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Childcare providers to get fingerprinted, background checks

WASHINGTON, D. C.- Information from Health and Human Services-

Helping to answer President Obama's call to ensure quality early education for every American child, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed today a new regulation for public comment that will better ensure children's health and safety in child care and promote school readiness.

Don't drive your boat drunk

LAKE BLACKSHEAR, GA (WALB)- A tougher boating under the influence is now in effect making the new legal limit for BUI's the same for drivers on Georgia's roads.

State leaders were at Lake Blackshear, a stop on their "where the rudder meets the road tour" to spread the word that driving under the influence will not be tolerated.

State and local law agencies are teaming up and cracking down on boaters operating a vessel under the influence.

Scuba Olympics coming to Albany

ALBANY, GA (WALB)- Scuba divers are gearing up this weekend for an intense competition, which also helps out a noble cause right here in Albany.

The Dive Shop is holding their second annual Scuba Olympics this Saturday, for experienced and uncertified divers at YMCA's Outdoor Park on Gillionville Road.

A race with a ping pong ball on a spoon, a three legged race, or simply blowing up a balloon might all seem like easy tasks.

But 10 or 12 feet underwater, it might get a little more difficult.

South Georgians take on Bibles returned to state park rooms

ATLANTA, GA (WALB)- Governor Nathan Deal orders bibles put back in lodge rooms and cabins in Georgia state parks after they were removed because of a complaint from a citizen.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources leaders say they ordered parks to remove Bibles until they fully investigate the issue and make an informed decision.

We talked with South Georgians who agree with the Governor and say the Bibles should go back.

Regina Wakefield does more than just clean rooms. As a hotel housekeeper, she's responsible for making sure guests have everything they need.

Georgia top 10 state for dog bites

Information from State Farm Insurance Co.-

State Farm Georgia Dog Bite Claims Top 3 Million Dollars for 2012  

Bainbridge father and son charged in pot operation

BAINBRIDGE, GA (WALB)- A Bainbridge man remains in jail Tuesday accused of selling drugs with his son.

58-year old Thomas Kirksey and his son 23-year old Leonard were arrested Friday afternoon at the King West Housing Authority on Bethel Road.

Bainbridge Public Safety received a tip earlier in the week about marijuana being sold at the apartments.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers found 27 bags of pot as well as digital scales.

Officer say the apartment complex is mostly inhabited by older residents on government assistance.

Decatur Co. Schools, DA take on truancy

BAINBRIDGE, GA (WALB)- For kids under the age of 16, going to school is not just recommended, it's the law.

As a kid, many of us dreaded it, but for around 180 days a year, school is where we needed to be.

"We believe it is going to have a positive effect on student achievement, but we also believe it is going to have a positive effect on our county when we keep those kids off the streets, out of trouble and in the school building," said Superintendent Fred Rayfield.