Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInVALDOSTA the Valdosta Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 1305 Partridge Place the first fire unit arrived to find heavy smoke and flames pouring from the front windows of the home Fire crews acted swiftly and successfully brought the blaze under control One occupant was injured and transported to SGMC Health for treatment SGMC Health EMS and the Valdosta Police Department also responded and assisted at the scene The cause of the fire remains under investigation The American Red Cross has been contacted to support the displaced residents Authorities have not released additional details about the extent of the injuries or the damage to the home Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University Art & Design students recently celebrated the new mural at Valdosta Regional Airport students from Valdosta State University’s Department of Art & Design were celebrated for their talent and hard work during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newly completed mural at the Valdosta Regional Airport The event marked the official unveiling of the large-scale interactive mural that now brightens the airport’s baggage claim area Created by students in VSU’s Special Topics Mural Class the mural project was a collaboration between the VSU College of the Arts and the Public Arts Advisory Council (PAAC) In attendance were VSU faculty and staff from the College of the Arts including Professors Craig Hawkins and Evelyn Davis-Walker, who led the project as well as other university representatives representatives from the Turner Center for the Arts and airport leadership—all showing strong support for the students and the power of public art is the result of a semester-long course that provided students with hands-on experience in every phase of mural production—from client presentations and budgeting to wall preparation and painting techniques The finished piece also includes interactive QR codes that connect travelers to attractions and experiences throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County The students expressed pride and excitement in seeing their work celebrated by community leaders and art advocates. This project truly reflects the power of collaboration between education It’s more than a mural—it’s a welcome to Valdosta The mural is now a permanent installation at the Valdosta Regional Airport and is open for public viewing during airport hours Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application 2025 at Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta She was born in Sanderson FL on September 12 King graduated from Moultrie High School in 1956 She attended Norman College where she met her future husband camping and attending Atlanta Braves games She was an avid reader and spent time creating new recipes practicing yoga and attending exercise classes King was blessed to have had a caring husband King was employed by Meriwether County as Chief Appraiser and as a member of the Board of Assessors She was a member of the Greenville Baptist Church She was employed by the Lowndes County Assessors Department as the Commercial and Industrial Personal Property appraiser She later worked from home as an appraiser for a firm based in Atlanta She is survived by her daughter Kara Welch Bunte (Loren) and Kassidy Bunte of Valdosta; daughter in law Kimberly Hines King (the late Don) of Augusta; granddaughterRowan Calhoun-King (Caroline) of Athens; grandsons Jacob King (Bailey) of Winchester TN Donovan King (Kaylee) and great grandson Liam King of Boston MA; sister Donna Croll of Valdosta nephew Courtney Crozier (Melissa) of Baltimore MD and cousin Ann Blanton Pohl of Atlantic Beach FL A memorial service will be held in the future memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInLOWNDES COUNTY Lowndes County Sheriff’s office arrested 39-year-old Tyree Peterson for aggravated assault Peterson’s arrest came after a reported stabbing at Travelers Inn on Madison Highway Angela Gardner told WALB that he is currently in a medically induced coma LCSO has not released any additional details or information regarding this incident VALDOSTA – The Turner Center is spotlighting five assistant instructors by sharing what it’s like working in art classes The Turner Center offers more than 50 beginner-friendly classes and workshops for youth and adults each month Instrumental in the success of these programs are a team of two dozen art instructors and assistants who help students bring their artistic visions to life Five of these assistant instructors shared their experiences working in art classes and Elizabeth Wilson – some of the Turner Center’s class assistants – have all been pursuing art since high school “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in pursuing art…I remember dressing as an artist for my career day in second grade and that passion has continued through my life!” Figueroa said “Art has always been an interest of mine…what captured my interest was that you can bring what you see in your head to life for others to enjoy.” Class assistants are regularly recruited through active partnerships with educators at institutions such as Valdosta State University and Lowndes High School The Turner Center works to give aspiring artists experience in working with a variety of student ages and backgrounds which the assistants can apply to careers as artists and/or teachers after graduation The assistants perform critical functions for the Turner Center as they work with lead instructors to develop classes that promote learning When asked what they love most about working with students at the Turner Center these assistants described the thrill of seeing students excited about art who has assisted youth classes and is now an instructor for youth summer art camps said “My favorite part is when the students add me to their art!” Figueroa described the joy of watching art bring together groups of people are better when the fun is shared with others!” Figueroa also encouraged others to become involved in the arts saying “Try something new – try many things…art comes in many forms and can be created by anyone!” Liborio said “Working with kids is awesome – they are filled with so much imagination Once you ask them what the story is behind their work you can see the excitement in their eyes.” Simpson who assists the Turner Center’s monthly Adult Pottery Workshop said “Most adult classes are scheduled with work in mind…there are evening classes to unwind after a long day and Saturday workshops you can take with friends to make a day of it – making art just for the fun of it is so important!” To learn more about classes at the Center, visit turnercenter.org/classes, or contact Art Education Administrator Hailey Rathmann at hrathmann@turnercenter.org or 229.247.2787 VALDOSTA – Valdosta City Schools announces the top three finalists for the 2024-25 CATS Award for Employee of the Year What a night to remember at the CATS Award Reception Congratulations to our Top 3 finalists: Tereatha Copeland The CATS Award—Continuous Acts of Kindness Through Teamwork and Service—celebrates those who go above and beyond with heart and dedication Each nominee received hundreds in local prizes—from gifts to gift cards—thanks to the incredible generosity of our community sponsors nominees were recognized with bonuses from Valdosta City Schools in appreciation of their outstanding service A special thank you to the VHS Floral Design Classes for creating the beautiful centerpieces and arrangements which nominees were able to take home as a memory of the evening.Surrounded by proud family the energy in the room was full of pride and support Let’s give one final round of applause to our outstanding 2024–2025 CATS Nominees: VCS District Winner: (WALB) - The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) announced on May 2 they arrested four people and are searching for a fifth person involved in a shooting that happened on April 26 Two of the four people who have been arrested turned themselves into the VPD following the shooting The other two arrests were Callon “CJ” Sturrup The four are being held in the Lowndes County Jail They are each facing the following charges: VPD said they responded to reports of a shooting at Friendly Express gas station on Inner Perimeter Road at about 11 p.m officials said they got a report of an 18-year-old man who came to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds VPD said