Chattooga Unemployment at 4.8% in November; Region Mixed as GDOL Releases Latest Numbers
The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.
That rate is higher than several surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, where the latest figures show a mixed picture across the region. Statewide, labor officials say Georgia’s overall job market remains steady as the state heads into the new year.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes has emphasized that the department’s focus remains on connecting Georgians with opportunity through hiring support, training, and workforce programs, while continuing to highlight Georgia’s competitiveness in job growth and keeping unemployment low compared to national trends.
The GDOL report is also a reminder for job seekers that help is available through local career centers and online resources, including job matching and training options.
County-by-County (November 2025)
Chattooga County
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Unemployment rate: 4.8%
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Unemployed: 2,987
Floyd County
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Unemployment rate: 4.9%
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Unemployed: 13,100
Walker County
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Unemployment rate: 3.6%
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Unemployed: 2,025
Gordon County
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Unemployment rate: 4.4%
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Unemployed: 5,705
Dade County
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Unemployment rate: 4.0%
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Unemployed: 1,919
Catoosa County
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Unemployment rate: 3.7%
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Unemployed: 4,045
Whitfield County
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Unemployment rate: 4.4%
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Unemployed: 2,964
Chattooga Indians Football to Honor 2025 Team at Banquet on Jan. 21
The Chattooga Indians football banquet is set for Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM in the Chattooga High School cafeteria. Dinner will be served, with lasagna, salad, and drinks provided.
Parents and visitors are asked to bring dinner rolls/bread and desserts to help complete the meal.
The program is a chance for the community to come together and recognize and celebrate the 2025 team one final time.
Atrium Health Floyd Doctor Urges “Three Simple Steps” to Cut Winter Illness Risk
As the new year begins, Atrium Health Floyd is reminding Northwest Georgians that respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV tend to surge during the winter months—and prevention is still the best defense.
Dr. Jacob Collier of Atrium Health Floyd recommends a straightforward three-part approach to staying healthy: get vaccinated, mask when sick and stay home when possible, and wash hands often, especially after touching high-contact surfaces like doorknobs and handrails.
To help protect medically vulnerable patients, Atrium Health Floyd is also asking visitors to limit visitation and wear masks in key areas, including places where direct patient care is provided, hospital and ER waiting rooms, infusion service areas, cancer care locations, and other designated spaces.
Dr. Collier also encouraged residents to pay attention to what’s happening locally. If respiratory cases rise in the community, he advises people to be ready to adjust plans and travel to reduce spread.
If symptoms become concerning, he recommends contacting your primary care provider or visiting urgent care. For severe symptoms, seek care at the nearest emergency room.
Kemp at Eggs & Issues: Affordability First, Big Transportation Spending, Energy Reliability, Workforce Pathways, and a New Homelessness Grant
Governor Brian Kemp delivered the closing address at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs & Issues event earlier this week, outlining what he described as his top legislative and budget priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session.
Kemp framed his agenda around making life more affordable for Georgians, pointing to prior tax cuts, rebates, and property tax relief efforts. He argued that families and businesses are better served when government keeps more money in taxpayers’ pockets and said affordability will remain his leading focus this session.
He also highlighted tort reform as a key step toward lowering costs, saying the state is beginning to see benefits in the insurance market and urging lawmakers and business leaders to protect those reforms from being chipped away in future sessions.
A major portion of his remarks centered on transportation, calling traffic congestion a growing threat to quality of life and economic competitiveness. Kemp announced major proposed investments, including:
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$1.8 billion to expand roadway capacity on I-75 South in Henry County by adding dedicated express lanes in both directions
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$200 million to continue safety and mobility upgrades along Georgia 316 (University Parkway)
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$250 million more for Local Maintenance and Improvement Grants (LMIG) to fund local road projects with no local match required
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$100 million to strengthen and improve bridges, especially in rural areas
On energy, Kemp emphasized a strategy focused on reliability and keeping costs in check as Georgia continues to grow. He pointed to actions aimed at preventing rate spikes while also calling for long-term investment in the power grid and infrastructure.
