An overflow crowd was expected and organizers of the rally for GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump were not disappointed. Organizers estimate that more than ten thousand people turned out to hear Trump along with a group of protesters. Today is Super Tuesday and it’s time to vote. Polling locations open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. in all 159 Georgia counties. For a listing of voting precincts go to Valdosta Today.com. Persons needing a ride to the polls may call the Democratic Party at (229) 630-8486 or (229) 241-1694 or contact the Republican Party for a ride at (229) 548-3748 or (229) 241-0916.
Police in Americus and Sylvester are working to identify bodies that have been discovered in their areas. In Americus a body was discovered in a creek where searchers had been combing the area for a suspect James Fuller fled from a traffic stop in early February but had not been seen since that time. In Sylvester officials have confirmed the discovery of a man’s body and the GBI Field Office is investigating the cause of death. The identification of the man is known but not yet released pending notification of family. The body was found in a ditch.
Lowndes County has nine precincts and polling places open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Precinct 1: Hahira Historical Society, 116 E. Lawson St., Hahira.
Precinct 2: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3501 Bemiss Road, Valdosta.
Precinct 3: Northside Baptist Church Gym, 200 E. Park Ave., Valdosta.
Precinct 4: Naylor City Hall, 8753 Ga. Hwy 135, Naylor.
Precinct 5: James H. Rainwater Conference Center, 1 Meeting Plaza, Valdosta.
Precinct 6: Mildred M. Hunter Community Center, 509 S. Fry St., Valdosta.
Precinct 7: Paper Mill Union Hall, 5241 Madison Highway, Valdosta.
Precinct 8: Dasher City Hall, 3686 Old U.S. 41 S., Valdosta.
Precinct 9: South Lowndes Recreation Complex, 6440 Ocean Pond Ave., Lake Park.
Voters unaware of where to vote should contact the Lowndes County Board of Elections, 2808 N. Oak St., by telephone at (229) 671-6850.
The Georgia House has ended the 30th day of its legislative session, likely leaving behind several high-profile bills that failed to make it out of the chamber. A bill and constitutional amendment to allow up to four casinos to operate across the state failed to get a floor vote. The House also didn’t take a floor vote on a so-called “public accommodation” law preventing businesses from discriminating based on race, nationality, religion or sex. Democrats tried but failed in early February to add protection for gay and transgender people before a committee approved the bill. The measure was not scheduled for a floor vote by the House Rules committee. The House is expected to resume voting on bills after a break. Senators approved several constitutional amendments, including one requiring an income tax cut if the state’s reserve fund is full and tax revenue continues to climb. Cuts would continue over time if those conditions are met. The Georgia House has approved a bill expanding the list of conditions allowing people to possess medical marijuana in Georgia. If signed into law, the bill would extend eligibility to patients with autism, HIV or AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and several other conditions.
A Colquitt County Sheriff’s Deputy came face to face with a puff of smoke from a marijuana pipe after a Tallahassee woman stopped for speeding decided to take a hit blowing the smoke into the face of the deputy. The woman was identified as Stephanie Harvey who claimed that she was having a panic attack as her mood shifted from sadness to laughter. She now faces multiple charges including marijuana possession and child endangerment; her 2 year old son was with her and was not restrained.
Since the first of 2016 there have been seven fatal traffic accidents in Thomas County and as a result of the increase in fatalities Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol will be increasing their efforts to lower the number of fatalities in Thomas County. Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers; especially those who drive under the influence of alcohol.
