Northwest Georgia will enjoy cooler temperatures Friday before a warming trend settles in over the weekend, but rain and thunderstorms are expected to return beginning Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Forecasters say another half-inch to two inches of rain could fall across portions of the region through the weekend.
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point over the month to 3.3 percent.
That compares to 3.2 percent one year ago.
The region’s labor force increased by 2,155 over the month and by 4,086 over the year, reaching 459,952, an all-time high. The number of employed residents also rose, increasing by 2,996 over the month and 3,515 over the year to 444,625, also an all-time high.
Initial unemployment claims were up by 718 over the month and by 852 over the year, reaching 2,557.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the numbers are a strong sign during Economic Development Week, noting that more Georgians are securing jobs that support families and strengthen communities.
Allergy sufferers across Northwest Georgia are dealing with very high grass pollen levels today, creating a significant allergy risk throughout the area. Forecasters say the elevated pollen counts are expected to remain high through Friday.
Tree pollen levels are currently listed as moderate, but the high concentration of grass pollen is likely to trigger symptoms for many residents, including sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and headaches.
Recent warm temperatures combined with spring growth have helped fuel the increase in pollen across the region. Dry conditions and breezy weather can also allow pollen to spread more easily through the air.
Health experts recommend limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, keeping windows closed, showering after spending time outside, and taking allergy medications as directed.
Conditions could begin to improve later this weekend as increased rain chances move back into Northwest Georgia.
Rain will continue pushing out of Northwest Georgia this morning as a cold front moves away from the region. Behind it, high pressure will build in across Tennessee and North Georgia, bringing drier and cooler conditions through Friday.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners is set to hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex in LaFayette.
Georgia drivers are continuing to feel the impact of higher fuel prices, as the statewide average for regular gasoline holds at $3.85 per gallon.
State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.
Drivers across Georgia are seeing little change at the pump this week, with the statewide average for regular gasoline holding at $3.62 per gallon.
The Walker County Local Government Services building, located at 122 Highway 95 in Rock Spring, will reopen to the public on Monday, April 27th following a temporary closure caused by a burst pipe last week.
The incident resulted in water damage throughout the lower level of the building, prompting repairs and limited access to certain areas.
When the Tax Commissioner’s Office reopens Monday, officials say there will be limited public space available. Despite those constraints, all tag and tax services will still be offered to residents.
The Local Government Services building houses several key departments, including the Tax Commissioner’s Office, Assessors Office, Planning and Zoning, and Codes Enforcement. The Planning Office has already resumed operations, though with limited space for the public.













