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Hey Valdosta, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Yellow-legged hornets, a back to school bash, and Georgia Bulldogs fall camp + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Invasive threat intensifies: Georgia officials trapped 866 yellow-legged hornets and eradicated 44 nests this year as hawking near beehives signaled secondary nesting, threatening bees and farms. Valdosta beekeepers should stay alert -- see how Georgia responds.
Questions linger for Georgia: Georgia Bulldogs begin fall camp this week, putting on pads for the first time since spring, with wide receiver battles and player development under scrutiny on an otherwise loaded roster -- read the full preview.
Signs of progress emerge: Georgia data showed school absenteeism fell to 17.7% in 2025-26, two points lower than last year and still above pre-pandemic levels. A 2025 law added attendance teams and license penalties -- see Georgia attendance gains.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
DIY win incoming: From anchors and setup hardware to windows, doors, flooring, and real-deal lumber, Triple H Mobile Home Parts stocks trusted brands like Mohawk, Shaw, and Georgia Pacific to keep your place sturdy and looking sharp. Need something specific? They handle special ordering, quick store pickup, and quotes so weekend projects actually finish on weekends.
Time to glow: SOGA Skin Renewal is the Valdosta spot for customized clinical facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and subtle permanent makeup that actually looks like you, just rested. Vickie also does paramedical tattooing and stretch mark restoration, ideal if you want real results without filters this week.
Room refresh, anyone? Make your place feel put together again this week with Hometown Furniture Valdosta, where you can actually sit-test those reclining living room sets, snag a sectional that fits your crew, pick dining you’ll use, and top it off with DreamCloud mattresses, home accents, and even appliances... all under one familiar roof.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎒 Back To School Bash @ KidsStreet Urgent Care | Friday (8/7) at 4:00 PM – Whether your kid is learning ABCs or rolling eyes through Algebra II, this free back-to-school bash at KidsStreet Urgent Care, naturally, brings bounce house fun and DJ foam party. First 300 get stuffed backpacks, plus giveaways like an Apple Watch, tablets, and a Switch Lite.
📅 August First Friday @ Downtown Valdosta | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats First Friday when downtown Valdosta rolls out chairs and riffs. 2South serves a free fix of classic rock and soul, plus a lineup of local shops, food trucks, and crafty folks. Think neighborly hangout, not frat party, just the way we like it.
🍖 Unity Park Fall BBQ Fest @ Unity Park Amphitheater | Saturday (10/10) at 10:00 AM – This BBQ cook-off at Unity Park is Valdosta, with pitmasters slinging plates, free entry, and your vote deciding the People’s Choice. Grab a $10 tasting pass for six bites, enjoy live music, browse local vendors, and let the kids bounce while you debate sauce loyalty. ✨ Upcoming local fundraisers🍽 6th Annual U-Nite Dinner @ Rainwater Conference Center | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – Grab your good blazer for the 6th Annual U-Nite Dinner from Greater Valdosta United Way and The Haven, featuring Braves legend Dale Murphy, yes, that one, with MVP tales and motivational chops. Good food, better company, and a cause worth showing up for.
🎰 16th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser @ Fox Hill (Hahira) | Friday (8/7) at 7:00 PM – Roll into Fox Hill Plantation for the 16th Annual Casino Night, a patriotic fundraiser with a Party in the U.S.A. theme, blackjack, roulette, craps, and silent auction. Come as Dolly or Washington, win prizes with funny money, enjoy the cash bar, and laugh about losing.
🏃 Run For Love 5K/1 Mile Fun Run @ ABAC's Red Hill Athletic Complex (Tifton) | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Whether you still have a letterman jacket or your cardio is chasing the dog, this 37-year Tifton tradition gets you moving at ABAC's Red Hill. Do the 5K or the one-miler, fuel Blue Devil cross country dinners, gear, and jackets, and maybe score a medal.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Valdosta report Weather forecastToday — High: 92°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 50%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny. High near 92, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 35%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis 4-bed, 3.5-bath home in Kinderlou Forest spans 2,650 square feet of polished comfort, with a dedicated office and three-car garage. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings with wood beams, and a gas fireplace set the tone, while the gourmet kitchen adds granite, a pot filler, wine fridge, and walk-in pantry. The screened porch and outdoor kitchen finish it beautifully.
Take a peek inside → |
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