Record unemployment rate for state, 9.3%; 190,000 jobs gone
February's jobless rate sets another record: During the 1982 recession, Georgia saw the jobless rate climb to 8.3 percent in back-to-back months. In the current recession, the unemployment rate hit 8.5 percent in January and 9.3 percent last month. Adding to the misery: 190,000 jobs have vanished since February 2008, including 21,000 jobs lost between January and February of this year, the state Labor Department reports. County jobless reports are due later this month.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported today that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.3 percent in February, the highest rate ever recorded in Georgia. The previous high was a revised 8.5 percent in January.
>From the Labor Department: 445,498 unemployed Georgians are looking for work, an increase of 69.2 percent over the year. Of that number, 159,359, or 35.8 percent, are receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
>Who lost their jobs: The number of payroll jobs in February decreased 189,800, or 4.6 percent, from February 2008. The losses came in manufacturing and construction, trade, transportation and warehousing, along with professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies.
>And who's hiring: Jobs were added in educational and health services, state and local education, and with the federal government.
>Northwest Georgia Regional job fair March 25; 50 to 75 jobs to fill: A job fair is set for next Wednesday at the hospital's gym at 705 N. Division St., according to the state Labor office. Needed are 50 to 75 health service technicians, nurses, social service providers and behavioral psychologists.
Latest Census estimates: Bartow, Gordon, Polk set pace
| July 1, 2008 | April 1, 2000 | Percent change | |
| Bartow | 94,193 | 76,019 | 24.8% |
| Chattooga | 26,801 | 25,470 | 5.2% |
| Floyd | 95,980 | 91,263 | 5.2% |
| Gordon | 52,800 | 44,104 | 19.7% |
| Polk | 42,018 | 38,127 | 10.2% |
| Georgia | 9,685,744 | 8,186,453 | 18.3% |
Source: U.S. Census. Click 2008
Even in recessionary times, people are on the move and the latest Census data shows at least three Northwest Georgia counties saw double-digit growth: Bartow, Gordon and Polk. Georgia grew by 18.3% (nearly 1.5 million people).
The latest Census data includes population estimates from last July 1. We've compared those reports with the April 1, 2000, Census data to chart growth in our region and the state:
-Bartow set the pace with a growth rate of almost 25 percent or 18,174 people.
-No. 2 was Gordon at nearly 20 percent or 8,696 people.
-Polk was third at just over 10 percent or 3,891 new residents.
-Floyd and Chattooga tied at roughly 5.2 percent. Floyd had 4,717 new residents and Chattooga had 1,331 newcomers.
Teya Ryan to head Georgia Public Broadcast, including WGPB 97.7 FM:
CNN veteran Teya Ryan has been named executive director of Georgia Public Broadcasting's television and radio organization. GPB operates WGPB 97.7 FM, based in Heritage Hall in downtown Rome> Chronicle
Broad Street, by the book(s): With the addition of Small Tales, a book store for children, Broad Street is developing something of a book nook.
>Start with Dogwood Books and Antiques at 240 Broad St., home to more than 15,000 used and rare books as well as antique dealers and collectibles. Kenneth Studdard, who just signed a new lease, has been there for two years and before that had a spot for three years in the Roman Antique Mall. He's also about to become a member of the Georgia Antiquarian Booksellers Association
>Next was Paradise Lost Books at 407-B Broad St., with a new spin on the former used book store at that site.
>Now comes Small Tales, offering slightly used books for children to teens as well as toys and games. The new shop at 307 Broad St. will have story times and related events in coming weeks. It is owned by Rebecca and Michael Waugh.
State note to Rome/Floyd retailers in error; no change in 7% tax rate:
The sales tax rate remains at 7 percent effective April 1 despite an erroneous report sent to local merchants by the state Department of Revenue. An education SPLOST retires at month's end and voters approved a new for the same rate beginning April 1. Floyd school officials are anxious for the correct to be noted as it would impact money coming in for new projects in the county and city schools. Among them: the new Model High. Groundbreaking is set for May 22.
-AJC: GOP cuts $1.9 million requested by Democratic Rep. Rick Crawford for Rockmart Library renovation> AJC
Campus Headlines
-CVTC's final graduation ceremony is Thursday at The Forum> CH
-Giozuetta fund OKs $750,000 for new Berry Hispanic/Latino grant> CH
-Latest personnel updates from Shorter College> Shorter
New/Weekly Stargazer's Journal by Dr. Bob Young> Romesg
Latest updates from the Rome/Floyd County Library> Click
iPhone users who get our e-mail updates: Some iPhone customers are seeing just a half screen of our new Constant Contact e-mail updates. If you're among them, just send us an e-mail and put "TEXT" in the subject line> E-mail
-And thanks to Amy G for the solution on this.
WeatherCenter/brought to you by Roman Court
-Hazardous Weather Outlook: Possible isolated thunderstorms.
-Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 73.
-Thursday night: Partly cloudy, low around 41.
-Friday, first day of spring: Sunny, with a high near 65. Gusts to 20 mph.
-Weekend: Mid 60s both days, lows near 40. Mostly sunny skies.
-For more, click WeatherCenter
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota
-Just how common are Eagles? A rule to live by: never curse the officials.
Click Arey
Berry's Lady Vikings eliminated from NAIA tourney, 72-51: Berry and Vanguard kept it close until the final five minutes> Vikings
Rome Braves preseason updates
-Former Braves catcher Javy Lopez to throw first pitch Opening Night.
-Single ticket sales under way at State Mutual Stadium
Downtown Headlines
-What's ahead in downtown Rome's entertainment scene: CVTC graduation. Click Downtown
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