Cartersville, Bartow see dip in June jobless rate vs. June 09--but rise vs. May 2010. Latest politics. Heat gets dangerous.

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June's jobless rate: Up from May, down from a year earlier

	June 2010 Employed	June 2010 Unemployed	June 2010 % jobless	May 2010 % jobless	June 2009 % jobless
Bartow	39,928	5,048	11.2%	10.9%	11.9%
Chattooga	9,026	1,147	11.3%	10.6%	13.0%
Floyd	44,522	5,296	10.6%	10.2%	13.0%
Gordon	21,388	3,074	12.6%	12.4%	13.2%
Polk	18,423	2,168	10.8%	10.2%	10.9%
State	4,202,137	482,758	10.3%	9.8%	10.2%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor. Click

Yet again, another mixed report on local employment.

-On the plus side: the jobless rate dropped in June in our five-county market when compared to June 2009.

-The big negative: The unemployment rate climbed vs. May 2010 reports.

-Also of concern: This caveat was included in the state Labor Department media release: "The U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Georgia lost more jobs from June 2009 to June 2010 than any other state but California." Ouch.

-What's ahead: Floyd County is about to be hit hard as 350 jobs are lost when Pierre Foods closes next month. Another 230 jobs will leave Bartow County as Mohawk closes the spun yarn plant. And none of that counts nearly 400 jobs at CCH Small Firm Services as the company moves to Kennesaw this month and next.

-More local, state employment stats. Click Business

Politics

Local candidates for statewide office reflect on Tuesday, look to next challenge

-From John Barge, GOP school superintendent candidate, on his win:

"We're very excited that we won the primary and will be representing the Republican party in November. It is very humbling and I'm very grateful for the support around the state and looking forward to becoming the next School Superintendent of Georgia. I absolutely have to start raising some money and I will be hitting the ground running with fund-raisers next week. I will also be keeping up my grassroots efforts… modern technology is wonderful and I will continue to use e-mail and Facebook to reach people. Right now, my campaign is regrouping and planning our strategy to distinguish ourselves from the Democratic opposition." (vs. Democrat Joe Martin)

-Post-primary update from Sen. Preston Smith, in a runoff for the GOP attorney general nomination: "We had a great night and did well considering that we didn't enter the race until late April. We had a lot of momentum statewide and I feel good about the run-off. We've got a lot of momentum and I hope to carry that forward and encourage people to get to polls. We are going to continue to get out to the people and share our message. Really just encourage people to vote because it is even more important now because turnout is usually very low for a run-off." (vs. Sam Olens)

-Gingrey, Graves among first to join Tea Party Caucus: U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey and U.S. Rep. Tom Graves among Georgians in the group. AJC / Photo

Bartow County's primary runoff ballot for Aug. 10:

In addition to statewide candidates on both sides of the ballot, some Bartow voters will decide:

-House District 14 race: Republicans Christian Coomer vs. Shep Helton. Winner faces Democrat Dan Ledford Nov. 3. Five votes separated Coomer and Helton with the rest going to Greg Bowen. Will a Bowen endorsement help either candidate? Fourteen precincts vote in this one next month, seven in mostly eastern Floyd County and seven in Bartow County. Helton carried Bartow County by 200 votes; Coomer did the same in Floyd.

-July 24: Bartow County Democratic Party will meet for the County Caucus to elect delegates for the state Democratic Convention in August. Meeting at IHOP, 640 E. Main Street, at 4 p.m. Contact J.M. Prince, Chair, with any questions or issues of concern: 770.386.1379 or Cell 404.285.1450.

-July 24: Bartow GOP to feature runoff candidates: 9 a.m., at party headquarters, 162 W. Main St., Suite 106.

Wednesday report from the Bartow County Jail. Click

Aug. 14: The Etowah Jazz Society Big Band will be performing at Gunn Contracting pavillion by the creek from 6 to 9 p.m. BBQ plates will be available. Tickets are on sale at all Bartow County Bank locations or contact Pam Brown 770-655-3853. Proceeds goes to the American Cancer Society.

Bartow County Schools open house set for Aug. 5-6

-Thursday, Aug. 5: Elementary schools, 4 until 6 p.m.. Middle schools: 5-7 p.m. High schools, grades 10-12, 6-8 p.m.

-Friday, Aug. 6: High school freshman open house, 4:30-6 p.m.

-Additional details: County schools' website

Your latest forecast:

-Thursday: High of 95, low of 69. Rain chance: 30%. Heat index: 103.

-Friday: High of 99, low of 72. Rain chance: 20%. Heat index: 105.

-Weekend preview:  No relief! Highs in the upper 90s.

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional animated radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-It's about time for Southern Cal; are we going to see A.J. Green in Bulldog backfield?  

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Rome rebounds, beats Legends, 9-5.

-Legends vs. Rome tonight at 7.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos. (Click)