their investigation determined that the shooting was a result of an altercation between two large groups of people VPD said that Taylor is a Valdosta resident They encourage anyone with information about where he may be to contact 911 immediately Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message By Brittanye BlakePublished: May 2025 at 11:41 AM EDT|Updated: 22 hours agoEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInWALB is working to produce a video for this story the Valdosta Miracle League will host its annual Ping-Pong Race with all proceeds directly benefiting the organization The Valdosta Miracle League provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball in an inclusive and supportive environment “As part of our Leadership Lowndes Class of 2025 community service project our group is excited to bring awareness to the incredible work of the Miracle League of Valdosta,” Medina Franklin Winners will receive prizes generously donated by local businesses to the late Norman Edward McGowan and Mary Lewis McGowan At a young age his family moved to Valdosta where he grew up graduating from Valdosta High School in 1943 Navy during WWII and was stationed in Bellingham processing sailors that were being deployed out to the Pacific or returning from the Pacific McGowan continued to serve in the Naval Reserves for five years After WWII he returned to Valdosta and married his high school sweetheart They both were a part of the Valdosta Wildcat Marching Band he joined his father-in-law in business at Register’s Men’s Clothing While he enjoyed working with his father-in-law he couldn’t deny that the Lord was calling him into the ministry He then pursued his education as one of the first male students at Valdosta State College He attended seminary at Emory University and early on he began preaching in various Methodist Churches but quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best teachers and pastors in the state McGowan spent the next 65 years loving people and bringing then closer to Christ as he served many churches in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church he accepted 14 interim assignments with the last being in 2017 at the age of 91 This assignment was at Wright’s Chapel which was one of the original churches he pastored in 1953 McGowan was honored to be part of the first conference of the South Georgia Global Methodist Church at Epworth by the Sea While preaching was his calling and passion his list of hobbies and interests was vast He loved spending time building control line model airplanes He loved woodworking and was known to build everything from kayaks to desks loved to teach the young people in his church youth groups how to water ski and would fly kites on the beach any chance he was able to He hiked the Appalachian trail numerous times and loved all methods of two-wheel transportation as he was often seen riding around town on his motor-scooter into his early 90’s He eventually worked towards and achieved his pilot’s license and owned his own plane but the most important thing he did in his spare time was spend time with his family McGowan married Eleanor Strickland on June 27 They loved to travel and spent years going all over the United States they’ve spent the last 26 years thriving as “Papa” and “Mimi,” to their grand-children daughter and son-in-law Carol and Ron Irwin of Valdosta son and daughter-in-law Lewis and Judy McGowan of Auburn son and daughter-in-law Paul and Lori McGowan stepson and his wife John and Amy Eldridge of Travelers Rest stepson and his wife Julian and Libby Eldridge of Oakland stepdaughter and her husband Eleanor and Parrish Clark of Valdosta stepdaughter and her husband Mary Clarice and Jeff Hathaway of Kennesaw and stepdaughter-in-law and her husband Joy and Patrick Roberts of Pinetta He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his nineteen grand-children as well as his sister-in-law Nancy McGowan of Wilmington and special adopted family Grady and Hannah Jackson McGowan was preceded in death by his first wife Martha McGowan The family will have a visitation on Tuesday evening May 6 from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home McGowan’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday followed by a graveside service at Sunset Hill Cemetery “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” donations may be made to Epworth-By-The-Sea (https://www.epworthbythesea.org/) Park Avenue Church (https://parkave.church/give/) The family is deeply grateful for the care provided by Home Instead and Hospice of South Georgia Online condolences may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home is assisting the McGowan Family at this time Add to Calendar Add to Calendar Turner Center executive director; Roberta George VALDOSTA – The Turner Center announces the recipient of the Lena Bosch Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th Spring Into Art Gala The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts announced Roberta George as the recipient of the Lena Bosch Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th Spring Into Art Gala executive director of the Turner Center and Jane Burgsteiner president of the Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC) presented the prestigious award to George and visionary leadership in the advancement of the arts in our community LVAC created the award to annually honor people who embody Lena’s passion and spirit for the arts through the Turner Center.  “This award recognizes individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership in shaping the growth and advancement of the arts community specifically through involvement in the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts,” said Turner Center Executive Director Sementha Mathews a strong supporter of LVAC and has demonstrated her leadership and commitment to the Turner Center through extensive board and committee membership Roberta meets and exceeds the requirements of the award.” A bronze cast iron plaque with the facial image of Bosch is displayed in the Price-Campbell Gallery at the Turner Center and includes the cast iron name plates of all award recipients The recipient also receives an original glass art award created in the Turner Center’s Richard Hill Glass Art Studio by glass artist James Downey For more information about the award or how to become more involved with the Turner Center, visit www.turnercenter.org or call 229.247.2787.  LOWNDES CO – The Lowndes County Emergency Management encourages residents to act during National Hurricane Preparedness Week so Lowndes County is encouraging all residents to start planning and preparing along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is promoting National Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 4-10 “As we move into the 2025 hurricane season it’s essential for everyone in Lowndes County to remain alert and prepared,” said Ashley Tye Director of Lowndes County Emergency Management “While experts anticipate another active season with a higher number of storms predicting their exact paths remains challenging This means that each one of us needs to stay informed and be ready to act swiftly if our community is affected again as we experienced with the last two hurricane seasons and our community from the potential impacts of these unpredictable storms.” To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you we encourage all residents to take the following steps: The past two years have underscored just how critical it is to stay prepared While many in our community are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricanes Idalia and preparation today can save lives tomorrow Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, 2025. Now is the time to get prepared. Learn more about hurricanes at Ready.gov/hurricanes on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee to the late Henry “Hank” James Coburger and Colleen Loretta Cavanaugh Coburger—beginning her story in a place that would shape so much of her future she graduated from Escambia High School and returned to Tallahassee to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State She later received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Ohio University Linda’s teaching career began in the classrooms of Leon County Schools and spanned decades and state lines—from Ohio to North Carolina and a deep belief in every child’s potential She spent 20 devoted years at Pine Grove