WALB - News

Dougherty Co. DA issues warning in "Operation Run or Gun"

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:52:00 EDT

Suspects who run and cause a Police pursuit and those who have guns along with illegal drugs are getting a strict warning from the Dougherty Co. District Attorney: more vigorous prosecution for crimes

Burglar alarm alerts police to marijuana operation

Dave Miller — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:51:00 EDT

Agents say that police responded to the apartment because of a burglar alarm. Officers found the back door broken open and went inside. That's where they detected a strong odor of marijuana, and saw pot in plain view.

Moultrie Tech dedicates new Health Science building

Irisha Jones — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:49:00 EDT

Moultrie Technical College unveiled its new $9.5 million, 46,000 square-foot Health Sciences Building Wednesday. The brand new structure is located at the school's Veterans Parkway Campus in Moultrie.

Nursing emaciated Albany dog back to health

Jim Wallace — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:46:00 EDT

Albany Humane Society officials and a veterinarian are nursing a dog back to health, after she was nearly starved to death.

Party City coming to Albany

Tara Herrschaft — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:45:00 EDT

Work is underway on a big empty retail space in Albany to bring in a new business and a spirit of celebration.

Prosthetist stepping in to help Moultrie man get prosthetic arm

Irisha Jones — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:41:00 EDT

An Albany prosthetist is coming to the rescue to help a Moultrie man who lost his arm to rare flesh eating bacteria.

Company to bring in businesses for Dougherty County

Tara Herrschaft — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:38:00 EDT

The Albany Dougherty County Economic Development Commission has hired a company to help bring in businesses.

5 collared in Meth sweep

Robert Hydrick — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:35:00 EDT

The Worth County Sheriff's Office and Mid South Drug Task Force found meth when executing search warrants at houses near Oakfield and Warwick Tuesday night.

One dead in Decatur Co. crash

Christian McKinney — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:14:00 EDT

Officials say 38-year-old Melissa Right was traveling south on the highway when her SUV drifted across the center line and hit a tractor trailer.

Murdered baby's parents seek justice while funeral looms

Jim Wallace — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EDT

The parents of 6-month old Ja'Kobian Davis say they can't understand why their son died in the care of a trusted babysitter. Prosecutors say the investigation into the baby's death continues as the accused killer made her first appearance before a judge Wednesday.

DCSS police under watch to improve efficiency, cut costs

Tara Herrschaft — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EDT

Dougherty County School Police are under the watchful eye of some law enforcement veterans this week, as a team of experts is assessing the department as part of a plan to improve the entire school system.

Spring weather puts watermelon crops behind

Devin Knight — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:15:00 EDT

Do you have a taste for some good ole' south Georgia watermelon? You might have to wait a little bit. Farmers are running about three weeks behind after some crazy spring weather made this one of their most difficult seasons ever and sent prices up.

Cordele police on the look out for attempted robbery suspect

Devin Knight — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:05:00 EDT

The search continues tonight for a man accused of trying to rob a Cordele motel. Police say 24-year-old Benny James Johnson the third jumped over the counter of the Ashburn Inn on East 16-th Avenue June 13th when no one was at the counter then ran away when an employee walked in on him trying to get money from the cash register.

SGMC awarded #1 spine surgery center in GA

Lydia Jennings — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:32:00 EDT

South Georgia Medical Center is recognized as the number one spine surgery center in the state.

Deadly drive-by indictments

Cade Fowler — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:46:00 EDT

23-year-old Derek Rushing and 24-year-old Antonio Williams are charged in the March 5th shooting in which four people were struck while standing outside a 2nd Street Northwest home.

Rescued worker has surgery

Cade Fowler — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:26:00 EDT

36-year-old John Collins of Fitzgerald was repairing a motor one hundred feet a top the grain elevator at Irwinville Peanut when his arm got pinned in the machinery.

Babysitter makes first appearance

Dave Miller — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:16:00 EDT

Demetria Porter, charged with causing the death of Ja' Kavion Davis, appeared before a judge at the Dougherty County jail this morning to hear the charges against her.

