Author: Donna Wilcox

Two new millage rates were approved yesterday in Jeff Davis County. The Jeff Davis County Board of Education has approved a millage rate of 12.5 mills. This is a reduction from 13.5 mills. The Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners has approved a millage rate of 11.5 mills. which is a reduction from 12.175 mills. But what exactly is a millage rate? A millage rate is the rate local governments and school systems use when calculating property taxes. One mill equals $1 in tax for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. In Georgia, property is generally assessed for tax…

The Jeff Davis Cross Country program welcomed hundreds of runners to Hazlehurst Thursday, Sept. 10, for the 10th Annual Southern Georgia XC Championship, and the Jackets made the most of their home course. The event drew 909 registered runners representing 26 high school and 15 middle school teams, making for a big afternoon of racing. Across the four varsity and middle school divisions, Jeff Davis finished first, second, second and fourth. The JDMS boys captured the championship, while the middle school girls finished runner-up. At the high school level, the Jeff Davis girls placed second and the boys finished fourth.…

Education and healthcare took center stage Monday as community leaders gathered for the State of the Community Panel Discussion, presented by the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce. The first session of this year’s series featured Dr. Chris Roppe, Superintendent of Jeff Davis County Schools, and Barry Bloom, CEO of Jeff Davis Hospital, who provided updates on two of the community’s largest and most important institutions. Chamber President and CEO Oakley G. Perry welcomed those attending and noted the growth of the event since its launch last year. The Jeff Davis County Development Authority served as presenting sponsor of the…

Jeff Davis put together a strong offensive performance Monday, collecting 10 hits on the way to a 9-4 victory over Pierce County. Pierce County struck first in the top of the third inning when Figueroa delivered an RBI single, but the Jackets answered immediately. In the bottom half, Savanna Robinette singled home a run to tie the game before a Pierce County error allowed two more runs to score, putting Jeff Davis in front 3-1. The Jackets continued to build on the lead before putting together another three-run inning in the sixth. Ava Bohannon launched a solo home run to…

ALBANY, Ga. — A heartbreaking missing-person case in Southwest Georgia has become a murder investigation after human remains found in a wooded area were positively identified as 18-year-old Samuel Jackson. Samuel had been missing since June 26, when he was last seen around 8:30 p.m. in the west Albany area. His disappearance prompted an extensive search by law enforcement and members of the community. On July 6, investigators searching for Samuel discovered human remains in a wooded area connected to the investigation. At the time, authorities were unable to positively identify the remains, which were submitted for forensic examination. More…

JESUP, Ga. — As communities across Georgia face growing interest from large-scale data center developers, a meeting held Sunday in Jesup focused on questions surrounding water, power, infrastructure and the potential impact of the rapidly expanding industry. Hazlehurst Now, along with more than 100 citizens from in and around Jesup, attended the meeting, which included presentations from Maggie Van Cantfort, Coastkeeper with Altamaha Riverkeeper, and Shannon Gregory, Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Satilla Riverkeeper. The speakers discussed issues communities may want to consider when evaluating data center proposals and developing local ordinances, while encouraging residents to research the subject, participate…

The Jeff Davis High School Softball Yellow Jackets bounced back in the win column Saturday, combining 10 hits with strong pitching to defeat Coffee, 5-2. Coffee struck first in the top of the third inning when Fender delivered an RBI single, but the Jackets quickly answered in the bottom half. Madison Joyce came through with a two-run double to put Jeff Davis in front, and Gabby Taylor brought home another run on a lineout to give the Jackets a 3-1 lead. Taylor also delivered in the circle, earning the win after working five and one-third innings. She allowed two runs…

Jeff Davis struggled to get its offense going Thursday as Bacon County handed the Jackets a 6-0 loss. Bacon County took the lead in the first inning when Villasenor delivered an RBI single. The visitors then added three more runs in the third, using RBI hits from Garrett, Villasenor and Crosby to build an early advantage. Jeff Davis managed four hits in the game but was unable to push a run across against Villasenor, who went the distance for Bacon County. She allowed four hits over seven shutout innings while striking out nine and issuing no walks. Ava Bohannon led…

Twenty-five years have passed since the morning that changed America forever, but Thursday morning in Hazlehurst, the message was clear: We still remember. Hazlehurst Now was honored to attend the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Fire Rescue Community 9/11 remembrance service, where first responders, law enforcement officers, public officials, veterans and community members gathered to honor the 2,977 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, remember the men and women who ran toward danger that morning, and reflect on the unity that followed one of the darkest days in American history. The ceremony included the presentation of the colors, the National Anthem performed…

Jeff Davis Middle School collected more hits than Toombs County Wednesday, but the Jackets were unable to overcome costly defensive miscues in a 12-4 loss. JDMS finished with eight hits to Toombs County’s five, led by a perfect night at the plate from River Bruce, who went 4-for-4. Toombs struck first with a run in the opening inning, but the Jackets answered in the bottom of the third. Bruce singled to left field to bring home a run and tie the game at 1-1. The game shifted in the fourth when Toombs regained the lead. An error, a hit batter…