Oct. 21: City Cuts Ribbon on West Hill Avenue/U.S. 84/State Route 38 Overpass. The City of Valdosta and the Georgia Department of Transportation invite the public to attend the ribbon cutting of the West Hill Avenue Overpass, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. The event, celebrating nearly three decades of planning, will be held on the east end of the overpass, in the parking lot of 610 W. Hill Avenue. Ample parking is available near the event site at 602-606 and 509-511 W. Hill Avenue. Click here for additional information.

Oct. 21:City Hosts Blood Drive. Citizens are invited to give the gift of life at the City of Valdosta Fall Blood Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street. Call Shirley Britt at (229) 259-3504 for more information.

Oct. 21:Week #7 of Citizens Fire Academy Meets. The Valdosta Fire Department will meet for week #7, where participants will learn about Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) and Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat). The academy is designed to educate citizens and the business community about the services provided by the VFD, increase fire and life-safety awareness, and establish a community partnership. Tonight's event will take place from 6-9 p.m., for those citizens who are already registered for the academy.

Oct. 23: Valdosta City Council Meets. The Mayor and City Council will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor City Hall Council Chambers, located at 216 E. Central Avenue. The meeting is open to the general public. Click hereto view the agenda.

Oct. 23: VPD Citizen's Police Academy Continues with Week #5. Citizens who signed up for the Citizen's Police Academy are in week #5 of an 8-week program on Thursday evenings to get a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern day law enforcement agency. The class is free and is one of three citizens information programs designed to engage and educate citizens on their local government. Call VPD Officer Vernotis Williams at (229) 292-7785for more information or to get an application for the next class. 

Oct. 25: Make a Difference Day. Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful (KLVB) will host the annual Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (rain or shine). Volunteers are needed to pick up debris in a local neighborhood. Call Aaron Strickland at (229) 671-3698 for more information and to volunteer.

Oct. 25: Happy Homecoming! The city welcomes all VSU alumni returning for the 2014 Homecoming activities. The City of Valdosta will participate in the VSU Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 11 a.m., which will be followed by the Homecoming football game at 3 p.m. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving this area and to allow a little extra time for traveling throughout the city this busy and festive weekend. Go Blazers!

Oct. 25-26: BOE Hosts Early Voting on Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget about the weekend early voting options. The Board of Elections office, located at 2808 N. Oak Street, will open their doors on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. for citizens to exercise their right to vote. Call (229) 671-2850.