ALBANY, GA (WALB)- When times are tough, small businesses usually take the hardest hit but when things start looking up, they're often the quickest to recover.

That's exactly what the Albany Chamber of Commerce says they've been seeing recently in the area.

"Was a good indication of the success, you know, that our small businesses have had over the last couple of years, but it's still going to take some time to rebound," said Chris Hardy, President and CEO of Albany area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau.

ALBANY, GA (WALB)- It's graduation time for high schools in Dougherty County and students are ready to embark on their next journey.

230 graduates received their high school diplomas from Westover Comprehensive High School Saturday morning. This year the school had 54 honor students. Altogether, the Westover grads received over 1 million dollars in scholarships. Many say they're sad their high school experience is over but they're glad to have graduated from Westover High.

ALBANY, GA (WALB)- Twelve years after he was supposed to graduate, an Albany man will finally walk across the stage and get his high school diploma Saturday.

31 year old Latreal McDaniel attended graduation practice today with the 2013 Dougherty High School seniors.