The jobless rate for Twiggs County in December 2012 was 12.4 percent.

Twiggs County was one of 67 Georgia counties that had a jobless rate of 10 percent or greater.

The jobless rate in December 2012 was also up for metro Macon.

According to a state news release, unemployment rose to 9.2 percent from November's 8.7 percent rate, but it was down from December 2011 when the rate was 9.5 percent.

Officials claim the rise comes from a combination of factors, including a "slight increase" in new layoffs and a reduction in the area work force.

The uptick reflects a similar statewide trend. However, the jobless rate across Georgia only rose one-tenth of percentage point while metro Macon's rate jumped five-tenths of a percentage point.

Did you recently graduate from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources hunter education course?

Then you're elgible for a free, three-month pass to any of the DNR's 18 shooting ranges.

Read for full details.

Twiggs County High School organizations came together during Christmas to Adopt a Family as a community service project.

Students involved in the Twiggs County High Scool Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Department, FBLA, FFA and AFJROTC collected nonperishable food, toys and clothing throughout December.

Three days before Christmas, Family and Children Services picked up the items and delivered the goods to a family.

Read the full release.