Government for its Citizens
Deception by Mail: Florida Man Accused of $7 Million Webhosting Scam That Targeted America’s Small Businesses
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | New York, NY – Federal prosecutors in Manhattan say a Florida man spent seven years preying on the trust of America’s small businesses, tricking tens of thousands into paying millions for services they never received. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Robert…
Read MoreUSCIS Gains New Enforcement Powers: What It Means for Georgia and South Georgia
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding into a full-fledged law enforcement agency under a newly published federal rule. For the first time, USCIS 1811 “special agents” will have the authority to investigate immigration crimes, arrest suspects, carry firearms, and present cases for prosecution. This shift, ordered under DHS Secretary Kristi…
Read MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
September 15, 2025 Dear Georgian, Last week was tough for our country. We experienced what felt like tragedy after tragedy. A video of a young woman, Iryna Zarutska being brutally stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte was released, children were injured in a school shooting in Colorado, a young father, Charlie Kirk, was…
Read MoreKemp Backs Dooley: South Georgia Spotlight on Senate Race Shake-Up
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | ATHENS, Ga. — In a move poised to reverberate across South Georgia’s communities—from Valdosta to Waycross—Governor Brian Kemp has formally endorsed Derek Dooley for the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Kemp hailed Dooley, a political newcomer and former college football coach, as the outsider who can best take on Democratic…
Read MorePensacola Company Sentenced for Exporting Unregistered Pesticides
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Pensacola-based distribution company, ServisMed, LLC, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge involving the sale and attempted export of unregistered pesticides in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). On August 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court…
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 MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
September 8, 2025 Dear Georgian, Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. This legislation included strengthening our national security by providing $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure, and preventing the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment…
Read MoreA Nation Confronts Violence — Reflections After the Killing of Charlie Kirk: Conflict of Interest in Violence – Conflicts of Interest Part 23
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…
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