Jobless rate drops to 7.9 percent

Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 8:58am

ATLANTA -- Metro Atlanta's unemployment rate dropped to 7.9 percent in March, down four-tenths of a percentage point from 8.3 percent in February.

In Hall County, the jobless rate was 6.8 percent in March.

State labor officials said Thursday the rate declined because of an increase in the number of jobs and fewer new layoffs.

Metro Athens had the state's lowest jobless rate at 5.9 percent.

The Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 10.4 percent.

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USA Today Metro Atlanta Super 25 Baseball Poll

Submitted by Sam Crenshaw, 11Alive Sports Anchor

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 10:47pm

ATLANTA -- The latest edition of the USA Today Metro Atlanta Baseball Poll is here, just in time for the region playoffs. There are lots of changes in the Top 10 this week as we gear up for the state tournament.

The Gainesville Red Elephants are riding high in the top spot this week with Milton second. Loganville, Blessed Trinity, and McEachern complete the Top 5.

East Coweta, Walton, Grayson, Lambert, and Johns Creek complete this week's Top 10.

The Metro Atlanta Super 25 Poll is computer generated and produced by USA Today High School Sports exclusively for 11Alive News.

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Atlanta DEA takes on sixth annual Drug Take-Back Day

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 6:22pm

Atlanta DEA takes on sixth annual Drug Take-Back Day

(ATLANTA) -- The Drug Enforcement Office of Atlanta is holding the sixth annual nationwide prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at several area locations.

The drug take-back service is free and open to the public. It follows a "no questions asked" theme according to Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell.

He says the opportunity to get rid of pill abuse and theft by having all people bring their expired, unused or unwanted prescriptions to the event is something embraced by all. Since September 2010, law enforcement agencies in thousands of American communities have teamed with the DEA to take in over 2 million pounds, almost 1,018 of prescriptions.

There will be numerous sites set up on Saturday to accept drugs from Georgia residents - all in an effort the increase public safety and public health.

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Falcons begin offseason workouts

Submitted by Jenna Herb, Sports Producer

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, 9:40pm

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The NFL draft begins Thursday. The Falcons have the 30th pick in the first round.

Today in Flowery Branch the team was back at work for day two of voluntary workouts. Under the new collective bargaining agreement the players are more accountable to keep themselves in shape and quarterback Matt Ryan is impressed with how the team looks as they begin their offseason workouts.

The team also addressed the upcoming draft. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux says he'd like to see the Falcons make defense their top priority in this week's NFL draft.

Some important names were missing from the 2012 defense when the Falcons had the second day of their offseason program Tuesday. End John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson were released. Cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Chris Owens and tackle Vance Walker left as free agents.

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Georgia Walmart stores reach all-time high for charity giving

Submitted by Holly Pennebaker, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013, 2:38pm

Georgia Walmart stores reach all-time high for charity giving

(WXIA) -- During the company's last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation exceeded $1 billion in charitable donations for the first time.

A spokeswoman for the retail chain said they gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions; $37 million of that total was given by stores in Georgia and went to local non-profits. One of those was HomeAid Atlanta.

"At Walmart we believe in supporting our neighbors and communities," Bill Wertz, director of communications for Walmart said. "We want to so what we can to give those we serve better options and better lives, and one way we can do that is through our giving. We are using our size and the unique strengths of our business to address the issues on which we can have the greatest impact - building programs in areas such as hunger relief, job training and support of local schools."

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Hall Co. commissioners to attend Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Submitted by Eden Godbee, Where U Live Producer

Monday, April 22nd, 2013, 4:51pm

HALL COUNTY, Ga. -- Members of the Hall County Board of Commissioners plan to be in attendance at the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Luncheon on Thursday.

The luncheon and meeting will be held at the Gainesville Civic Center on April 25 from noon util 1:30 p.m.

Non-members are invited to attend the luncheon and admission costs $12 per person. Lunch will consist of light fare, sandwiches and wraps.

The topic of discussion is "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" -- however, agenda items include normal orders of business.

The Gainesville Civic Center is located at 830 Green Street in Gainesville.

To join, visit the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce online.

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