Georgia drivers are getting a break at the pump starting today. Governor Brian Kemp has suspended the state’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days, starting today and continuing through October 29th. The suspension removes 33-point-3 cents per gallon in state taxes on gasoline and 37-point-3 cents on diesel. The move comes as Georgia’s average gas price stands at $4.19 a gallon. Here in the Walker area, the average is slightly lower at $4.09 a gallon, according to AAA — one of the lowest averages in Georgia. But prices remain significantly higher than a year ago, with the statewide average up a dollar-31 per gallon. Kemp says the tax suspension is intended to provide relief for Georgia families and businesses dealing with higher costs. The order also suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles to help reduce transportation costs.
The City of LaFayette is doing playground maintenance today at the Rec Center. The playground will be closed until 10am this morning. The Playground at Traverse Park is open today.
Chickamauga residents will have a chance to help shape the future of Crystal Springs Mill. The City of Chickamauga is holding a community input meeting Thursday, October 8th, at 6 p.m. at the Lillian Ellis Center on Cove Road. Residents are being asked to share ideas about the future of the historic mill, as well as what the Chickamauga community needs most. The Georgia Conservancy will facilitate the discussion as city officials consider potential plans for the property. Organizers say plans are still taking shape, making public input an important part of the process.
A Ringgold man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine. 35-year-old Jerry Lamar Bramblett Junior entered the guilty plea September 25th. According to evidence presented in court, a joint task force involving the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, Dalton Police and the G-B-I conducted a surveillance operation involving Bramblett. Authorities say he was found with over three pounds of meth. Judge Scott Minter sentenced Bramblett to 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections and the remainder on probation. He was also ordered to pay a 50-thousand-dollar fine and complete 300 hours of community service. Bramblett’s guilty plea marks his sixth felony conviction. His prior convictions include multiple methamphetamine charges and felony fleeing to elude.