100 soldiers returning to Ga. from Afghanistan

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:45:00 EDT

About 100 soldiers are scheduled to return to Fort Benning in Georgia after a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. The unit is made up of soldiers assigned at Fort Benning and medical personnel from throughout the Army.

Obama: Data mining thwarted 50 terror threats

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:49:00 EDT

Trying to tamp down concerns about government over-reach, President Barack Obama on Wednesday defended U.S. Internet and phone surveillance programs as narrowly targeted efforts that have saved lives and thwarted at least 50 terror threats.

Canoeists paddle down Flint River

Josh Rhoden — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:44:00 EDT

Visitors paddling through south Georgia enjoyed a street party in their honor tonight.They gathered in downtown Camilla.

City demolishes public houses

Josh Rhoden — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:34:00 EDT

Some central Albany eyesores are coming down to make way for what leaders hope will be a thriving mixed-income community.

Vigil keeps unsolved murder on people's minds

Ben Roberts — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:05:00 EDT

People gather to bring attention to one of many unsolved murders of women in Coffee County.

Rare bacteria costs Moultrie man his arm

Harrison Sanford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:25:00 EDT

A young man in Moultrie is turning to you for help after suffering from a rare flesh eating bacteria. Michael Hobgood suffered a cut on his thumb while shooting a gun at an area pond.

Sherwood Church hosts Bible Club

Harrison Sanford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:24:00 EDT

Sherwood Baptist Church is inviting all children to join its Backyard Bible club. The club runs from 10-noon until Friday.Church members assist the children in worship and bible study.The camp is held

City Commissioners get behind neighborhood revitalization plan

Devin Knight — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:04:00 EDT

An Albany Housing Authority plan to revitalize a central Albany neighborhood gets a stamp of approval from city leaders. Commissioners approved a resolution of support for the plan to transform McIntosh Homes into a thriving mixed income community called "The Oaks at North Intown".

Flying model airplanes could be outlawed in Albany

Devin Knight — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:52:00 EDT

Flying a model airplane within Albany's city limits could soon be outlawed because of privacy concerns. Tuesday, City Commissioner Roger Marietta proposed an ordinance to ban the aircraft because of their ability to take photographs from above.

South Georgia cops train to help domestic violence victims

Jim Wallace — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:43:00 EDT

Georgia is tenth in the nation in the rate of domestic violence deaths, and the Commission on Family Violence is training law enforcement to help victims.

South West Georgia Regional Airport to move radio towers

Devin Knight — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:13:00 EDT

City commissioners give the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport permission to go ahead with the next phase of a major construction project, if the federal government approves grant money for it.

RiverQuarium to get money infusion

Devin Knight — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:58:00 EDT

Albany city leaders may come to the rescue of one of the city's major attractions. Today, city commissioners tentatively approved a $150,000 request for Flint RiverQuarium, a facility they describe as a valuable asset.

Babysitter charged with murder

Jim Wallace — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:54:00 EDT

32 year old Demetria Porter was charged with murder and first degree cruelty to a child in just the last hour, after a baby she was keeping died.

Students and officials prepare for tornadoes

Tara Herrschaft — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:43:00 EDT

Students and staff at Albany State jumped into action when a tornado siren sounded Tuesday. Fortunately it was a drill, mirrored by Police on the campus.

Demolition underway on historic Remerton Mill

Lydia Jennings — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:33:00 EDT

Demolition is underway on the historic Remerton Mill in Lowndes County.

VPD to issue tickets Thursday for detour violations

Lydia Jennings — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:26:00 EDT

Valdosta Police officers will be writing tickets this week for drivers who drive through the Hill Avenue overpass construction zone. For the past two weeks officers have been giving drivers warnings, but starting Thursday you can expect a ticket.

Diabetes Awareness Camp at Albany YMCA

Harrison Sanford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:38:00 EDT

There are at least 42 children in Dougherty County that have been diagnosed with diabetes. The Albany YMCA and the Phoebe Medical Center are hoping to halt that number by hosting Camp Fit and FWD to help

APD examines another 'hole in the wall' burglary

Dave Miller — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:33:00 EDT

Someone broke through an AC duct system about 3:30AM, and stole liquor and money.

