VSU holding training on 2017 Animal Cruelty Prosecutions

VALDOSTA, Ga. — On December 14  the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Environmental Crimes Section of the United States Department of Justice- Environment and Natural Resources Division and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General – Investigations will be hosting the second day of regional animal cruelty prosecutions training in Valdosta. The first training was held December 13.  The second day of training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m in the Cypress Room at the Valdosta State University Center, 1203 N. Patterson Street (corner of Ann and N. Patterson). The conference provides participants with an overview of the federal animal welfare and cruelty statues, investigation techniques, and prosecution challenges. During the training, the Humane Society of the United States, along with prosecutors and federal agents, will share their experience in handling dog fighting and animal cruelty cases. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Unites States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.

 

Tax prep volunteers wanted

TIFTON, Ga. — TGE AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) are looking for Tifton volunteers to provide free tax assistance to those who need help in filing their taxes, according to a press release. Volunteers are needed to electronically file federal income tax returns, greet taxpayers and help organize their paperwork, set up and keep computer equipment running, manage tax sites and handle quality control. All volunteers preparing returns need to be IRS-certified to at least complete simple, non-business tax returns for people with low to moderate incomes, senior citizens, disabled individuals and for people that English is a second language, according to the release. Free training is available online with classroom style training generally offered between November and January. The instruction and training materials cover how to prepare individual income tax returns and how to file them electronically. Volunteer hours are flexible and the free tax help sites are located in near-by community centers, libraries, schools and other similar places, according to the release. Volunteers can sign up at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers and submit your interest. For more information, contact David Wilber at 229-386-3126 or by email: dwilber@diversifiedent.com.

 

Car reported stolen 3 hours after it crashed

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A car whose owner reported it stolen on Monday was found wrecked earlier that same morning with no driver located around the overturned vehicle. Passersby reported seeing the 2013 Nissan Sentra on its side in a field in the area of Spence Field at the intersection of  Highway 133 South and Clinton Road. That report was made at about 5 a.m., police said. A Moultrie officer and sheriff’s deputies searched the area for anyone who could have been injured or thrown from the car but did not locate anyone. At about 7:54 a.m., Kaja Thomas called police to report that the car, valued at $8,700, had been stolen. Thomas told police that she left it in her driveway at about 11 p.m. Sunday with her wallet in the glove compartment.

 

Couple donates more land for park in Whitfield County

DALTON, Ga. — In the 1990s, Smith and Betty Edwards Foster donated 100 acres of land on Cleveland Highway to Whitfield County that was used for Edwards Park. The Fosters recently signed a deed gifting the county with five more acres at the park that will be used for soccer fields and parking. “The property that is now Edwards Park belonged to my parents, Clarence and Gladys Edwards, and holds a special place in our heart,” Betty Foster said. “I grew up there, and my husband and I built our first house and raised our children there. We have been delighted with the wonderful job the county has done in turning this property into a park that can be enjoyed by the entire community. We are excited to be able to donate this additional five acres. The entire family feels that this is the best way to honor my parents and preserve this very special property.”

Sheppard House to host Holiday Homecoming

JASPER, Fla. — Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Center will be hosting the inaugural Holiday Homecoming at the Sheppard House on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join and can bring a covered dish or volunteer, but the most important thing is to bring family. Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Center wants everyone to imagine the community of Jasper coming together to celebrate the holidays with food, refreshments and family. “It is about love and what brings more people together than food,” said Peter Stein, a worker at the Reunion Center. “We wanted to bring the community together to celebrate the holidays.” If anyone would like to bring a covered dish or volunteer, call 850-464-8941 or reunioncenterjasper@gmail.com by today.  The Holiday Homecoming event is free and will take place at the Sheppard House, on the corner of 1st Avenue SE and Hatley Street in Jasper.