For education and workforce development, he previewed a proposal to formalize cooperation between K-12, technical colleges, universities, and employers. He highlighted new efforts to create smoother pathways from training to careers, including additional agreements between higher education systems in high-need fields and the planned launch of a “Career Navigator” tool to connect students and job seekers with employers.
Kemp also announced a new $50 million, one-time Homelessness Response Grant, intended to pair state funding with local governments, nonprofits, and private partners to address street-level homelessness through targeted investments in shelter, outreach teams, and support services.
Lecrae to Keynote Berry College’s MLK Day Celebration in Rome: Public Invited Jan. 19
Northwest Georgia will have a major national voice on campus this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as four-time GRAMMY-winning Christian hip-hop artist, author, and actor Lecrae headlines Berry College’s MLK Day celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Krannert Ballroom.
The event is part of Berry’s Conson Wilson Lecture Series and is open to the public, welcoming community members from across Rome, Chattooga County, and the rest of Northwest Georgia to gather for a morning focused on Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing work of creating a culture where everyone belongs.
Who is Lecrae and why he’s a big get for MLK Day
Lecrae (Lecrae Devaughn Moore) is widely recognized as a trailblazer who helped bring Christian hip-hop into broader cultural conversations through music that blends faith, personal testimony, and social reflection. He’s also co-founder of Reach Records, a label and platform that helped launch and elevate a wave of Christian hip-hop artists and projects.
On the awards side, Lecrae has earned four GRAMMY wins, including a landmark win for “Gravity,” which helped break barriers for hip-hop artists in traditionally gospel-focused award categories. Over the years, he’s been known for using his platform to talk about faith, community, identity, and perseverance—topics that often connect strongly with MLK Day themes of justice, dignity, and unity.
Beyond music, Lecrae is also an author whose memoir “Unashamed” became a widely read bestseller. His story—covering personal growth, setbacks, and finding purpose—has made him a sought-after speaker for universities, conferences, and civic events.
What to expect Monday morning
Berry’s MLK Day celebration is designed as a joint campus-community gathering—part reflection, part encouragement to keep building stronger relationships across differences. Attendees can expect a keynote that draws from Lecrae’s experiences as an artist and public figure, along with the larger message of Dr. King’s legacy: service, courage, and creating spaces where every person is valued.
Organizers say all are welcome to attend and to help “continue to cultivate a culture of belonging,” reinforcing the idea of MLK Day as both a remembrance and a renewed commitment to action in everyday life.
Crowded Field Forms in Northwest Georgia as Candidate Qualifying Ends for Open Congressional Seat
Candidate qualifying concluded on Wednesday for the Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. There are 17 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent who will be vying for the seat during the March 10 election.
If a runoff is needed, it will be on April 7.
Monday, February 9 is the last day to register to vote for all persons who are not registered to vote and who desire to vote in the Special Election.
Advance in-person absentee voting will begin on Monday, February 16.
Candidates
Republican
Trey Kelly – Financial services, Fulton County
Beau Brown – Risk engineer, Floyd County
Colton Moore – Auctioneer/truck driver, Dade County
Eric Cunningham – Railroad supply, Paulding County
Jared Craig – Attorney, Coweta County
Larry E. Hilley – Self-employed, Catoosa County
Meghan Strickland – Travel consultant/contractor, Cobb County
Reagan Box – Self-employed, Floyd County
Star Black – Retired, Cobb County
Brian Stover – Business development, Paulding County
Clayton McLean Fuller – District attorney, Dade County
Christian Hurd – U.S. Marine, Whitfield County
James Marty Brown – Business owner, Whitfield County
Jenna Turnipseed – Teacher/farmer, Walker County
James Edward Tully – Self-employed, Paulding County
Nicky Lama – Entrepreneur, Whitfield County
Tom Gray – Pastor, Cobb County
Democrat
Shawn Harris – Farmer, Polk County
Jim Davis – Political writer/retired business owner, Floyd County
Jonathan Hobbs – Patient practitioner, Paulding County
Libertarian
Andrew Underwood – not employed, Walker County
Independent
Bob Ruszkowski – Small business owner/electric bicycle dealer, Dade County
Chattooga Sheriff’s Office: 18-Year-Old Arrested After Deputy Says He Gave False Name; Warrants Include Robbery
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year-old Ivan Ethan Shaw was arrested January 7, 2026 after a deputy responded to a call about an employee who may have active felony warrants.
