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Operation Zero Tolerance begins in earnest
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Georgia state troopers along with officers from the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance and Capitol Police divisions will team with law enforcement officers from local police and sheriffs’ departments across Georgia for Operation Zero Tolerance, Georgia’s high visibility impaired driving enforcement program.

The July Fourth OZT campaign began Friday and ends July 6.

Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said DPS troopers and officers will be watching for impaired drivers during concentrated patrols and roadchecks throughout the two-week period.  

The impaired driving crackdown includes the 78-hour July 4 holiday travel period.  

“State troopers and DPS officers will not hesitate to arrest an impaired driver and tow their vehicle,” Hitchens said.  “No matter what you drive — a passenger car, pickup truck, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle — if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested.”

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call Star G-S-P on your cell phone.  Star G-S-P (*477) is a free call to the nearest Georgia State Patrol communications center.

The GSP post in Rincon is at 754-1180.

The July Fourth Zero Tolerance campaign is coordinated by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety as part of the One Hundred Days of Summer Heat mobilization.

Effingham High School Band to Perform at NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patty's Day
Effingham County High School band members are preparing to represent their school and community on a national stage in New York City next March. (Courtesy of Effingham County High School)
The Effingham County High School marching band has been invited to perform in New York City’s historic 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This prestigious opportunity marks the band’s largest performance to date, showcasing their talents on a national stage.
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