Jobless rate down in Cartersville/Bartow vs. Sept. 2009 but climbs compared to August 2010. Chamber Expo is today at Brown Center. Chilly weekend nights ahead.

Please click www.bartowheadlines.com:

Jobless trends: Most see improvement from August, year-ago stats

September report	September Employed	September Unemployed	September % jobless	August % jobless	Sept. 2009 % jobless
Bartow	39,954	5,239	11.6%	11.1%	12.8%
Chattooga	9,013	1,236	12.1%	13.3%	11.7%
Floyd	43,658	5,015	10.3%	10.8%	10.9%
Gordon	21,561	2,926	11.9%	12.5%	13.0%
Polk	18,423	2,081	10.1%	10.5%	10.7%
State	4,201,901	464,785	10.0%	10.3%	10.1%

Source: Georgia Department of Labor

-The final batch of unemployment stats before Tuesday's general election showed more positives than negatives for Northwest Georgia. In most cases, the September jobless rate was down in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon and Polk counties compared to the same month last year. Chattooga posted the only increase, from 11.7 to 12.1 percent.

-Compared to August reports, Bartow showed the only increase, from 11.1 percent to 11.5 percent. One factor could have been Mohawk's closing of a spun yarn plant in August, wiping out 229 jobs. Bartow also was the only county in the market reporting an increase in the number of people unemployed, up 234 from the previous month.

-Rome/Floyd County saw a drop in people unemployment, from 5,299 to 5,015--equal to a sold out crowd at State Mutual Stadium when the Braves play at home.

-The Rome/Floyd numbers were something of a surprise with the loss of Pierre Foods in August, including 350 jobs. Rome did see a 300-plus drop in the local labor force, in part attributable to the CCH Small Firm Services exodus from West Rome to Kennesaw.

-What's next: Look for retailers to continue some hiring for the Christmas shopping season now under way (Santa arrives in just over two weeks at Mount Berry Square).

-As of today: No significant job/career fairs are posted for our area. The next big hire: full-time and part-time jobs with Mellow Mushroom in Rome in December.

-Closer look at the statewide report: Business

Oct. 28: Bartow chamber's 2010 Business Showcase ready. With the theme "Roll Out the Red Carpet for Business in Bartow," the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce's annual business showcase is set for 3-7 p.m. This year, it moves to the Brown Center across from the Georgia Highlands' Bartow campus. On tap: More than 70 booths and exhibitors; additional updates. Details: Chamber

Oct. 28: Flu shots available at Bartow Public Health: The Bartow County Health Department will be offering flu shots to everyone over six months of age from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.at the Civic Center (next to the Bartow County Public Library), 435 W. Main St. The flu shot will cost $20; Medicare, Medicaid, cash, check and credit card will be accepted as well as Wellcare, Amerigroup, PeachState and State Employee Insurance (UHC and CIGNA). Pneumonia shots will be available for those persons meeting the high-risk criteria and will be provided at no charge through a state grant. For more information about flu shots, contact the Bartow County Health Department at 77o-382-1920. For more information about flu, go to www.cdc.gov/flu

Key dates for Nov. 2 general election voting:

-Advance voting continues through Friday, Oct. 29 at Bartow County Annex Building, 105 N. Bartow St. and at Cartersville Civic Center, 435 W. Main St. Hours: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

-Your link to the sample ballots: Click Bartow.

-Election day voting: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 2 at your precinct.

Latest updates from the chamber of commerce. Click

Wednesday's Bartow County Jail reports. Click and Click

Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 74, low of 39.
-Friday: Sunny but only 66 with a low of 34.
-Weekend: Clear skies, highs in the low 70s, lows in the upper 30s.

-Extended forecast: Click / Regional radar: Click

Norman Arey's Sports Commentary. Arey

-Be true to your school even if it kills you, no matter if it means staying away from fried okra.

John McClellan's Week 10 high school picks. Click McClellan

-A key look at the post-season. Plus:

-Cartersville up 30 more than Pickens.

-Adairsville falls to Rockmart.

-Woodland falls to Creekview.

-Plus: regional predictions. Click McClellan

Shorter Hawks football. Hawks

-Hawks (4-4) host Webber Int. at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Barron Stadium.

Rome Braves/State Mutual Stadium. Click Sports

-Nov. 12: Braves Celebrity Shootout golf match.