According to the incident report, the deputy contacted E-911 and later the Chattooga County Jail to confirm the suspect’s identity and warrant status. The report states jail personnel advised the deputy Shaw had active warrants for robbery, entering a vehicle with intent to commit theft, and theft by taking.
The deputy coordinated with the Summerville Police Department and made contact with Shaw near the Providence Ministries parking area, according to the report. The report alleges that when Shaw was asked for identification, he provided a false name and date of birth.
The Sheriff’s Office report states Shaw then attempted to leave on foot and was detained. He was arrested on an obstruction charge, and the report says he was also taken into custody based on the active warrants. Shaw was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.
14th District Office: Interim Services Continue After Greene Resignation; Casework and Requests Still Available
Residents in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are without representation in the U.S. House for now following the resignation of former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. But the Fourteenth Congressional District of Georgia District Office says some constituent services will continue during the vacancy.
In a statement released by the district office, officials said Greene resigned January 5, 2026, and that both the Washington, D.C. office and the Dalton District office will remain open to serve the public under the supervision of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The interim office says constituents may still contact staff for information and limited assistance, including constituent casework involving federal agencies, flag requests, and other standard constituent services typically handled by House offices.
The office also noted that staff will continue working with anyone who already has a pending case and will accept new case requests, but those requests require a completed Privacy Release Form.
For tours, the district office said requests for White House tours should be directed to Georgia’s U.S. Senators—Senator Raphael Warnock or Senator Jon Ossoff—while inquiries regarding tours of the Capitol Building or the FBI Building will be handled through separate request forms.
The statement emphasized that while the office can help with general information about the status of legislation, the vacant congressional office cannot take positions, advocate policy, or provide analysis or opinions until a new representative is elected and sworn in.
Arrest Report - Thursday - January 16, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 15, 2026:
Gusty NW Winds Raise Fire Danger in Chattooga County & Northwest Georgia; Low-Confidence Winter Storm Chance This Weekend
Chattooga County and the rest of Northwest Georgia are in for a blustery, sharply colder day Thursday, January 15, 2026, as dry air pours in behind a cold front. Forecasters say northwest wind gusts of 20–30 mph will combine with very low humidity this afternoon, creating elevated fire danger conditions across North and Central Georgia.
Residents from Summerville to Trion and Menlo should use extra caution with anything that could spark a fire—burn piles, outdoor grills, and even dragging chains can ignite dry grasses when winds are this strong. While fuels have some lingering moisture from recent light rain, officials still issued a Fire Danger Statement due to the combination of wind and dry air.
This morning’s commute also started off frigid, with wind chills well down into the teens across much of North Georgia. Tonight will turn even colder under clearer skies, with many spots dropping into the teens and low 20s by early Friday.
Looking ahead, weather models are hinting at a system Saturday night into Sunday that could bring winter weather somewhere in the Southeast—but confidence is very low right now on where it tracks and what impacts (if any) Northwest Georgia would see. Forecast guidance is still split, meaning details could change quickly as the weekend gets closer.
What to do now (quick tips)
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Avoid outdoor burning and secure anything that could blow around.
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Dress in layers for wind chills and protect pets/plants from the cold tonight.
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Stay tuned for weekend updates—this is the kind of setup that can shift within 24–48 hours.
Georgia’s Tom Carden Earns Fourth Star, Making National Guard History
Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr. has made history after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 12th Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, a position newly elevated to a four-star rank. Carden becomes the first vice chief to wear four stars, and he will serve alongside National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus—marking the first time two four-star generals have led the bureau at the same time.
Local veteran advocate and former State Rep. Barbara Massey Reece noted the promotion is especially meaningful for Chattooga County, pointing to Carden’s long-standing presence at local Veterans Day and Vietnam Veterans events and his past service as Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard.
