GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - Jones County business owners and leaders are hopeful that they'll be lowering their gas prices soon.
A new EPA report says, the metro Atlanta region meets the federal clean air quality standards. Jones county is classified as an influential area impacting the air over the state capital. Gas stations are required to sell gas that has special additives which increases the prices in the county.
Gas prices are anywhere from 10-20 cents higher than surrounding counties. A cost that's driving business out of Jones County, and frustrating residents.
CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - At mid-afternoon at the Islamic Center of Middle Georgia, a call to prayer can be heard that happens multiple times each day; but for Muslims in the area, Islam isn't just about prayer. It's about service to God and service to mankind, according to Imam Adam Fofana.
Fofana stresses the importance of helping others in Islamic culture. That's why the center is working to create a free community clinic, so people can have easier access to medical services.
"Our community has a large number of physicians, and that's really an asset," says Eman Abdulla, a teacher at the Islamic Center.
Many of Middle Georgia's Muslims are doctors, and Eman Abdulla believes that gives them a perfect opportunity to help educate people about their health.
"Islam as we believe it is a religion of balance," Abdulla says. 'We believe that the body is entrusted to us, we don't own it. It is God's gift to us and we have to take care of it."
It's still a work in progress, but Abdulla says their vision is to turn this house of prayer into a house of healing.
It's a charity that Imam Adam says embodies the spirit of Islam and represents the kindness that lives in each human being.
"What makes us great is a thing that is included in our own name--"Mankind," we are man, and we are kind," says Fofana.
Organizers of this free health clinic say they still have to work out the details before they can open. The center will be hosting a free health fair on March 10th, as a way to jumpstart their clinic. All are invited to attend that health fair.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A lifetime educator is making a bid for the State's 2nd Congressional District.
Ken DeLoach, a republican from Warner Robins, says it is time for the House of Representatives to become the people's house once again.
DeLoach has never held a political office. He ran for the 8th Congressional District in 2010 and lost, but says residents of the 2nd district don't need a career politician.
"I'm just one of the people. I work day to day like everyone else does. [I've] Never held a political office. So when I got to Washington D.C I'm going to go to Washington D.C with their heart, their passion, understanding where they live, knowing exactly what they face everyday," says DeLoach.
The 2nd congressional district covers 29 counties. DeLoach will face two other republican candidates,Rick Allen and John House, in the primaries this July. Both men are from Columbus, Georgia.
The winner will square off against democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop in November.
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