The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Republican-backed legislation named in honor of Georgia murder victim Laken Riley as the first act of the new Congress. The Laken Riley Act requires detention of illegal immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes including theft and burglary. It cleared the House 264-159 on Tuesday, with 48 Democrats - including U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath of Mariet...

HB581 Public Hearing— The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold public hearings on their intent to opt out of the new HB581 legislation, which creates a statewide floating homestead exemption, at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 17. For more information, call (912) 583-- 2301. • • • • • Regular Meeting— The Ohoopee Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its r...

continued from page and ensuring the safety of our community.” Mayor Doug Roper also commented on the action. “Decisions such as these are never easy nor made without much consideration. While the city ultimately decided to move in a different direction, we wish James nothing but the best and will always remain grateful for his service to the City of Vidalia,” he said. “I, along w...