Trapped silo worker receives medical treatment

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:16:00 EDT

A man remains hospitalized hours after he was rescued high atop a grain elevator. It happened Tuesday morning in Ocilla where first responders from three counties had to come together to save the man whose arm was trapped in a piece of equipment.

Jesse Massey makes a difference

Tara Herrschaft — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:03:00 EDT

Jesse Massey, known to many children and many others as Coach Massey, brings handshakes, high fives and smiles wherever he goes. But the retired educator and coach knows when to get serious.

'Reading Under The Big Top' Camp

Jim Wallace — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:52:00 EDT

Dozens of excited kids listened as Judge Willie Lockette read books to them. It was the kickoff of the 14th annual Reading Under The Big Top Summer Camp.

Thomas Co. teacher earns "Master Teacher" certification

Christian McKinney — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:44:00 EDT

Carolyn Clifton of Thomas County has earned the high ranking certification. She teaches fourth grade at Cross Creek Elementary School.

Lowndes child drowns in pool

Dave Miller — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EDT

A two-year-old little girl drowned in her family's swimming pool Monday night. The girl managed to get out of the home and into the pool about 6:00PM.

Agrium Donates $1,000 to ABAC Foundation

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:56:00 EDT

The money will be used for the Agrium U.S., Tifton, Georgia Scholarship, which benefits a student pursuing a degree in the field of agriculture.

Chrysler agrees to recall of Jeeps at risk of fire

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:55:00 EDT

Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.

Child death investigation underway

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:49:00 EDT

A child death investigation is underway in Albany after a six month old boy was found dead Sunday morning at an East Albany home. The child's name is Ja'Kobian Emmanuel Davis.

Albany man wanted on several felony charges

Dave Miller — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:43:00 EDT

Police say a woman was physically assaulted at knife point by Hayes on Monday in the 400 block of South McKinley in early June.

GI Jane: Special Forces doors open

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:17:00 EDT

Military leaders are ready to begin tearing down the remaining walls that have prevented women from holding thousands of combat and special operations jobs near the front lines. Women could start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later.

Boat safety means inside the vessel, too

Josh Rhoden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:49:00 EDT

A Georgia girl remains hospitalized with serious burns following a boat explosion on Lake Lanier. Apparently, a fuel leak led to the blast.

United Way honors organizations

Josh Rhoden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:32:00 EDT

The United Way of Southwest Georgia honors more than a dozen organizations for their leadership in supporting United Way agencies.

School board members won't raise property taxes

Josh Rhoden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:31:00 EDT

Dougherty County School Board members want property owners to know, they won't raise your taxes despite another tight budget year.

Airport terminal update

Josh Rhoden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:23:00 EDT

The opening of Albany's new airport terminal remains on schedule despite a delay in the ceremonial opening.

Check forger gets away with thousands of dollars

Ben Roberts — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:59:00 EDT

Police hope to stop a successful forger who's gotten away with thousands of dollars so far by cashing fraudulent checks at multiple south Georgia banks.

Albany Tech announces partnership with AIC Wireless

Harrison Sanford — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:04:00 EDT

Students and faculty gathered at Albany Technical College today as the school announced a new partnership with AIC Wireless."We feel that this program is going to give them the opportunity to not only

Children learn animal survival skills

Tara Herrschaft — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:47:00 EDT

Dozens of children are learning how to be survivors at the Flint Riverquarium.

Dougherty commissioners call budget numbers "stable"

Jim Wallace — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:24:00 EDT

Dougherty County's proposed 2014 budget has no millage rate increase, but commissioners say it is still tight.

Battle to lead DCP

Dave Miller — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:16:00 EDT

Interim Dougherty County Police Chief Jackie Battle's nomination to permanently head that force was approved unanimously.

Water and Gatorade drive underway for firefighters

Devin Knight — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:05:00 EDT

A drive to help fire fighters stay hydrated in the scorching summer temperatures is underway in Tifton. Harvey's Supermarket and Tractor Supply have teamed with organizers of the third annual water and Gatorade drive as a way to say thanks to the men and women who save our lives.

