Scam artists are posing as Georgia Power employees asking customers to give credit card information, buy a pre-paid debit card, or give a credit card number to avoid disconnection. According to Georgia Power, if an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer with a pre-recorded message or via mail requesting the customer to call Georgia Power to discuss their account. The company encourages customers to report scams and fraud attempts to local police and to the Federal Trade Commission.
A Bainbridge man who law enforcement officials say is a drug dealer has been arrested. 22 year old Aaron Allen Jones has been under investigation for several months and he now faces multiple charges. Investigators found a weapon, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, crack and marijuana during his arrest.
Officials with the Valdosta-Lowndes County team that oversees the Imagination Library are calling on the community to be a part of the effort to enroll more children in the program. They have a waiting list comprised of 115 children and the financial need is about $7,000. That amount would allow all the children in the program to receive a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book each month until they turn age 5. The program is sponsored by the Valdosta Rotary Clubs. Fore more information contact Dennis Marks at 229-630-8486.
Eleven years after the disappearence of Tara Grinstead and her subsequent death, suspect Ryan Duke has been indicted by an Irwin County grand Jury. Jurists found that there was sufficient evidence to indict Duke on charges that included felony and malice murder.
A task force comprised of agents from the Commercial Gambling Unit of the GBU, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Valdosta Police, the Georgia Lottery and department of Revenue searched multiple businesses in the area looking for illegal gambling activity. Evidence of criminal activity was collected and cash was seized from the businesses which are licensed to operate the machines for amusement but with no cash payouts; only lottery tickets and or merchandise from the businesses is allowed. The warrants were executed at businesses on West Hill Avenue, North Patterson Street, North Ashley, East Ann Street and East park Avenue. Search warrants were executed at the following business locations:
- Warraich 7862, LLC (7-11 Grocery), 1407 West Hill Ave., Suite C, Valdosta
- Leah 229, 2904 North Patterson Street, Suite I, Valdosta
- Lee Minit Mart #2, 1306 North Ashley Street, Valdosta
- Lee Minit Mart #1, 505 East Ann Street, Valdosta
- Citgo Station, 1836 West Hill Ave., Valdosta
- One Dollar Family, 1913 North Ashley Street, Valdosta
- Exclusive Production, 1412 East Park Ave., Suite D, Valdosta
James Salzer writing for the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that State lawmakers failed to pass legislation to give most Georgians a tax cut, but they did approve breaks for select industries and areas of the state that will cost the state treasury about $483 million over the next five years, according to a new report. House and Senate leaders failed to come to a final deal on legislation that would have cut the top state income tax rate for all Georgians. But lawmakers did pass the usual assortment of tax breaks that run the gamut, from one promoting big-yacht repair to some supporting the music and video gaming businesses. The tax breaks were contained in 10 bills now before Gov. Nathan Deal for his consideration. He has until next month to decide whether to sign them into law.
The Mayor and Council will hold a special Work Session on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 216 East Central Avenue. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers, on the 2nd Floor. Mayor John Gayle and council members will discuss transportation and the regional TSPLOST.
