Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

Monday, May 06, 2013  Fire Investigators with Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens’ office say that they are investigating a Sunday evening house fire that claimed the lives of a Burke County couple.

Monday, April 22, 2013  According to a press release issued by the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's office, fire investigators have determined that an early morning fire at the St. James Methodist Church in Bleckley County was intentionally set.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced Tuesday that Smokey, the state arson canine has passed away after a brief illness.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013  Updated with video; As of Friday, the $85 billion in federal cuts has began in the sequestration process. Of those cuts, the roughly $1.4 billion will come from the Marine Corps during the 2013 fiscal year.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  During the 1968 Civil Rights Movement, then nine year old Ralph D. Abernathy III, without his parent’s knowledge, stood alongside men and women, who were caught up in the push for equality. Arrested as part of a “mule train” march to a Martin Luther King Jr. rally, he was held in a warehouse alongside 250 other marchers.

Monday, February 04, 2013  Updated with video; According to fire Investigators with the Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner office has ruled a Sunday afternoon fatal fire in Crisp County as accidental.

Friday, February 01, 2013  Many have struggled in recent months due to the economy, but Polar Beverage Southern Bottling has found a way to grow enough to be recognized for their efforts by their local chamber just 18 months after their debut.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013  Updated with video; Next week is Severe Weather Awareness week in Georgia and state officials are reminding homeowners to prepare in case of disaster.

Sunday, December 16, 2012  Arsonists may have torn down the insides of the new Mind of Christ of the Living God Ministries building in Coffee County but the foundation still stands strong, including the congregation.

Monday, December 10, 2012  A Sunday morning fire in Coffee County has Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens offering a $10,000 reward for information.

Monday, December 03, 2012  After Finch Elementary in south Atlanta was evacuated for carbon monoxide, state officials want to try and make it mandatory to have detectors in public places.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012  Updated with video; For FOX 31’s Facebook story of the day people wanted to know what fire hazards they should be aware of when cooking their holiday meal.

Friday, October 19, 2012  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens presented awards Thursday recognizing winners of the annual “Excellence in Fire Safety” awards, and the winning students of the statewide Fire Safety Poster and Essay contests.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012  State Fire Safety Commissioner, Ralph Hudgens, stopped in Moultrie today to promote a new program titled, "Operation Safe Home."

Friday, October 05, 2012  Updated with video; Throughout next week, Commissioner Hudgens, and fire departments around the state, will be spreading the word about fire safety.