Berrien County Sheriff Anthony Heath has been removed from office after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of violating the civil rights of two non-resistant arrestees by using excessive force against them. The counts stem from two separate incidents, one in 2012 and another in 2014, in which Heath kicked and punched suspects after the had already surrendered to deputies and were laying on the ground. The FBI is continuing to investigate the case

A photo of what is purported to be a giant alligator caught at Reed Bingham State Park in Cook County has been circulating online and has now been determined to be a hoax. The photo, which shows an African crocodile caught by a well-known Mozambique hunter has been used other online hoaxes in the past.

The newly remodeled I-75 visitor center between Exits 2 and 5 in Lake Park reopens today, just in time for the busy Independence Day weekend travel. The visitor center now features new restrooms, plumbing fixtures, updated fire alarm systems, new vending area and a new pavilion. The center was first opened in 1964.

A former Valdosta State University student charged with bringing a firearm on campus has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in August. Eric Sheppard pleaded guilty on May 31 to one count of carrying a weapon in a school safety zone. VSU police found the gun in a book bag left on campus following a campus protest. Investigators later linked the gun to Sheppard through a purchase receipt from a pawn shop. Sheppard was part of a group which held several protests in which an American flag was placed on the ground and repeatedly walked on.

A lightning strike yesterday damaged the traffic light in front of Valdosta State University on North Patterson Street. The Georgia Department of Transportation says it could be several days before they can complete the necessary repairs. VSU officials are asking the public and students to be cautious while driving in the area.

The Georgia Department of Insurance is urging caution with fireworks this Independence Day weekend. Each year, 8,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Last year, 59 fireworks related incidents were reported in Georgia. The department urges people to carefully read fireworks’ labels, never allow children to ignite fireworks and to use outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.