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SGMC awarded #1 spine surgery center in GA

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB)- South Georgia Medical Center is recognized as the number one spine surgery center in the state.

Wednesday health officials gathered at the Valdosta hospital for a ceremony to celebrate the recognition from Healthgrades.

SGMC is also in the top 10-percent in the nation for spine care.

The hospital's five star rating means patients have a 61-percent lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital.

Demolition underway on historic Remerton Mill

REMERTON, GA- Demolition is underway on the historic Remerton Mill in Lowndes County.

It's the last remaining textile mill in south Georgia and protesters are speaking out against the demolition.

The City of Remerton was founded because of the mill's economic success in 1899. It closed in 2005 and has been vacant ever since. The owner couldn't afford renovations and the city couldn't afford to buy it.

VPD to issue tickets Thursday for detour violations

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB)- 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.

If you're caught driving through the Hill Avenue construction zone this week, may get away with just a warning.

Lowndes child drowns in pool

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB)- 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.

The mother was inside with her other children at the home on Pearl Davis Road when they realized the little girl was gone. 

 Lowndes Co. Sheriff Chris Prine sent this news release-

Brooks Co. Extension Agent accused of stealing money

BROOKS COUNTY, GA (WALB)- 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.

Johnny Whiddon is out of the Brooks County jail on a $120,000 bond. The University of Georgia Police Department charged him with 22 felony counts of theft by taking and 47 counts of unlawful use of state resources.

Dollar General store robbed at gunpoint

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB)- Valdosta Police are looking for two men they say robbed a Dollar General at gunpoint.

Would you start your cruise in Savannah?

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - A consultant's report on three potential sites for a cruise ship terminal along the Savannah River has been given to city officials in Savannah, but they aren't sharing it with residents.

The Savannah Morning News reports that the city is refusing to make the taxpayer-funded analysis public.

City officials say a provision in the Georgia's open records law allows them to keep the report secret for now. The exemption pertains to potential land acquisitions.