Area News
GBI Arrests Former Pearson Police Department Chief for Theft
Douglas, GA (March 24, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Woodrow “Peewee” Wilson Burkhalter, age 55, of Coffee County, GA, with 28 counts of Theft by Taking and 28 counts of Theft by Conversion. The GBI also arrested and charged Burkhalter’s wife, Angela Denise Burkhalter, age 53, of Coffee County, GA, with one count…
Read MoreLegislation aligned with GaDOE priorities advances in General Assembly
Several pieces of legislation aligned with the Georgia Department of Education’s legislative priorities successfully crossed over in the Georgia General Assembly last week, keeping proposals focused on supporting teachers, strengthening learning, and protecting instructional time for students in play as the 2026 legislative session continues. Crossover Day marks the deadline for most bills to pass out of…
Read MoreSGMC Health Names Dr. David Hardy as March Health System Hero
SGMC Health has named vascular surgeon David Hardy, MD, RPVI, FACS, as its March Health System Hero, recognizing his extraordinary clinical expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patients during a recent life‑threatening trauma case. A critically injured patient arrived at SGMC Health with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, requiring immediate surgical and vascular intervention.…
Read MoreGBI Investigates Death in Berrien County
At the request of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating the death of Mickey Dewayne Tuggle, age 47, of Nashville, Georgia. On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Tuggle was shot and killed along Hwy 76 in Berrien County, Georgia. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Macon will complete an autopsy to determine the…
Read MoreSouthwest Georgia Repeat Offender Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession
ALBANY, Ga. – A Moultrie, Georgia, resident with prior felony convictions was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing four firearms discovered during an investigation into armed drug trafficking in the community. Johnny Will Murray, Jr., 41, of Moultrie, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release…
Read MoreCity of Valdosta Recognizes Amy Martin as National “250 Champions” Honoree
The City of Valdosta is proud to announce that Amy Martin, Senior Planner, has been selected as a 2026 “250 Champions” honoree, a national recognition presented by the National Academy of Public Administration in partnership with LocalGov250. The 250 Champions Initiative honors outstanding public servants from across the country who exemplify excellence, leadership, and a…
Read MoreGov. Kemp Signs Major Tax Relief Bills for Hardworking Georgians
Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp and members of the General Assembly, today signed HB 1000 and HB 1199 into law, authorizing the return of nearly $1.2 billion in state income tax refunds to hardworking Georgians and suspending the state motor fuel tax for 60 days, respectively, among other provisions. When added to previous tax…
Read MoreRabies Risk Increases as Wildlife Becomes More Active
VALDOSTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District reminds residents that as the weather warms, wildlife is more active and encounters with animals such as raccoons, foxes, and bats may increase. Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and report any animals acting unusually. Being proactive is key to preventing exposure…
Read MoreSylvester Player Hits $410,742 Fantasy 5 Jackpot
ATLANTA (March 16, 2026) – A Georgia Lottery player hit the jackpot for $410,742 in the March 13 Fantasy 5 drawing. The lucky ticket was purchased at J and J Grocer, 506 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Sylvester. It matched all five numbers, which were 08-13-16-31-35. A Stone Mountain resident also won $13,378 playing the Max…
Read MoreValdosta High School Senior Braeden Lampkin Named First “Mayor for a Day” to Kick Off Georgia Cities Week
The City of Valdosta is proud to announce that Valdosta High School senior Braeden Lampkin has been selected as the City’s first Mayor for a Day, kicking off Georgia Cities Week on Monday, April 20, 2026. As part of this special recognition, Lampkin will spend the day learning about local government operations while engaging directly…
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