Government for its Citizens
Alabama Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced as Authorities Probe Cross-State Drug Network Possibly Reaching South Georgia
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | ALABAMA / Georgia A woman convicted in a major fentanyl trafficking case in Alabama has been sentenced to federal prison, and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the cross-border criminal network that could have reach into neighboring states, including South Georgia. Claudia Montano Gonzalez, 43, a Mexican national and…
Read MoreCatching up on PSC Efforts in May with Jason Shaw
Georgia PSC Chairman Jason Shaw’s May 2025: A Month of Energy Policy Milestones and Controversy By Carol A. Gasser Moore | GEORGIA – In May 2025, Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Jason Shaw played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s energy landscape, overseeing significant regulatory decisions and navigating emerging controversies. Rate Freeze Agreement:…
Read MoreReflections about Ray City Mayor Brenda Exum’s Leadership in May
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | RAY CITY, Berrien/Lanier County, Georgia – In May 2025, Ray City Mayor Brenda Exum was involved in several significant municipal developments: Ordinance Enforcement and Conflict of Interest Concerns Mayor Exum and the Ray City Council directed Police Chief Buck Owens to enforce local ordinances concerning sidewalk obstructions and improper…
Read MoreWarnock – Keeping Georgians Informed – June 09-15, 2025
Senator Raphael Warnock Warns of Health Care Cuts and FEMA Shortcomings By Carol A. Gasser Moore WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) made his voice heard throughout May 2025 on two critical issues facing Georgia families: the potential dismantling of Medicaid and FEMA’s readiness for the upcoming hurricane season. In a recent…
Read MoreNo License, No Lights, Stolen Plane: Georgia Man’s Dangerous Airborne Gamble:
Georgia Student Pilot Pleads Guilty After Stealing Aircraft, Flying to North Carolina in Dangerous Weather By Carol A. Gasser Moore| MACON, Bibb County, Georgia – A Florida man and student pilot who stole a single-engine aircraft from Perry, Georgia, and flew it to North Carolina and back—while lacking proper training and flying in…
Read MoreAdvocacy groups say utility regulators who praised rate freeze before hearing violated state rules
By Stanley Dunlap / Georgia Recorder Georgia Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw (right) and Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald joined Gov. Brian Kemp for a May press conference to tout Georgia Power’s proposed rate freeze. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder Three elected state regulators are being asked to recuse themselves from voting on a proposed agreement to…
Read MoreLanier Schools’ new $26.7 million budget reflects lower spending than last year
By T.S.Carter | LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – The Lanier County public school district will spend about $600,000 less in the budget that starts July 1 than it did this year. The new budget totals $26.7million, a slight drop from the current $27.3 million. The 2026 budget should keep the amount property owner pay in taxes…
Read MoreLanier County Tax Commissioner’s Dual Roles Raise Ethics Questions – Conflicts of Interest Part 11
LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the eleventh in a 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 – Lanier County Tax Commissioner Rebecca S. Rampey, a constitutional officer…
Read MorePensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Appalling Cyberstalking and Exploitation of Minor Girls
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | PENSACOLA, Escombia County, Florida – Charles M. Schmaltz, 28, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of cyber stalking and sending obscene materials to minor females. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Between 2022 and…
Read MoreWarnock – Keeping Georgians Informed: June 02-08, 2025: Senator Warnock Champions Health Care Access, Animal Welfare in Busy Week of Legislative Action
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was a busy week for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) as he spoke out forcefully on two critical issues affecting Georgians — access to affordable health care and support for struggling animal shelters. Warnock Blasts “Work Reporting” Requirements in Medicaid Debate Appearing on NBC’s Meet…
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