Georgia Highlands College is inviting students, employees, alumni, families and community members to a special Community Impact Day celebration on Friday, June 26, at its Floyd Campus in Rome.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 5 million jobs for the first time in state history.
According to the latest labor report, Georgia recorded 5,002,400 jobs in May, an all-time high. The state’s labor force also reached a record 5,470,704, while total employment climbed to a new high of 5,283,862.
Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, down from a revised 3.5 percent in April and well below the national unemployment rate.
“Five million jobs, an all-time high labor force, and record employment in a single month: This is what a modern, adaptable economy looks like when it works for all Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.
The state added 6,900 jobs during May and has now experienced job growth for three consecutive months. Employment increased by more than 56,000 jobs over the past year.
Among the industries posting the largest gains in May were accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, transportation and warehousing, local government and state government.
Over the past year, health care and social assistance led all sectors with nearly 25,000 new jobs added statewide.
The labor department also reported that initial unemployment claims declined in May, another sign of continued strength in Georgia’s workforce and economy.
The Summerville Police Department is investigating the theft of wheels and tires from a vehicle at a local auto dealership.
According to the incident report, the theft involved a white 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer located at a dealership property on Martin Street. The stolen property was listed as four wheels and tires removed from the vehicle.
Police documented the theft and advised the vehicle owner that the case would be turned over to investigators. Officers also indicated that extra patrols would be conducted in the area as the investigation continues.
No suspects had been identified at the time of the report, and the case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
A woman was arrested on a criminal trespass charge after allegedly returning to a property from which she had previously been banned, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Sandy Waynette Wilson, 48, of Summerville.
According to the report, officers learned Wilson had been criminally trespassed from the property approximately 13 days earlier and was prohibited from being there. After confirming that information through dispatch, officers placed Wilson under arrest and transported her to the Chattooga County Jail.
The charge listed in the report is criminal trespass. The case was handled by the Summerville Police Department.
Summerville Police officers responded to a reported disturbance involving a child custody exchange at a residence on Carol Drive.
According to the incident report, a disagreement arose regarding the transportation of bicycles during a child exchange between family members. Police spoke with those involved and determined the situation was a civil matter.
The report states that an argument occurred between family members over where the bicycles would be transported. Officers mediated the dispute, and after several phone calls, the parties reached an agreement regarding the bicycles.
No criminal charges were filed, and the incident was cleared following mediation by the Summerville Police Department.
Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina along with Mark Wills have been named headliners for the City of Fort Oglethorpe’s 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration.
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation will host the 2026 Independence Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 4, at Ridge Ferry Park, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
The event, sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, begins at 3 PM and will feature family activities, games, water inflatables, food trucks and concessions. Inflatable wristbands will be available for $5.
Live music will be featured on the Coca-Cola stage, including a performance by Makenzie Phipps, a contestant from Season 28 of The Voice.
The evening will conclude with one of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Georgia at approximately 9:30 PM above Jackson Hill. The fireworks display, produced by Pyrotecnico, will include more than 1,500 fireworks in a red, white and blue celebration.
Parking for the event is $5 and card only. Parking will be available in the main park and Shoals parking lots, and attendees are asked to follow staff directions.
Guests are reminded that large coolers, pets, drones, fires and sparklers are not permitted in Ridge Ferry Park.
For more information, visit rfpra.com.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet and stormy Thursday as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through the area.
Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.
The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.
The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.
Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.
Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Brownie, our WZQZ Pet of the Week, is still waiting for his forever home, and time is running short.