Southeast Georgia Sun | Page 3 Of 6

A predawn fire on Willow Way displaced a family of three and required a swift response from the Valdosta Fire Department. Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy smoke and flames engulfing the roof of the home.

Fire

Two Dogs Rescued From Early Morning Fire in Valdosta

by B.T. ClarkDecember 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Erik Kristensen Sparre, 61, of Waynesville, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault in the 1985 slayings of Harold and Thelma Swain at the Rising Daughter Baptist Church in Woodbine. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest on December 9, following a lengthy investigation.

Crime

1985 Harold and Thelma Swain Murders: Arrest Made in Cold Case

by B.T. ClarkDecember 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Policyholders recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation have received more than $1.4 billion in flood insurance payments, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Over 56,000 claims have been filed so far, with most originating in Florida.

Hurricane Helene Flood Insurance Payouts Surpass $1.4 Billion

by News DeskNovember 27, 2024November 27, 2024

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has launched a low-interest emergency loan program to help farmers who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene.

State-run Farm Hurricane Relief Program Taking Applications

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceNovember 25, 2024November 25, 2024

As of Nov. 7, more than 55,000 flood loss claims linked to Hurricane Helene have been filed with the National Flood Insurance Program, with payments totaling approximately $830 million so far, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Hurricane Helene Flood Claims May Reach $7 Billion

by B.T. ClarkNovember 12, 2024November 12, 2024

Georgia residents impacted by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby now have an extended window to apply for federal disaster assistance. At the request of the state, the application deadline for FEMA aid has been pushed to January 7, 2025. This extension aims to provide more time for those needing financial support for essential needs, home repairs, and recovery after the storms.

News You Can Use

Apply for FEMA Assistance: Deadline Extended to January for Georgia Residents

by B.T. ClarkNovember 7, 2024November 7, 2024

After 26 years, the brutal murder of John McKinnon, a 67-year-old taxi driver, remains unsolved, haunting Coffee County. Robbed of his life and belongings, McKinnon's case illustrates a chilling failure of justice. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation desperately seeks leads; will anyone step up to unveil this horrific mystery?

Crime

Cold Case: Georgia Taxi Driver’s 1998 Murder Remains Unsolved

by Thom ChandlerNovember 2, 2024November 2, 2024

Five individuals, including four teenagers and one adult, have been charged in the death of 16-year-old Darion Davis in Pearson, Georgia. Davis succumbed to injuries from a group assault. Charges include malice murder and aggravated assault. The investigation continues, and an autopsy is pending to confirm the cause of death.

Crime

Five Arrested in Connection with Beating Death of 16-Year-Old Darion Davis in Georgia

by Thom ChandlerOctober 30, 2024October 30, 2024

Echols County residents may face a 13.34 percent property tax increase next year, pending a Board of Commissioners decision on a new millage rate of 16.987 mills. Public hearings are scheduled for October 18, where residents can voice their opinions. The increase could significantly impact homeowners and non-homestead property owners.

Your Government

Will Echols County Raise Your Taxes?

by Thom ChandlerOctober 13, 2024October 13, 2024

Republican candidate Wayne Johnson criticized long-serving Rep. Sanford Bishop for disconnecting from Southwest Georgia during a debate that Bishop skipped. Johnson, drawing from his Trump administration experience, proposed local control over abortion and supported expanding education vouchers. He emphasized his blend of business and governmental experience for effective representation.

Sanford Bishop a No-Show at Congressional Debate Against Out-of-District Opponent

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceOctober 13, 2024

Mary Ramsbottom has spent two decades searching for answers in the disappearance of her sister, Paula Ann Wade, and nephew, Brandon Wade, who vanished from their Valdosta home on Oct. 14, 2002. Her plea has never wavered, and now a new awareness campaign is bringing Brandon’s face to thousands of gas station screens across Georgia and Florida, sparking hope that someone might finally step forward with the missing piece.

2,800 Gas Stations Share Image of Georgia Toddler Missing for 22 Years

by Thom ChandlerOctober 11, 2024October 11, 2024

Residents living in Southeast Georgia should get ready for strong winds on Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory, which means there will be some very windy conditions. Winds could gust up to 35 miles per hour.

Wind Advisory for Southeast Georgia on Thursday

by Thom ChandlerOctober 9, 2024October 9, 2024

President Joe Biden called on Congress Thursday to pass a supplemental spending bill to aid victims of Hurricane Helene in Georgia and other Southeastern states.

Biden in South Georgia: ‘We’ve got your back’

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceOctober 3, 2024October 3, 2024

A firefighter lost his life early Friday morning when a tree fell on his vehicle during Tropical Storm Helene in Blackshear, Georgia. The Pierce County Fire Department confirmed the firefighter's death.

Georgia Firefighter Killed by Fallen Tree During Tropical Storm Helene

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 27, 2024September 27, 2024

Hurricane

Valdosta Declares Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 25, 2024September 25, 2024

A routine traffic stop on Allenville Road in Berrien County escalated into a chase and ended in gunfire on Monday evening. The incident, which is now under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, unfolded when a Georgia State Patrol Trooper from Post 13 Tifton attempted to stop a vehicle at 6:21 p.m. for a traffic violation.

Crime

High Speed Chase in Georgia Ends in Gunfire

by Thom ChandlerSeptember 3, 2024September 3, 2024

In the wilds of southeast Georgia, nature recently served up a curious spectacle, courtesy of the notoriously voracious eastern indigo snake.

Georgia Snake Bites Off More Than it Can Chew

by Thom ChandlerAugust 29, 2024August 29, 2024

During Monday night's address at the Democratic National Convention, Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock mentioned his hometown of Waycross, Georgia. He quipped that it was named Waycross because it was "Way across Georgia."

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Waycross, Georgia

by Thom ChandlerAugust 20, 2024August 20, 2024

News That Makes You Smarter. Always Free. Delivered to Your Inbox.Sign Up