Farmers expect big cotton harvest

Devin Knight — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:42:00 EDT

Agricultural economists say farmers planted ten to fifteen percent more acreage in space originally planned for other crops. Lush young crops represent this year's budding cotton market. If prices stay where they are, that would be good for our economy.

Westtown Library to reopen

Jim Wallace — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:16:00 EDT

A board has voted to reopen the Westtown Library for 16 hours per week. Officials expect doors to be back open in December 2013 or January 2014.

Woman killed, 2 injured in Ashburn motel shooting

Cade Fowler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:54:00 EDT

Ashburn police say that Marilyn Patterson, 41, died at the scene. The two wounded victims were taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known. Ashburn Police said that Joshua McKelvin is in custody in connection with the shootings.

Paula Deen museum coming to SW Georgia

Tara Herrschaft — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:51:00 EDT

The idea has been in the works for nearly two years. Consultants met Friday to begin developing the museum. Deen still owns most of the furniture from her family's Albany home where she grew up, and wants to use it in the museum.

Brooks Co. Extension Agent accused of stealing money

Lydia Jennings — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:50:00 EDT

A south Georgia extension agent is accused of stealing tax money. Johnny Whiddon just retired as the extension coordinator in Brooks County. Investigators say he misused thousands of dollars meant to help operate his office.

Learning to swim saves many lives

Tara Herrschaft — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:10:00 EDT

Summer vacation is in full swing for south Georgia students. More than 400 children are attending NYSP this summer program, which provides physical and educational activities to 9 to 15-year olds. And organizers say one of the most important activities is swimming.

Dollar General store robbed at gunpoint

Lydia Jennings — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:55:00 EDT

It happened Sunday night around 11:30 on Bemiss Rd. Police say they rushed in at closing time.

Ray City celebrates its new park

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:51:00 EDT

The Ray City Playground Community-Build Day was held Saturday, marking the completion of a year long, volunteer-led effort to bring new playground equipment to the local park.

Woman arrested with cocaine and marijuana

Christian McKinney — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:47:00 EDT

Officials say Amanda Booth, 20, had the cocaine divided between six small bags, and had four ounces of marijuana.

Real estate recovery? Builder confidence at 7-year high

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:41:00 EDT

For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.

Father's Day celebrated on the Flint River

Devin Knight — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:57:00 EDT

Father's day is a time for families to come together and give a little appreciation to 'old dad.' And while many families went to the movies, or treated their father to a nice dinner, one family celebrated a little differently.

The Parks at Chehaw visitors feed alligators at the zoo

Devin Knight — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:50:00 EDT

Some hungry Alligators were fed by visitors at the Parks at Chehaw zoo Sunday, and the more food they eat could mean an expansion for the zoo.

Veldt safari exhibit becomes popular at the zoo

Devin Knight — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:45:00 EDT

Some visitors at the Parks at Chehaw zoo got an up close and personal look at a few animals in one the newest exhibits.

YMCA Hosts British Soccer Camps

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:40:00 EDT

The YMCA will be hosting Challenger Sports' British Soccer Camps this summer. The June 17-21 camp will be held at the YMCA Sports Park, 4508 Gillionville Road in Albany. During the week of July 22-26, British Soccer Camp will be held at the Lee Branch YMCA in Leesburg.

APD hosts annual "Day with a Cop" event

Troy Washington — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:44:00 EDT

Albany police officers were showing off their fun side on Saturday in Tift Park.

Phoebe's annual men's health fair brings out a crowd

Troy Washington — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:32:00 EDT

Phoebe Putney's annual men's health fair gave folks the opportunity to give the men in their lives a priceless gift this Father's Day weekend.

Mission change making an impact in Albany

Troy Washington — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:19:00 EDT

Folks in need of some extra help came out to this month's mission change event at First United Methodist Church of Albany. Attendees had access to showers, food, and could even get a haircut, and for some the mission has left a lasting impression.

