Author: Donna Wilcox

Oakley G. Perry, President/CEO of the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Development Authority, recently spoke with Hazlehurst Now about why the change was pursued, how the money is collected, and how the additional revenue can be used to support tourism in Jeff Davis County. Visitors staying overnight in Jeff Davis County will soon pay a higher local hotel/motel excise tax following approval of an increase from 5% to 8%, with the new rate scheduled to take effect September 1. While the word “tax increase” naturally gets attention, this particular tax is paid by guests purchasing qualifying overnight accommodations rather than being a…

VIDALIA, GA — While the warning comes from a neighboring community, it is information many Jeff Davis County residents may want to keep in mind. The Vidalia Police Department is reporting an increase in vehicle break-ins across the community. With many Jeff Davis County residents regularly traveling to Vidalia for work, shopping, medical appointments and other activities, Hazlehurst Now is sharing the department’s warning as a reminder for those who frequent the area. Vidalia Police are encouraging residents and visitors to take several simple precautions, including locking vehicle doors every time they leave their vehicles and removing valuables or keeping…

HAZLEHURST, GA — Hundreds of local families will have an opportunity to receive food assistance Thursday as the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry returns to Hazlehurst. The mobile pantry will be held Thursday, August 13, at the Hazlehurst Church of God, 77 South Cromartie Street, with distribution expected to begin around 9:30 a.m. and continue until approximately 11:30 a.m., or until the available food supply is exhausted. Organizers say a Second Harvest semi-truck is expected to arrive prepared to provide food for approximately 300 families. Distribution is first come, first served. The Mobile Food Pantry program was established in 2007…

The Jeff Davis Middle School softball team took the field twice Saturday during the Annual Jeff Davis Stinger Classic Tournament, sponsored by the Jeff Davis High School softball team. The Lady Yellow Jackets faced Brantley County and West Laurens during the tournament, coming up short in both contests but gaining valuable early-season experience against two visiting programs. Jeff Davis vs. Brantley County Jeff Davis opened tournament play against Brantley County. The Lady Jackets worked to create opportunities at the plate while facing a Brantley team that was able to put runs on the board and build an advantage as the…

The Jeff Davis Middle School Softball Team opened its 2026 softball season  with a doubleheader against Appling County, dropping both contests in a pair of competitive games. Although the Yellow Jackets came up short on the scoreboard, the opening day provided valuable experience for the Jeff Davis squad as players settled into game action for the first time this season. Jeff Davis battled throughout the opener before falling 5-4 in a closely contested game. The Jackets received contributions throughout the lineup from Kali SeSay, Sadie Mercer, Ellie Worth, Paislee Davis, Riley Floyd, Leslee Griffin, Zoey Bohannon, Kenna Smith, Kyla Thrift,…

A Jeff Davis County 4-H member recently represented the community on the state stage, competing alongside some of Georgia’s top youth leaders during the 83rd Annual Georgia 4-H State Congress. Held July 21-24 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, the annual event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the state to compete in Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests while celebrating excellence in leadership, service, and personal development. Representing Jeff Davis County, Vincent Ly competed in the Workforce Preparation and Career Development Project Achievement area against six other finalists from across Georgia. As part of the competition,…

Jeff Davis County school leaders, employees and community members gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Jeff Davis Primary School. The ceremony marked the completion of a project nearly a decade in the making and the beginning of a new chapter for the district’s youngest students. Jeff Davis County Board of Education Chairman Roger Ogilvie credited former Superintendent Dr. Stan Rentz with first recognizing the need for a new school and beginning the planning process. Ogilvie said the aging former primary school had served generations of local students but had reached a point where continued repairs…

The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets opened the 2026 softball season in impressive fashion Wednesday, using patience at the plate, dominant pitching, and solid defense to roll past Wilcox County, 16-1, in Rochelle. After a competitive start, Jeff Davis broke the game wide open in the third inning, erupting for nine runs while showcasing the disciplined offensive approach that coaches have emphasized throughout the offseason. The Lady Jackets consistently worked deep counts and refused to chase pitches outside the strike zone, finishing the game with an impressive 16 walks. Briley Reagin and Ava Bohannon led the way with three walks each, helping…

As students and teachers prepare to return to the classroom, Jeff Davis County Schools is entering the 2026-27 school year with optimism, strong academic momentum, and an unwavering commitment to student success. According to Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe, the district continues to build upon the academic gains made over the past two years. Like school systems across the nation, Jeff Davis County experienced learning setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, educators have worked diligently to help students regain lost ground, and the results have been encouraging. District leaders report that student achievement has shown steady improvement during the 2024…

HAZLEHURST, Ga. — Hazlehurst Now has learned that a deadly shooting claimed the life of a teenager overnight in Hazlehurst. At this time, only limited information has been confirmed. The victim, believed to be a teenager, died after being shot in what authorities are investigating as a homicide. Additional details, including the victim’s identity, the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and whether any arrests have been made, have not yet been released. The GBI is currently investigating. Hazlehurst Now is actively working to gather more information from local and state law enforcement officials. We have reached out to the GBI for…