Author: Donna Wilcox

From the track at Jeff Davis High School to the record books at Georgia Southern University, Marlo Mincey-Vinson has built an impressive career in collegiate athletics. Now, the former Yellow Jacket has earned one of Georgia Southern’s highest athletic honors as a member of the university’s 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. Mincey-Vinson’s athletic achievements began in Hazlehurst, where she established herself as a standout track and field competitor at Jeff Davis High School. She won back-to-back Georgia High School Association Class AA state championships in the 300-meter hurdles in 1999 and 2000. Her success continued at Georgia Southern University,…

Bohannon Belts Two Home Runs, Drives in Six in Game 1; Taylor Leads Offense in Game 2 The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are moving on in the GHSA State Softball Playoffs and are one of sixteen teams left. They swept Oglethorpe County in a best-of-three first-round series Tuesday, October 13th, in Hazlehurst. The Jackets opened the doubleheader with a commanding 10-1 victory before closing out the series with a 12-4 win in Game 2, securing their place in the next round without needing a third game. Jeff Davis combined for 22 runs and 23 hits across the two games, with…

When Mandy Corbin received reassuring mammogram results, she believed she had little reason to worry. But when she later discovered a lump, she began a journey that would ultimately lead to a breast cancer diagnosis. As we continue sharing the personal stories of local women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mandy’s experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of regular screenings, following up on concerns and seeking a second opinion when necessary. Today, Mandy shares her journey in her own words, hoping her experience will encourage other women to be proactive about their health. I’ve always been one to…

The Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners addressed several matters during its October 13th meeting, including appointments to a data center study committee, plans for a possible new ambulance, transportation concerns for senior citizens and county finances. Commissioners also heard updates on solid waste services and received public comments about recycling, property tax relief for senior citizens and the possibility of combining city and county governments. Commissioners appointed Chase Ragland, Chase Hall and Casey Williams to serve on the data center study committee. The committee is being formed to review issues surrounding potential data center development and its impact on…

Relihan Breaks 18-Minute Mark as Girls Finish Third and Boys Place Seventh The Jeff Davis High School cross country teams welcomed runners from across Georgia to Hazlehurst on Thursday, October 8, for the Three Rivers XC Classic, with the Yellow Jackets delivering several impressive performances as the season approaches its final stretch. The meet featured 26 high school teams, including programs traveling from as far away as Jackson, Georgia. In addition to the varsity and junior varsity races, the event included a Senior Recognition Parade honoring graduating runners. The Jeff Davis girls finished third overall, while the boys placed seventh…

From her hometown roots in Hazlehurst to a career devoted to writing, creating, and producing music, Kelly Alayna has reached a milestone that holds special meaning: recognition by her home state for her contributions to the music industry. Alayna, whose name is Kelly Seebeck Efstathiou, has been selected for induction into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, October 24, at the Seaplane Opry House in Moultrie, Georgia. Born and raised in Hazlehurst, Alayna was selected for the honor by the organization’s Board of Directors…

New technology provides another way to reach emergency dispatchers when making a phone call isn’t safe or possible. Jeff Davis County residents now have another way to request emergency assistance. The Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office has upgraded its communications system to allow residents to send text messages directly to 911 when they cannot safely make a voice call. Sheriff Preston Bohannon announced that the new Text-to-911 capability connects residents directly with the Sheriff’s Office communications center, where dispatchers can receive messages and respond in real time. The service is especially important for people who are deaf or hard of…

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hazlehurst Now is honored to share the story of Lucy Strickland of Lumber City. What began as a routine mammogram in April 2024 quickly became a life-changing journey through chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. Through it all, Lucy leaned on her faith, her family, and the friends who surrounded her with love and prayers. Today, she shares her experience with an important message about the value of routine screenings—and a testimony of the strength that carried her through some of the most difficult days of her life. The following is Lucy’s story,…

GBI Says Additional Arrests Expected as Investigation Continues VIENNA, Ga. — A 17-year-old Dooly County resident has been arrested in connection with the October 4 mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Vienna that left two people dead and 35 others injured. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced Friday, October 9, that Khadarius “KD” Ray, 17, of Dooly County, was arrested by the GBI and the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. Ray has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm or handgun while under the age of 18 and one count of participating in criminal street…

Authorities Say There Is No Ongoing Threat to the Public; Victims’ Identities Have Not Been Released DOUGLAS, Ga. — Authorities confirmed Saturday afternoon that five members of the same immediate family died in an apparent murder-suicide Friday night, October 9, at a residence located at Robin Lane in the Touchton Woods neighborhood of Douglas. During a 3:30 p.m. press conference Saturday, Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette, Coffee County Sheriff Fred T. Cole, Douglas Mayor Tony L. Paulk, and City Manager Charlie Davis addressed the tragedy, provided additional details about the investigation, and expressed condolences to the families and community. According…