There has been another attack on law enforcement officers; the latest incident took place in San Diego, California. According to the report from KGTV and CNN one officer is dead and a second officer was taken to surgery. Police have arrested one suspect and are searching for others.
Sadness has gripped portions of the South Fulton County where a 12 year old boy has died as the result of complications resulting from a heatstroke during football practice earlier this month. He has been identified as Johnny Tolbert. The youth suffered brain damage and was hospitalized but died yesterday.
The Chamber of Commerce has begun Phase II of the Valdosta- Lowndes County Business Incubator Study. A business incubator has the potential to aid startup companies in their endeavors by providing shared technology and services to its tenants. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur, the Chamber wants you to respond to a survey asking if there are sufficient numbers of such entrepreneurs who are willing to become part of the incubator. It can be found on the Chamber website, www.valdostachamber.com. If you have any questions contact Betty Morgan at 229-247-8100 at the Chamber.
Sheriff Chris Prine announces the latest addition to the School Resource Officer program. This year the sheriff’s office will be teaching the CHAMPS curriculum in each of the county elementary schools. The CHAMPS program, which stands for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety and it incorporates broader topics on safety and decision making skills. Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies who are School Resource Officers will teach the new curriculum primarily to students in the fifth grade.
32 year old Henry Dubose of Valdosta and John Foelker 43 of Lake Park were killed in a two vehicle accident on Whitewater Road. The Georgia State patrol reports that Dubose was traveling south on the roadway and Foelker was headed north. While attempting to make a curve Foelker reportedly left his lane of travel and struck the Dubose vehicle head on. Foelker was pronounced dead at the scene and Dubose died later at South Georgia Medical Center. Officials say that while a toxicology report is awaited they do not suspect that alcohol or drugs were involved.
59 year old Johnny Martin of Ashburn was sitting in his wheelchair at the offices of Dr. Kevin Holloway, when he suddenly pulled out a handgun and threatened the lives of all the people there. According to the police report the doctor had declined to treat Martin. Some of the persons in the doctor’s office managed to disarm the angered Martin and he was taken to a hospital for treatment and evaluation, and while there he assaulted an officer and a hospital staffer. He now faces multiple charges and he was already wanted by officials in Tifton.
Michelle Benton has been arrested and charged with helping jailed inmate Jerry Tranbarger escape from a work detail and police headquarters in Dougherty County. They were located just minutes after his escape at a convenience store on Moultrie Road.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction related lane closures within five miles of shopping malls and other major shopping areas on interstates and major state routes from 8am Saturday until 10pm Sunday. This weekend Georgia shoppers can take advantage of the sales tax breaks on school supplies, clothing and computer equipment. It’s the annual “back to school” sales tax holiday and Georgia shoppers have the opportunity to purchase certain clothing items, computers and computer accessories tax-free.
Complaints to law enforcement officials about suspected drug activity on Teddy Street in Thomasville led to a search of a residence. Officers arrested 42 year old Christopher Crumby and confiscated cocaine. Crumby is charged with possession with the intent to distribute. In a related incident 23 year old Brandon Rollins was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
