Author: Donna Wilcox

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. — The debate surrounding data centers in Georgia has moved into the courtroom, with three Effingham County residents suing their county government over the process used to change zoning rules related to the massive developments. The lawsuit, filed Sept. 2 in Effingham County Superior Court, challenges a county ordinance that expanded provisions for data centers on industrially zoned property. At the heart of the case is a question that communities across Georgia are increasingly confronting as data center development expands: How much opportunity should the public have to participate before decisions are made? The lawsuit was filed…

Jeff Davis turned in a dominant performance on both sides of the ball Friday night, rolling past Metter 40-0 on the road. The Jackets piled up 326 yards of total offense, including 295 yards on the ground, while the Jeff Davis defense held Metter to 185 total yards and kept the Tigers off the scoreboard for the entire night. Jeff Davis struck first when Jacob Laney broke loose for a 32-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter. The Jackets then exploded for three more touchdowns in the second. Mark Durden connected with Jaiden West on a 31-yard touchdown pass before…

WILCOX COUNTY, Ga. — An investigation is underway following a deadly incident Thursday afternoon at Wilcox State Prison in Abbeville, where one inmate was killed and several others were reportedly injured. Wilcox County Coroner Janice Brown confirmed that an inmate died following what has been described as an altercation at the state prison. The identity of the inmate has not yet been publicly released. Details surrounding exactly what happened inside the facility remain limited. Initial reports indicated that multiple inmates may have been involved and that several people were injured. However, the exact number of injured inmates and the extent…

Jeff Davis Middle School Softball used a strong offensive performance and solid defense to pick up a 10-3 victory over Swainsboro Middle School on Thursday. After Swainsboro took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Jackets answered immediately. Harper Cravey singled home two runs in the bottom half of the inning to put JDMS ahead 2-1. Swainsboro tied the game at 2-2 in the second, but Jeff Davis quickly took control. Paxtan Felix delivered an RBI single before River Bruce tripled home two runs. Another run scored on an error as the Jackets built their lead. Sadie…

As Hazlehurst Now previously reported, Dublin City Schools has been navigating a major financial crisis that ultimately led to the suspension of the district’s entire seven-member Board of Education. Dublin City Schools now has an entirely new Board of Education following Gov. Brian Kemp’s appointment of seven temporary members to replace the board he suspended last month amid the district’s ongoing financial crisis. The appointments fill all seven seats and mark the next chapter for a school district facing significant financial challenges, accreditation concerns and the difficult task of rebuilding public confidence. Kemp suspended the previous board members on Aug.…

After a tough road loss at Cook earlier in the week, Jeff Davis Varsity Softball responded in a big way Thursday, shutting out Fitzgerald 9-0 behind a two-home run performance from Savanna Robinette and a dominant outing in the circle from Anna Grace Alligood. The Jackets entered Thursday looking to rebound from an 8-0 loss at Cook on Tuesday. Cook broke a scoreless game open in the third inning and finished with 10 hits. Alligood worked four and two-thirds innings for Jeff Davis, allowing eight runs, five earned, while striking out two and walking two. Two days later, the Jackets…

As Georgians prepare for the long Labor Day weekend, the Georgia State Patrol is reminding motorists that troopers will be out in force — and last year’s numbers show why. The Georgia Department of Public Safety says the 2026 Labor Day holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the 78-hour period, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers will conduct high-visibility patrols on interstates and secondary roads across the state. Officers will be watching for impaired drivers, speeding, distracted driving, seat-belt violations and other dangerous…

What was once a question of whether enough people would use Hazlehurst’s local golf course is beginning to have a much different answer. During this week’s Hazlehurst Rotary Club meeting, representatives from Mulliganz shared an update on the course, telling members that activity has continued to grow — with younger golfers making up a surprisingly large part of that growth. John Turner, Jr. and John Turner, Sr., who are part of the Mulliganz group along with Joel & Leigh Poe, spoke about the progress being made at the course, the work that has gone into bringing it back and what…

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene tore through Jeff Davis County, the financial recovery from the storm continues. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved approximately $3.8 million for Jeff Davis County for debris removal costs, part of a larger round of federal grants supporting Hurricane Helene cleanup, pandemic response costs and disaster resilience efforts across Georgia. Officials have not yet confirmed exactly when the approved funds will be distributed to local governments. The latest award comes just two months after FEMA announced another $1.1 million for Jeff Davis County related to management costs associated with Hurricane Helene recovery. While…

Jeff Davis Middle School Softball jumped out early and never looked back Tuesday, rolling to a 13-2 victory over Metter Middle School. The Jackets went to work immediately, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. River Bruce drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, an error brought home another, and Zoe Mercer added an RBI single to give JDMS the early advantage. Jeff Davis kept the pressure on in the second. Sadie Williams singled home a run, two more scored on a Metter error, and Sadie Mercer delivered an RBI single as the Jackets continued to…