Elementary before “retiring”—only to continue shaping young minds at St Linda was a woman of deep faith and connection She was active in her church and the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) and she found joy and fellowship in bible study groups She explored the world with the Happy Travelers Travel Club A voracious reader and loyal Florida State fan she never missed a chance to cheer on her team or dive into a good book Linda’s love and strength live on through her children: her son Ben Wilson and his wife Stephanie of Valdosta; her daughter Lauria Wilson and her wife Amanda of Lake Mary She was a proud grandmother to Shelby Wilson She is also survived by her brother Michael Coburger and his wife Cecilia of Pensacola along with many beloved nieces and nephews She now reunites with her siblings David Coburger A visitation with rosary will be held on Tuesday A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Robert Phillips officiating the family invites you to honor Linda’s legacy by supporting causes dear to her heart: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Diabetes Association Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com Make a donation to one of the following charities in remembrance of Linda Coburger Wilson Add to Calendar Add to Calendar I'm your neighborhood reporter for Valdosta the City of Valdosta cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of Harvest Station and officially broke ground on Phase 2—a multi-million development aimed at tackling our affordable housing crisis one brick at a time But according to IDP Properties president Rhett Holmes getting here takes more than a groundbreaking—it takes years "Developing affordable housing is not for the faint of heart There's a lot of government agencies involved You have to compete for the tax credits in order to build this housing The bureaucracy of getting the tax credits." It took three years just to get shovels in the ground Especially with an 800+ waitlist for affordable housing and not many options other than creating supply we know about the affordable housing gap between affordable and market rate housing but we see that in every town… not a community in the country hardly that doesn't have an affordable housing crisis at some level." This project isn't just about housing—it's about community "That we partner with the Housing Authority we're working with the library next door because it has So that it impacts more than just the people that are living here." Mayor Scott James Matheson says this is one of the largest coordinated efforts the city's ever seen we're $4.4 million in on about a $35 million project." From years of paperwork to shovels in soil—this project marks real progress in a housing landscape where nearly 1 in 3 Valdostans live below the poverty line Here's the website for more information on unit availability: https://www.harveststationapartments.com Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. Like us on Facebook Follow us onInstagramand X. Report a typo We cover stories making an impact in Valdosta. This is your home to stay on top of what is changing in Valdosta and why it matters to you and your family. We want to hear from you! Click here and tell us what we should be covering in your neighborhood Kay Gros crosses the finish line at her first Love on the Run race event She teaches students at Richmond Hill High School while pursuing her education at Valdosta State University online She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education in Workforce Education and Development in December 2024 and anticipates completing a Master of Education in Adult and Career Education in May 2026 Kay Gros was just weeks away from finishing her Bachelor of Science in Education in Workforce Education and Development when her students at Richmond Hill High School were struck with a good idea They wanted to host a Love on the Run 5K to promote community health and wellness — and raise some much-needed funds for their HOSA-Future Health Professionals organization They were able to raise $1,150 after expenses; more than 100 runners participated in their inaugural event.  VALDOSTA — Kay Gros was just weeks away from finishing her Bachelor of Science in Education in Workforce Education and Development when her students at Richmond Hill High School were struck with a good idea They wanted to host a Love on the Run 5K to promote community health and wellness — and raise some much-needed funds for their HOSA-Future Health Professionals organization.  “I knew that the students wanted to host this event and I honestly had no clue how to make it happen,” she said Balancing her studies at Valdosta State University with her demanding role as a high school teacher made it even more challenging but she soon discovered an ally ready to guide her all the way to the finish line Gros shared her students’ idea with her ACED 4820: Project Management for Technical Leaders professor Ivan Nikolov from VSU’s Department of Leadership plus all the knowledge she was gaining from the class “I was able to actually make it happen.” “When it came time to implement the race plan I had all of the foundation laid from what I learned in class,” she said “It was definitely a period of great personal and professional growth.”   “Kay’s dedication and deep personal commitment to this project was beyond impressive,” Nikolov shared “The fact that she included me in the discussions and the related problem solving as well as in the joy of her successful moments and the happiness from her success was very impactful and uplifting for me as a faculty member at VSU Seeing my students’ professional growth and civic engagement is exciting and motivating.” Gros and her students were able to raise $1,150 after expenses; more than 100 runners participated in their inaugural event The funds were used to send 60 students to the 2025 HOSA-Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference in Atlanta “HOSA is the largest club in our school,” she shared “and we are in the Top 10 in Georgia.” The international career and technical student organization helps educators empower students to become leaders in the global health community through education Gros and her students now plan to make their Love on the Run event an annual February tradition for their Richmond Hill community Next year’s event will also include a 10K option the challenges of planning Love on the Run were many “It feels great to see your project succeed,” she said reflecting on the numerous obstacles she faced and how with perseverance and a little help from Nikolov she was able to develop strategies to navigate and overcome them “I felt really good about my organizational and communication skills and I was proud to see my students engaging with the community about why we were doing this event.”   Gros graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education in Workforce Education and Development in December 2024 and decided to further her education She anticipates completing a Master of Education in Adult and Career Education in May 2026 Before joining the Blazer Nation community Gros earned an associate’s degree in nursing and worked as a registered nurse for more than two decades She moved from nursing into teaching healthcare science about seven years ago after completing the New Teacher Institute with Dr who also teaches in VSU’s Department of Leadership Dobbins encouraged me to get my degree with just a little more work,” Gros said “I absolutely love my job as a Career and Agricultural Education teacher at Richmond Hill High School I have been able to change my career later in life and have explored what it means to be a lifelong learner.” “Through this Love on the Run project and going back to college later in life I have learned that we are capable of more than we think sometimes,” she added (WALB) - According to the Lowndes County Coroner one man was pronounced dead at the scene due to a gunshot wound The coroner said the incident was at around 8 a.m on May 3 on South Ards Lane in Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash said he could not disclose further details because the man’s family is still being notified He said the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances that led to the shot being fired the name and age of the deceased has not been released nor has any information about any other people that may have been involved WALB has reached out to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office but they declined to speak about this case VALDOSTA – IDP Properties marks the grand opening of phase one of the Harvest Station Apartments in Valdosta IDP Properties, a full-service real estate development firm specializing in high-impact multifamily, mixed-use, and hospitality projects across the Southeast, announced the grand opening for phase one of Harvest Station an 80-unit affordable housing community located in Valdosta Coinciding with the start of National Affordable Housing Month in May the development marks a significant victory in the ongoing workforce housing crisis affecting Valdosta and the broader South Georgia region Located on the city’s south side at the intersection of South Troup Street and Griffin Avenue Harvest Station offers a variety of affordable one- two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 892 to 1,314 square feet.  