Author: Ethan Jordan

Unemployment rate inches up for October in the Georgia Mountains Region. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said last week that the Georgia Mountains Region saw the number of unemployed residents climb and its unemployment rate tick up in October. The unemployment rate for October was 3.7 percent; whereas in September the rate was 3.6 percent. The rate rose as the […]

For the first time ever, the Historic Ritz Theatre’s Open Mic Monday contest selects co-winners.   Ashley Strickland and Will Fowler, both of Franklin County; and Hailey Little, of Franklin County, and Ethan Smith, of Hart County, the paired duo’s tied for first place in last week’s third round of competition held at the Historic Ritz Theatre on Monday. Historic Ritz […]

As the Christmas holiday season gets underway many of us will be donating to charities as part of our holiday giving. With that in mind, the Better Business Bureau is urging people to give wisely. Northeast Georgia Better Business Bureau President Fred Elsberry said people should be very careful when considering where to donate their money not only during the […]

While thousands of consumers are taking advantage of today’s Black Friday sales, Mainstreet Toccoa is reminding you that local shops downtown will be open for Small Business Saturday. First observed nationally in 2010, Small Business Saturday or Shop Small Saturday is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores. Mainstreet spokesman Christian […]

More than 45 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving Day, with a never-ending list of side dishes and desserts. The Thanksgiving meal is by far the largest and most stressful meal many consumers prepare all year, leaving room for mistakes that can make guests sick. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service is offering a […]

Triple-A is predicting another record breaking year for Thanksgiving travelers. Nationwide, they expect just over 50-million Americans will travel 50 miles or further to spend the holiday with friends and family. That’s a 3.3% increase over last year. This year’s travel period begins tonight at 6 p.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Harris Blackwood is with the Governor’s […]

Main Street Toccoa’s Christmas Fest is slated to begin next weekend, to kick-off the Christmas season. Both Friday and Saturday will provide the public with several opportunities to take-in the festivities of the holiday season. The 8th annual event includes carolers, open shops and restaurants, Santa, a live nativity, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn […]