Author: Donna Wilcox

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…

Bridgeford Church of God is welcoming new pastoral leadership as Pastors Brent and Michelle Griffin begin their ministry in Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County. Married since 2001, the Griffins bring with them a heart for serving others, building relationships, and helping people grow in their faith. As they begin this new chapter, the Griffins say they are excited not only to serve the congregation of Bridgeford Church of God but also to become an active part of the Jeff Davis County community. They are passionate about building relationships, supporting local families, and being involved in the life of the community…

Football returns to The Pinelands this week as the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets open the 2026 season with a preseason scrimmage against Appling County on Friday, August 7. The home matchup will give Yellow Jacket fans their first opportunity to see this year’s team in action as Jeff Davis begins preparations for what promises to be another exciting season. While the scrimmage won’t count in the standings, it marks an important first step for a young Yellow Jacket squad looking to establish its identity before the regular season begins. As the countdown to kickoff comes to an end, Head Coach…

As the first day of school approaches, Jeff Davis High School is preparing to welcome students back for another exciting year of learning, growth, and opportunity. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Greer Smith, the school is placing a strong emphasis on student success, with attendance and academic achievement serving as key priorities for the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Smith shared the following message with students and families as they prepare to begin the new school year: “Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at Jeff Davis High School! The faculty and staff at JDHS are excited to embark on the…

One driver was transported for medical evaluation following an incident involving a low-hanging fiber optic line on the Broxton Highway near Rea Hill Road in Jeff Davis County on Wednesday. According to information provided to Hazlehurst Now, a fiber optic line had broken and was hanging low along the side of the roadway. Before the main incident occurred, the downed line sparked a small brush fire, which was quickly extinguished before it could spread. A truck pulling an excavator later became caught on the low-hanging line, pulling it farther down across the roadway. A second, smaller truck then became entangled…

As students prepare to return to the classroom, Jeff Davis Middle School is launching several new initiatives designed to strengthen academic achievement, increase student engagement, and equip students with the skills they need for success both in school and in life. Principal Dr. Brent Coleman says this year’s changes reflect the school’s continued commitment to meeting students where they are while preparing them for the future. Among the most significant updates are a new block schedule, increased teacher collaboration through data-driven planning, a greater emphasis on hands-on learning, and the addition of a Soft Skills and Life Skills course. As…

High school football has always been about more than what happens between the sidelines. It’s about community pride, tradition, and neighbors coming together to support the next generation. Now, Jeff Davis County has an opportunity to showcase that spirit on a national stage. The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are participating in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights, a nationwide initiative designed to celebrate small-town football while giving communities the chance to compete for a $1 million grand prize to upgrade their football facilities. Friday Night 5G Lights is much more than a competition. Created by T-Mobile, the nationwide program highlights the…

As students prepare to return to the classroom, Jeff Davis Elementary School is launching several new initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning while continuing its commitment to academic excellence. Principal T.J. Mercer says one of the biggest changes this year will be the school’s transition to a departmentalized instructional model, allowing teachers to specialize in specific subject areas. School leaders believe the new approach will strengthen instruction, increase collaboration among teachers, and provide students with even more engaging learning experiences. In addition, Jeff Davis Elementary will join the district-wide “No-Tech Tuesdays” initiative, encouraging students to spend one day each week…

A long-standing problem that has caused flooded roads, damaged drainage pipes, and costly repairs throughout Jeff Davis County is beginning to improve thanks to a targeted beaver removal program approved by the Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners. During the July meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commissioners, commissioners approved hiring Georgia Beaver Reapers to help reduce the county’s growing beaver population and address the damage the animals have been causing to the county’s road drainage system. For years, beavers have created ongoing challenges for the Jeff Davis County Road Department. According to county officials, beavers frequently build dams and…