Area News
Gov. Kemp Announces Affordability, Infrastructure & Workforce Priorities at Eggs and Issues
Governor Brian P. Kemp today delivered the closing address at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs and Issues legislative event, announcing a number of his top legislative and budgetary priorities for the 2026 session of the General Assembly. Among other proposals, the governor announced historic investments in affordability, transportation and energy infrastructure, and education…
Read MoreValdosta Symphony Guild Presents Tunes for Tots Jan. 24
The Valdosta Symphony Guild presents Tunes for Tots on Saturday, Jan. 24, in Valdosta State University’s Whitehead Auditorium. Tunes for Tots fun begins at 10 a.m. with instrument demonstrations by musicians from the American Prize-winning Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. This is an opportunity for all ages to discover the unique sounds of instruments from the string,…
Read MoreGeorgia Unemployment Rate Remains Below National Average at 3.5%
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that Georgia’s unemployment rate for November 2025 was 3.5%, up slightly from a revised 3.4% in September. November’s unemployment rate remained 1.1 percentage points below the national unemployment rate. One year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate was 3.6%. October 2025 data is unavailable due to a lapse in…
Read MoreWarner Robins Woman Convicted of Defrauding Georgia Medicaid of $5.4 Million
MACON, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Elizabeth Sue Ivester, 63, of Warner Robins, has been convicted on one count of Health Care Fraud and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft for engaging in a scheme to defraud the Georgia Medicaid program of more than $5.4 million. On Oct. 2, 2025,…
Read MoreSGMC Health Names Alonso as Director of Acute and Outpatient Therapy
SGMC Health announces the promotion of Bryant Alonso to Director of Acute and Outpatient Therapy, a role that will strengthen access to therapy services across the health system. Alonso will oversee Acute Therapy at all four SGMC Health hospital campuses and lead operations for SGMC Outpatient Therapy Services, the system’s newest clinic set to open in…
Read MoreJanuary is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
VALDOSTA – January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District is reminding women how important it is to take care of their health through regular screenings and prevention. Cervical cancer is serious, but it can often be prevented or treated if caught early. The Centers for Disease…
Read MoreDPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The baby, who acquired the virus while traveling internationally, lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with the child. Measles…
Read MoreMulti-State ATM “Jackpotting” Ring Busted, Valdosta and Hahira ATM’s among those hit.
A group of Venezuelan nationals involved in a series of ATM “jackpotting” thefts across Georgia and additional states have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Hector Alejandro Alvarado Alvarez, 22, of Venezuela, and Cesar Augusto Gil Sanchez, 22, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Jan. 7 and face…
Read MoreDecember Net Tax Revenues Up 3%
The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in the month of December totaled $3.44 billion, for an increase of nearly $101 million, or 3%, compared to December 2024, when net tax collections totaled almost $3.34 billion. Year-to-date net tax revenue collections through December totaled nearly $16.72 billion, for an increase of $363.7 million, or 2.2%, compared…
Read MoreSRTC Commencement Ceremonies Honor Class of 2025
On December 11, 2025, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) held two Commencement ceremonies in Bainbridge in honor of the graduates who completed their programs during the fall semester of 2025. The ceremonies recognized the accomplishments of over 400 graduates, with 282 graduates in attendance. The graduates’ friends and family members filled the Student Wellness Center…
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