Members of the Valdosta School Board decided to change start times for schools within the city system and they say that the move will enhance student performance levels. The new schedules will go into effect next August with the start of the new school year. Elementary schools will start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.-Middle schools from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.-High school from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
The celebration of small business week continues in Valdosta and across the state. Special focus is placed on businesses in the downtown area where six new businesses have opened creating over 60 jobs. City officials tout the growth and development in the downtown area and new business coming to the area.
Health administrators in Tifton say that their new musculoskeletal center will be operational in the spring of 2018. Construction is underway on the 22 million dollar three story 80 thousand square foot facility. Patients in need of an orthopedic surgeon and or physical theraphy will have their needs met under one roof.
Sylvester law enforcement officials are once again on the hunt for thieves who stole merchandise valued at $1,400 from a Walmart store. Earlier this month, Harry and Shannon Dunlap were arrested in Alabama for thefts from Walmart stores in Sylvester and Albany. In the latest reported incident an unidentified man and his companion Alexandra Reed Thomas are wanted for an attempted theft and return scam in Sylvester. The authorities are following up on leads including surveillance video of their getaway vehicle and Alexandra Thomas’ alleged Dothan, Alabama address.
The Gang Unit in Albany has been rounding up suspects connected to the murder of 21 year old John Lewis Jr. 15 year old Jarod Holsey was already in custody and charged with Lewis’ death. The latest arrests include Adonis Warren, Vontravious Jones, Corey Wright, Eric Davis and Markell Brown. It is believed that Lewis’ death was the result of criminal gang activity. Two other suspects identified as Jamarious Wright and David Luke are still sought.
Members of the Georgia Senate have approved their version of the state’s spending plan opening the way for negotiations to begin between the House and Senate on their differences. The two percent pay increase for Georgia educators and other state employees was approved as part of the Governor’s budget proposal. House and Senate members continue to support the 20 percent pay increase for state law enforcement officers. The fiscal 2018 budget, which takes effect July 1, includes $160.1 million for 2 percent increases for teachers, school bus drivers and school nurses, and $117.4 million in merit-based raises for state workers.
