Morning News with Lee Henderson

With temperatures expected to dip into the upper 20s tonight, Valdosta and Lowndes County officials report the following shelters will be open for persons seeking refuge from the cold:

• Grace Fellowship Churchaka Fellowship House (both men and women), 1304 W Hill Ave.; opens at 6 p.m.
• Salvation Army Emergency Shelter(men only), 317 Virginia Ave., opens at 6 p.m.
• New Horizons Shelter(women and children; men accepted but they must go through Salvation Army first), 714 Charlton St.; open 24 hours.

An 18 year old student at Colquitt County High identified as Tellis Jackson was arrested after a .32 caliber loaded  handgun student was discovered in his possession. Jackson reported to school officials and to police that he needed the weapon for protection from some unidentified persons at the school. The charge against him is carrying a weapon within a school safety zone.

If pre-filed House Bill 709 is adopted into Georgia Law persons seeking permits to carry guns in Georgia may first have to qualify by taking and passing a safety course. Included in the training if required would be the handling, loading and firing of the weapons. Not all persons would be required to take the course; exemptions would apply to active duty military personnel and law enforcement officers.