The unemployment rate in Northwest Georgia has dropped by eight-tenths to 3.3% compared to August, although it remains slightly higher than the 2.9% recorded a year ago. The latest figures reveal a resilient labor market, with the labor force increasing by 2,299 compared to last month and growing by 6,706 year-over-year, bringing the total labor force to an impressive 448,171. The number of employed residents in the region also saw a significant rise, increasing by 5,682 since August and by 4,757 compared to September 2022. However, initial claims for unemployment benefits have risen, with 556 more claims compared to August and an increase of 42 from the same time last year. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson remarked on the trends, stating, “While some metro areas throughout the state have seen a slight dip in jobs, the overall increase in employment shows that more residents are finding work and contributing to our local economies.” In Chattooga County, the unemployment claims totaled 378, resulting in a September unemployment rate of 3.9%.

The Trion Police Department has released more information about his year’s Halloween Walk:

The Town of Trion will hold its annual Halloween Walk on Thursday, October 31, 2024, starting at 5:30. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, please utilize the crosswalk in front of the football field when entering the area and adhere to the instructions of those directing traffic. We ask that everyone be respectful of homeowners in the area, especially those who are not participating in the festivities. Please respect their privacy and refrain from disturbing their property. There will be a strict 9pm curfew that will be stringently enforced. We hope that everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable Halloween Walk and we look forward to seeing you there.

The 60th annual Chiaha Harvest Fair will take place at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event will feature talented artisans, live music, kids’ activities, and food. Admission is $5 for Adults, $4 for Students and Seniors, and $1 for Children 12-2, with free entry for kids under 2. Card payments are accepted with an additional fee, and parking is free with handicapped parking available. Children under 12 can enter for free by printing a coupon from chiaha. org and presenting it with a paying adult. The festival raises funds to support local art initiatives.

The Halloween Candy Walk is sponsored by The Summerville Trion Optimist Club and will be held today in downtown Summerville, along with other Halloween-themed activities sponsored by Summerville Main Street.  The event will run from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. The candy walk will be located down the East Washington Street Streetscape area. The East Washington Street Streetscape entrances beginning at US 27/Commerce Street and The University Street Intersection will close to traffic beginning Saturday morning at 6 AM and remain closed until 3 PM this afternoon. Economy Street entrances to East Washington Street will also be closed during this time.

The City of Summerville is inviting community members to attend a public hearing scheduled for October 31, 2024, at 12:00 PM. The hearing will take place at City Hall, located at 120 Georgia Avenue, Summerville, Georgia 30747.

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The American Red Cross is emphasizing the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as the holiday season approaches. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially encouraged to make a donation. The Red Cross is working to recover blood products uncollected due to recent hurricanes, so it is crucial that the blood supply momentum remains steady. Donating blood can make a big difference in someone’s life, and those who donate by October 31 will receive a $10 Amazon. com Gift Card and be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. Donors in early November will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and be entered to win a $7,000 gift card. To schedule a donation, visit RedCrossBlood. org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Chattooga County Senior Center is seeking donations to fill stockings for homebound seniors this Christmas. The community is invited to drop off items such as chapsticks, hand lotions, cozy socks, tissue packs, travel-sized toiletries, Christmas candy, and other small treats at the Senior Center in Summerville until December 16th. Cash and check donations are also accepted, with checks made payable to the Chattooga Senior Center. Donations can be made Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM. For more information, contact the center at 706-857-5001. Make a difference in a senior’s holiday season by participating in this initiative to spread joy and show appreciation to the elderly in the community.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, October 25, 2024:

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No students were injured when a pickup truck rear-ended a Chattooga County School bus in downtown Summerville on Thursday afternoon.  The accident happened on Commerce Street in the southbound lane near the Summerville Post Office.

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Pumpkin Palooza and Halloween Candy Walk are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, October 26 in downtown Summerville. The event, organized by Summerville Main Street and the Summerville Trion Optimist Club, will feature the annual Pumpkin Palooza with Pumpkin Derby and the Halloween Candy Walk. The festivities will take place on East Washington Streetscape to the Summerville Depot from 10:30 a. m. to 3:00 p. m. A steam engine train arrival by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is expected at 1:00 p. m. Additionally, there will be contests such as the Youth Halloween Costume Contest and the Pumpkin Decorating Contest for youth. The Pumpkin Derby Race, involving handcrafted pumpkin racers, will start at 1:30 p. m. Trophies and prizes will be sponsored by Summerville Main Street. The Halloween Candy Walk, sponsored by The Summerville Trion Optimist Club, will run from 10:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Participating businesses and organizations are excited to welcome costumed trick-or-treaters to downtown Summerville.