Each unit will feature granite-style Formica countertops a mixture of carpet and luxury vinyl plank flooring Residential amenities include an outdoor playground library and grocery store are all within walking distance of the community Harvest Station is the result of a strategic public-private partnership between IDP and Valdosta Housing Authority (VHA) with the City of Valdosta also contributing more than $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase the land and fund a development loan The private enterprise agreement and partnership with VHA and the city allowed the property partnership to enter into a pilot agreement creating a viable financing vehicle for the project to move forward at a time when many other affordable housing projects are facing significant hurdles to obtain financing due to a combination of rising construction costs and extraordinarily high valuations by property tax assessors in some Georgia counties on affordable housing properties “Harvest Station helps fill a vital gap in rising market demand for affordable housing and through this public-private model with Valdosta Housing Authority and the City of Valdosta we are excited to see this property make a positive social and economic impact in the community,” said Rhett Holmes “IDP will continue to be a proactive partner in supporting and facilitating projects that spur growth and opportunity in Valdosta and beyond There are valid concerns about the increasing number of obstacles and challenges facing developers who seek to build affordable housing projects but we have faith that our local governments state legislators and other key stakeholders will be able to find creative solutions and make the appropriate adjustments so all Georgians can have a safe and secure place to call home.” “Our city council and city leadership were committed to addressing the daunting challenge facing every community in America…affordable housing,” said Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson “When the right project and the right partners presented themselves we matched their dream with ours and produced Harvest Station Thank you to everyone who put their heart and soul into enhancing the quality of life for so many of our citizens!” Construction on the project’s second phase will soon be underway doubling the amount of available units once complete Harvest Station lies on property that was formerly occupied by aging tobacco warehouses that were dismantled several years ago The once vacant land is now being put back into commerce in order to provide 160 units of quality affordable housing in south Valdosta Valdosta-based IPG Architects is the architect of record on the project Valdosta-based Great Southern Contractors served as general contractor with over 50% of the subcontractors hailing from the South Georgia region will handle all property management services for the community In addition to funding provided by the City of Valdosta; RBC Community Capital and Centrant Community Capital provided funding resources to Harvest Station Apartments IDP Properties has developed more than 2800 residential units the last 14 years, with projects in multiple markets across Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. For more information on the company, visit idpproperties.com IDP Properties is a full-service boutique real estate development firm headquartered in Valdosta GA that invests in and redevelops communities IDP’s principals have completed over $1 billion dollars in developments and specialize in acquisitions and development with an emphasis on housing IDP takes pride in that each property they develop is as diverse as the communities they serve IDP Properties’ purpose is to strengthen communities and leave a lasting positive impact VALDOSTA – Valdosta City Schools announces the 2024-25 CATS Award nominees from across the district for Employee of the Year Valdosta City Schools proudly celebrate the incredible 2024-25 CATS Award nominees for Employee of the Year Representing Valdosta High School is Imogene Hezekiah Her recommendation says it best: “A true leader among classified staff Hezekiah embodies the core values of our school system—teamwork Her vast institutional knowledge makes her a key resource for faculty and staff and she is always willing to lend her expertise in navigating administrative processes.” Representing Valdosta Middle School is Tereatha Copeland Her recommendation says it best: “She actively engages in initiatives that enhance student learning and school culture she consistently demonstrates a passion for education and a willingness to go above and beyond to support the school community.” Representing Valdosta Early College Academy is Karen Martin Her recommendation says it best: “Karen Martin not only provides creative nutritious breakfast and lunches for our students but she also knows the students’ names and warmly greets them daily.” Representing the Transportation Department is Dale Roe Her recommendation says it best: “She ensures that ALL Valdosta City School students are safely transported to and from school each day and a caring demeanor that allows students to feel secure and valued.” Kelley goes above and beyond in her self-contained special education classroom She maintains a positive attitude at work day in and day out and not a day goes by that you don’t see her happily enjoying her time with her students.” Representing Sallas Mahone Elementary School is Erica Moody Her recommendation says it best: “She takes pride in her work builds positive relationships with students and staff which makes the environment more welcoming and goes above and beyond the call of duty Representing Pinevale Elementary School is Star Bradley Her recommendation says it best: “She demonstrates remarkable dedication to supporting both students and faculty in various aspects of her work she is always eager to assist students with research Her recommendation says it best: “Whether addressing urgent needs or ensuring compliance with health protocols she executes her duties with professionalism she advocates for health education that improves student health outcomes and fosters a culture of wellness.” Her recommendation says it best: “Her caring nature and endless patience create a safe space where students feel valued and understood actively collaborating with small groups of students.” Her recommendation says it best: “Nurse Hough is dedicated and passionate about her work with our students She provides exceptional care to anyone who is not feeling well (both staff and students!) and comforts those who may need encouragement.” Representing Horizon Academy is Darius Barkley Barkley goes above and beyond in their support of students always offering a helping hand and a listening ear His ability to connect with students and provide guidance creates an inclusive and encouraging learning environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.” Representing Central Office is Yeasha Williams Her recommendation says it best: “Her enthusiasm and her genuine concern for district office operations is unmatched Her flexibility in working with others earns her an enviable reputation as an excellent co-worker who truly cares about the success of her department.” REMERTON – The GBI and the Remerton Police Department has arrested eight individuals with two more wanted in a gang investigation Following a joint investigation by the GBI and the Remerton Police Department ten individuals have been arrested and charged with the following felony offenses: The two individuals listed below have also been charged in connection with this incident and