The Georgia Department of Labor reports that the unemployment rate in the Georgia Mountains area remained unchanged at 3.9 percent from September to October. However, the rate for Hall County rose to 3.7 percent in October, up 0.1 percent from 3.6 percent in September.

Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate rose to 4.7 percent in October, up 0.1 percent from 4.6 percent in September and 0.2 percent from 4.5 percent in October 2006. The state's rate was 0.3 percent higher than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 4.4 percent in October.

The state's rate rose in October because 4,471 more jobless residents were added to the unemployment rolls, while 20,739 more job seekers entered the work force.

Wrigley, Texaco/Havoline to sponsor Montoya in 2008
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., the world's No. 1 maker of chewing gum, will join Texaco/Havoline as primary sponsors of Juan Pablo Montoya's No. 42 Dodge Charger for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Wrigley operates its largest chewing gum factory in Flowery Branch.

A veteran driver of open-wheeled racers, Montoya was named "Rookie of the Year" in his first NASCAR season this year.