Carden most recently served as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, helping coordinate homeland defense and military support for civil authorities. His career includes leadership roles in the Georgia National Guard, overseas assignments, and deployments to Iraq and Bosnia, along with multiple domestic response missions.
Chattooga High School Welcomes Class of 2030 at Rising Freshman Night This Evening
Chattooga High School is set to welcome future students and their families this evening for Rising Freshman Night for the Class of 2030, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on campus.
School officials say the event is designed to help incoming freshmen and their families get familiar with what life is like at Chattooga High School before the transition from middle school. Families who attend this evening will have the chance to tour the campus, meet staff, and get important information on what students can expect once they begin high school.
Organizers say Rising Freshman Night will also cover key topics including graduation requirements, class schedules, career pathways, athletics, and a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to students. It’s also an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions and better understand expectations for the next four years.
Families of current eighth-grade students planning to attend Chattooga High School are encouraged to participate.
Cloudmont Ski Resort Watching Weather, Optimistically Targeting Saturday Opening on Lookout Mountain
Cloudmont Ski Resort on Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama says it’s watching conditions closely and, if the weather cooperates, is optimistically aiming for an opening day this Saturday, January 17. The resort plans to open at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.
Because winter temperatures in the Deep South can change quickly, Cloudmont says its schedule is always weather-dependent, especially when overnight lows determine how well snowmaking can hold. Resort officials are encouraging skiers and snowboarders to stay tuned for updates as the weekend approaches.
Cloudmont is widely known as Alabama’s only ski resort and a bucket-list destination for many in the region because it offers snow sports within an easy drive of Northwest Georgia, Chattanooga, and Northeast Alabama. It’s also frequently recognized as one of the southernmost ski areas in the United States, making a day on the slopes here a rare Southern winter experience.
Cloudmont is popular with families and beginners, offering a classic, small-resort feel—perfect for first-time skiers, quick day trips, and anyone looking to catch a few runs when cold air settles over Lookout Mountain.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring Across Campuses: Multiple Positions Open in Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield-Murray
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.
GNTC leaders say the college’s mission is rooted in workforce development and student success, helping thousands of residents build new skills and move into in-demand careers. Each semester, more than 6,000 students attend GNTC, and the college emphasizes that its work stretches far beyond the classroom — into the growing workforce across the region and beyond.
Current openings highlighted by GNTC include:
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Accounting Technician/Cashier (Full-Time) — Floyd County Campus
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Assistant Director of High School Initiatives (Full-Time) — Floyd County Campus
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Communication Officer (Part-Time) — Floyd County Campus & Walker County Campus
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Enrollment Specialist (Part-Time) — Whitfield Murray Campus
As a State of Georgia institution, GNTC notes that employees may be eligible for a strong benefits package, including options such as insurance, retirement, and vacation plans, along with the opportunity to work in a student-focused environment dedicated to Northwest Georgia.
Chattooga County Man, 39, Arrested on Simple Assault Charge Following Reported Domestic Dispute
A Chattooga County man was arrested after a reported domestic dispute that authorities say involved calls to two nearby residences on January 9, 2026.
The arrest report lists the suspect as Ross Ladon Palmer, age 39, who was taken into custody on Jan. 9, 2026, and charged with simple assault.
According to the incident narrative, responders were dispatched to a residence on Kay Drive regarding a domestic situation, while another location on Fields Walk was also involved in the investigation. The report describes interviews with individuals connected to the call and outlines allegations that a confrontation took place, with accounts varying between those involved.
The narrative indicates the suspect was later contacted at another location, and the report notes that further investigation was expected, including reviewing any available video evidence, before a final decision was made on next steps in the case.
Add More Art in 2026: Explore Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Chattooga County’s Pennville Community
If one of your 2026 goals is to add more culture and creativity to your life, a close-to-home option is calling: Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located in the Pennville Community in Chattooga County near Summerville.
Davia Weatherill, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, says one of the biggest highlights is the World’s Folk Art Church, which reopened to the public last summer after an extensive restoration. Weatherill explains the church was part of Finster’s vision of building “mansions in the sky,” and after being closed for more than 25 years due to serious structural concerns, renovations have now made it far safer and more accessible for visitors.
