Malia Thomas ABC 27

Big things happening at the Historic Courthouse Lowndes County, GA

Tune in tomorrow for more details!

On day three of advance voting in Lowndes County, GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger presented the Eagle Award to our Board of Elections for their hard work on keeping votes safe and accounted for.

As you can see, assistant supervisor Tiffany Linkswiler is incredibly happy their hard work has been recognized by the state. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee for the full story.

I love stopping by Madison. Wish it was under better circumstances (seeing about the sewage spills by the Withlacoochee with the County Commissioners meeting). Couldn’t stay long but here are some public notices and a couple of landmarks I snapped before heading out.

Did you all know that gas is about to rise by $.14 today?

The current annual inflation rate is 3.5%, compared to 3.2% last month.

Everyone’s feeling it nationwide, but many Valdostans are being hit hard, especially when you factor in food insecurity and the public transportation options. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee to hear how inflation is impacting our city and what you can do about it.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, especially now that Valdosta-Lowndes Habitat for Humanity is building three homes on the Ulmer Avenue lot!

Three families will have their new home in just a few months.

Tune into WTXL Tallahassee for the full story and a look at affordable housing in Valdosta.

Good morning Valdosta. I came across an accident involving a Valdosta City school bus and a smaller truck at the intersection of Lee St and South Patterson Street.

This is an active investigation, so there’s no further details at the moment, but I will be checking in with the Valdosta Police Department today once new details emerge and share updates on WTXL Tallahassee

Please stay safe.

Here’s how Jaycee Shack Road is looking as of noon. Speaking with some of our neighbors about how the severe weather has been impacting their livelihoods. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee to hear more about Valdosta/Lowndes County’s flooded areas.

Did you all know that Georgia is only one of two states (the other being Ohio) that doesn’t have a statewide 211 human service helpline?

That’s about to change.

Today, I’m speaking with Greater Valdosta United Way’s Michael Smith about efforts to bring it to South Georgia, and eventually the state as a whole. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee for more on this story.

Good morning my fellow Valdostans,

Despite it only storming for a few hours, I’m already hearing reports of power outages, damages, road blockages, and a possible tornado. I hope you and your families are safe and secure. 🙏🏾

I’m currently sheltering with my family, but I will be hitting the streets doing storm coverage like I always do. I know a lot of you all are dealing with lack of power and trying to get around the blocked areas, but I want to shed light on the impact of the severe weather has been having on our city as of late.

Please feel free to sound off in the replies or DM me. I pray we all have a safe day.

Anyone else’s phone not working this morning? 🥴

Wish I could’ve met these wonderful men under happier circumstances, but their light has made coverage of Valdosta’s tornado a bit easier for me.

Today we’re hearing from neighbor Erick Winston and JJ and Thomas from Southern RV and Truck Center.

Tune into WTXL Tallahassee to hear how our city is recovering from Sunday’s severe weather.

Good evening Valdosta!

South Georgia leaders recently met up for breakfast to discuss some economic developments for the future. We have new facilities coming like a Walmart dairy plant, but slowdowns are also possibly in the works.

Are you struggling with rising costs that come with inflation? Looking for work or a higher wage? Optimistic about the future of our economy? If you’d like to be interviewed or just wanna share your thoughts, reply or DM me.

Have a wonderful evening you all 😊

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

That why I love my job, and why covering this march every year hold special meaning to me. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee for a recap as well as to hear about some related community resources.

Hi yall 👋🏾. The forecast for next Tuesday and Wednesday is going to be very cold, the kind of cold to cause damage to your pipes. Be sure to keep your faucets dripping!

I’m the meantime, I plan on doing a story since it rarely gets cold here like that. Any plumbers/people who work in utilities that wants to interview, please reply or DM me.

I’d love to speak with someone who had pipe damage last year too or is prepping.

Stay warm! 🧥

Speaking with one of our neighbor’s today about concerns with their water supply. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee for the full story.

It’s always a pleasure to see Miss Angela Crance from Art and Soul Valdosta.

Today, I’m going to be talking about the impact inflation has on small businesses here as see how a retail academy can help.

****Update****
The driver of the vehicle was identified and officers seized the vehicle from his residence. He has fully cooperated with the investigation. Officers are still processing evidence and interviewing witnesses. The ongoing investigation is a collaborative effort between VPD and the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office.

If anyone was in the area when the accident occurred and has any information, please contact the police department.

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We need the public's assistance in locating a vehicle that struck and killed a teenager over the weekend! Please come forward if you have ANY information!

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at approximately 6:15 pm., a 16-year-old male, Samuel Johnson, Jr., was walking in the 3900 block of Inner Perimeter Road. Johnson saw a dog that had been hit by an unknown vehicle, so he went to assist the injured dog. While trying to rescue the injured dog, Johnson was struck and killed by second vehicle traveling through the area. The vehicle that struck Johnson did not stop.

Another citizen traveling through the area stopped when she saw a deceased dog in the roadway. While checking on the dog, she observed Johnson laying in the grass median, along with an additional injured dog. She immediately called E911. Valdosta Police Officers, Valdosta Fire Fighters, and Emergency Medical Services responded, but the teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Valdosta Police Department Traffic Unit, along with detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the incident. Through evidence collected at the scene, the offender vehicle has been identified as a dark in color Dodge Charger, between the years of 2011-2014. The vehicle should have damage to the driver’s side front bumper. It was last seen traveling in the area of Inner Perimeter Road and North Forrest Street Extension.

“We are asking for the public’s assistance in locating this vehicle and offender. It is unexplainable the callousness and disregard for human life that this offender has shown, by hitting this teenage victim and leaving him. My heart breaks for the family and friends of Mr. Johnson, who deserve answers as to why this happened to their loved one. If you know something, please say something. Our officers and detectives will not stop until they hold this offender accountable.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan

If anyone has any information, 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.

Hi my fellow Valdostans. Hope you all are having a good evening. I’m doing a story about the runoff elections tomorrow, do any of y’all planning on voting or voted already? If so, please feel free to reply or message me because I’d love to interview you.

Happy Monday 😊.

Made my way to my other alma mater Valdosta State University to speak with ROTC Cadet Logan Kraus, who is one of only 35 people in the nation to train with the NATO Joint Jet Pilot training program.

Tune into WTXL Tallahassee tonight to learn more about his historic achievement 😊.

It’s always nice to return to my alma mater and speak with my old principals!

Today’s story is about Lowndes High School’s new police training course for seniors starting January. Tune into WTXL Tallahassee tonight to find out more!