Walker County’s unemployment rate stands at 3-point-4 percent, according to the latest labor numbers for Northwest Georgia. Nearby counties also reported low jobless rates, including Dade at 3-point-2 percent, Gordon at 3-point-1, and Floyd at 3-point-3 percent. Chattooga County posted the region’s highest unemployment rate at 4-point-7 percent. Northwest Georgia’s overall unemployment rate dropped to 2-point-7 percent, while employment across the region reached an all-time high of more than 446-thousand workers. Employers continue hiring in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, construction, and skilled trades.
Sample ballots are now available for Georgia’s June 16th runoff election in Walker County. Republican voters will decide runoff races for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State School Superintendent, and Public Service Commissioner District 5. Democratic voters will see runoff races for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Insurance, and Commissioner of Labor. Election officials encourage voters to review their sample ballot before heading to the polls. Additional election information is available through the Walker County Elections Office.
Drivers using Wilson Road between Walker County and Chattanooga will need to take a detour beginning Thursday, June 4th. The City of Chattanooga says the Wilson Road Bridge over Chattanooga Creek is being closed after a state inspection found structural deficiencies in the 64-year-old bridge. The crossing will remain closed until repairs are completed and the bridge passes a future inspection. Detour signs and barricades will be posted, and drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and follow the marked routes during the closure.
Georgia hunters can begin applying for quota hunts starting June 1st through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources online system. Available hunts include deer, alligator, dove, waterfowl, youth, and specialty hunts held on Wildlife Management Areas across the state. Wildlife officials say quota hunts help manage wildlife populations while providing safe, high-quality hunting opportunities. Most deer hunt applications are due by September 1st. Hunters can apply online through the Go Outdoors Georgia website.