Late Thursday night on Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on Valdosta State University, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Classified as a Category 4 storm, Helene brought torrential rains and powerful winds that felled trees and damaged campus buildings. As many students remained on campus, they faced a harrowing night, trapped in their dorm rooms, listening ...

Former President Donald Trump traveled to Valdosta on Monday to speak with the press about the damages from Hurricane Helene.  He held a press conference in front of Chez What Furniture Store in downtown Valdosta at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30.  Supporters gathered early in the morning and viewed from the street. Trump was hidden from the public eye and ...

VSU residents were told they will be  moved to the Middle Georgia State University campus in Macon, Georgia, due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. VSU is still without power and residential buildings Patterson, Brown and Read have water damage caused by fallen trees. The students will be transported by two buses and the housing van on Sept. 30 at ...

The Valdosta State Athletic Department has announced the new schedules for all effected Blazer games due to the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, which is set to make landfall Thursday evening. This announcement, made on the department’s website, includes both cancellations and rescheduled games.  In volleyball, the Blazers, who were scheduled to play their Gulf South Conference home opener against ...

Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams, a Missouri man who was convicted of killing a social worker, was executed Tuesday despite an outcry from activists who say there is overwhelming proof of his innocence. Williams was convicted in 1998 for murder of Lisha Gayle, who was stabbed to death in her home during a burglary. According to the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization ...

VSU has issued a statement mourning the sudden death of Dr. Bobbie Ticknor, a criminal justice professor and active member of VSU’s community. She is survived by her husband Michael, as well as her daughter, Amanda Gayer, her son-in-law, Wyatt, and her grandchildren, Aria and Ivan.  Dr. Ticknor has been with VSU for 10 years, serving as an assistant professor ...

Vice Presidential nominee and Ohio Senator, JD Vance, took a trip down South for a rally at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s office on Aug. 22. He traveled around Valdosta and visited Holt’s Donut Shop where a viral video was born. Ebony Statem, the Holt’s employee speaking in the video, described the event to be “very chaotic.” A secret service worker ...

Vice President, Kamala Harris, announced a bus tour through southeast GA on Aug. 28, alongside Minnesota Gov, Tim Walz.   They have not announced the travel stops, but there is wide speculation that Harris will make way through Valdosta, GA. She will be meeting supporters, voters and small business owners throughout her tour.  Harris settled in Savannah on Wednesday at ...

Welcome back, Blazers! The 2024-25 school year has begun, and with a new year comes a new staff. Whether fresh or familiar faces, each new member has written out an introduction for readers to get to know us. Meet our staff for the new year!   Hi! My name is Jenna Arnold and I am the Editor-in-Chief for The Spectator! ...

Yik Yak users create sexual rumors on VSU campus  On April 3, 2024, at approximately 10:25 p.m., Officer Kent James with the Valdosta State University Police Department responded to the Hopper Hall front lobby in reference to harassment.   Upon arrival, he contacted the anonymous female student who stated that a group of unknown individuals spread damaging information concerning her through ...