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July 1, 2026

GNTC Awards First Disabled Veterans Support Scholarships

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College has announced the first recipients of the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship, with 12 students receiving awards for the summer 2026 semester.

The scholarship is funded through voluntary state income tax return donations and was created to support U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities as they pursue technical education in Georgia. The program is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation and is designed to help cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, required supplies and other real costs.

GNTC Military-Connected Services Coordinator Josh Hickman said the first semester of the scholarship program has been a success and said the 12 recipients are deserving of the support.

Recipients include students from Dalton, Rome, Euharlee, Adairsville, Rocky Face, Dallas, Canton and Cedartown. Their programs include supply chain management, healthcare management, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, welding, EMS professions, automation engineering and instrumentation controls.

Eligible veterans must be enrolled in a degree, diploma or technical certificate program and provide documentation showing a service-connected disability rating.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Offering Night Classes For Diesel Technician Program

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is making it easier for working adults and others with busy schedules to prepare for a career in the diesel industry by offering night classes in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

According to GNTC, diesel technicians are in high demand as freight transportation continues to grow, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including independent maintenance and repair shops, corporate fleet maintenance, truck leasing and rental operations, and trucking logistics facilities.

Early registration for fall classes is underway, with the registration deadline set for August 4.

For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology program or to apply, visit gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682.

June 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DeKalb County Hiring Event Set For June 25 In Fort Payne

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Job seekers from across Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to connect with regional employers during the DeKalb County Hiring Event on Thursday, June 25.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Wills Valley Recreation Center, located at 4420 Godfrey Avenue NE in Fort Payne.

Several employers are expected to participate, including G2, Siemens Energy, Plasman, DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Thrive Outdoor, Ferguson, and others. Organizers say the event is designed to bring employers and prospective employees together in one location, allowing job seekers to learn about available positions and meet directly with hiring representatives.

The hiring event is being presented through a partnership involving the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Payne, the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, Career Connect North Alabama, and AIDT.

Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register online, though walk-ins may also be welcomed.

Organizers say the event is ideal for those seeking a new career opportunity, exploring different industries, or looking to make connections with employers currently hiring throughout the region.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Highlands College To Celebrate Community Impact Day June 26

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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.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Surpasses 5 Million Jobs As Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.4 Percent

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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.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Twenty-Nine Students Earn HSE Diplomas Through GNTC Youth Success Academy

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Twenty-nine students received their High School Equivalency diplomas this week through the Youth Success Academy at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Among Highest Poverty Rates in Northwest Georgia, New Data Shows

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Nearly one out of every five residents in Chattooga County lives below the federal poverty line, giving the county one of the highest poverty rates in Northwest Georgia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and regional economic reports.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga High Welders Bring Home Second-Place National Finish

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The Chattooga High School Welding Fabrication Team has earned a remarkable second-place finish at the SkillsUSA National Championships, representing the State of Georgia against the nation’s top career and technical education students.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC, Floyd County Prison Partnership Opens Career Pathways for Offenders

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A partnership between Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Floyd County Prison is helping incarcerated individuals prepare for successful reentry into society through education and workforce training.

June 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Posts Highest Unemployment Rate On Regional Map

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New labor force numbers released for Northwest Georgia show Chattooga County with the highest unemployment rate listed on the latest regional map.