Area News
Former Echols County Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested on Multiple Charges
Statenville, GA (January 7, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Anna Altobello, age 33, with eight counts of Misuse of License Plate Data, one count of Stalking, one count of Stalking – Family Violence, and one count of Violation of Oath of Office. On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Echols County Sheriff Randy Courson requested…
Read MoreGeorgia Drivers See Lower Gas Prices, Though Global Risks Persist
Georgia drivers are paying less at the pump, yet global market volatility could shift prices again. Recent events in Venezuela have made headlines, but oil prices have stayed fairly steady. U.S. crude closed at $57.32 a barrel on Friday, only 58 cents higher than the week before. Venezuela used to be a major oil producer,…
Read MoreGeorgia DJJ Awards Six High School 21 GED Diplomas to Youth
The Georgia Preparatory Academy held a graduation ceremony for youth on Thursday, December 18, in Macon, Ga. Students were awarded six high school diplomas and 21 GED diplomas. Class leaders included the valedictorian from the Chatham County Education Transition Center (ETC), the salutatorian from the Macon Youth Development Campus (YDC), and the student with the…
Read MoreSGMC Health Announces New Internal Medicine Chief Residents
SGMC Health’s Medical Education program announces the appointment of Ornob Rahman, MD, and Samuel Edusa, MD, as Chief Residents for the Internal Medicine Residency Program beginning in March 2026. These physicians were selected by their peers and approved by faculty and staff for their exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to clinical excellence. The Chief Resident…
Read MoreKelly Baumgardner of Lakeland Earns Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus
Kelly Baumgardner of Lakeland, earned a(n) Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus in summer 2025. Baumgardner was one of 3,800 students worldwide who earned degrees from UMGC in the summer 2025 term. University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs…
Read MoreSRTC Medical Assisting Students Recognized in Pinning Ceremony
Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) recognized five graduating Medical Assisting students at a pinning ceremony in Moultrie, honoring their achievements. The students received pins and small gifts in honor of their accomplishments. The graduating Medical Assisting students include: Lashedrick Smith of Adel. Each of the graduating students completed multiple semesters of rigorous prerequisite and occupational…
Read MoreArea residents graduate from Georgia Southwestern State University
The following area residents were among 551 students who earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from Georgia Southwestern State University during the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on Friday, Dec. 12 in the Convocation Hall of the Student Success Center. Sheena Barber of Nashville, GA earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education cum laude Bree…
Read MoreSouthern Regional Technical College Names Stephen Mathis Dean for Industrial Technology
Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) President Jim Glass has appointed Stephen Mathis as the Dean for Industrial Technology beginning December 1, 2025. Mathis has been with the college for nearly 12 years as the Industrial, Electrical, Design, and Construction Division Chair and Electrical Instructor. As the Industrial, Electrical, Design, and Construction Division Chair, Mathis provided…
Read MoreUNG confers degrees for fall 2025 graduates
For the fall 2025 semester, the University of North Georgia (UNG) awarded more than 1,000 degrees and certificates to graduates. Many of the graduates participated in the fall commencement ceremonies held Dec. 9-10 at the Convocation Center at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. Anny Pedraza Borbon of Hahira graduated with a Master of Education in Curriculum and…
Read MoreArea residents make Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State University
The following local residents made the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State University and were among 942 students recognized for scholastic achievement. Alice Dampier of Nashville, GA Madison Griffis of Adel, GA Karla Stone of Nashville, GA Morgan Willis of Adel, GA To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must earn…
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