Summerville Main Street’s Christmas Open House is happening today and tomorrow, with free admission. The event offers many photo opportunities and holiday experiences for families.
The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) announces an extension of the deadline to enroll in coverage that will begin on January 1, 2025. “Open Enrollment is the optimal time for Georgians to explore affordable options for health coverage,” said Commissioner King.
According to a press release from the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, on December 5, 2024, Christopher Bullock was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony. His trial started on December 2, 2024, presided over by Judge Don Thompson. The evidence showed that on October 5, 2023, Bullock shot his girlfriend, Tammy Cropper, multiple times and then shot himself. Cropper’s grandson discovered Bullock afterward. The investigation revealed Bullock’s gun was used, and surveillance showed no one else entered the apartment. Bullock confessed to shooting himself and had motives linked to his failed relationships and job loss. After 20 minutes of deliberation, the jury convicted him, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller thanked law enforcement for their work in seeking justice.
Georgia US Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock introduced legislation to honor former President Jimmy Carter and the late first lady Rosalynn Carter by renaming the Plains, Ga., Post Office.
Today is Friday the 13th, a date seen as unlucky by many people. It is the second and last Friday the 13th of the year, sharing attention with Taylor Swift, who turns 35 today.
New and returning state lawmakers met in Athens this week to learn about the legislative process and state policy.
The Biennial Institute, held at the University of Georgia, lasted three days and concluded with an address from Gov. Brian Kemp, who outlined his key legislative priorities, including relief for Hurricane Helene.
Kemp mentioned that his team is working on a state relief package to be introduced in the first week of the new session. House Speaker Jon Burns supported quick passage of the Helene relief, suggesting that some legislation could follow the approach used for the Hurricane Michael relief in 2017.
Kemp noted that tort reform is also important for small business owners, while Burns emphasized mental health as a top priority for the House. The 2025 legislative session begins on January 13.
As Georgia wraps up a brisk holiday season marked by lower temperatures, residents are preparing to witness a celestial event that aligns perfectly with the season: the Cold Moon. The Cold Moon, which occurs in December, derives its name from the long, frigid nights characteristic of this time of year. According to NASA, the name was popularized by the Maine Farmers’ Almanac, which began publishing Native American names for full moons in the 1930s. Over the years, “The Cold Moon” has become a widely recognized term, evoking imagery of frosty evenings and the peacefulness of winter. In addition to the Cold Moon, this month’s full moon is also known by several other names that reflect the essence of December. Among them are the Frost Moon, the Winter Moon, the Moon before Yule, the Oak Moon, the Long Night Moon, and the Child Moon. Each name tells a story of seasonal change and the traditions that accompany it. The Cold Moon will reach peak illumination over Georgia at 4:01 a.m. Sunday.
A 33-year-old woman, Kortni Hales Cruce, was arrested on December 3rd after being pulled over for speeding and suspected driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. According to the police report, Corporal Corey Fielding responded to a call for assistance at approximately 10:33 PM at the Dollar General Store on Highway 48. Deputies had initiated a traffic stop after clocking Cruce’s vehicle traveling at 81 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Fielding approached Cruce’s vehicle and immediately detected the odor of alcohol. During the initial questioning, Cruce admitted to consuming one margarita around 8 PM that evening. Observations of her condition indicated “heavy” and “watery” eyes, raising further concerns about her sobriety. Fielding conducted a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and a breathalyzer test subsequently revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .112, exceeding the legal limit. Despite being read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice, Cruce initially consented to a chemical blood test but later refused to participate in the testing process. As a result, she was arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Cruce has been charged with DUI (misdemeanor) and speeding, and was served with an Administrative License Suspension for her refusal to submit to further testing.
New Laws will begin in Georgia on Jan. 1, 2025, changing tax policy, election laws, and education.
A Floyd County man, Robert Keith Tincher III, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday for the murder of his grandmother, Doris Cummings. During the virtual sentencing hearing from Floyd County Jail, Tincher showed no emotion or remorse. He had pleaded guilty to killing Cummings and putting her alive into a freezer.