Area Breaking News
Two Women Sentenced in $141K Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Tied to Georgia — With South Georgia Arrest
By Carol A. Gasser Moore GEORGIA / SOUTH GEORGIA – Two women have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a highly coordinated, multi-state retail theft scheme that stole nearly $141,000 in merchandise from Walmart and Target stores—including numerous locations across Georgia. The suspects were arrested in Coweta County, but their activities reached…
Read MoreLakeland Vape Shop Cleared After Investigation Into Citizen Complaints
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia — Following concerns raised by citizens at the April Lakeland City Council meeting, an investigation into a local vape shop has determined that the business is in compliance with state regulations—despite community rumors suggesting otherwise. Multiple residents voiced alarm during the public meeting, alleging that the…
Read MoreConcerns Grow Over Commissioner Dennis Fender Sr.’s Business Ties, Family Connections, and Land Holdings – Conflict of Interest Part 6
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth in a series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials. By Carol A. Gasser Moore LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia — Scrutiny is mounting around Lanier County Board of Commissioners District 4 representative Dennis Fender Sr., as new…
Read MoreUnderground Pipe Collapse Shuts Down Part of Murrell Street in Lakeland
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – A section of Murrell Street between South Valdosta Road and Rivers Street has been closed to traffic following the collapse of an underground clay pipe, according to city officials. The aging infrastructure, originally installed in the 1950s, gave way late last week, causing a…
Read MoreSheriff Urges Caution Amid Growing Traffic Concerns on Lakeland-Valdosta Highway
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – Sheriff Nick Norton is urging motorists to seek alternative routes as traffic congestion along the Lakeland-Valdosta Highway continues to worsen due to widespread construction activity. In a recent public advisory shared via Facebook, Sheriff Norton described the situation on the highway as “getting ridiculous,” citing multiple construction…
Read MoreLanier County Fire Truck Damages Lanier County Eastside Fire Station in Solo Crash
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – A single-vehicle crash involving a Lanier County fire truck resulted in substantial damage to the Eastside Fire Station late Friday night, May 9. According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) crash report, the incident occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. at the Eastside Fire Station, near the…
Read MoreFighting to Breathe, Fighting to Live: Late Gov. Thompson’s Granddaughter Battles Long COVID’s Grip
‘I Want to Live’: Long COVID Survivor Carter Thompson Fights for Diagnosis, Dignity, and Hope By T.S. Carter Carter Thompson is overwhelmed with medical information and medical bills in her fight for life. LOWNDES COUNTY, Georgia – At 62 years old, Carter Thompson has faced more medical challenges than most people endure in a lifetime.…
Read MoreA Spreading Problem has Implications for South Georgia: Six Indicted in Multi-State Retail Crime Ring Targeting T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods Stores
Scheme Stole Tens of Thousands Through Refund Fraud and Deception; Georgia’s New Crime Unit Takes Action By Carol A. Gasser Moore CHEROKEE COUNTY, Georgia – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway have announced the indictment of six individuals accused of operating a complex, multistate organized retail crime (ORC) scheme that…
Read MoreLanier County High Spanish Class Shines in Cinco de Mayo Talent Show with Latin Dance Performance
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – The sounds of vibrant Latin rhythms echoed through the auditorium at Lanier County High School on the evening of Monday, May 5, as students from Mrs. Kim Rampley’s Spanish class lit up the stage with a lively Latin dance performance during the Cinco de Mayo…
Read MoreRay City Council Targets New Auto Shop with Ordinance Enforcement Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns
By Carol A. Gasser Moore RAY CITY, Berrien County, Georgia – In a move that’s drawing scrutiny from residents and open-government observers alike, the Ray City Council has instructed its Police Chief Buck Owens to begin enforcing local ordinances—particularly those related to sidewalk and public space obstruction—in the wake of complaints about a newly opened…
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