Author: Donna Wilcox

German luxury automaker selects Middle Georgia for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, with production expected in the early 2030s. PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — German luxury automaker Audi has announced plans to invest approximately $4 billion in its first manufacturing facility in the United States, selecting Middle Georgia for a project expected to create approximately 4,500 jobs. Governor Brian Kemp and Audi CEO Gernot Döllner announced the investment over the weekend, marking another major development in Georgia’s expanding automotive manufacturing industry. The facility will be constructed at the 1,474-acre Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County, along Georgia Highway 96 near Interstate…

Eight teams remain. One state championship is up for grabs. And the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are headed to Columbus with an opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize in Georgia high school softball. The Jackets will open the GHSA Class AA State Fast Pitch Softball Tournament on Wednesday, October 28, against the Berrien Rebels at 1:15 p.m. at the Columbus Softball Complex. For a Jeff Davis team featuring just two seniors and a roster filled with young talent, reaching the Elite Eight is an accomplishment worth celebrating. But the Jackets aren’t finished yet. Jeff Davis punched its ticket to…

A Vidalia man has been sentenced to 24 years in federal prison following an armed robbery at a local restaurant in May 2025. Authorities say the firearm used during the crime had been modified to function as a fully automatic machine gun. Iran Darna Harris, 30, of Vidalia, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall and announced Friday by U.S. Attorney Margaret E.…

Jeff Davis County 4-H members represented their community with pride at the 2026 Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia, earning numerous awards and top placements in youth educational exhibits and livestock competitions. From creative exhibits highlighting agriculture and environmental awareness to impressive performances in the show ring, local 4-H members demonstrated their hard work, dedication, and skills throughout the fair. Nine Jeff Davis 4-H members participated in the Georgia Living Youth Educational Exhibits, showcasing their creativity and knowledge across several competitive categories. Decorated Agricultural Product Contest Sadie Jo Brewer Kairi Padgett Recycling Contest Peyton Carter Rachel Patterson Lily Ann Crosby…

ATHENS, Ga. — Peanuts are more than just a crop in South Georgia. They are an important part of the region’s agricultural economy, supporting local farmers, businesses, and communities. Now, a new $9 million research initiative at the University of Georgia could help shape the future of peanut production, both internationally and here at home. The University of Georgia has announced that it will lead a new international peanut research and innovation laboratory focused on improving peanut varieties, strengthening crop production, and addressing agricultural challenges that affect farmers around the world. While much of the research will initially focus on…

ATLANTA, Ga. (October 24, 2026) — Georgia drivers will continue receiving relief at the gas pump through the Thanksgiving holiday after Governor Brian Kemp announced Saturday that the state’s motor fuel tax suspension will remain in effect through November 30. The extension comes as gasoline and diesel prices remain elevated amid global market volatility. Kemp announced the decision in consultation with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns. Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax is currently 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel. With the tax suspended, motorists will continue avoiding those state…

Following recent questions from residents about the city’s property tax rate and how City Council votes are conducted, the City of Hazlehurst has released two statements prepared by its attorneys to help explain the decisions and procedures involved. The statements address two separate issues: the council’s decision to establish a 7-mill property tax rate and the rules that allow the council to conduct official business when the mayor and only two ward representatives are present. Both explanations were shared publicly by the city as part of an effort to provide residents with a clearer understanding of local government operations. Why…

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested a 43-year-old Baxley man following an incident Friday evening in Appling County. According to the GBI, a DNR Game Warden was investigating a report of illegal hunting when a man allegedly fired shots at the officer. Fortunately, no one was injured. The suspect faces charges of aggravated assault against a public officer and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Read the full GBI press release below. GBI Arrests Baxley Man for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Officer Baxley, GA (October 24, 2026)…

Varnadore scores winning touchdown with 30 seconds remaining as Jeff Davis celebrates a hard-fought victory at home The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets delivered a fourth-quarter comeback Friday night, October 23, scoring 14 unanswered points to defeat the Cook County Hornets, 21-14, at Yellow Jacket Stadium. Trailing 14-7 late in the third quarter, the Jackets responded with two touchdown drives, capped by a nine-yard run from Braylon Varnadore with just 30 seconds remaining. Jeff Davis relied on a powerful rushing attack throughout the contest, finishing with 266 yards on the ground and 282 yards of total offense. Cook County opened the…

UPDATE: 14 YR OLD FROM JESUP FOUND SAFE ALMA/JESUP, Ga. — Law enforcement agencies in two Southeast Georgia communities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two missing teenage girls reported missing just days apart. These are separate cases. The cases involve 16-year-old Amy Grace Robertson of Alma in Bacon County and 14-year-old Kenzleigh Floyd of Jesup in Wayne County. Both communities are within an hour or so of Hazlehurst, making the searches especially relevant to residents throughout Jeff Davis County and surrounding areas. Authorities have not announced any connection between the two cases, and there is no publicly…