Midway council approves budget

The Midway City Council approved a $2.9 million budget Dec. 27 during a special meeting. The 2013 budget includes raises for all employees, a new police car and funds for street lighting. About $25,000 was budgeted to give Midway's employees a one-notch pay increase as recommended by the Carl Vinson Institute, which did a comprehensive study of city personnel and compensation. Officials said the Midway Police Department has several vehicles with more than 180,000 miles ...

Viral video spurs Sonic roach controversy

The Hinesville Sonic is tight-lipped but open despite drawing regional attention after viral videos posted by a former employee exposed an alleged infestation of roaches.

Cliff averted, cuts still possible

Both chambers of Congress pulled out a deal this week that prevents America from going over the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts that experts say would have chilled the economy and prompted an extended recession - but there's still much work ahead.

150th anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation celebrated

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Liberty County's faithful gathered Jan. 1 at the Historic First African Baptist Church in Riceboro, where a bell tolled at noon, signifying the importance of the historic recollection.

Hinesville man arrested in Va.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Police say a suspect from Hinesville has been arrested after allegedly shooting at a car within 1,000 feet of a school. According to Lou Thurston with the Newport News Police Department, the incident occurred between 8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Dec. 29. Thurston said Miguel Antonio Childress approached a man, believing him to be responsible for a separate incident in which Childress' relative was assaulted. As Childress approached the Suffolk man's car, the ...

Hinesville man arrested in Va.

Services return to normal after holidays

With so many local, state and federal employees taking advantage of holiday breaks at Christmas and New Year's, some government services have been limited by the reduced staff, while other services were postponed until the holidays are over.

Long County establishes polling places in 5 precincts

Long County, under order from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia's Brunswick Division, has established polling places in each of its five districts.

Traffic incident spurs probe

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation concerning a Dec. 22 incident that allegedly involves Liberty County Commissioner Marion Stevens.

LCSO staff sworn in

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes administers the oath of office Monday morning to his staff of deputies, jailers and detectives inside the Liberty County Justice Center's jury room. Several times between Friday morning and Monday morning, the sheriff administered the oath to his staff of nearly 60. Sikes said the deputies are sworn in every four years.

Sikes earns leadership award

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes recently was honored by his peers and the Georgia Sheriff Association.

2013 ushers in higher taxes

Even if Congress extends all or part of the so-called Bush income-tax cuts, most Americans still can expect to pay higher federal taxes in 2013 due to new taxes established by the Affordable Care Act and an end to a temporary payroll-tax reduction to the Social Security tax rate.

Chief deputy starts next chapter

Liberty County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Keith Moran has come full circle, finishing his career where he first began.

Swearing-in ceremony featured choir, reception

Several of Liberty County's elected officers for terms beginning in 2013 were sworn into office Thursday in a ceremony that packed a courtroom in the Liberty County Justice Center.

JBE closure, taxes round out year’s top news

As we close the door on 2012, the Courier recalls stories that grabbed attention, piqued our interest and affected the community in the past 12 months. This is the final segment of a four-part series.

Long board at odds over terms

Four days before the new Long County Commission members were sworn in, the outgoing commission members on May 9 held their final meeting. At that meeting, Board of Elections Chairwoman Vanessa Cunningham discussed the terms of office for the new commissioners.

Midway Middle wins $10K in recycling rally

Midway Middle School placed second in its bracket for the PepsiCo Dream Machine Recycle Rally, a victory that comes a $10,000 for green improvements. "Our students, faculty and the community worked so hard this year," teacher and coordinator Joy Kennedy said. "I am so excited -- second place in the nation."

BoE appoints interim superintendent; doesn't say who

The Liberty County Board of Education decided Wednesday to interview seven superintendent candidates for the seat that becomes vacant June 1.

New Long BoE has first meeting

The new Long County Board of Education on Monday held its first meeting, electing District 4 representative Janet Watford as its new chairwoman as the first order of business.

County postpones mid-month meet

The Liberty County Commission has postponed its mid-month meeting from today to next Thursday.

Long swears in new BoE, BoC members

After two elections, multiple court dates and a lot of stress on the winners and the community, Long County on Monday swore in its newly elected officials.

Emotions boil over about Long election

The Long County Board of Elections on Thursday held a meeting to address issues that, according to Chairwoman Vanessa Cunningham, were not addressed by the court when a new election and a redrawing of the district lines were ordered.

County asked to expand water service area along 196

Routine items handled by the Liberty County Commission last week included:

Long BoE increases budget $1M

The Long County Board of Education in a called meeting last month amended its fiscal year 2013 budget, adding more than $1.1 million.

AASU officially announces Liberty campus plan

Armstrong Atlantic State University on Wednesday announced a major initiative for the Armstrong-Liberty Center. In partnership with the city of Hinesville, the university will build an expanded, new facility in downtown Hinesville to accommodate more students, programs, classroom and laboratory space.

Tuesday vote ends Long's 2012 elections, finally

Long County's general election formally answered the question of who will sit on the county commission and the board of education. Despite all of the offices having already been decided, the required election took place Tuesday, ending a 10-month saga over who will lead Long County into the future.

City council approves development for seniors

The Hinesville City Council approved two actions Thursday to promote the development of a seniors' independent-living apartment community on Memorial Drive.

SPLOST collections too erratic to predict

They may not know exactly what is bought, but government and education officials have a keen eye on purchases made in Liberty County.