Gun violence took focus in some South Georgia cities over the weekend. Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were called in to assist with a probe into a Moultrie incident. One man was found dead from gunfire and according to the report other men were also wounded. In Lakeland GBI investigators report that police there are working a case involving the shooting death of Willis Lamar Flintroyal and the wounding of Schalonda Johnson both age 32. As officers worked that incident more gunfire was heard and officials found Lewis Geddie age 20 suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both investigations continue.
The victim of a Cherokee Lake drowning in Thomasville has now been identified as 52 year old Armando Praza. Investigators say that rescue attempts were made by other persons on site but to no avail. The Thomas County Water Rescue Team was called in to retrieve the body and Praza was pronounced dead at the scene.
So far 2016 is proving to be just as dangerous as 2014 and 2015 when it comes to the number of fatalities occurring on Georgia roadways. According to the Department of Transportation there have already been 1,000 traffic related fatalities. In 2015 the number reached 1,432; up from 1170 in 2014. A DOT campaign to reduce the number of lives lost on the state’s roadways-Drive Alert Arrive Alive is in place and officials are working to bring the number of roadway fatalities down.
Officials with the Lowndes County Animal Shelter are looking for people who want to adopt a pet from the facility and help to relieve the overcrowding. Lowndes County Public Information Officer Paige Dukes reports that the overcrowding is caused by the number of dogs currently housed at the shelter and that other organizations involved in animal rescue are full as well. Rescue and foster pet programs are in place and anyone wanting to participate can call 229-671-2760.
The local Chamber of Commerce has announced a Meet the Candidates Rally set for September 27th from 5 until 7 p.m. at Mathis Auditorium. Chamber officials say that the event will not be the typical forum formatted program but rather a meet and greet opportunity for voters who will be able to meet and speak with the candidates on a one on one basis. Each candidate will be given to opportunity to briefly lay out their platforms.
The local homeless shelter LAMP (Lowndes Associated Ministries to People), Inc. is in need of a passenger van. The shelter utilizes a van to transport residents of the shelter to and from work, job interviews, employment searches and doctors’ appointments. The shelter serves nine surrounding counties. The shelter’s motto is, “A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out”. Residents of the shelter utilize their time during the day working towards becoming self-sufficient and the shelter has a 89% success rate, and typically those who complete the program in the shelter become completely self-sufficient. LAMP is the only shelter in the nine county area that provides services to single men, single women and families with children. For information on how you or your organization can help call 229-245-7157.
