Area Breaking News
Lakeland on the move, employing knack for bargains and DIY projects*
By T.S. Carter / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LAKELAND, GA. – In another time, Lakeland Mayor Bill Darsey would probably be a horsetrader, and a busy one at that. Some of his favorite pursuits are finding deals on road equipment and putting together city crews for projects instead of…
Read MoreCouple found sleeping in car at intersection with children in back; suspected methamphetamine found*
By T.S. Carter / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles VALDOSTA, GA. – A man and woman suspected of methamphetamine use were found asleep in the front seat of their car the morning of November 18 while two young children were in the backseat, Valdosta police said. Officers arrested the…
Read MoreLanier Advocate’s public notice SNAFU forces Lakeland to start ’26 without budget*
By T.S. Carter / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LAKELAND, Ga. – The Lanier County Advocate’s mishandling of a legal notice for a public hearing means Lakeland will start the new year without an officially adopted budget. Serving as the city’s legal organ, the Homerville-based weekly newspaper put the notice…
Read MoreSheriff Norton Cites Budget Crisis in Announcing ICE Cross-Training Partnership*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LAKELAND, Ga. — Lanier County Sheriff Nick Norton announced this week that his department has entered into what he calls a cross-training partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move he describes as necessary to offset…
Read MoreRay City Officials Withheld Key Details as Councilman Launched Public Attack on Property Owner’s Dirt Work during November Council Meeting*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles RAY CITY, Ga. — Newly uncovered information reveals that two top Ray City officials withheld prior knowledge of a land-grading plan at 505 Pauline Street—even as a councilman used a public meeting to question the legality, safety, and intentions…
Read MoreCongratulations to our South Georgia Public Servants*
By Representative James Burchett (176th District) / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles Just two weeks ago folks from across the 176th District went to the polls to vote for our leaders. We elected Mayors, Commissioners, Councils, and School Boards. We elected first-time candidates and incumbents. We elected business leaders,…
Read MoreLocal Retiree Reflects on Personal Encounters with John Lewis after Valdosta Documentary Screening and in preparation for Street-Renaming Effort*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LANIER COUNTY, GA. — For retired Lanier County Schools Family and Consumer Science teacher Marina Ortiz, the legacy of civil-rights icon John Lewis is not just a chapter in history books — it is personal. Through her national involvement…
Read MoreLanier County Board of Commissioners Reappoints Key Officials Amid Transparency Reforms*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LAKELAND, Ga. — In a decisive move reinforcing continuity in county leadership, the Lanier County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has renewed the appointment of several senior officials: Neil Ginty will continue as County Administrator; Kirstie Durrance remains County Clerk;…
Read MoreAnnexation Ignored for Eight Years Leaves Citizens in Limbo — 911 Call Highlights Government Inaction *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles BERRIEN AND LANIER COUNTIES, GA. – Multiple Ray City resident’s 911 calls last month exposed an eight-year-old governmental oversight that has left residents in parts of Lanier County uncertain which agency would answer in an emergency. The incident has…
Read MoreFlorida investigators seek more on Enigma ties of victim of 55 year-old homicide and husband: HELP REQUESTED*
By T.S. Carter / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles SUMTER COUNTY, FL / ENIGMA, GA. – Maureen L. Minor Rowan’s two young daughters believed for nearly 55 years that their mother abandoned them. Bridge in Lake Panasoffkee where Maureen’s body was discovered. Now they know she did not up…
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