Weatherill encourages Northwest Georgians to come experience not only the restored church, but also the wider collection of folk art and one-of-a-kind treasures throughout the garden. Paradise Garden is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to its significance as a destination for both locals and visitors.
For more information, visit www.paradisegardenfoundation.org.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Hiring: Openings in Maintenance and Resource Management
The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is encouraging job seekers in Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to explore multiple employment opportunities currently available in the park’s maintenance and resource management divisions. Applicants can view details and apply through USAJobs by visiting the park’s “Work With Us” page and selecting a specific position.
Several openings are seasonal federal positions, and some announcements may close early once they receive a set number of applications, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Open roles may include positions supporting cultural and resource management work, such as assisting with field surveys, helping document sites with maps and photographs, maintaining records and databases, and supporting preservation-related projects. Other listings may include museum-focused seasonal work, helping with collections support, documentation, and other duties tied to resource protection and public education.
For those looking for hands-on outdoor work, the park may also have trails and maintenance positions, which can involve assisting with trail upkeep, clearing debris, supporting repairs, and helping maintain park facilities and grounds.
Applicants should review each job announcement carefully for requirements, pay grade, schedules, and documentation needed, and make sure their resume and supporting materials are ready before applying.
Argument Over Filming Led to Fight at Trion Walmart; Warrants Issued, Suspects Picked Up in Summerville
Details released this week in an incident report indicate a dispute that started with bickering inside Walmart and escalated into an argument over recording on a cellphone led to a physical fight at the Trion Walmart earlier this month.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office took out warrants in the case, and authorities say the suspects were later picked up by the Summerville Police Department.
According to the report, Kirsa East, 21, told investigators she was shopping with her girlfriend and the girlfriend’s mother when tensions rose. East stated that after the group began arguing, the mother suggested she and her daughter take groceries home to cool things down, while East stayed behind at Walmart.
East told authorities she sat on a bench facing the checkout area and noticed two women — later identified as Mariah Lake Davis, 26, and Skyla Young, 22 — staring at her. East said she became uncomfortable and began recording them. The report states that after Davis and Young checked out, they approached East and asked why she was filming them, and an argument began.
The report indicates the confrontation continued with words exchanged, and at one point Davis appeared to attempt to grab East’s phone. Davis and Young then started walking away toward the exit, when the report states East suddenly lunged forward and pulled Davis by the hair, taking her to the ground. The report says Young then joined in as the fight escalated, with Walmart employees eventually separating everyone.
Investigators documented injuries on both sides, including swelling and hair loss described in the report, and noted that medical attention was requested. Following a review of store video, warrants were sought in connection with the fight.
The suspects named in the report are Kirsa East, 21, Skyla Young, 22, and Mariah Lake Davis, 26.
Chattooga County Red Cross Club Blood Drive Set for Feb. 9 at Chamber & Civic Center — $20 e-Gift Card for Donors
The Chattooga County Community Red Cross Club is inviting residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to help save lives at an upcoming community blood drive on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The drive will be held at the Chattooga County Chamber & Civic Center.
Organizers say every donation can make a difference for patients in need of emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illness support. Winter months can also bring increased strain on blood supplies due to illness and weather-related disruptions, making local donor turnout especially important.
As an added incentive, all presenting donors will receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank-you for taking the time to donate.
Appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule a time, get more information, and complete RapidPass paperwork online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code RedCrossClub. The American Red Cross also notes donors can use the Blood Donor App for scheduling and updates.
Avian Influenza Confirmed at Commercial Poultry Operation in Walker County
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, marking Georgia’s first confirmed HPAI case of 2026 and the fourth case in a commercial poultry operation in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.
State officials say the producer noticed increased mortality on Sunday, January 11, and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network. Samples were collected and tested Monday, with the positive result confirmed by the state lab Monday evening and later confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team deployed to the site to begin depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and response operations are expected to continue through the week.
A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) quarantine zone has been established around the operation. Officials say all commercial poultry operations within that radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks, and the affected premises has been secured so that only authorized personnel may enter.