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Area Breaking News

Whispers in the Reeds: Alligators Lure Visitors to Banks Lake Refuge

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By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – The rustle of cypress leaves and the glint of sun on black water now welcome visitors to a revitalized Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where the sight of lurking alligators has turned the swampy sanctuary into one of Georgia’s most surprising tourist draws. After…

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Perils of river passage: Georgia’s Paddlers Seeking Freedom to Float

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By T.S. Carter | GEORGIA – Nothing spells f-u-n like a day paddling down Georgia’s rivers, streams and creeks. But for Georgia paddling enthusiasts, an unease that goes back three decades is growing. It’s because some owners of riverfront land, with the backing of the Georgia Supreme Court, insist they can block paddlers and other…

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Lakeland, Georgia: A Place That Still Feels Like Home, by Michael Montgomery

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By Michael Montgomery | GALESBURG, Illinois — The morning fog rolling gently off Banks Lake. The earthy scent rising from the still water. These are the details that remain vivid in Michael Montgomery’s mind—decades after he left Lakeland, Georgia, behind. “I miss the smell of Banks Lake early in the morning,” Montgomery said recently. “Driving…

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Child Found Safe in Hahira After Community Alert

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By Carol A. Gasser Moore |   HAHIRA, Lowndes County, Georgia – A young, mostly nonverbal child who was found wandering alone near Hagan Bridge Road Monday night was safely reunited with her family, thanks to swift action from the Hahira Police Department and an outpouring of help from the local community. According to a…

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Lanier County’s FEMA Reimbursement Claims Conflict with Documents Clash with Statements, Missing Records

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By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LANIER COUNTY, Georgia– Official documents have cast doubts on Lanier County Emergency Management Agency Director Tony Galardo’s claims that the county has received $15 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements for Hurricane Helene recovery and is expecting a total of $28 million. In a July 23 report published…

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Portion of SR 135 to Temporarily Close for Pavement Repair in Early August

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By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – A portion of State Route 135 in southeast Georgia will temporarily close for pavement repairs beginning early next month, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The closure will take place from the Berrien/Atkinson County line at the Alapaha River bridge south to mile marker…

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OPINION: Letter to the Editor – County Management and Mismanagement*

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Dear Editor of Lanier County News July 24, 2025 As an online subscriber I have followed your LCN for quite a while and have not always agreed with your perspective, however, you are SPOT ON as to your assessment of what I term CORRUPTION within the leadership of Lanier County. When the County Manager has,…

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EDITORIAL: Lanier County Officials Use Deflections to Block Public Fire Records, Violating Georgia Open Records Law

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LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia — A recent push to obtain fire and rescue call records and financial documents from the Lanier County Fire Department has sparked public outcry, as officials continue to deflect open records requests—despite clear mandates under Georgia law. The Lanier County News and citizens have faced silence and excuses instead of transparency.…

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Three Mosquito Pools Confirmed West Nile Virus in Lowndes County; No Detections in Surrounding Counties

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By Carol A. Gasser Moore | VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia – Three mosquito pools in Lowndes County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District. Surveillance at this time has not identified positive mosquito pools in Lanier, Cook, Berrien, Atkinson, Clinch or Echols counties. Mosquito…

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