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It seems as if the temperatures will soon be getting much cooler. I do like this time of year though. We are able to wear scarves, hats, gloves and warm clothes but sometimes people think about how they bundle up and we forget about how animals need to bundle up. One easy thing to remember is don't leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops! Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, wind-chill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia when they are outdoors during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. These are just a few basic tips to remember that was offered by the humane society. Just remember when the temperatures drop to bring pets inside if possible - laundry room or bathroom works well for outdoor pets. No pet deserves to be outside in this weather, without PROPER HOUSES, BLANKETS, AND HEAT SOURCE. Animal control will be actively watching for violations, and as always, non-compliant owners should be reported to Animal Control Division at (229)777-7774 (leave a message during non-business hours). Urgent issues should be reported to 911. Thank you to everyone for keeping our furry friends safe during what could be a very, very cold winter.

We open and close our mouths throughout the day whenever we talk, yawn or eat — and most of us probably don’t spend much time thinking about how this works. That is, until it hurts. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is what connects your jawbone to your skull. It operates like a hinge, and it’s responsible for your jaw movement. If the joint becomes injured or inflamed, you experience pain around your jaw and face, a condition commonly known as TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Whether you have jaw pain or want to avoid it, here’s what you should know about what causes TMJ, plus TMJ symptoms and treatment. Symptoms of TMJ can include a headache, toothache, earache or pain in your face, jaw or neck, especially when opening your mouth or chewing. Other TMJ symptoms can include a clicking or popping sound when opening your mouth, and a locked jaw — when the joint essentially freezes up, making it hard (and very painful) to open or close your mouth. TMJ causes can include grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), stress, an injury like whiplash, arthritis in the joint or problems with the alignment of your jaw and teeth. TMJ symptoms can often be a sign of other dental problems, like tooth decay or a sinus infection. Your dentist will review your TMJ symptoms and medical history to rule out issues like these and determine the cause of your jaw pain. Your dentist may also take X-rays or refer you to a specialist such as an ENT, orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your dentist might recommend any of these TMJ treatments:

· Medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants are to ease discomfort and reduce swelling.

· At-home remedies like applying heat or ice packs to your face or jaw area, limiting jaw movement and eating soft foods.

· Mouth guards or oral splints, which prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching. These mouthpieces may help prevent teeth clenching and grinding and may help correct your bite.

· Dental work to replace missing teeth, align teeth or balance biting surfaces. This may include crowns, bridges, braces or retainers.

In-office treatments, like a minimally invasive arthrocentesis procedure that removes damaged tissue to help unlock your jaw or steroid injections that help relieve muscle pain in your face. Chiropractic care, which may reduce pressure on nerves associated with TMJ pain. BOTOX® to help relax facial muscles. Oral surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery or open-joint surgery, performed by an oral surgeon. Mild TMJ symptoms occasionally go away on their own. But it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms are painful enough to interfere with your daily activities.

