Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition opens

More than 100-thousand visitors will be in Moultrie this week checking out satellite steered cotton pickers, antique tractors, and the latest in all things agricultural.
The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition is known as North America's premier farm show. The expo provides more than a thousand exhibitors a chance to show off their products to buyers from all over the country.
The event is also important to South Georgia's economy, bringing in an additional 17-million dollars a year. The 700-acre complex in Moultrie features indoor and outdoor exhibits.
In an effort to appeal to a bigger audience the expo also features presentations on hunting and fishing as well as the opportunity to test drive ATV's, trucks, and tractors. The expo runs through Thursday.

Chambliss launches TV ads

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss has launched the first TV commercials in his re-election campaign. They are set to start airing statewide this week and will run during the Democratic and Republican National conventions. One spot features the Republican from Moultrie outlining his belief in GOP bedrock issues like smaller government, lower taxes and personal freedoms. The second ad is a testimonial from his wife Julianne who touts his credentials as "a wonderful husband, a great father, and a fabulous granddaddy." Neither ad mentions Chambliss' Democratic opponent, Jim Martin.

Georgia corn farmers watching Tropical storm Fay

As a result of Tropical Storm fay, Moultrie in the Southeastern part of the state could get 8 inches of rain. The storm has been unpredictable so far, and for farmers it could prove to be a good thing or a bad thing.
Over the last several months farmers in South Georgia have struggled with a lack of rain. Now they could get too much. Wind could also be a problem. Corn farmers are particularly concerned because it's time to harvest their crops. Glenn Beard is the Colquitt County Extension Agent in Moultrie.

"You have corn that's completely dried down now, and when it dries down it loses all it's structural integrity of the stalk that will hold it up. It doesn't really take that much wind to knock it over. And when it knocks it over it is either going to be very difficult to pick it up with a combine, or maybe not even be able to harvest it at all."

Georgia farmers increased corn production this year due to higher demand and rising prices spurred on by ethanol production.
The storm could turn out to be a blessing if they get just the right amount to fill ponds and replenish groundwater.

Budget cuts may close GBI crime labs

Law-enforcement officials confer near a Georgia Bureau of Investigation mobile lab in the parking lot of Doctors Hospital, Columbus, GA., after a shooting rampage there on March 27, 2008. (Dave Bender)

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation may close two of its eight crime labs. Forensics labs in Midland near Columbus, and Moultrie, in South Georgia are on the chopping block.

The move comes after Governor Sonny Perdue asked all state agencies to cut their budgets by six percent.

The GBI’s John Bankhead says he’s still not sure what will happen to the employees:

"I don't know at this point how many it's going to affect. There will be some that will be offered transfers to headquarters lab, and maybe a regional lab, but at this point we'll have to make that decision once it gets closer to the date it would be effective – if it goes into effect."

The two labs cover a 46 county area. Evidence would be sent to the six remaining GBI labs in other parts of the state.

The legislature will vote on the proposed cuts in January. If approved, the labs would close by next July.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about the GBI.

E Coli Sickens Several Moultrie Residents

Several Moultrie residents have been infected with a harmful strain E. Coli 0157h7, according to local health officials.

The common link in all the cases is the consumption of meat supplied by Nebraska Beef limited. The company has recalled five million pounds of beef because of suspected e coli contamination. Attorney Bill Marler is suing the company, and he says he expects even more recalls to be issued across the country as a result of the outbreak in Georgia.

"Retail outlets, whether it be Kroger or whomever, has an obligation to pull that product. "

Officials from Kroger and Nebraska Beef are not commenting. The bacteria can cause death, and also shut down kidney functions.

More information on the recall can be found by clicking here.

Sen. Chambliss reports on Iraq visit

Senator Saxby Chambliss traveled to Iraq this weekend and says he found "truly amazing" progress during a trip. Despite a particularly deadly month for U.S. soldiers in April, the Republican from Moultrie said he is optimistic that the ongoing military offensive can quell violence and stabilize the government. Chambliss acknowledged that what he called "challenges" persist, particularly on the political side. But citing progress in the city of Ramadi west of Baghdad, he expressed confidence that the military strategy of rooting out insurgents and "holding" unstable areas would work.