are actively being sought by law enforcement. If seen or located a large crowd of people allegedly affiliated with two rival criminal street gangs known as “Bangkrew” and “6block,” were in Remerton when a fight occurred Two Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were working security in front of a bar in the 1900 block ofBaytree Place in Remerton One deputy was shot in his protective vest during the incident He was treated at a local hospital and later released was involved in the gang dispute and received multiple gunshot wounds He was later taken by ambulance to South Georgia Medical Center where he died was shot by two deputies during the incident Police recovered numerous firearms and casings from the scene and submitted them to the GBI Crime Lab for analysis Additional charges are expected as more information is obtained The GBI and the Remerton Police Department are appreciate the assistance provided by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for the Southern Judicial Circuit This investigation is active and ongoing. Agents are seeking cooperation from anyone who witnessed this incident. If you have any information, please call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online Game Recap: Softball | 4/30/2025 7:08:00 PM Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Christopher Hughes has been named the next director of public safety (police chief) at Valdosta State University VALDOSTA — Christopher Hughes has been named the next director of public safety (police chief) at Valdosta State University Hughes is currently the chief of police and dean of the School of Public Safety at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston He brings more than five years of experience in that role along with more than 10 years in law enforcement at multiple higher education institutions Hughes holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia College and State University and a Master of Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science in Public Safety from Middle Georgia State University Hughes is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command Certification He has chaired the Clery Team for the past five years at his current employer and also directed the institution’s emergency management operations during the COVID-19 pandemic “I am honored to be chosen as the next director of public safety at Valdosta State University,” said Hughes “Having worked in law enforcement at multiple higher education institutions I am committed to building relationships with our students and I look forward to getting to Valdosta and getting to work.” vice president for finance and administration “I am thrilled to welcome Chris as our new chief of police,” said Martin “With his experience in campus law enforcement and commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment he is well-equipped to lead our department I look forward to working with him to enhance campus safety and ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all students Hughes’ first day as chief of police will be May 1 SGMC Health celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its second Urgent Care location on April 22 with a ceremony that brought together the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce SGMC Health Hospital Authority board members The new service line location at 520 Griffin Avenue is a key milestone in SGMC Health’s continued commitment to providing accessible high-quality healthcare for South Georgia residents Operating alongside SGMC’s Occupational Medicine Center in South Lowndes County the new urgent care began serving patients in January the center offers walk-in care for non-emergent medical needs for patients of all ages so does the need for convenient access to healthcare,” said Elizabeth Flail Co-Director of Emergency and Urgent Care at SGMC Health “This new location helps us better meet that demand and support the well-being of individuals and families in our region.” Urgent care services bridge the gap between primary care and emergency room visits offering timely care for minor illnesses and injuries without the need for an appointment With over 30,000 patients utilizing SGMC Urgent Care services last year the expansion is a welcome addition for the community “Our team is passionate about delivering a high-quality convenient experience that patients can trust,” added Dr “We’re proud to be accredited by the Urgent Care Association SGMC Health launched a new feature in February that allows patients to check real-time wait times at SGMC Urgent Care locations Patients can select “Find Urgent Care” in their MyChart app to find the nearest urgent care center and view current wait times making it easier than ever to plan their visit SGMC Health also encourages community members to utilize its “Know which helps patients determine whether to seek care at a primary care office This guidance empowers patients to make informed decisions and receive the right care at the right time SGMC Health offers a full continuum of care to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs To learn more about SGMC Urgent Care, visit sgmc.org/knowthengo NON DISCRIMINATION NOTICE Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again Thanks for visiting GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Playing consistent golf from start to finish the Lee University women’s golf team will be tied for third with the University of North Georgia when the second round of the 54-hole ... more The College of Science and Mathematics at Valdosta State University presents Science Saturday: Adventures in Science…Explore Your Curiosity from 9 a.m Activities are free of charge and open to the public (Pictures from a previous Science Saturday event.) VALDOSTA — The College of Science and Mathematics at Valdosta State University presents Science Saturday: Adventures in Science…Explore Your Curiosity from 9 a.m Science Saturday: Adventures in Science…Explore Your Curiosity is presented by VSU’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics and Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology Community members of all ages are invited to come out and learn something by participating in a variety of fun-filled and educational activities Science Saturday is supported by VSU’s STEM (Science and Mathematics) Initiative and is part of an ongoing effort to inspire the next generation to learn more about these subject areas Faculty in the College of Science and Mathematics understand that the nation’s future economic prosperity is closely linked with student success in the STEM fields.  Educators across the nation and at VSU are committed to improving STEM instruction for students in preschool through 12th grade increasing and sustaining public and youth engagement with STEM improving the STEM experience for undergraduate students at the college level better serving groups historically underrepresented in the STEM fields and designing graduate education for tomorrow’s STEM workforce Science Saturday activities are free of charge and open to the public Parking is available in any of the parking lots around Main Campus with the most convenient lots located along Georgia Avenue between Oak Street and Patterson Street A VSU parking permit is not required for this event.  Science Saturday: Adventures in Science…Explore Your Curiosity marks the end of VSU’s 2024-2025 Science Saturday academic calendar Contact SciSat@valdosta.edu for more information VALDOSTA – The VPD has arrest two individuals who were involved in a dispute that resulted in the death of a 50-year-old woman Valdosta residentARRESTED 2: Jakia LaJean Mensah Valdosta Police Officers responded to Ora Lee West Homes after receiving calls about a domestic dispute that resulted in people being struck by a vehicle.  When officers arrived they immediately attempted to render first aid to victims on the scene.  SGMC Health EMS arrived and transported Treesy Mensah to SGMC.  Treesy was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  detectives determined that Jakia was involved in a dispute with Malik Crumpton which resulted in Crumpton damaging her property as well as grabbing her cell phone and car keys.  While in the parking lot Jakia produced a knife and began to assault Crumpton physically as he was attempting to get into her vehicle.  Jakia’s mother intervened by stepping between the two fighting parties.  