According to numbers released yesterday, Georgia’s October unemployment rate stood at 3. 6 percent, the same as in September. It was lower than the national rate. Commissioner Bruce Thompson attributed Georgia’s stable unemployment rate to pro-business policies. In October, jobs increased by 1,500, totaling 4,985,500 over the year. Noteworthy job gains were in Accommodation and Food Services, Health Care, Social Assistance and Local Government. Conversely, job losses occurred in Administrative Support, Transportation, Information, Arts, Entertainment, and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing sectors.

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Adrienne Brooke Black, a 45-year-old woman, was arrested following a traffic stop by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 27. Black was caught speeding at 98 mph in a 55 mph zone in her white Toyota Avalon. She claimed her gas pedal was stuck, but her expired license and registration complicated matters. During the stop, a piece of a suspected marijuana blunt was found in her car. Despite denying more drugs, further search revealed methamphetamine in a plastic bag. Black faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, reckless driving, and driving with expired documents. She was arrested and taken to the Chattooga County Jail, where deputies reported her behavior was suspicious, leading to the discovery of the methamphetamine. Black was charged with several driving offenses, possession of methamphetamine, and with crossing the guard line with drugs or intoxicants.

The US cattle industry is the largest and most sustainable globally. The Georgia Farm Monitor reports that the USDA has been working on traceability for the industry since 2003, following a disease outbreak. Currently, cattle are tracked using metal ear tags. Traceability is crucial to quickly respond to disease outbreaks. The recently implemented USDA traceability rule mandates the use of electronic ID tags for cattle. Producers only need to use these tags if shipping cattle 18 months or older out of state. The goal is to prevent disease outbreaks in the industry. Data collected through the program includes premise I. D. numbers, tag numbers, location, and date – ensuring producers’ sensitive information is secure. Producers can contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture for assistance with implementing electronic ID tags on their operations. The focus is on protecting the industry while maintaining producers’ information security.  To read the full article from the Georgia Farm Monitor, click HERE

As we head into next week, people are talking about an expected “pattern flip” in the weather. The current warm and dry conditions will give way to colder air and rain-producing systems as the persistent upper ridge breaks down. There have been rumors on social media about tornadoes and snow, but meteorologists say there is no way to accurately predict severe a thunderstorm threat for the Deep South this far in advance. While a cold core upper low/trough is expected to move over the eastern and southern US by the end of next week, significant snowfall is unlikely in the area. Although there is talk about snow, it is rare to see any significant snowfall in our area in November. Freezing temperatures could occur between November 22-25, but it’s too early for a detailed forecast. Also, Hurricane Sara may impact the Florida Peninsula by mid-next week, but its effects are expected to stay away from the Central Gulf Coast. Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to stay informed with updates as the weather pattern evolves.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, November 14, 2024:

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October demonstrated a positive outlook for the real estate market in Chattooga County, with a significant number of homes listed for sale, even though there was a slight decline in median home prices. A total of 167 homes were available for purchase last month, with prices ranging from $9,500 to $2.5 million. The median listing home price for October settled at $224,200, indicating a minor adjustment in the ongoing trend of rising housing costs within the county. Home buyers found that the average price per square foot for homes on the market was $144. In comparison, neighboring counties showed higher average prices, with Floyd County at $163 per square foot and Walker County at $177 per square foot. Furthermore, the median home price for properties sold in Chattooga County for the month was recorded at $155,000. This figure presents a stark contrast to the median listing prices in Floyd County at $251,400 and Walker County at $279,900. The median sale price of a home in Georgia in October 2024 was $374,700,  which is a 2.3% increase year-over-year. These numbers collectively highlight Chattooga County as an attractive market for potential home buyers, especially those from outside the county, who are seeking lower housing costs.

A month after revealing design plans for Adventure Acres, the community gathered on Tuesday to break ground on Walker County’s first signature park. 

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A Tennessee man has been identified as the fatality in a crash that happened on Highway 27 after a high speed chase.

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The Georgia Department of Administrative Services is set to host a State Agency Career Fair today, welcoming local residents eager to explore new career opportunities within government agencies. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Floyd County Campus, in the Conference Center located in Building H.

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Russell R. McMurry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, has been elected as the vice president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for the 2024-2025 term. AASHTO represents transportation departments across all 50 states with the aim of developing and maintaining a cohesive national transportation system. McMurry expressed gratitude for his election and looks forward to collaborating on policy principles for the next transportation funding bill. Starting as an engineering intern in 1990, McMurry has risen through the ranks at Georgia DOT and was appointed commissioner in 2015. Under his leadership, the department has focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility solutions to support the state’s economic growth. He will continue to serve as the Commissioner of Georgia DOT while fulfilling his role as AASHTO vice president.