Author: Donna Wilcox

The Hazlehurst City Council addressed several significant issues during its Thursday, October 15, meeting, including questions surrounding a proposed property tax increase, a road improvement project, the continued closure of the city’s animal shelter, and ongoing insurance challenges related to storm-damaged municipal buildings. The meeting also included decisions concerning the annual Christmas parade, equipment purchases, a proposed animal rescue coordinator, and the city’s participation in a committee examining potential data center development. One of the evening’s most significant discussions centered on whether the city should proceed with its proposed increase in the property tax rate from six mills to seven…

Local governments across Southeast Georgia are taking time to examine the potential benefits and impacts of large-scale data center development before making long-term decisions. As communities across Georgia continue to grapple with the rapid expansion of data centers, another Southeast Georgia county has decided to temporarily halt new development applications while officials review local regulations. The Liberty County Board of Commissioners approved a 120-day moratorium on data center development during its Thursday, October 15 meeting. The temporary measure applies to unincorporated areas of the county and pauses new permit applications and other approvals related to data centers. The decision comes…

A Breast Cancer Awareness Month Feature | Hazlehurst Now At just 33 years old, Kallie Taylor was a young mother with a one-year-old daughter and a future full of plans. Breast cancer was the last thing she expected to face. But a lump she initially thought little of led to a diagnosis that would change her life. After months of treatment, surgery, and hope that the worst was behind her, Kallie received another devastating diagnosis in March 2026. At only 35, she learned that her breast cancer had spread and was now stage 4. Today, Kallie continues treatment while working…

Varnadore rushes for 135 yards as Jeff Davis mounts fourth-quarter comeback against the Bulldogs The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets showed plenty of fight Friday night, October 16, battling back in the fourth quarter before falling just short against the Thomasville Bulldogs, 28-25. In a game that featured big plays, momentum swings, and a determined late comeback, the Jackets refused to back down. Jeff Davis scored 15 points in the final quarter and put together an impressive 95-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes, but Thomasville held on for the three-point victory. The loss was the first of the season for…

The Hazlehurst City Council voted unanimously during a called meeting on October 13 to amend the city’s general fund budget, allocating an estimated $140,444 in additional property tax revenue associated with the increase in the city’s millage rate from six to seven mills. The council also approved establishing a budget line item for a possible future city manager position, although no funding was allocated for the position. Much of the meeting focused on financial planning, including rising fuel costs, employee health insurance expenses, equipment needs and opportunities to reduce spending across city departments. Council Allocates Additional Property Tax Revenue The…

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia’s law requiring parental consent for children younger than 16 to create accounts on certain social media platforms can move forward following a federal appeals court ruling Thursday, October 15. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturned a preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of Senate Bill 351, a law passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2024. The ruling represents a significant development in an ongoing legal dispute between the State of Georgia and NetChoice, a trade association representing technology companies. Under SB 351, covered social media platforms must make commercially reasonable efforts…

ALMA, Ga. — Two Alma residents have been arrested following a drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and other items, according to the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office. On October 9, 2026, the sheriff’s office Narcotics Unit, assisted by deputies, executed a search warrant at a residence on West 4th Street Extension in Alma. During the search, investigators reported recovering approximately 3.485 ounces of methamphetamine, 12.2 grams of marijuana, three live marijuana plants, three long guns, one handgun, drug-related objects, and packaging materials. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested Jason Ridge Lewis, 23, and…

Georgia voters turned out in record numbers Tuesday, October 13, as advance voting began for the November 3 general election, setting a new first-day turnout record for a midterm election. According to figures released Wednesday by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, 188,667 Georgians cast their ballots in person on the opening day of early voting. That represents an increase of 53,705 voters, or approximately 40%, compared with the first day of early voting during the 2022 midterm election, when 134,962 ballots were cast. The increase is even more substantial compared with the 2018 midterm election, when 70,849 Georgians voted…

WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. — A proposed data center development in neighboring Wayne County has encountered a significant setback after the developer withdrew from an agreement to purchase 315 acres of industrial property near Jesup. The Wayne County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) confirmed the withdrawal in an official announcement shared by Wayne County on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. According to the announcement, the developer notified the authority that it was withdrawing from the purchase and sale agreement for the 315-acre Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified industrial site. The property, located at the Wayne Commerce Center along Waycross Highway in…

Hunters across Georgia are preparing for one of the most anticipated weekends of the year as the statewide firearms deer hunting season opens Saturday, October 17. For many families in Jeff Davis County and throughout South Georgia, deer hunting is more than a recreational activity. It is a longstanding tradition that brings generations together and provides opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the 2026–2027 firearms deer season will run from October 17 through January 10 in most Georgia counties. Hunters should check county-specific regulations, as some areas have different season dates and…