Area Breaking News
Protect Our Children: Georgia Troopers Warn Drivers to Stop Risky Behavior Around School Buses
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Ga. – As students across Lanier County settle into the new school year, state and local officials are reminding drivers that protecting children around school buses starts with every motorist behind the wheel. School buses remain one of the safest ways for children to get to…
Read MoreLanier County Board of Health Votes to Adopt Statewide Body Art Rule
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LANIER COUNTY, Ga. – The Lanier County Board of Health has voted unanimously to adopt Georgia’s new statewide body art regulation, a measure that sets uniform standards for tattooing, piercing, and related practices across the state. The motion was introduced by Mayor Bill Darcy, a member of the board,…
Read MoreFrom Mapping the Internet to Growing Okra: South Georgia’s John S. Quarterman
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. – Long before Google Maps or Amazon, a Lowndes County resident was quietly charting the digital frontier that would change the world. John S. Quarterman, now tending okra fields on the same South Georgia farm his grandfather purchased in 1921, earned international recognition as the “Internet…
Read MoreConflict of Interest: When Voting in Lockstep Undermines Democracy– Conflicts of Interest Part 24
LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: This particular article speaks to the decision making outgrowth of leaders with known conflicts of interest. This is an ongoing series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials and their employees. By Carol A. Gasser Moore…
Read MoreA Reported August Commissioners’ Emergency Meeting Raises Questions on Open Meetings Law Compliance for Bid Opening
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Ga. — At the Lanier County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting on Monday, September 8, Chairman Alex Lee issued what he called a “correction” regarding the county’s August emergency called meeting. Lee told those present that the gathering was not a full board meeting but simply…
Read MoreAtkinson County takes over Pearson water system, says it has some money for repairs
By T.S. Carter ATKINSON COUNTY, Ga. – A collapsing water system and a failure to heed basic rules for financial accountability have put Pearson in a major fix that threatens the availability of drinking water. Burst water-pipes, service interruptions and frequent “boil water”notices have created loads of despair in this seat of Atkinson County, according…
Read More15 traffic deaths reported statewide over 2025 Labor Day travel period; Troopers step up patrols across South Georgia
By Carol A. Gasser Moore GEORGIA — Over the 2025 Labor Day holiday travel period — from Friday, Aug. 29 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. — 15 people were killed in traffic crashes across Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s final report. Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers…
Read MoreRun for the Ones We Miss: United2Prevent’s 4th Annual 5K & 1-Mile Returns Sept. 13 to Downtown Valdosta
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Ga. — United2Prevent will host its 4th Annual Run to Prevent on Saturday, September 13, 2025, uniting families, friends, survivors and supporters for a 5K and 1-mile fun run at Unity Park Amphitheater (301 E. Central Ave.) in Downtown Valdosta. Race-day registration opens at 7:00 a.m.;…
Read MoreFrom Mozart to the Beatles: Meet the Conductor Bringing Big Energy to Valdosta
Howard Hsu wants you to feel the thrill of live music — and he’s kicking off the season with power and passion. By Carol A. Gasser Moore | VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Ga. – For Valdosta State students and young professionals in their twenties, going to the symphony might not be your usual Saturday night. But…
Read MorePearson city clerk joins former mayor as defendant in corruption probe
By T.S. Carter | PEARSON, Atkinson County, Ga. – A multi-month Georgia Bureau of Investigation criminal probe of Pearson City Hall has had its second arrest with the charging Sept. 8 of city clerk Patrica Ballard on a host of felony counts. Ballard’s arrest follows the early February arrest of former mayor Robert “Buster” Johnson…
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