GNB Update

Another workday is in the books...Here's the news...

If you plan to use fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Georgia's Insurance Commissioner urges you to use common sense. Ledger-Enquirer.com reports that Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine paid a visit to Columbus Tuesday to promote fireworks safety in the Peach State during the upcoming holiday. Individuals who buy fireworks that explode or shoot straight up into the air could find themselves in violation of Georgia law, says Oxendine. In 2005, lawmakers passed legislation allowing the use of non-explosive fireworks.

"7" is an unlucky number for one national restaurant chain. The Associated Press reports the Utah-based Flying J, Inc. is closing seven of its restaurants nationwide. One of those places closing is in the northeast Georgia town of Commerce. Company officials say the poor economy is to blame for the closing of those restaurants. Flying J filed for bankruptcy protection last December. The company plans to lay off 200 workers as a part of its reorganization.

Georgia's Author of the Year hails from one of the state's major universities. Dr. Frederick Downing of Valdosta State University earned recognition as the state's top writer by the Georgia Writer's Association on June 13. Downing won top honors for his biography of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. His entry was selected from more than 90 nominations in 12 separate categories.

Also see: WALB Albany article on Dr. Frederick Downing

Dr. Frederick Downing's Page from Valdosta State University

That's the news. GNB is available online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, and on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat. Have a good Tuesday night.