Lowndes County

Valdosta fire crews rescue resident from burning home

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 700 Block of Collier Street early Friday morning. The call came in from dispatch at 4:46 a.m. and the first fire unit arrived on scene within four minutes to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the residence, according to the Valdosta Fire Department. Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control. An occupant of the home was found inside of the structure and was rescued by fire personnel. The occupant was taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment. A total of 15…

Here are the changes to how Valdosta City Schools will handle quarantine

Valdosta City Schools released new COVID-19 quarantine guidelines earlier this week. Below is the information from the news release sent out by the school district so you can see the changes and reasons straight from the horse's mouth. On Tuesday, September 14, the Valdosta Board of Education adopted new COVID-19 quarantine guidance in accordance with the administrative order released by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Georgia Department of Health issued the following guidance to schools: “…recognizing the importance of in-person learning, we have issued an updated administrative order related to quarantine. Schools may now elect to adhere to…

Valdosta residents, here’s how you can help Hurricane Ida victims

The Valdosta Police Department is partnering with New Territory Outreach Ministries to collect items to send to the Louisiana to assist in the Hurricane Ida recovery efforts.If residents are interested in donating any of the below listed items (no other items, please) to the relief effort, they can drop off the items at the Valdosta Police Department Lobby (open 24/7) or 307 East Jane Street (9am to 1pm) through Tuesday, September 7. Needed Items (new and unopened) Bottled WaterBatteriesFlashlightsNon-Perishable FoodDuct TapeDiapers/WipesHand SanitizerTarpsPlastic Sheeting For more information, please call Community Policing Officer Randall Hancock at (229)-242-2606 ext. 4090.

Valdosta Fire Department stops early morning blaze

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 503 Gil Harbin Industrial Blvd. at 5:43 a.m. Thursday morning. The first fire unit arrived on scene within four minutes to find heavy smoke coming from multiple overhead doors. The large, commercial building resulted in a two-alarm response totaling seven fire vehicles and 21 firefighters. The building’s fire suppression system kept the fire contained until crews could bring it under control. All employees safely evacuated prior to Fire Department's arrival. The Fire Department reports no injuries. Valdosta Police Department and South Georgia Medical Center EMS assisted…

Elsa leaves sewer spills in her wake

VALDOSTA -- Tropical Storm Elsa brought rain and sewage overflows to Valdosta Wednesday. According to city officials, the City of Valdosta received more than three inches of rain from Tropical Storm Elsa in addition to about nine inches of rain received during the past two weeks. These rain events saturated the ground causing inflow and infiltration into the sanitary sewer system. The excess flow exceeded the capacity of the collection system causing intermittent sewage spills at several manholes. On Wednesday the city identified seven seven locations in which these overflows occurred: 800 Block of Gornto Road = 43,350 gallons200 Block of…

Meet Iva, Valdosta’s newest K-9 officer

The Valdosta Police Department has added a new member to its team filled with dedication, drive, and a lot of fluff. Iva is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois that now works alongside K-9 handler James Turner. Turner has been with the Police Department for almost six years. Initially, he started as a Patrol Officer but has since transitioned into the K-9 unit, where he has worked for the past three years. Recently Turner and Iva completed a nine-week course in New Market, Alabama, designed for K-9 instructors. Not only did this course assist the pair with additional skill sets such as…

Georgia inmates charged with drug trafficking and bribery at state prison

Four inmates at Georgia prisons are facing federal charges stemming from a scheme to smuggle narcotics into Hays State Prison by bribing a corrections officer, FBI officials say. Jeffery Deroy Lewis, an inmate at Valdosta State Prison, along with Octavius Henry, Alexis Jay Stokley, and Khalid Eugene Mouton, inmates at Hays State Prison, and an accomplice, Jessica Corley Stokley, have been indicted and arraigned on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges. “These inmates allegedly smuggled drugs and other contraband into the prison, putting guards and fellow inmates in danger,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “By using hidden cellphones…

Quick News: Emergency Road closure in Lowndes County

The Lowndes County Engineering Department announces an emergency road closure of Nadia Crossing at the CSX Railroad Crossing. This is due to a broken rail that is being replaced. Nadia Crossing will be closed the rest of today and should be reopened late this afternoon. For further information, please contact the Lowndes County Engineering Department at 229-671-2424.

Boat manufacturer to bring 90 jobs to Valdosta area

Correct Craft, a leader in building tournament inboard, freshwater fishing, utility and recreational boats, will invest more than $1.7 million in opening a manufacturing facility in Valdosta. Company officials say the new facility will deliver 90 jobs to Lowndes County. Correct Craft’s Valdosta facility will produce wakeboarding and wake surfing boats under its Supreme Boats brand. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Correct Craft and Supreme Boats to the family of outstanding manufacturers that call Georgia home. Boating and water sports play a vital role in our tourism industry in Georgia and, along with other important industry sectors, help create opportunity…

News Blog: Ivanka Trump visits Atlanta

Ivanka Trump is visiting Atlanta today to participate in a roundtable about efforts to end human trafficking. Trump was accompanied by Attorney General William Barr. Trump will also tour the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s survivor care facility. Vehicle fire shuts down State Bridge Road in Johns Creek State Bridge Road at Jones Bridge Rd was shut down in both directions Monday morning due to an active vehicle fire. The Johns Creek Police Department said there were no injuries, the truck was removed and the road is now open. Richmond County Sheriff's Sgt. dies The Richmond County Sheriff's Department is…

Inmate death in Valdosta suspected to be homicide

VALDOSTA -- An inmate at Valdosta State Prison died Wednesday and investigators say they believe the inmate's death was a homicide. Agents say they have reason to believe inmate Bobby Carpenter died as a result of injuries sustained during an altercation with another inmate at the facility. Medical personnel responded and life saving measures were performed. Carpenter was pronounced dead at the prison at about 7:48 a.m. The Georgia Department of Corrections is conducting an investigation into the death as standard procedure. Carpenter was sentenced in Cherokee County in 2016 to serve 20 years for Armed Robbery.

NEWS BLOG: Road closures, Coronavirus testing and government promotions

Georgia Power will be closing a lane of traffic on Sea Island Road near Mackay River in Glynn County on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. , in order to complete an emergency repair of the main transmission line. This will be a single lane closure, and travelers should expect delays. Lumpkin County COVID-19 testing will be appointment only Wednesday The Lumpkin County Health Department, will have testing by appointment only Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this week. https://twitter.com/LumpkinCountySO/status/1287838763595583489 Staffing changes in Gwinnett County Government Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens has filled four senior management positions, including…

Valdosta launches mask campaign as Georgia coronavirus cases rise

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a "Mask Up Valdosta" campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear a face covering in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. City officials say the voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month. “We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the…