Georgia maintained its strong employment performance in September, with a steady 3. 6% unemployment rate, half a point lower than the national average. The state reached record highs in various job-related categories. The number of employed Georgians exceeded 5. 2 million, while the workforce grew to over 5. 4 million, both all-time highs. Georgia created 6,800 new jobs, pushing the total to nearly 5 million, with significant gains in health care, social assistance, and food services sectors. However, some industries experienced job losses, such as private educational services and transportation. Despite a slight increase in the number of unemployed individuals, initial unemployment claims decreased to 19,600, showcasing the state’s resilience and consistent economic growth. Locally, Chattooga County’s first-time unemployment claims more than doubled in September.  There were 33 initial jobless claims in August, that number jumped to 77 last month.

Pressure is mounting on Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to unveil the results of an audit on non-citizen voters. Raffensperger stated that only US citizens are registered to vote in Georgia and commended a court ruling against a ballot counting measure. An advocacy group, Greater Georgia, led by former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, is pushing for the release of the audit results. The audit, named “SAVE audit,” aimed to ensure that only American citizens are voting, with potential prison sentences and fines for noncitizens who register to vote. Raffensperger previously declared that the audit was complete and that only eligible voters were participating. However, Loeffler is calling for transparency, citing cases in other states, such as Virginia, Ohio, and Texas, where noncitizens were found on voter rolls, urging Raffensperger to disclose the results promptly. Raffensperger’s office confirmed that he will announce the audit results in a press conference. Meanwhile, early voting continues in Georgia until Nov. 1.

The Town of Trion is set to hold its regular Workshop and Council Meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the Town Hall Conference Room. The Workshop will kick off at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Regular Meeting shortly thereafter. Mayor Lanny E. Thomas encourages all residents to attend and participate in the discussions that shape the community. The meeting will cover various topics relevant to the town’s operations and future initiatives, providing a platform for civic engagement. For those who have questions or comments regarding the meeting or its agenda, Mayor Thomas invites you to reach out directly to him or the Town Hall Office. The town is committed to transparency and ensuring that all residents have access to the information they need. For further inquiries, please contact the Town Hall Office.

Summerville made a DUI arrest on October 18th after observing a tan 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe driving erratically on Marvin Avenue without tag lights illuminated. The vehicle ran a stop sign and the officer activated his blue lights, leading the Tahoe to swerve into the wrong lane before stopping at Sunrise Church. The driver, Michael Lea, displayed signs of impairment like bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, with an open container of alcohol in the cup holder. Lea admitted to drinking and possessing a THC vape, but denied having illegal substances. A search of the vehicle uncovered alcohol, marijuana residue, and a suspected bong. Lea’s license was suspended due to a prior DUI, and he was uninsured. Field sobriety tests showed impairment, leading to his arrest for DUI and driving with a suspended license. He refused a blood draw and was taken to Chattooga County Jail.

A new survey conducted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) reveals that teachers in Georgia are struggling with burnout and student loan debt. The survey included nearly 3,700 educators from 169 school districts in the state. Results showed that 48% of teachers reported feeling burned out, with lack of support from administrators and financial difficulties among the main causes of burnout.

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Everything’s coming up candy and pumpkins in downtown Summerville on Saturday, October 26. Summerville Main Street will team up with the Summerville Trion Optimist Club to present the annual Pumpkin Palooza with Pumpkin Derby and the Halloween Candy Walk.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, October 22, 2024:

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Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is making available to voters a summary of the statewide referendum and two proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the general election ballot.

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is urging residents to take immediate action regarding their vehicle tags when selling, trading, or if a vehicle is totaled in an accident. Ensuring the proper handling of license plates can prevent potential misuse and safeguard residents’ interests. Hampton emphasizes the importance of retaining and canceling your vehicle tag as soon as a vehicle is sold, traded, or declared a total loss. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of totaling your vehicle, be sure to retrieve your license plate while you’re gathering your belongings. Once the tag is in hand, local drivers have two options for cancellation: they can either cancel their tag online or contact the Tax Commissioner’s office directly for assistance. Additionally, Hampton recommends keeping the canceled tag in a safe place or personally returning it to their office to ensure it can’t be used by anyone else.  For more information or to cancel a tag, residents can visit the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s website at www.chattoogatax.com or call the office directly at 706-857-0702.