As Crumpton was leaving in Jakia’s vehicle Officers located Crumpton near a relative’s residence after he called E911 to report that he had run over someone.  When officers found him they observed that Crumpton had received cuts to his torso and facial areas.  Crumpton was transported to SGMC where he was treated and released for his injuries.  Jakia was also treated and later released from SGMC Treesy was transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Medical Examiner’s Office where the autopsy concluded that her death was caused by injuries she sustained while being struck by the motor vehicle.  Crumpton was arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail for felony murder (felony) and cruelty to children in the 3rd degree (misdemeanor) Jakia was arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail for aggravated assault (felony) and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony (felony) “This is a tragic incident that should not have occurred.  The dispute between these two subjects escalated quickly   Our condolences go out to Treesy’s family and friends”.  Said Chief Leslie Manahan If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department VSU will resume normal business operations tomorrow VSU will continue to telework and hold classes remotely for the entire day tomorrow (Thursday All on-campus events and activities scheduled for Thursday are canceled or rescheduled including Blazer Athletics events (see below) We hope to resume normal operations on Friday Please keep reading for more information.  Students and Faculty: All online classes will proceed as normal All face-to-face classes will be held via remote instruction tomorrow (Thursday) supervisors may direct employees to work either on campus or remotely as needed. Where work is either not required or only partially required on Thursday employees will be compensated for non-closure hours up to the equivalent of the hours regularly scheduled for the day Those unable to telework on Thursday or instructed by their supervisor to work but are unable to do so should record the appropriate leave in the system upon our return to normal operations Instructions from payroll on how to handle time sheets during reduced operations will be sent via email once normal operations resume Blazer Athletics: The Lady Blazers and Blazers basketball games scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) night have been postponed to Monday the press conference to introduce new Blazers Head Football Coach Graham Craig has been postponed to Friday at 1 p.m in the Magnolia Room at the University Center Dining: Palms Dining will serve brunch tomorrow (Thursday) at Palms from noon – 1:30 p.m Dinner will be served from 3 – 4:30 p.m To-go container options are available for both brunch and dinner.  We have been closely watching the forecast as wintry weather makes its way to our area The updated models show conditions beginning to change late tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon with a wintry mix and overnight freezing potentially leading to icy roads on Wednesday morning VSU will implement a telework option beginning at 4 p.m it will be business and classes as usual on campus All on-campus events and activities scheduled after 4 p.m Tuesday and all-day Wednesday are canceled We anticipate normal operations resuming on Thursday Please keep reading below for further information Reduced Operations: Only residential students and employees and those employees whose job it is to assist with those operations should be on campus during reduced operations until it is safe for local travel All face-to-face classes will continue via remote instruction starting at 4:00 p.m supervisors may direct employees to work either on campus or remotely as needed. Where work is either not required or only partially required on Wednesday Those unable to telework on Tuesday or instructed by their supervisor to work but unable to do so on Wednesday should record the appropriate leave in the system upon our return to normal operations Dining: Palms Dining will be open until 4 p.m Residential students can start picking up food bags from Palms at 3 p.m We will resume full service at Palms as soon as it is safe to do so and we will provide updated hours as soon as possible No other dining options on campus will be open We hope everyone is safe and coping well during this challenging time as we work on recovery after Hurricane Helene All VSU classes will resume virtually on Monday depending on widespread power and network availability Virtual instruction will continue until Wednesday when we anticipate returning to normal operations We know many students need to get items from their residence halls before classes resume online and we expect to have information on that tomorrow Please review the following information for details Face-to-face/in-person courses:   Session I (Fall Short Term A) online courses:   Session I (Fall Short Term A) face-to-face/in-person courses:  Session II (Fall Short Term B) courses:   please reach out to the VSU Solutions Center beginning Monday October 7 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Thursday and 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Friday) at (229) 245-4357.   We know you are nervous about navigating these next few weeks Please reach out if there is anything we can do to assist VSU virtual coursework tentatively planned to resume Wednesday has now been postponed until Monday eCore classes taught by West Georgia remain scheduled but professors have been asked to be flexible with VSU students during this time All business operations remain canceled this week Classes: The Provost’s Office will work with Deans and Academic Department Heads to develop revised instruction plans for missed class time Employees: Please refer to a separate email forthcoming from payroll regarding important processing information your supervisor will let you know if and when you need to report to work during the closure Campus is Closed: With remaining residential students being relocated to a location with full power and amenities only essential personnel are allowed on campus during the closure There is still a lot of clean up to be done Athletics and Campus Activities this Week: ALL events scheduled on-campus for this week including National Night Out are postponed/canceled All home athletics events are postponed/canceled but some away athletic events remain as scheduled Please continue to stay safe and take care of yourself and your families in the coming days Hurricane Helene hit our campus and community hard most power in Lowndes County is out and there are many trees and power lines down It is going to take considerable time to get campus ready for in person classes Please see the following update on campus operations The campus will remain closed through next week Only current residential students and essential employees are allowed to be on campus Classes: In person classes will NOT be held next week We are tentatively planning for ALL classes to begin remote instruction Wednesday October 2 based on the widespread availability of power and internet access in our service region Look for an update early next week to confirm classes starting virtually on Wednesday Staff Return to Work: Additional guidance for staff will be announced early next week.  On Campus Students: We do not know how long power will be out on campus We encourage students who are able to go home safely to return home Those not able to go home are allowed to remain on campus and there will be dining options for them Please communicate with Housing staff if you are leaving campus There is a city-wide curfew in place for 8pm All students remaining on campus must be back in their hall by 8pm Dining: Palms Dining will remain open during campus closure to serve on-campus residential students based on the schedule below All other dining options on campus will be closed Grad Finale: This event for December graduates was to be held in the VSU Bookstore The in-person portion of Grad Finale is postponed but the online Grad Finale resources are still available Below is the link to the ONLINE Grad Finale the discount codes are only good the 48 hours of the online event (midnight ONLINE Grad Finale Link: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/president/commencement/grad-finale.php Please remain safe during this time and continue to monitor VSU email and social media for up-to-date campus information - Valdosta State University is continuing to monitor what is now Tropical Storm Helene The latest models show increased intensity as it moves toward the Big Bend of Florida and South Georgia To ensure the safety of our entire campus community Please continue reading for important information below.  