Area Breaking News

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, County Commissioner Jeff Lane made a motion, seconded by County Commissioner Lindsey Parrish, to approve a “Resolution Declaring Major Terry Arnold Memorial Highway of Cook County, Georgia.” All voted in favor. The resolution states: “WHEREAS, Cook County, Georgia is governed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and “WHEREAS, Major…

A confirmed EF-2 tornado roared through Adel a half hour before sunset on Jan. 22, 2023, the sixth anniversary of the worst natural disaster in Cook County’s history. The twister snapped trees like twigs and sent them smashing into several homes, but God spared the community from any reported injuries or fatalities this time around.…

On Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, the Cook County Grand Jury returned a “true bill” or indictment for felony murder and exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult, elder person, or resident against Cecil Councilwoman Constance Dianna Davis, 69, according to Superior Court records. On April 6, 2022, the Grand Jury initially indicted Ms. Davis for…

Concerned Citizens of Cook County (4C), represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, reached a settlement agreement with Spectrum Energy Georgia, LLC in the operation of a proposed wood pellet plant in Adel, according to a news release. Effective Dec. 24, 2022, the agreement includes more protections for public health than the permit authorized by state regulators,…

The investiture (swearing-in) ceremony for county officials – re-elected, newly elected, and appointed – was held on Wednesday morning, Dec. 28, 2022, in the main courtroom at the Cook County Courthouse. Cook County Probate Judge Chase Daughtrey gave the welcome. Chief Superior Court Judge Clayton Tomlinson delivered the opening invocation and remarks. Judge Daughtrey then…

During a called meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, the Adel City Council voted 3-2 to name Mark Barber, who currently serves as Valdosta City Manager, as the sole finalist for the position of Adel City Manager. Voting in favor were Council Members Walter Cowart, Jody Greene, and Terry McClain. Voting in opposition were Council…

On Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, Chaserville, Central Cook, and Southeast Cook Fire Stations were paged out to a structure fire at an unknown address on VanBrackle Road, Adel. While en route, crews were informed that it was an abandoned structure that was on fire.   Units arrived on the scene, initiated attack, and extinguished the…

Adel Mayor Buddy Duke called to order the Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, meeting of the Adel City Council.   Members present were Mayor Duke and Council Members Terry McClain, Greg Paige, Walter Cowart, Celestine Hayes, and Jody Greene. Others present were City Clerk Rhonda Rowe and City Attorney Tim Tanner. Councilman McClain gave the opening…

Colquitt County Administrator Chas Cannon and Colquitt County Solid Waste Manager Stacy Griffin approached the Cook County Board of Commissioners at their most recent meeting about Colquitt County possibly contracting to send that county’s garbage to the Cook County Landfill. Cannon said Colquitt County currently takes tons of garbage from a transfer station on Shade…