The preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the northwest Georgia area rose to 11.2 percent in October, up two-tenths of one percentage point from a revised 11.0 percent in September.

Meanwhile, the number of unemployed workers in the area increased by 367, from 45,006 in September to 45,373 in October.

In October 2008, there were 30,877 jobless workers in the northwest Georgia area, when the unemployment rate was 7.4 percent.

Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in October was 3,858,800, a decrease of 227,700 or 5.6 percent, from 4,086,500 in October of 2008. The over-the-year losses came in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, professional and business services, and construction. Educational and health services added 13,200 jobs over the year. Also, from September to October, a total of 5,200 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education, and health care. The state’s labor force decreased 139,015, or 2.9 percent, from 4,859,703 in October 2008 to 4,720,688 in October 2009.

Meanwhile, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in October, up one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.1 percent in September. The October jobless rate was up 3.3 percentage points from 6.9 percent at this same time last year. Georgia’s unemployment rate matched the national rate of 10.2 percent for the first time in two years. Since October of 2007, when a jobless rate of 4.8 percent was recorded by both the state and the nation, Georgia’s rate has exceeded the national rate.

The annual Christmas in the Park festivities will be held Thursday, Dec. 3 in J. R. “Dick” Dowdy Park in Summerville. This year the events will take place in one night and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with free festivities lasting until 9 p.m.

This year’s Christmas in the Park will include entertainment by local talents, Robert Strickland, Myra Mann, and Randall Mullinax, as well as free hot chocolate, cotton candy, popcorn, and a bonfire. Greg and Tracie Dotson will offer free wagon rides to families and pictures with Santa will be taken in the Couey House throughout the night. Pictures with Santa are free and can be picked up at the Summerville Recreation Center on or after Dec. 9. The City of Summerville invites everyone out to Dowdy Park to enjoy a night of Christmas festivities for the whole family free of charge.

The Summerville News

A total of three fatalities have been reported across the Peach State as of 6 PM of Friday evening during the Thanksgiving Holiday Period Traffic Count.

The Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic County began on Wednesday evening and will continue through Sunday evening at midnight. 

There have been a total of 1,452 traffic crashes with 340 injuries in addition to the three fatalities.

The Georgia State Patrol is predicting 3,570 accidents with 1,398 injuries and 16 deaths.

Jairo Velazquez-25-Rome-driving without valid license, expired tag, no insurance.

Raul Villeda Jr.- 17-Rome-Underage consumption/possession alcohol.

Albert Dan Gomez-29-Rome-Pedestrian under the influence of alcohol/drugs.Brian Keith Horton-23-Rome-Pedestrian under the influence of alcohol/drugs.Kelly Sue Kelley-41-Pell City-D.U.I., speeding.Danny Wayne Harper-43-Guntersville-D.U.I., affixing tint to windows.Autumn Nichelle Johnson-18-Trion-Failure to maintain single lane, D.U.I., underage consumption.Brad Rafeal Martin-32-Summerville-Aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the third degree.Robert Paul Vanco-Possession of meth, no insurance, removing or affixing license plate with intent to conceal, driving with suspended/revoked license. 

Jeffery Wayne Wallin-33-Trion-Driving with suspended license, speeding.Lauren Christine Warnock-19-Menlo-Underage consumption/possession of alcohol.Patty Jo Marsh-33-Summerville-Driving with suspended/revoked license.Michael Thomas Richardson-20-Cedar Bluff-Underage consumption/possession of alcohol, open container.Estrada Joel Serrano-33-Trion-Driving without valid license.Christopher Scott Simpson-24-Gaylesville-Contributing to the delinquent, failure to maintain single lane, D.U.I.Favian Pineda Garcia-29-Trion-Driving without valid license.Morgan Rae Gentry-19-Trion-Underage consumption/possession of alcohol.Kenneth Adam Koonce-30-Summerville-Public drunkenness.Christopher Shawn Lewis-25-Lafayette-Driving with suspended/revoked license.Jairo Velazquez-25-Rome-driving without valid license, expired tag, no insurance.Raul Villeda Jr.- 17-Rome-Underage consumption/possession alcohol.Diana Lynn Crowe-46-Lafayette-Sale of schedule III drug.Albert Dan Gomez-29-Rome-Pedestrian under the influence of alcohol/drugs.Brian Keith Horton-23-Rome-Pedestrian under the influence of alcohol/drugs.Kelly Sue Kelley-41-Pell City-D.U.I., speeding.

A man believe to be part of a group known as the Irish Travelers, was detained for questioning by Calhoun Police after officers conducted a traffic stop on Nov. 24.