Residence Halls: Students and housing employees who live on campus are allowed to remain in their hall during the closure and storm Housing staff will be providing guidance and support to residents throughout the storm students remaining on campus will be required to shelter in place in their residence hall Separate communication from Housing will be sent to students living on campus asking to report if they will be staying.  Dining Services: All dining locations on campus will have normal operating hours on Wednesday and staff should continue to monitor their valdosta.edu email for updates Updates will also be posted on VSU’s flagship social media accounts (@valdostastate) VALDOSTA — A three-student team from Valdosta State University was recently challenged to use the power and elegance of mathematics to investigate a real-world problem involving heavy metals in dark chocolate and cocoa products and Xavier Wellons joined 439 other students from around the world for SCUDEM (SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling) IX The global mathematical modeling competition began with each team selecting a challenge problem from physics/engineering The students then had 25 days to develop a model using differential or difference equations followed by a 10-minute presentation to share their results with a panel of faculty and industry judges and Wellons learned their efforts had earned them the SCUDEM IX Meritorious Award “This mathematics challenge reinforced my problem-solving abilities and resilience when tackling complex mathematical models,” said Freeman of Union City She will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy Her ultimate career goal is to become an astrophysicist at NASA contribute to the discovery of potentially habitable exoplanets and advance the understanding of biosignatures and technosignatures in the universe “The experience has strengthened my foundation in applied mathematics and prepared me for the next chapter of my journey — whether it's in astrophysics research or contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in space exploration It has shown me that persistence and creativity are key to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.” SCUDEM IX was sponsored by Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations (SIMIODE) a nonprofit open community of teachers who believe that helping students discover how differential equations arise — and how to build their own equations — will motivate students to learn techniques for solving textbook problems while also providing them with a real-world understanding of the power of differential equations “Events like SCUDEM IX encourage students to go beyond textbook problems and engage with open-ended a professor of mathematics in VSU’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics “Students make connections between different fields such as physics students learn to collaborate with others and improve their communication skills Events such as this help build student confidence and creativity and provide valuable hand-on experiences.” plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in December He hopes to pursue a career in research and data analysis with a focus on climate cycles and geological behavior and how they impact astronomical cycles He has been conducting research in this area for at least four years graduates in May with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy He currently works as a systems engineer for a contracting company but he hopes to return to school in the future and pursue an advanced degree He enjoys research and development and dreams of working with a national security-related Think Tank at some point in his career https://www.valdosta.edu/math/ A recent study demonstrated that some chocolate products may have high levels of heavy metals Eating contaminated chocolate may lead to the bioaccumulation of the materials in the people who eat the chocolate treats Assuming the results of the survey are correct what does this imply about the long-term accumulation of heavy metals in the people who eat contaminated chocolate construct a model that will help researchers track the long-term dynamics associated with heavy metal levels in a person who consumes contaminated chocolate Use your model to determine the long-term patterns for an individual and determine the impact for different levels of consumption use your model to determine what happens to children who might consume a large amount of candy at certain times of the year a child might have large amounts of candy for certain holidays as well as for their birthday Will the trends be different for a child whose birthday is a long time before and after other major Is there a difference if a parent has the children consume their treats over a long period after a holiday rather than allowing a child to binge during the holiday Note: The study, “A Multi-Year Heavy Metal Analysis of 72 Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Products in the USA” was published by Frontiers in Nutrition on July 30, 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1366231/full Photo: left to right: Matt Ryan (AllState Construction), Dunja Suljicic (Praxis 3 Architects), Kevin Cowart (Ace Electric), Zach Andrews (AllState Construction), Scott Brewer (AllState Construction), Mindy Bates (Ace Electric), Joe Crow (Ace Electric), Cole Young (Ace Electric), Steve Woodruff (Ace Electric), Rob Stalvey (Ace Electric), Bobby Stalvey (Ace Electric), Tom Stalvey (Ace Electric), Tommy Stalvey, Jr. (Ace Electric), Tim Joyce (Ace Electric), Bobby Watford (Ace Electric). VALDOSTA – Ace Electric recently broke ground on the new Corporate Headquarters facility on Inner Perimeter Road. Rob Stalvey adds, “We are fortunate to be part of a time when infrastructure is on the rise and offering multiple opportunities for electrical work throughout the country.  As business grows, the Ace team increases, and that’s why our new corporate office will be a welcome addition for current staff and future employees.” For more information on Ace Electric and employment opportunities, visit AceElectric.net and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. Valdosta State University recently hosted its annual Retiree Recognition Ceremony and Celebration in honor of 21 faculty and staff members who are retiring during the 2024-2025 academic year. Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of Valdosta State University, is pictured with Dr. Susan Wehling. She served the university from 1996 to 2024; her latest role was professor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently hosted its annual Retiree Recognition Ceremony and Celebration in honor of 21 faculty and staff members who are retiring during the 2024-2025 academic year. An official website of the United States government U.S. Attorney's Office401 North Patterson Street, 3rd FloorValdosta, Georgia (229) 244-2900*This is not a staffed office.  Please contact the Macon Division at (478) 752-3511 for assistance.