🌱 Shop Local For Valentine's Day + PEAK Celebrates 10 Years

Hi all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Chattanooga long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 66 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. The National Retail Federation estimated that consumers will spend close to $26 billion in celebration of Valentine's Day this year, an increase of 8 percent compared to last year. Financial strategist Stephen Patterson cautioned consumers not to go into debt in order to make the holiday special. Local florist and owner of Petal Pushers Floral Design Jacquie Brown encouraged people to shop locally, especially at local florists, who often make their most profit around this time of year. (WTVC)
2. Placing Emphasis Around Kids or PEAK is celebrating a decade of supporting young men and women in local underserved communities. Founded in 2013, the organization is planning multiple family-focused events for the new year, including a For The Lover In You fundraising event on Feb. 14. (Chattanooga Pulse)
3. For the first time in 2023, gas prices dropped in Chattanooga. According to a survey by GasBuddy, the lowest price for a gallon of gas in Chattanooga as of this weekend was $2.92, while the most expensive price at a local gas station was $3.39. Although the average price for a gallon of gas fell 13.2 cents since last week, prices are still 22.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. (Chattanoogan)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Preschool Storytime At Northgate Library (11:00 AM)
• Will You Be My Sugar Cookie? Cookie Decorating 101 At The Chattery (6:00 PM)
• Samantha Fish With Eric Johanson At Barrelhouse Ballroom Chattanooga (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new job? Check out this roundup of open job opportunities in the Chattanooga area, including multiple positions in customer service, business education, truck driving, and more! (Chattanooga Patch)
• According to a new Bumper.com study, Tennessee ranked No. 9 in the nation for driver fatality rates at 24.95 percent. Could our automated red light and speed cameras be playing a role? See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in the report. (Bumper.com)
• The "Beatles vs. Stones — A Musical Showdown" will be making a stop on its spring 2023 tour at the Walker Theatre on Thursday, Mar. 9, at 8:00 p.m. The 125-city tour across North America brings a unique tribute show production to Chattanooga. (Chattanooga Pulse)
• The Salvation Army's 614 Corps Shelter is giving away business suits to those in need! Giorgio's Men's Warehouse donated 300 suits to The Salvation Army to give away today, Feb. 7. Those in need can visit any time between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (WDEF News 12)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.