The July-August 2016 issue of the City Beat newsletter is available online and is packed full with information about the City of Valdosta. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Sementha Mathews at smathews@valdostacity.com or 229-259-3548. You can Download the Valdosta Click ‘N Fix App today from the New City Website.

More information has been released regarding the tragic Highway 319 two vehicle accident that occurred in the early morning hours yesterday in Grady County. Officials report that 43 year old Makeacha Butler was killed and the other driver Robin O’Neil Wann was last listed in critical conditions. Robin Wann was cited for driving on the wrong side of the roadway.

Thanks to the Ronald McDonald House Charities 10 youth have been chosen to receive free passage to the Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro; five of the special youth were recognized for having overcome major health conditions and five others were selected for the support that they gave to the ailing youth. Among those who will make the trip to Brazil are J’Son Walker who has sickle cell anemia, and his biggest supporter; his sister Ja’Kerria, both of Sylvester. Also making the trip with them will be their mother, and grandfather as they will join others from around the country.

Charges connected to an incident of battery against former Colquitt County Sheriff’s Deputy Evan Garlick have been dropped. He was taken into custody in Pelham in May after law enforcement was notified of an argument that turned physical. He will have to attend anger management classes and refrain from harmful contact with his unidentified victim. His court review date is December 6th.

When Valdosta Police officer Randall Hancock was ambushed and shot earlier this month multiple law enforcement agencies responded to his call for assistance. Police Chief Brian Childress has thanked area businesses, citizens and organizations for providing food and well wishes during that time, but there was another special group of volunteers on site that day; the Volunteer Chaplins. They were there to provide assistance in calming what was a very stressful situation for law enforcement officers and residents of the apartment complex where the incident took place. The chaplain program was started at the police department a year ago.

Moultrie investigators continue their search for a man responsible for shooting 22 year old Alec Daniels. The suspect sought is Apondrea Marshall Jr. age 26. Police earlier arrested Dykerian Williams and Yashekia Fields, both age 20. At last report Daniels was in intensive care at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.