*For service of any legal process, please direct correspondence to the Macon Division. Middle District of GeorgiaPost Office Box 1702Macon, Georgia 31202-1702 Macon: 478-752-3511Albany: 229-430-7754Columbus: 706-649-7700 Multilingual Resources-->Have a question about Government Services VALDOSTA – The City of Valdosta invites the community to the First Annual Southern Black Chambers Black History Month Parade The First Annual Southern Black Chambers Black History Month Parade is coming to Valdosta and you’re invited to be part of this historic event Parade Route: Starts at Pinevale Elementary School (930 Lake Park Road) The City of Valdosta is honored to partner with the Southern Georgia Black Chambers to bring this incredible event to our community so bring your family and friends to watch and cheer on the amazing participants VALDOSTA – Filmmaker returns to Valdosta to screen film as part of the 2025 South Georgia Film Festival at the Dosta Playhouse Joey Travolta returns to Valdosta to screen LIGHTS, CAMERA, FRIENDSHIP as part of the 2025 South Georgia Film Festival along with several of the film’s participants will screen the film at the ‘Dosta Playhouse Saturday Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority the limited seating event will be free to the public the day of the event “We want to support projects like this,” said Councilman Andy Gibbs Director of the Miracle League of Valdosta “Bringing productions like this to town year after year.” FRIENDSHIP is a series produced by Travolta and Inclusion Films examining friendship and connection between young adults on the autism spectrum The Inclusion Film Workshops take people with development challenges through the process of making a film Robert Varnedoe Executive Producer brought a crew of 20 and cast of 13 to Valdosta for a week to participate in the filming These young people created connections by making friends California has screened at the San Diego International Film Festival “This is subject means a great deal to me,” Travolta said “We enjoyed our time in Valdosta and can’t wait to share our work with the community.” Sunday, March 9, Travolta and Valdosta State University professor Melissa Pihos will host a workshop discussing the process of making the Valdosta episode along with some of the activities the young people participated in during their week The film will also screen after the workshop South Georgia Film Festival (SGFF) passholders will have access to first-come reserved seating with the remaining seats free to the public with festival and VIP passes giving access to screenings all weekend along with after parties and networking events College and high school students can register for free passes to all screenings and panels This year’s film festival will take place March 7 & 9 on the North Campus of Valdosta State University with films from across the world with an emphasis on the art and industry growing here in the Southeast we’ve built a strong network of filmmakers across the country and the world,” said Jason Brown Festival Director “Bringing filmmakers from across the country to Valdosta to engage our community has been our driving force for all of these years and we don’t plan to stop now!” who will discuss her time as the 2024 Emerging Creative in Residence at Trilith Studios and the production of her film “A Mess of Memories.” The festival will also provide question and answer sessions after each film block for visiting filmmakers to discuss their work along with a panel with alumni from the Valdosta State University Mass Media program and contributions from Valdosta State University faculty including David Springfield This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu SGMC Health announces the opening of a second urgent care in Valdosta The new SGMC Urgent Care center will begin seeing patients on Monday offering convenient access to non-emergent walk-in care for patients of all ages Located in the Ralph Council Medical Building in South Lowndes County the second urgent care will open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:45 PM and expand SGMC Health’s capacity to provide accessible and efficient healthcare services to the community.   “Our population continues to grow and so does utilization and demand for convenient access to urgent care services,” shared Elizabeth Flail “Offering more locations to meet this need greatly impacts the health and wellbeing of our area.”  SGMC Urgent Care provides an essential option for patients seeking non-emergency care outside regular primary care appointments. “Urgent Care is the middle ground between a primary care provider and the emergency room,” said Flail “If you have a minor illness or injury that just can’t wait until a regular appointment SGMC Urgent Care fills that gap.”   More than 30,000 patients utilized SGMC Urgent Care last year Flail said, “Our healthcare providers and team members are passionate about providing a high-quality convenient experience that patients can trust.” SGMC Health is accredited by the Urgent Care Association which involves a rigorous evaluation of various aspects of urgent care delivery and operational efficiency.    To help patients determine where to seek appropriate care a website that provides clear guidance on when to seek care at a primary care provider ensure they receive the right level of care for their needs.   Flail says that having a primary care provider that you see regularly is important and should serve as your first line of defense “If you don’t have a primary care provider the new year is a great time to establish that relationship and begin taking steps toward a healthier you.”  SGMC Health offers a complete continuum of care to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.   To learn more, call SGMC Urgent Care – Griffin Ave at 229-433-7340 or visit sgmc.org/knowthengo VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Dr Doug Farwell celebrates 30 years of teaching excellence and student success with a Trombone Alumni Concert at 3 p.m Admission is free of charge and open to the public The Trombone Alumni Concert is the culminating event of Trombone Alumni Weekend which kicks off Saturday with a Jazz Combo Masterclass with Marcus Lewis at 3 p.m in the Choir Room; a Life in the Military Bands conversation at 4 p.m and Trombone Studio Masterclass at 4:30 p.m. both with Timothy Hilgert (United States Air Force) and Hunter McGuary (United States Navy) in the Choir Room; and a Marcus Lewis Jam Session at 6 p.m “Having a chance to reunite with many of my former students and having them reconnect with VSU will be a wonderful event this year for myself and also my current students,” says Farwell “Current students will be able to talk to and learn what these former students are doing with their lives and the success they have had a performers and teachers.” The Trombone Alumni Concert features current Trombone Ensemble students performing with about 50 trombone alumni “We have music for my current studio of trombonists that has been commissioned by our ensemble music arranged for Trombone Ensemble by myself and former students and some transcriptions of major works such as ‘Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral’ by Richard Wagner,” Farwell says In addition to his role as trombone professor Farwell has served as executive director of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra assistant dean for the College of the Arts He performs as principal trombonist for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and Albany Symphony Orchestra His students have consistently garnered international and national acclaim both while studying on campus and in their professional lives Whitehead Auditorium is located on the first floor of VSU’s Fine Arts Building VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s favorite dance competition is gearing up for another season of memorable routines and making dreams come true.  VSU’s Music Scholarship Alliance and Golden Circle Scholarship and Support Fund Board will present Dancing with the Valdosta Stars 2025 at 6 p.m Admission is $125 per person or $1,200 for a table that seats 10 people Limited $1,500 sponsorship and $2,000 VIP tables are also available Eight couples — one local “star” paired with one local “pro” — will dance for the Audience Favorite Award and help raise much-needed funds for music During the competition attendees will receive a token to drop in their favorite couple’s ballot box; these tokens are valued at $125 Additional votes may be cast by dropping cash or checks into a favorite couple’s ballot box at the event Early voting has already started, and anyone can participate by text or by making an online donation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/neGdfA?vid=1hqxul Online voting ends at noon on competition day Dancing with the Valdosta Stars has raised nearly $500,000 for scholarships since it started in 2012 Call the VSU College of the Arts Outreach office at 229-333-2150 for more information or visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/neGdfA?vid=1hqxul to purchase tickets or tables VALDOSTA – The City of Valdosta releases updated plans and advisories regarding closures and service changes due to weather conditions According to the City of Valdosta’s Facebook page the City has updated plans and advisories in response to potential hazardous weather conditions Please review the following updates regarding city closures VALDOSTA – The Boys & Girls Club will host the annual Great American Cook-off benefiting Valdosta area kids The Boys & Girls Club will be hosting the annual Great American Cook-off; The Battle of the First Responders lunches and raffles all benefiting Valdosta’s kiddos!