‘Nutcracker’ to be presented in Dalton once again

DALTON, Ga. — For more than 25 years, “The Nutcracker” ballet has been a tradition during the holiday season for the northwest Georgia region. “Nutcracker 2018,” presented by the Dalton Arts Project, will feature more than 350 local and guest performers for eight performances — Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p,m. — in the Dalton High School theater, 1500 Manly St. Tickets are $13 to $18 and go on sale to the public on Monday at 411 North Park Drive in Dalton. Bring one can of food for the local food bank and get $1 off your ticket price. Call the Dalton Arts Project at 706-529-ARTS (2787) for more information.

VSU celebrates Lighting of the Palms Nov. 27 

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta State University hosts its annual Holiday Celebration and Lighting of the Palms at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, on the West Hall Front Lawn. Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of the university, invites everyone in the Valdosta and Lowndes County area to attend this magical event featuring a musical performance by the VSU Spotlighters, pictures with Santa Blaze, sweets and treats, and activities for all ages. Greek Life encourages attendees to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. On the Web: www.valdosta.edu

HCI sergeant arrested for unlawful compensation

JASPER, Fla. — A Hamilton Correctional Institution officer was arrested last week for unlawful compensation after introducing contraband in the prison.

According to the affidavit, Sergeant Tara Marie Simpson, 27, became the subject of an investigation in September when an inmate told HCI security staff that the suspect bringing contraband into the prison as well as being involved in a sexual relationship with an inmate.

The inmate alleged that the suspect brought MDMA, cell phones and cigarettes into the HCI Work Camp in July and inmates wired money to another inmate’s mother who then wired the money to the suspect, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit states the suspect then met another family member of one of the inmates to obtain the requested contraband, sometimes being given additional cash payments during the meetings, and then smuggled the contraband to the inmates.

The inmate provided authorities two money wire transfer numbers he had recorded in an address book, according to the affidavit.

Authorities then obtained information from the financial company that showed the suspect received $150 on July 16 and $100 on July 24, both redeemed in Valdosta, Ga.

Simpson, who lives in Valdosta, was arrested Nov. 13 on the unlawful compensation charge.

Flowers Foods to light up the holidays

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Once again this year, Flowers Foods is celebrating its annual gift to the community, Christmas in Lights, whichruns from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. The drive-through holiday light display is located on the grounds of the company’s corporate office in Thomasville off U.S. 19 South. Admission is free to the public and the display is open every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The entrance to the display is through the main gates on U.S. 19 South. Visitors are asked to turn off their headlights, observe the 5-mph speed limit when driving through the display, and remain in their cars for safety.

Houses of Hope playhouse raffle benefits House of Hope

TIFTON, Ga. — Anyone in the market for a great Christmas present can enter to win one while contributing to a good cause. Tiftarea House of Hope is selling tickets to win Houses of Hope; five playhouses built and donated by local organizations. The houses are on display at the Tifton Mall. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25. The drawing will be held at the mall at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information contact Martine Hill at 229-382-9010 or Rosemary Hightower at 229-402-2610.