South Georgia gas prices dip a little

VALDOSTA, Ga.  — Gas prices in Valdosta eased off a little last week, according to weekly fuel statistics. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the city Saturday was $2.11, down a penny from the previous week, according to the gas tracking website gasbuddy.com. The cheapest gas in Valdosta Saturday was $1.93 a gallon at a retailer on U.S. 84, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Four other retailers also had fuel for less than $2 a gallon Saturday, up from just one retailer the previous Saturday, the auto club said. Nationally, the average gasoline price Saturday was $2.18, down four cents from seven days previously, while Georgia’s average price was $2.20, dipping four cents from the previous week, AAA said. In energy futures trading Friday, benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.25, or 2.8 percent, to close at $43.41 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, slid $1.09, or 2.4 percent, to close at $44.75 a barrel in London. While drivers in a number of states are paying less at the pump week over week, some volatility remains in Southeastern portions of the United States where gasoline prices saw upward momentum as a result of the recent Colonial Pipeline disruption, the auto club said.

 

Special election called to fill state Senate seat

DALTON, Ga. — Just weeks after re-electing Republican Charlie Bethel to the Georgia Senate, voters of the state’s 54th District will return to the polls to elect a new senator. Bethel, a Dalton native, was re-elected to the Senate on Nov. 8. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Bethel the next day as a judge to the state Court of Appeals. Now, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp has set a special election to fill what would have been Bethel’s fourth term in office for Tuesday, Dec. 13. Early voting starts Nov. 28. Qualifying for the post is Nov. 15 through Nov. 18 in Atlanta. The special election is nonpartisan, but candidates may list a party affiliation by their names on the ballot. The 54th Senate District includes parts of Whitfield, Murray and Fannin counties.

 

Taste Suwannee serves up local flavor

LIVE OAK, Fla. — The 4th Annual Taste Suwannee returns Tuesday, Nov 15, at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Hall. From 6-8:30 p.m., Taste Suwannee showcases food from a variety of restaurants and caterers as well as live musical performances by Brittanie Powell and The Music Center of Live Oak String Ensemble. All proceeds from Taste Suwannee will support Suwannee Education Foundation in purchasing college scholarships for underprivileged students and classroom equipment for teachers. Suwannee Education Foundation is excited to showcase the best cuisine in Suwannee County prepared by restaurants including The Brown Lantern, The 406 on Duval, Starling’s Fine Steak and Seafood, Live Oak Frozen Treats, Beef O’ Brady’s, Sakura, Stoudemire’s BBQ, Pomodoro’s Italian Cuisine, SOS Café, Steph’s Confections, RIVEROAK Technical College Culinary, Branford High School Culinary and others. A $20 donation is all it takes to enjoy this special tasting party. Purchase tickets now to enjoy this lively night of food, music, friends, and giving back to the community. Tickets will not be sold at the door.  Call, text, or e-mail Katherine Haney to purchase tickets (386) 688-7182, katmhaney@gmail.com.