The unemployment figures for May were released last week by Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, and unadjusted calculations show the rates are continuing to rise in the Heart of Georgia reporting area of which Toombs and Montgomery Counties are part.The preliminary unemployment rate for the area rose to 10.1 percent. A county-by-county comparison in the area shows Toombs County’s rate was…see page 1A.

New technology between Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia and St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah may mean the difference in the survival rate of victims of strokes.Through the use of a networked computer between the two facilities, neurologists in Savannah can diagnose a stroke for immediate…see page 1A.

The GRPA Junior boys 1st District Tournament took place in Thomson, June 19-24. Lyons and Vidalia battled their way through to face each other in the Championship Game, with one team headed to state.In the first round, Vidalia kicked things off with a rout of Thomson, 18-0. Lyons took their first round game over Dublin 9-1 to advance to the second round. In the second round, the two local teams met. Vidalia came out as the victory…see page 1B.

The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association held its 1st District Midget Girls Tournament at the Vidalia Recreation Department, June 19-23. Vidalia came through with the championship win, and remained undefeated throughout the tournament.In the first round, Lyons got the local teams started with a victory over Effingham County by the score of 17-1. Lyons scored all 17 runs in the first inning, and held on for the three inning run rule.Vidalia took on Dublin…see page 1B.

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