Wed Sep 18 00:24:00 UTC 2024: ## Local News Roundup: Showers, Low Mortgage Rates, and Drool at the Pool

**Weather:** Expect showers early today, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. The low will be 69 degrees Fahrenheit with light and variable winds. There is a 60% chance of rain.

**Mortgage Rates Drop:** Mortgage rates fell to their lowest point since September 2022 last week, fueled by anticipation of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. This drop has spurred an increase in applications for home purchases and refinancing. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped 14 basis points to 6.15% in the week ending September 13th.

**Local Real Estate:** Danny York, owner of the Zell Building downtown, has acquired the neighboring SunTrust Bank building. He plans to create more housing opportunities in the downtown area.

**School Safety:** Four individuals have been arrested or detained for directing terroristic threats at local schools since the September 4th shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.

**Community Events:** The annual Drool at the Pool event took place at Neptune Park on Saturday, with over 100 dogs enjoying the Fun Zone pool.

**Education:** Georgia parents can face prosecution if children between 6 and 16 years old miss school. Children over 10 can be placed in the juvenile justice system for excessive unexcused absences.

**Fundraising:** St. Simons United Methodist Church’s preschool held a successful Wheel-A-Thon fundraiser, raising money for a good cause.

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