Author: Donna Wilcox

An investigation into a possible stolen vehicle in neighboring Appling County led to a pursuit Friday morning after authorities say suspects fled from deputies and struck and injured an Appling County Sheriff’s deputy in the process. According to Sheriff Mark Melton, two suspects were eventually apprehended and taken into custody. The injured deputy was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and the investigation remains active as authorities continue interviewing additional parties. Hazlehurst Now is sharing the Appling County Sheriff’s Office press release its entirety:

The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets opened the 2026 regular season in commanding fashion Friday night, defeating Vidalia 37–0 at the Pinelands. Jeff Davis established control early and never gave it up, using a punishing ground attack and a strong defensive performance to keep the Indians off the scoreboard. The Yellow Jackets finished with 287 yards of total offense — all on the ground — on 47 rushing attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Jeff Davis picked up 14 first downs and converted all five of its trips inside the red zone into scores. Vidalia was held to 101 total yards,…

The Jeff Davis High School softball team opened region play this week with a pair of tough losses, falling 2-0 to Bacon County on Tuesday before battling back from an early deficit in a 6-4 loss to Thomasville on Thursday. Despite the two losses, the Yellow Jackets received strong pitching from Anna Grace Alligood in both contests and showed some fight at the plate Thursday, nearly overcoming a five-run deficit against Thomasville. Bacon County 2, Jeff Davis 0 Tuesday’s region opener was a pitchers’ duel, with Bacon County managing just enough offense to take the 2-0 victory. Bacon County scored…

The Jeff Davis Middle School softball team came up short against Tattnall County Middle School Wednesday, falling 7-3, but the Yellow Jackets continued to battle throughout the game. Tattnall County struck first, scoring a run in the opening inning before Jeff Davis worked its way back into the game. The Yellow Jackets tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth inning, but Tattnall answered in the bottom half of the inning to regain the lead. Jeff Davis continued to fight offensively and added two more runs before the game was over. Sadie Mercer helped lead the Jeff Davis offense with…

Public safety and emergency management professionals from across the region recently came together for an Emergency Management Association of Georgia (EMAG) Area 8 meeting, bringing multiple agencies to the table to strengthen the partnerships that become especially important when emergencies occur. GBI Homeland Security Task Force Agent – Area 8 Curtis Harper, who attended the meeting, said the gathering included representatives from GEMA/HS, GECA, the Georgia Forestry Commission, American Red Cross, Georgia Department of Public Health and the TIME Task Force. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper also attended and provided an update on the work of the Georgia Department…

For generations of Jeff Davis sports fans, some of the biggest moments in Yellow Jacket athletics have come with a familiar voice describing the action. That voice belongs to Jim Sewell. As the 2026 football season begins, Sewell enters his 22nd season broadcasting Jeff Davis football with an impressive milestone already behind him. Across football, baseball, softball and basketball, Sewell has called 1,022 Jeff Davis athletic contests heading into this season. It is a broadcasting career that has spanned more than two decades and included state championships, playoff breakthroughs and hundreds of Friday nights and evenings at the ballpark. Sewell’s…

South Georgia State College has announced its Summer 2026 Academic Recognition Lists, recognizing 385 students for their academic achievement. According to SGSC, “Students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of study with a grade point average of 4.0 are placed on the President’s List for the semester. Students with a semester average of 3.5 to 3.9 on 12 or more semester hours of study are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester. Students enrolled in 5 to 11 semester hours of study with a grade point average of 3.5 or better are listed on the Academic Honors List…

As discussions about data centers continue in Jeff Davis County, residents have heard plenty about what these massive developments could bring — investment, tax revenue, construction activity and jobs. But perhaps one of the most useful ways to evaluate those possibilities is to look beyond projections and ask a simpler question: What has actually happened in communities where data centers are already operating? The answer is not entirely good or entirely bad. Research and real-world examples show that data centers can provide substantial financial benefits to host communities. They also show that the size of the investment announced by a…

With hunting seasons approaching, area residents who need to complete Georgia’s hunter education requirements will have an opportunity to attend an in-person Hunter Education Class this Saturday, August 22, in nearby Appling County. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division class will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 1585 Hatch Parkway North in Baxley. The course focuses on responsibility, safety skills, knowledge and ethical hunting practices and is designed for both beginning and experienced hunters. Who Needs Hunter Education? According to Georgia DNR requirements, hunter education rules vary by age: Age 11…

The Jeff Davis and Appling County communities are mourning the loss of a familiar face and longtime public servant whose career in law enforcement spanned more than four decades. Billy Brewer, 79, of Graham, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 16, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. A native of Jeff Davis County, Brewer dedicated much of his life to serving and protecting others. He retired from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office after an extraordinary 44 years as a deputy sheriff — but retirement didn’t keep him away from the work or the people he cared about for very long. Following…