Author: Donna Wilcox

As cooler weather approaches South Georgia, residents are being urged to check their space heaters following a nationwide recall involving nearly 339,000 units that could overheat and catch fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Thursday, October 29, that DREO is recalling approximately 338,800 electric space heaters sold in the United States. Another 36,300 were sold in Canada. The recall involves DREO model DR-HSH015, a black ceramic electric space heater with a remote control. According to the CPSC, the heaters can overheat and ignite, creating a risk of fire and burns. DREO has received 17 reports of heaters…

From social media and online gaming to cyberbullying and artificial intelligence, parents have more to consider than ever when protecting children in today’s digital world. For today’s students, the internet is part of everyday life. From completing school assignments and watching videos to communicating with friends and playing online games, children are growing up in a world where digital technology is almost always within reach. While technology provides valuable opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents challenges that many parents did not encounter during their own childhoods. The Jeff Davis County School System lists Parent ProTech among the resources…

Madison Joyce collects three hits, Gabby Taylor drives in four as Jeff Davis earns a spot among Georgia’s final four teams COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are headed to the Final Four! Behind a strong offensive performance and another complete game from Briley Reagin, Jeff Davis defeated Bacon County 11-2 on Thursday, October 29, securing a place in the GHSA State Softball Tournament Final Four. The victory was especially meaningful for the Jackets, who had lost both regular-season meetings against Bacon County. This time, with a trip to the Final Four on the line, Jeff Davis came…

Criminals are using artificial intelligence to imitate loved ones, create convincing videos and target unsuspecting victims, particularly older adults. Imagine answering your phone and hearing your grandchild crying for help. The voice sounds familiar, the situation sounds urgent, and the caller insists that money must be sent immediately. But what if the person on the phone isn’t your grandchild at all? That is the danger behind a growing form of fraud involving artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI. As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is encouraging Georgians to become more aware of scams that…

FBI investigation into threatening social media posts leads to arrests in Georgia and California. CANTON, Ga. — A 17-year-old from Metter, Georgia, is among three individuals arrested in connection with an alleged plot targeting Cherokee High School in Canton, according to information released by the Canton Police Department on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Shane Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, was arrested Friday, October 23, and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities say the investigation began after the FBI discovered threatening social media posts involving the high school. Two additional individuals, including a juvenile from Canton and a 21-year-old California…

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Hazlehurst Now continues sharing the personal stories of women in our community whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. For Hazlehurst resident Dawn Bridges, a routine mammogram in January 2020 led to a diagnosis that would change her life. Through early detection, difficult decisions, the unwavering support of her family, and a deep faith in God, Dawn found strength and a renewed appreciation for life’s blessings. Today, she shares her journey in her own words, hoping to encourage other women to prioritize their health, advocate for themselves, and never lose…

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC) has placed 26 correctional facilities across the state on lockdown following reports of increased activity involving security threat groups. The lockdowns began Wednesday, October 28, and remained in effect Thursday morning as officials continued assessing security concerns. According to GDOC spokesperson Lori Benoit, the restrictions are precautionary and will remain in place while investigations and security assessments continue. Several facilities in Southeast Georgia are among those affected, including: Coffee Correctional Facility in Nicholls Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena Smith State Prison in Glennville Ware State Prison in Waycross Rogers…

Robinette drives in four runs as Jeff Davis advances to face Bacon County Thursday at 12:30 p.m. COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets opened play in the GHSA Elite Eight with an impressive 7-1 victory over Berrien on Wednesday, October 28, behind a strong pitching performance from Briley Reagin and a four-RBI afternoon from Savanna Robinette. The victory gives the Jackets a strong start in Columbus and sets up a Thursday (today) matchup against a familiar opponent, Bacon County, at 12:30 p.m. Savanna Robinette continued her impressive postseason performance, collecting three hits and driving in four of Jeff…

Georgia homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption are eligible for additional property tax relief in 2026 through a one-time, $950 million state-funded program. The Georgia Department of Revenue has published information and answers to frequently asked questions about the 2026 Property Tax Relief Grant, also known as the Homestead Tax Relief Grant. The program was established through the state’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget and became law when Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 439 on May 12, 2026. The funding is intended to reduce property tax bills for qualifying Georgia homeowners without requiring local governments to absorb the…

With Halloween approaching on Saturday, October 31, families across Jeff Davis County and surrounding communities are preparing for an evening of costumes, candy, and neighborhood fun. While Halloween is an exciting tradition for children and families, safety officials remind parents, motorists, and homeowners that a few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure an enjoyable evening for everyone. The National Safety Council (NSC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize that pedestrian safety is among the most important considerations during Halloween activities, particularly when children are walking through neighborhoods after dark. Keeping Trick-or-Treaters Safe Parents and guardians are encouraged…