Government for its Citizens
PAT MILLER ANNOUNCES BID FOR LAKELAND CITY COUNCIL
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – Pat Miller, a Lakeland resident, has formally declared candidacy for a seat on the Lakeland City Council, the city’s governing body that meets monthly to oversee municipal affairs. Miller made the announcement Monday, stating that after “prayerful consideration,” she is running to serve the…
Read MoreCollins Grassroots Surge Sweeps South Central Georgia as Part of Historic 159-County Drive
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | JACKSON, Jefferson, Georgia — In a political organizing feat unmatched in state history, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins has assembled a grassroots “Convoy Captain” network in all 159 Georgia counties — with South Central Georgia emerging as a key stronghold in his early campaign. Collins, who entered the race…
Read MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
August 11, 2025 Dear Georgian, It was great to travel throughout the district last week, meeting with constituents and businesses that call Georgia’s Eighth District home. These visits highlight the great work being done throughout our state and better inform my work in Washington. We also experienced a tragedy in our state last week at…
Read MoreTallahassee Man Admits to International Child Exploitation; No Immediate South Georgia Impact Known
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A Tallahassee man has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from an international child exploitation case that spanned more than a year and ended with his arrest at Tallahassee International Airport last summer. Austin Keith Hibbert, 25, admitted Wednesday to attempting to entice a minor to engage…
Read MoreCartel Fugitive Lands in Georgia Court After Mass Extradition from Mexico
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | ATLANTA — A high-ranking cartel fugitive is facing charges in Georgia after being among 26 suspects extradited from Mexico in one of the largest cross-border transfers of criminal defendants in recent years. The U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday that the group includes leaders and enforcers from the Sinaloa Cartel,…
Read MoreBurchett Pledges More ‘South Georgia Common Sense’ in Re-Election Bid for District 176
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | ATLANTA – Georgia House Majority Whip James Burchett formally announced his bid for re-election to represent House District 176, pledging to continue delivering “South Georgia common sense to Atlanta.” Burchett, a Republican representing Atkinson and Lanier counties and parts of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware, has served in the state…
Read MoreFaster Disability Relief: Social Security Adds 13 Severe Illnesses to Compassionate Allowances List
By Carol A. Moore | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – For thousands of Americans living with some of the most devastating medical diagnoses, the wait for financial help just became shorter. The Social Security Administration on Monday announced the addition of 13 new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, a program that accelerates disability benefit…
Read MoreMike Thurmond Launches Campaign for Georgia Governor
DECATUR, Dekalb, Georgia – Former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Georgia governor, pledging to address rising living costs, protect health care access, and strengthen public education. Thurmond, a Clarke County native and longtime public servant, said his campaign will focus on uniting Georgians across rural, urban and suburban communities.…
Read MoreLakeland Mayor Darsey’s Overlapping Business and Civic Roles – Conflicts of Interest Part 19
By Carol A. Gasser Moore, Publisher | LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: 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 | LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – Mayor Bill Darsey…
Read MoreBetrayal of Trust’: Former SBA Loan Officer, Two Others Admit to Pandemic Loan Fraud in Georgia
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | ATLANTA — A former federal loan officer from Georgia has admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds meant for struggling small businesses — a case federal prosecutors say is a stark reminder that even public servants can abuse their positions for personal gain. Rena…
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