[VIDEO] WRGA News’ 2023 Year in Review

December 28th, 2023 – 9:00 AM

Ethan Garrett – WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter

2023 was a year of notable highs and lows in Rome and Floyd County.

With 2024 coming soon, WRGA News has collected some of the most notable local news headlines of 2023 to present in this “year in review” video (These full stories can be found linked below the video).

Whether tuning in on the radio (at 98.7 FM and 1470 AM) or logging online to see our videos and written stories, count on WRGA to keep up-to-date in the upcoming year of 2024.

“2023 Year in Review” full video story references:

The morning of April 5th, 2023, the community was stunned by a murder-suicide shooting that took place in the drive-through of the Chick-fil-A on Shorter Avenue. The horrific incident took the life of 39-year-old Cassie Lashae Davis. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/04/05/video-rome-police-respond-to-murder-suicide-at-chick-fil-a-drive-through/

On the afternoon of July 12^th, 2023, 34-year-old Robert Wallace Hall died after accidentally falling into a manhole while doing plumbing work on the Armuchee High School campus. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/07/12/video-armuchee-high-school-manhole-accident-leaves-one-dead/

On the morning of September 23^rd, 2023, Georgia Power’s plant Hammond smokestacks considered by many as a Coosa landmark, stood for one last time before its scheduled demolition. Georgia Power selected the Hibbert family (Aisleigh, Annabelle, and Jo) to detonate the charges for the smokestacks demolition. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/09/23/video-smokestacks-at-plant-hammond-demolished/

In November of 2023, the Floyd County Commission approved a resolution seeking to opt out of a national settlement related to PFAS found in the Oostanaula River. The City of Rome has reached settlements with upstream carpet manufacturers, chemical companies, and others with the funds going to construct a new ‘reverse osmosis’ facility to remove the chemicals from the Oostanaula River. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/11/29/floyd-county-to-opt-out-of-nationwide-class-action-related-to-pfas/

In September of 2023, the Rome City Commission approved agreements with the Rome City School System and the Rome Building Authority regarding the issuance of no more than $120 million in bonds to fund the construction of a new Rome Middle School. Rome City Schools celebrated the groundbreaking of the new middle school on December 6th.

On November 16^th, 2023, the baseball team formerly known as the Rome Braves revealed their new team name to the public. “The Rome Emperors” debuted their new name, logo, and merchandise during a public reveal party at Advent Health Stadium. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/11/16/video-the-rome-emperors-make-their-grand-debut-thursday-night/

On October 14^th, 2023 the record-breaking 8th annual “Fiddlin’ Fest between the Rivers” event transformed downtown Rome into a giant bluegrass street celebration. The large festival featured the classic sounds of bluegrass music on two live music stages along with activities along every block of Broadstreet. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/10/15/video-8th-annual-fiddlin-fest-between-the-rivers-transforms-downtown/

On November 29th, 2023 the downtown Rome Christmas parade boasted a record-breaking 154 entries. As one of the oldest and largest parades in Northwest Georgia, Rome’s annual Christmas parade has been a cherished tradition for over 62 years. Full story Link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/11/29/video-2023-rome-christmas-parade-highlights/

On November 2^nd, 2023 Rome Police officers and two good Samaritans rescued two people from a burning vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire as a result of a three-vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Highway 411 and Mathis Road. Full story link: https://www.wrganews.com/2023/11/02/video-rome-police-and-good-samaritans-rescue-two-from-burning-vehicle/