The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s unemployment rate for December 2025 was 3.6%, up slightly from a revised 3.5% in November. GDOL said Georgia’s rate remained 0.8 percentage point below the national unemployment rate, and matched the state’s rate from one year ago.
Registration is now open for the Miss Trion Pageant, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Trion. The event is being hosted by the Pride of Trion Marching Band and will be held at the Trion High School Gym, located at 919 Allgood Street, Trion, GA.
Organizers say all information, registration, and online payment can be completed online at trionhighschoolbandboostersinc.org, and paper registration forms are also available through the school office. The pageant is listed as a public event, open to participants and supporters whether or not they use Facebook.
The Chattooga County Democratic Party is inviting the public to a town hall meeting with Shawn Harris, a candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 14th District, set for Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Chattooga County Civic Center, located at 44 GA-48 in Summerville. Doors are scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m., and organizers say “all questions answered” will be the focus of the evening.
Harris is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and combat veteran who also previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps, spending roughly four decades in uniform before returning home to Northwest Georgia. In addition to his military career, Harris is a cattle farmer and has emphasized rural priorities in his campaign, including issues affecting small towns, veterans, and working families across the district. He was also the Democratic nominee in the 14th District race in 2024 and is again seeking to represent the region in Congress.
Event organizers say RSVPs are not required, but are appreciated for ADA assistance, and an email contact has been provided for anyone needing accommodations. The gathering is also being used as a food drive drop-off, with attendees encouraged to bring what they can, if they can.
Anyone interested in starting beekeeping can “start your beekeeping journey” at a Beekeeping Short Course hosted by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The class will be held at the Walker County Ag Center, and organizers say seats are limited with registration available online.
The cost is $65, and the course is designed to cover the basics needed to get started with beekeeping. Organizers say the fee includes the book First Lessons in Beekeeping, a binder with handouts, lunch, a one-year membership to NWGBA for new members, and a chance to win door prizes.
The event is sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association, Walker County Extension, Forester Farms & Apiary, and the Georgia Honey Bee License Plate Grant. For more information, visit the association’s event list online or email info@nwgabeekeepers.com
Forecasters say a high-impact winter storm is increasingly likely across Georgia this weekend, with freezing rain and ice expected to be the primary hazards and the potential for widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions. The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include most of North Georgia and a small portion of Central Georgia, with the watch starting 1:00 AM Saturday for the far northern tier and beginning 1:00 PM Saturday for areas generally near and south of I-20. Both time periods extend through 10:00 AM Monday.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, January 22, 2026:
A high-impact winter storm is expected to move into northern Georgia this weekend, and forecasters say the biggest concerns for Northwest Georgia are ice, dangerous travel, and possible power outages. A Winter Weather Watch begins at 1:00 a.m. Saturday and continues into Monday morning as multiple storm systems interact with a surge of Arctic air pushing south.
CRC Chattooga is asking for community volunteers as preparations increase for the possibility of opening a warming station this weekend if extreme cold conditions develop. Organizers say the ability to open the shelter depends entirely on having enough volunteers to staff it, noting that without sufficient help, the shelter cannot be operated safely. CRC Chattooga is seeking evening and overnight volunteers, and may also need day-shift volunteers if weather conditions limit travel. The group is also looking for people to help provide meals, which could include simple options like sandwich supplies and bread depending on power conditions, and volunteers willing to offer encouragement and support to guests. Those who can help are asked to use the sign-up link provided by CRC Chattooga to indicate how they can serve.
The Rome Emperors are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season and are inviting job seekers to a Seasonal Job Fair on two dates in February. The team will host the hiring events on February 10 and February 12 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in The Terrace at AdventHealth Stadium.
Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here
