More Local News For You
Monday, September 28, 2026
Five injured in Blakely shooting
Five people were injured in a shooting Saturday on Church Street between Jackson Street and Georgia Pines, according to Blakely police. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case. Police reported no arrests as of their Sunday update and asked anyone with photos, video or information to call 229-723-3414. Investigators urged residents to share verified information.
Driver hospitalized after Dawson roadway collapses
A driver was taken to a hospital after a section of Walnut Street gave way Friday, leaving a car in a water-filled trench. Responders pulled the driver out through the passenger side. The driver’s condition had not been released. The collapse followed residents’ complaints about deteriorating streets and water leaks. The city’s September 24 budget hearing was postponed, according to WALB.
Death investigation underway at Albany hotel
The Dougherty County coroner is investigating after a woman was found dead at the Knight’s Inn on Saturday afternoon. The coroner told WALB a drug overdose is suspected, but a cause of death has not been confirmed. Her name had not been released while officials worked to notify family.
Dougherty County police seek help identifying suspect
County police are asking for help identifying a person accused of indecent exposure and other conduct at Moore’s Grocery on Moultrie Road on Sunday. Police said the person left in a vehicle without a displayed license plate. Investigators advised the public not to approach or detain the suspect and to contact the department with information.
Firefighters contain two Colquitt County house fires
Firefighters contained two separate house fires over the weekend. Crews stopped one fire in the room where it began. Another started on a front porch and reached an attic before it was contained. The Colquitt County Fire Association had not reported whether anyone was injured.
Colquitt schools tighten vendor screening after camera discovery
Colquitt County Schools is changing vendor-screening procedures following the discovery of unauthorized cameras at Withers Auditorium. Two people have been arrested in the investigation. Superintendent Dan Chappuis said vendors working inside schools will need background checks or documentation that their employers have completed them. The district said investigators were still determining what had been recorded and who might have been affected. Source: WALB, September 25, citing the school district and sheriff’s office.
West Broad Avenue lane closure scheduled Monday
The City of Albany announced a lane closure beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, September 28, on West Broad Avenue between Washington and Jackson streets. The Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to close the outside westbound lane. Drivers traveling through that section of downtown should watch for traffic controls. Source: City of Albany, September 25.
Albany Utilities issuing continuous water-use alerts
Albany Utilities scheduled its next round of “Continuous Flow” notifications for Monday, September 28. The alerts identify accounts where water has been running continuously for a 24-hour period on the customer’s side of the service connection. The notices help customers identify continuous water use that may otherwise go unnoticed. Source: City of Albany, September 25.
Americus approves temporary pause on data centers
Americus City Council has approved a 30-day moratorium on data centers while officials develop regulations for those facilities. The temporary pause gives the city time to prepare an ordinance amendment addressing data-center development, according to a September 24 report. Source: Americus Times-Recorder.
New district attorney appointed for Cordele circuit
Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Lyndsey Walters as district attorney for the Cordele Judicial Circuit following Bradford Rigby’s resignation. Walters grew up in Irwin County and previously worked in civil litigation and as a public defender. She became the circuit’s court administrator and alternative dispute resolution director in 2025. Kemp announced the appointment September 24. Source: Office of the Governor.
Jobs website remains available after Albany career expo
Southwest Georgia residents can continue connecting with employers following Thursday’s career expo at the Albany Civic Center. The event brought together 40 employers and hundreds of job seekers. Organizers said SWGAJobs.com will remain available after the expo, allowing businesses to post openings and job seekers to upload résumés. The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission hosted the event. Source: Albany Herald, September 25.
Independent-living organization opens Albany office
Bainbridge-based BAIN Inc. has opened an Albany office at 2303 Dawson Road, Suite 2. The organization helps people with disabilities through advocacy, referrals, peer support, independent-living training and transition services. During last week’s career expo, Executive Director Stancil Tootle said BAIN was recruiting for three positions in Albany and two in Bainbridge. Source: Albany Herald, September 25.
Thomas County reports 430 industrial jobs and $44 million in investment
Thomasville and Thomas County have added 430 industrial jobs and attracted $44 million in investment across 2025 and 2026, according to figures from the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority reported by WTXL. Projects include Red Hills Business Park, Plantation Pine Products and Rideout Arsenal. Local development officials said attracting businesses suited to the community remains a priority. Source: WTXL, September 23.
Albany community barbecue brings residents and first responders together
The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual Building Unity in the Community Barbecue along the Flint River on Saturday. Law enforcement, first responders and families gathered for food, music and conversation. The tradition began in 2009.
Plains celebrates peanut festival weekend
Visitors traveled to Plains for the annual Peanut Festival parade Saturday, September 26. The Americus Times-Recorder reported that spectators arrived by train, bicycle and car. Miss Georgia Sophia Wootten was among the parade participants. Source: Americus Times-Recorder, September 26.
Georgia Southwestern announces record donor participation
Georgia Southwestern State University says its September 17 Day of Giving attracted a record 668 donors and raised $139,125. Contributions came from all 50 states for the fourth consecutive year. Twenty-four Americus businesses participated, and nearly 200 students, faculty and staff volunteered. Donations support scholarships, academic programs, athletics and assistance for students facing financial hardships. Source: Georgia Southwestern State University, September 22.
Albany shoe campaign faces October ordering deadline
H.E.A.R.T. is working toward a $25,000 goal to provide 500 pairs of shoes for local children. The organization needs to place its order by October 15 for distribution in December. Joshua Harrison, 22, is supporting the campaign by collecting aluminum cans around Albany and using the proceeds to help buy shoes. Organizers told the Albany Herald this has been a particularly difficult fundraising year. Source: Albany Herald, September 24.
Bainbridge physician selected for rural-care honor
Dr. J. Sydney Cochran has been selected to receive the Jean Sumner, M.D., Commitment to Rural Care Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Physicians. The award will be presented October 9 in Atlanta. Memorial Hospital & Manor says Cochran has cared for Bainbridge-area residents since 1979. The hospital also announced a reception for him October 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in its downstairs classroom. Source: Memorial Hospital & Manor.
Douglas fundraiser supports families facing childhood cancer
In Douglas, the second annual walk honoring Zi’Tavia Freeman raised $1,671 for Childhood Cancer of Coffee County, more than twice last year’s total. Her family organized the event in her memory and said the proceeds will support local children and families affected by cancer.
Albany State comeback falls short against Kentucky State
Kentucky State beat the Golden Rams 24–16 at Albany State Coliseum on Saturday. Albany State drove 65 yards in the final two minutes, but its last pass into the end zone was knocked away. The result ended Albany State’s eleven-game SIAC winning streak, according to the Albany Herald, and put Kentucky State in the conference lead.
Thomas County Central hands Lee County its first loss
Thomas County Central defeated Lee County 49–26 in Leesburg on Friday, September 25. The Yellow Jackets improved to 5–0, while the Trojans fell to 4–1. The matchup was a region game between two previously unbeaten teams. Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting and MaxPreps.