Christmas is a time for giving, so give yourself a break. “But, what about the kids?”, you may find yourself asking with some frustration. Fear not! Callaway Resort & Gardens is the perfect Christmas vacation getaway for you and the kids! Nestled in Pine Mountain, Georgia just a short drive from Atlanta you’ll find one of America’s best Christmas vacation spots. Book a suite in the Lodge and Spa, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful view overlooking the lake, woodlands, and the garden. The gorgeous room interior will give you the same comfort as your own home. With quick access to the garden, swimming pool, spa and fitness center, and cabana-style bar, the Lodge and Spa suites are the perfect setup for a fantastic vacation. But, what about the kids? Well, the resort offers some of the best activities for families near Atlanta. Families can explore the amazing Callaway Gardens together. The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Overlook Azalea Garden, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, Pioneer Log Cabin, Meadowlark Garden, and Thornhill Hydrangea Garden are just a few of the outdoor attractions offered at the resort. There are plenty of nature trails to walk as well. If you’re looking for a unique nature experience, the Day Butterfly Center houses over 1,000 butterflies for your viewing pleasure–it’s one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories! You’ll have the chance to learn all about the wonderful butterflies that inhabit the Center and watch them in their natural habitat. At the Callaway Discovery Center, you can enjoy a show so spectacular, it that requires the approval of both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Callaway Gardens’ Birds of Prey program is designed to educate visitors about their impact on wildlife, but it also gives visitors an up close and personal demonstration of predatory birds’ strength, speed, and natural instincts. It’s definitely a must-see! If your kids are looking for a little more adventure, they’ll love the Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Treetop Adventure – Zip Lines & Obstacle Courses. The self-guided, in-air obstacle course will entertain any thrill seeker. The 10 zip lines and 34 challenges will take the average zip liner two to three hours to complete. The challenges and thrilling heights are sure to bring any family closer together and give a sense of accomplishment when completed. You can also sign up the kids for the zip lines and take those two to three hours to unwind. The resort offers two world-class 18-hole golf courses that take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in America. You can also work up a sweat at the Mountain Creek Tennis Center, where you’ll find both hard-surface and soft-surface courts. If you prefer the calmness of the waters, you can opt to rent a canoe, kayak, or jon boat and venture onto Mountain Creek Lake. Let’s face it, though—if you’re going to unwind, you’ll do it best at the Spa at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Sign up for massage therapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services, or botanical body treatments. While the kids climb sky high, you’ll be floating along on cloud nine. “That sounds great,” you might say, “but what about Christmas?” Well, if you’re at Callaway Resort & Gardens during Christmas, you’ll be treated to one of the world’s Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights, according to National Geographic Traveler. At Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, there are eight million lights, 15 scenes and shows, and awesome Christmas characters that will bring the holiday spirit to your amazing Christmas vacation. You can even sign up to have breakfast with the Christmas characters! If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas vacation with kids, you’ll find all the makings of a perfect vacation at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Call today to book your stay! 

Source: Callaway Gardens 

TIFTON, Ga. (Dec. 1, 2025) - The Georgia Peanut Commission is pleased to announce the hiring of Taylor Arnold as its new executive director, succeeding longtime director Don Koehler, who is retiring after more than four decades of dedicated service to Georgia’s peanut industry.

Arnold joins the commission with an extensive background in agricultural leadership, farm program administration, and on-the-ground experience in production agriculture. Since 2017, he has served as County Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Worth County, where he managed county office operations, supervised staff, and oversaw the implementation of key federal programs supporting farmers. In this role, Arnold directed programs including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage, Conservation Reserve Program, Livestock Forage Program, and multiple disaster assistance initiatives. He also chaired the District Payment Eligibility and Limitation Review team, ensuring compliance and accuracy across the region.

Arnold holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Mercer University, where he served as president and vice president of his fraternity, director of judicial affairs for the Interfraternity Council, and volunteered extensively with IRS VITA and Relay for Life.

“We are excited to welcome Taylor Arnold as the next executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board. “Taylor’s passion for agriculture, strategic vision, and proven leadership make him the ideal person to guide the commission into its next chapter. We are confident he will continue building on the strong foundation established under Don Koehler’s leadership.”

Arnold expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve Georgia’s peanut farmers.

"I am honored to join the Georgia Peanut Commission and work on behalf of the growers who make Georgia the nation’s leading peanut-producing state,” Arnold says. “I look forward to continuing the commission’s commitment to research, innovation, and industry collaboration. Don Koehler’s impact on this industry is immeasurable, and I am grateful to follow in his footsteps.”

Koehler, who has served as executive director since 1986, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, partnership building and significant growth in Georgia’s peanut sector. His leadership helped position Georgia as a global leader in peanut production, research and quality.

Arnold will begin as executive director at the commission on Jan. 1, 2026. Koehler will serve as senior executive director until his retirement on July 31, 2026.

The Georgia Peanut Commission represents the interests of more than 4,000 peanut farmers across the state. Through its investments in research, education, and promotion, the commission works to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Georgia’s peanut industry.