First Responses

By Carol A. Gasser Moore | AMERICUS, Sumter County, Ga. — The search for a missing Sumter County woman has ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed they found her body Tuesday evening. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Caroline Durrance, 65, was discovered dead Aug. 26, two days after she was last seen leaving her…

By Carol A. Gasser Moore | VALDOSTA, LOWNDES COUNTY, Georgia – Authorities report that investigators have arrested 18-year-old Kayla Wakefield in connection with a chilling early‑morning armed robbery and kidnapping that unfolded in June—though the probe is far from over. Case Overview A young woman has been arrested in connection with a violent armed robbery…

LAKELAND, GA — The Lanier County Sheriff’s Office has published its latest Jail Media Report covering the week ending Monday, August 25, 2025. The report details three arrests occurring between August 22 and August 23, involving charges ranging from felony statutory rape to failure to appear in court, including one case involving a fingerprintable felony.…

Incident Report — August 20, 2025 On Wednesday, August 20, the Lakeland Fire & Rescue Department responded to a fire alarm on Thigpen Avenue. Upon arriving, crews discovered a false alarm: a child being watched by a caregiver had triggered the manual alarm lever by mistake. Thankfully, there was no danger to the building or…

By Airman 1st Class Savannah Carpenter, 23rd Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Lowndes County, Georgia – For a week, Airmen from the 820th and 105th Base Defense Groups trained at Moody Air Force Base, focusing on advanced military working dog tactics, explosive detection, vehicle operations, and close quarters battle scenarios. The rigorous exercises…

By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Ga. (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Lakeland Fire & Rescue Department responded on Aug. 16 to a triggered home alarm on West Bostick Street. Upon arrival, crews learned that ongoing construction at the residence had inadvertently set off the system. After conferring with the homeowner, responding units were…

By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – The Lakeland Police Department responded to a series of calls during the week ending Monday, Aug. 18, ranging from identity theft and theft reports to a minor vehicle collision and a late-night dispute, according to department records. Aug. 8 — Identity Theft At 2:29…

By Carol A. Gasser Moore | VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia – A swift, coordinated response by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of a 16-year-old juvenile within minutes of an armed robbery at a Valdosta convenience store late Aug. 15, 2025, authorities said. According to the Valdosta Police Department, officers were dispatched at…

By Carol A. Gasser Moore / NASHVILLE, Berrien County, Georgia – The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office released its jail media report for the week ending Aug. 17, 2025, detailing four arrests tied to probation violations, drug possession and disorderly conduct. All detainees remain in custody without bond, pending court proceedings. 11, 10:31 a.m. — Teresa…