According to police, the Irish Travelers have developed a reputation for being professional con-artists. Many groups of Irish Travelers travel the country offering to do work such as paint barns and provide roof repairs. The Travelers have also used a technique of claiming to sell linoleum.

According to police, while one suspect distracts a homeowner, usually an elderly person, another will steal into the house and steal money and other items.

During the course of their investigation, the CPD detectives learned the Irish Travelers purposely target elderly victims, but consider anyone to be fair game.

Detective Lt. Tony Pyle is urging citizens to be wary of these possible crimes, and to report suspicious activity.

Some basic guidelines for protecting oneself, according to Pyle, is to be wary of unexpected interaction with strangers, either in person or on the telephone. Also, be cautious of door-to-door salesmen and get rich quick scams and any scam that requires a cash or bank withdrawal.

Pyle says to also ask for official identification and print “for deposit only” on any checks to create a paper trail.

Calhoun Times

The Chattooga County 4-H Consumer Judging Team recently participated in the 2009 Cotton Boll and Consumer Jamboree held at the Cartersville Civic Center. This year 14 Georgia counties competed in the event with 782 4H students representing those counties.

As part of a preparatory lesson, the 4-H students took a field trip to Mount Vernon Mills to learn how cotton is made into denim and to show the young 4-H students the economic importance of Mount Vernon to the community.

Senior judges were Matthew Daniel, Matthew Pace, Alleigha Dennis, Candace Bishop and Victoria Hall. Junior judges competing in the event were Tyler Bishop, Karla Bravo, Faith Coalson, Kaitlyn Hutchins, Nathan Loyd, Mary McDaniel and Mekenzie Parker.

The senior team received fourth place overall for their division and Victoria Hall, a Trion High School student, received seventh place as an individual in the senior division.

Trion Middle School Principal will retire at of the end of the school year. His letter of resignation was read by Superintendent Phil Williams at Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the Trion City School Board

Wilson said in his letter that it had been an honor for him to have been a part of Trion City Schools as a student, teacher, coach and an administrator.

“I have been truly blessed working with the students, teachers, administrators and staff over the years,” Wilson’s letter stated. “Thank you and all those who have allowed me this opportunity. I have received so much.”

The Summerville News

ATLANTA — Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to keep receipts and other documentation for at least three years as proof the funds were spent as intended.

More than $53.2 million in disaster recovery grants was distributed by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the September storms and floods.

“Those approved for federal grants received a helping hand from taxpayers,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “So it’s important the grants are used wisely.”

Upon releasing the funds by direct deposit or check, FEMA sent every recipient a letter providing important information about the grant and outlining how the money can be spent.

“The grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved disaster-related costs,” said Gracia Szczech, head of FEMA flood recovery in Georgia. “Call FEMA’s Helpline if you have any questions.”

Applicants also should update addresses and phone numbers by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362),

TTY 800-462-7585. Otherwise, they may miss important correspondence or telephone calls regarding their payments or applications for assistance.

Housing funds may be used for:

• Repairs to return the home to a safe and functional condition: These may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems, or other structural parts of a home;

• Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster: Receipts for these expenses will be requested if the home sustained damages; and,

• Rental assistance: Applicants who must remain in temporary housing for a longer period than the initial assistance covers may request more assistance until their home can be re-occupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made.

 Other Needs Assistance funds may be used for:

• Personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances, and vehicle repair or replacement;

• Medical, dental and funeral expenses; and,

• Moving expenses.

Recipients are required to sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

By law, FEMA grants, which are taxpayer dollars, cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those funds must be reimbursed to FEMA.

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported today that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the Northwest Georgia area rose to 11.2 percent in October, up two-tenths of one percentage point from a revised 11.0 percent in September. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed workers in the area increased by 367, from 45,006 in September to 45,373 in October.

In October 2008, there were 30,877 jobless workers in the Northwest Georgia area, when the unemployment rate was 7.4 percent.

Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in October was 3,858,800, a decrease of 227,700 or 5.6 percent, from 4,086,500 in October of 2008. The over-the-year losses came in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, professional and business services, and construction. Educational and health services added 13,200 jobs over the year. Also, from September to October, a total of 5,200 jobs were added in retail trade, public and private education, and health care. The state’s labor force decreased 139,015, or 2.9 percent, from 4,859,703 in October 2008 to 4,720,688 in October 2009.

Meanwhile, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10.2 percent in October, up one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.1 percent in September. The October jobless rate was up 3.3 percentage points from 6.9 percent at this same time last year. Georgia’s unemployment rate matched the national rate of 10.2 percent for the first time in two years. Since October of 2007, when a jobless rate of 4.8 percent was recorded by both the state and the nation, Georgia’s rate has exceeded the national rate.

The local area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us