Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk and County officials are touting the benefits of the work program initiated to help jail inmates transition back into society. Inmates can actually work off a portion of their sentences and expedite their appearance before a judge. The program started 12 years ago under Paulk’s prior term in the office of sheriff. Inmates and employers are connected and the inmates pay is managed by the sheriff’s office and bills, parental responsibilities and probation costs are taken care of.
In 2015 Mayor John Gayle and administrators with Valdosta City government instituted the Valdosta Youth Council. The participants learn about governmental operations, leadership and community service. The program has now completed its second year.
The Valdosta Boardof Education has approved a new contract for the use of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for football games. Fees will now be increased from $$4,000 per game to $5,500. Valdosta State University will make use of the facility with four Saturday games scheduled in the fall. Valdosta State has also been given other contractual options such as putting a stadium manager and assistant in place and other activities at a nominal cost.
Officials with Lowndes County Government have recognized Emergency Services Workers from SGMC with a proclaimation and honors. The staffers were honored during Emergency Medical Services week.
42 year old Christopher Brown lost his life in an all terrain vehicle accident involving a car. According to the report he drove his ATV across four lanes of Highway 82 in TY TY when the incident took place; the driver of the car fled the scene and officials with the Georgia State Patrol are urging the driver to contact them; the owner of the vehicle reported that she did not know who was driving her vehicle. Brown was transported to Tift Regional where he was pronounced dead. The GSP reported that the driver of the car was not at fault.
Second Harvest Food bank is helping senior citizens by taking applications from the South Georgia region n their Commodity Supplemental Food Program. As many as 1,500 applications for assistance will be accepted. The help is given on a first come first serve basis. You can call Second Harvest, or visit the Thomasville and Valdosta warehouse to apply. Call (229) 469-6930.
Marie Parker told Valdosta Police that she was simply looking for somewhere to sleep when she was accused of breaking into a car. The victim reported that items belonging to her had been stolen from the vehicle; the items were found in Parker’s possession. She has been charged with a felony.
