Big news for Walker County — GE Appliances is bringing more work to its Roper plant in LaFayette as part of a $3 billion investment to expand U.S. manufacturing. The company announced it will move gas range production from Mexico to LaFayette, boosting operations at the county’s largest employer. The plant already produces cooktops, ranges, and ovens under several GE brands. The move is part of a nationwide effort to shift production from China and Mexico back to U.S. soil. GE says the investment will create over 1,000 new jobs nationwide over the next five years, though it’s not yet clear how many will be added in LaFayette. Other changes include moving refrigerator production to Alabama, water heaters to South Carolina, and washer manufacturing to Kentucky. GE Appliances says it’s committed to U.S. production and has now invested $6.5 billion in its American plants and distribution network since 2016.
If your driving I-75 through Whitfield County next week be advised — overnight lane closures are planned for bridge repairs. Starting Tuesday night at 8, two northbound lanes will shut down over Peavine Creek between mile markers 352 and 353. Then Wednesday night, crews will close two northbound lanes over State Route 146, between mile markers 353 and 354. Both closures run overnight until 6 a.m. the next morning. Expect delays and drive with caution.
Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in July, down slightly from June and nearly a full point below the national average. Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes says more Georgians are entering the workforce, and unemployment has now declined for 11 straight months. The state lost 500 jobs in July but added nearly 27,000 over the past year. Health care and social assistance led all sectors, reaching a record 625,500 jobs. Initial unemployment claims rose in July but remain lower than this time last year.
LaFayette wants your help picking this year’s Christmas Parade theme! Head to the Downtown LaFayette Facebook page and vote using emojis — from Christmas movies and stories to songs and global traditions, there are five festive options to choose from. Voting runs through Sunday, August 17th, and the winning theme will be announced Monday, August 18th. Drop your float ideas in the comments and help make this year’s parade one to remember!
The Lady Ramblers softball team cruised to a 10–2 win over Northwest Whitfield Wednesday night. Bralie Blevins led the charge, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Emma House added two hits, an RBI, and scored three runs, while Emma Parker chipped in with two hits and a run. Addi Hogue struck out seven over four innings and went 2-for-4 at the plate. Both varsity and JV head to Adairsville Monday — varsity at 5:30, JV follows.
LaFayette opens the football season tonight at home against Chattooga County. If you can’t make it out, we’ve got all the action on Georgia 93-7. Elsewhere in High School Football, its the 91st meeting of the State’s Longest Continuous Rivalry when Trion travels to Gordon Lee.