Northwest Georgia will enjoy cooler temperatures Friday before a warming trend settles in over the weekend, but rain and thunderstorms are expected to return beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Forecasters say another half-inch to two inches of rain could fall across portions of the region through the weekend.
A Chattooga County woman was arrested on DUI charges following a late-night traffic stop on April 29, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
A Chattooga County man was arrested following a domestic incident on April 29, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point over the month to 3.3 percent.
That compares to 3.2 percent one year ago.
The region’s labor force increased by 2,155 over the month and by 4,086 over the year, reaching 459,952, an all-time high. The number of employed residents also rose, increasing by 2,996 over the month and 3,515 over the year to 444,625, also an all-time high.
Initial unemployment claims were up by 718 over the month and by 852 over the year, reaching 2,557.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the numbers are a strong sign during Economic Development Week, noting that more Georgians are securing jobs that support families and strengthen communities.
Summerville Main Street’s Ducky Derby is happening tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, outside the Summerville Depot.
Stabilization work is continuing on the Historic Floyd County Courthouse following the March 23 fire, as crews move closer to securing the damaged structure.
Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord said contractors have already removed loose brick and coping from the building. Unstable gable ends have also been taken down where the roof structure no longer exists, and two damaged walls in the main courtroom behind the bell tower have been removed.
Crews are still monitoring cracks on the Tribune Street side of the courthouse.
The next major step is a stabilization process known as banding. McCord said a support band will be placed around the building about 45 feet up. Scaffolding is expected to go up this week, and the banding work could begin as early as Friday.
McCord said securing the building is the primary goal, especially so streets around the courthouse can safely reopen. The current target date for reopening the roads is May 22, though officials hope that could happen sooner if work goes smoothly.
McCord acknowledged the closures have been a major disruption, especially with a river crossing shut down in Rome and Floyd County.
All stabilization work is being covered by insurance.
Governor Brian P. Kemp signed a major package of forestry and natural resources legislation Thursday at the Georgia Forestry Association headquarters in Forsyth, highlighting what industry leaders are calling a major boost for Georgia’s forestry economy and rural communities.
The City of Summerville is now accepting applications for a Gas Maintenance Worker position.
The job involves assisting with the installation, repair, and maintenance of gas lines and system components throughout the city. Duties include transporting equipment, locating and repairing gas leaks, conducting inspections, maintaining pipelines and meters, and responding to emergency repair calls, including after-hours situations.
Workers will also be responsible for marking underground utilities, performing pressure tests, maintaining tools and inventory, and completing service reports.
The position requires outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions and includes physical tasks such as lifting, climbing, bending, and operating specialized equipment.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and typically need one to two years of related experience or training. A valid Georgia driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one, is also required.
Those interested can apply through the City of Summerville employment application.
Georgia lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at helping law enforcement officers better handle traffic stops involving people with autism and developmental disabilities.
The Chattooga County Senior Center is hosting a May Memorial Day raffle ticket fundraiser to support local seniors.
Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and may be purchased at Bryant & Sons or at the Chattooga County Senior Center Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 2 PM.
Participants will have a chance to win either three John Wayne books and two framed postage stamps, or a Nostalgia KPM200 2.5-ounce kettle popcorn maker, which will include one starter pack of popcorn.
The winner will be announced Friday, May 29, through Facebook Live and by phone.