Inmate awarded $45,000

Josh Rhoden — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:42:00 EDT

A jury awards a convicted killer tens of thousands of dollars after officers at a south Georgia prison beat him.

Student organizes blood drive

Josh Rhoden — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:35:00 EDT

Vital blood donations often drop during the summer as folks go on vacation. One Albany teenager is doing her part to try to make sure that doesn't happen. Abigail Shepherd organized her third blood drive Friday afternoon at the Albany Mall

Chemical plant explosion leaves 2 dead, 77 injured

WAFB Staff — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Louisiana officials report two people have died and 77 others were injured when a chemical plant exploded Thursday morning.

We're working for you! A message from Dawn Hobby

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:56:00 EDT

Many of you are asking, "Where's Dawn Hobby?" We're happy to tell you that she's right here in the WALB newsroom!

Committee votes down library funding

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:56:00 EDT

District 4 Commissioner Ewell Lyle says the finance committee voted 2-1 against funding that branch. He says this will go before the full commission Monday morning.

WALB's Most Wanted: Desmond Andrews

Cade Fowler — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:52:00 EDT

On tonight's Most Wanted, a suspected fraudster is accused of racking some major purchases and ripping off businesses in the process.

Former sex slave speaks out to educate parents

Sonu Wasu — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:28:00 EDT

Sex trafficking is a growing problem across the country, including in Arizona. A former sex slave is speaking out, saying the Phoenix market is so competitive for prostitutes, they are coming to Tucson.

Sumter commissioner sentenced for attempted extortion, bribery

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:28:00 EDT

From the U. S. Attorney's Office- WASHINGTON — Al J. Hurley, a former county commissioner in Sumter County, Ga., was sentenced today to 36 months

Ariel Castro pleads not guilty in Ohio kidnap case

Dave Miller — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:24:00 EDT

THOMAS J. SHEERAN, Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) - A Cleveland man has pleaded not guilty to holding three women captive in his home for a decade and raping them. Fifty-two-year-old Ariel Castro was

UPDATE: Two injured in Coffee Co. gas explosion

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:11:00 EDT

Two people are injured after an explosion at a gas company near Douglas. It happened at the Ferrell Gas company. The Coffee Co. Sheriff's Dept. says at least two people are injured. We will have more

Waffle House worker wins $100K in lottery

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:35:00 EDT

A Waffle House worker in Valdosta is savoring a juicy prize from the Georgia Lottery. Anthony Hodge Jr. won a $100,000 top prize playing the new instant game Jumbo Bucks Crossword.

GBI agents probe deadly shooting at police station

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:34:00 EDT

Authorities say they're investigating a fatal shooting at a police station in a small east Georgia town.

Dominga Trejo's killer gets life + 25

Dave Miller — Fri, 7 Jun 2013 15:06:00 EDT

Alphonso Moore, 20, was convicted of murder in the death of 57 year old Dominga Trejo, who was carjacked outside the Quick-Mart on Highway 133, last November in Moultrie.

Lee Co. doctor convicted of tax evasion

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 13:52:00 EDT

Dr. Robert B. Sperrazza was also convicted of 'Currency Structuring' in Albany Federal court.

Unemployment up a tenth, 175K jobs added

Dave Miller — Fri, 7 Jun 2013 08:56:00 EDT

U.S. employers added 175,000 jobs in May, steady hiring but below the more robust pace that took place during the fall and winter.

WALB's Most Wanted: Clauzelle Culpepper Junior

Cade Fowler — Thu, 6 Jun 2013 16:41:00 EDT

Valdosta Police investigators say 29 year old Clauzelle Culpepper Junior was involved in a home invasion that happened on May 16th of last year.

Rodriguez sentenced in Marine Base scandal

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 16:16:00 EDT

Michelle Rodriguez, 32, of Albany, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands to one count of bribery of a public official. She was sentenced to 70 months in prison, and pay $907,000 in restitution.

No further 'integration' of hospitals (UPDATED with PPMH response)

Dave Miller — Thu, 6 Jun 2013 15:41:00 EDT

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the hospital authority of Dougherty County and phoebe Putney agree not to do any further integration of hospitals pending an administrative trial.