First Responses
Lakeland Fire and Rescue Responds to Multiple Incidents in July
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Ga. (July 28, 2025) — The Lakeland Fire and Rescue Department responded to several emergency calls throughout July, ranging from electrical hazards and structure alarms to a fire near a residential facility. The department’s swift responses and coordinated actions helped prevent injuries and minimize property damage. July 7…
Read MoreIllegal Burn on West Howell Sparks Fire Department Response, Safety Concerns
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia — Firefighters with the Lakeland Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched on July 16 to a report of a large outdoor fire on West Howell Street, where they discovered a resident burning a substantial pile of debris, including materials prohibited by Georgia’s environmental regulations. According…
Read MoreOne Arrest, Manhunt Underway for Second Suspect After Armed Home Invasion, Kidnapping in Echols County: Public’s Help Requested
By Carol A. Gasser MooreECHOLS COUNTY, Georgia — One suspect has been taken into custody and another remains at large following a violent home invasion and kidnapping that took place earlier this month at a migrant housing camp in Echols County, according to authorities. The Echols County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crime occurred on July…
Read MoreBlaze Sparks Urgent Warning After Early-Morning Candle Fire Displaces Two in Valdosta
By Carol A. Gasser Moore VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia — A house fire early Saturday morning, July 19, left one firefighter injured and two residents displaced before Valdosta crews extinguished flames that engulfed a home on North Toombs Street. Firefighters with Valdosta Fire Department responded at 4:10 a.m. to heavy fire visible through multiple windows…
Read MoreTragedy in Custody: GBI Probes Inmate Death in Coffee County Jail
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | DOUGLAS, Coffee County, Georgia – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is looking into the death of a 48-year-old inmate at the Coffee County Jail after she was found unresponsive in her cell earlier this month. According to the GBI, Diane Marie Jacob, of Douglas, was discovered hanging in…
Read MoreDrug Trafficker Caught at Atlanta Airport with $3M in Narcotics — A Wake-Up Call for South Georgia
By Carol A. Moore | ATLANTA, Georgia — A massive drug bust at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has authorities and South Georgia communities on high alert after a 22-year-old man was caught attempting to smuggle nearly $3 million worth of drugs onto an international flight to Brazil. Caught Red-Handed On June 28, 2025, federal agents…
Read More‘Armed and Dangerous’ No More: Fifth Suspect Captured in April Shooting That Shook Valdosta and Beyond
By Carol A. MooreVALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia – A Valdosta man once labeled “armed and dangerous” is now in custody, bringing closure to a months-long manhunt tied to a violent April shooting that left a teenager riddled with bullets and a community on edge. Kewame “KJ” Antwan Taylor, 19, was arrested without incident on July…
Read MoreMoody AFB leads the way with first ACC solar-powered command post
By Airman 1st Class Savannah Carpenter, 23rd Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Lowndes County, Georgia – The 23rd Wing broke new ground by unveiling Air Combat Command’s first solar-powered command post at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 20, 2025. As the nerve center of the base, the command post must remain fully…
Read MoreLakeland Fire Department Releases Incident Report for Early July
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – The Lakeland Fire and Rescue Department has released its activity log for the first week of July, detailing a series of routine but varied emergency calls, none of which resulted in major injuries or structural damage. False Alarm at Local Hospital On July 2,…
Read MoreFugitive on the Run: Houston County Man Wanted for Meth, DUI, and Court Evasion: Public’s Help Requested
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia — Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their search for 37-year-old Justin Harrell Norman, who is wanted in Houston County on multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related materials, driving under the influence (DUI), and failure to appear in court. Norman is described as a…
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