyd is urging everyone to take steps to protect themselves and those around them. Simple actions like practicing good hygiene, staying up to date on vaccinations, and staying home when sick, can help keep individuals, families and communities safer this sick season. Health…… read more »
AAA: YEAR-END HOLIDAY TRAVEL EXPECTED TO SET NEW RECORD
Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group: AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. View the full report. “People are…… read more »
Local Sports
BRACKETS HAVE BEEN RELEASED FOR THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT
Brackets have been released for the 72nd annual Rome Seven Hills Rotary Christmas Tournament. Local high school girls and boys basketball teams will compete for the coveted Gold Ball trophy in the tournament, slated for December 18-20. Games will be played at Shorter University and Georgia Highlands College. Tune in for tournament coverage on WLAQ…… read more »
HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS ON WLAQ
High school basketball will be back on the airwaves of WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM tonight as Model plays host to Heard County. Tip off is set for 6 pm for the girls and 7:30 pm for the boys. Fans may listen via radio or online at www.wlaq1410.com. Video coverage will be provided on…… read more »
ATLANTA FALCONS LOSE AT HOME TO SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Atlanta Falcons lost at home to the Seattle Seahawks by a final score of 37-9 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It extended the Falcons’ current losing streak to two in a row. They will be back in action this Thursday night on the road versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kick off is set for…… read more »
JOHN SMOLTZ BRINGS INSPIRING MESSAGE TO SHORTER UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S GALA
Media release from Shorter University: Shorter University celebrated a memorable evening of inspiration and generosity at its eighth annual President’s Gala on Thursday, December 4th. This cherished tradition supports student scholarships and highlights the University’s mission of Transforming Lives through Christ. This year’s Gala welcomed Baseball Hall of Famer and FOX MLB lead analyst John Smoltz as…… read more »
ATLANTA HAWKS OPEN HOMESTAND WITH LOSS TO LA CLIPPERS
The Atlanta Hawks opened a two-game homestand on Wednesday night with a loss to the LA Clippers by 115-92 at State Farm Arena. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a team-high 21 points for the Hawks, who have lost their last two straight games and are now 13-10 for the 2025-2026 regular season. James Harden notched a game-high…… read more »