Author: Donna Wilcox

At just 11 years old, Lily Ann Crosby of Jeff Davis County has earned her fifth National Showmanship Championship, adding another remarkable accomplishment to an already impressive livestock showing career.  Lily Ann Crosby, daughter of Richard and Jayme Crosby, was named Junior Showmanship Champion at the 2026 National Junior Summer Spectacular, held June 30 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The national championship marks Lily Ann’s fifth National Showmanship title, an accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, hard work, and countless hours spent preparing and exhibiting livestock.  A Passion That Started Early Lily Ann’s love for showing pigs began at an incredibly young…

Pablo Zuriel Miranda, the accused killer who walked out of the Atkinson County Jail Sunday morning, has been apprehended after two days on the run. Sunday, Pearson residents woke to an alarming law enforcement presence in the city. Miranda, who had been in the Atkinson County Jail since May of 2024, was helping load food trays at the jail on Sunday morning when he ran away. “I’m sorry. I failed you. We made bad decisions and now the community has to suffer for it. And I’m sorry for that,” said Atkinson County Sheriff David Moore Monday in an interview with…

The FBI has issued a wanted poster for Pablo Zuriel Miranda, who escaped from the Atkinson County Jail on July 26. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, Atkinson County Sheriff David Moore says investigators now believe Miranda is no longer in the Atkinson County area. Sheriff Provides Update Yesterday, Atkinson County Sheriff David Moore shared an update on his official Facebook page regarding the ongoing search for Miranda. Sheriff Moore acknowledged the limited information released during the first 24 hours following the escape, explaining that investigators were focused on locating…

Hazlehurst Now has learned that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Vidalia Police Department with the investigation into the deaths of two Vidalia residents who were found with apparent gunshot wounds Thursday evening.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched an investigation into the deaths of Xzavier Elijah Andrews, 20, and Za’Mariyah Nicole Robinson, 17, both of Vidalia. According to a GBI news release, the investigation began at the request of the Vidalia Police Department after a 911 call reported shots fired at a home in the 1000 block of Easter Drive at approximately 6:14 p.m. on…

More than 500 middle and high school student-athletes from across Southeast Georgia gathered at First Baptist Church Hazlehurst on July 16 for an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and faith during the church’s Night of Champions outreach. Hosted in partnership with Strength of a Champion Ministries, the event welcomed athletes and coaches from six counties for a tailgate-style celebration featuring dinner, games, worship, and a special message from former University of Georgia and NFL quarterback Jake Fromm. According to church leaders, approximately 120 students made spiritual decisions during the evening, with follow-up efforts continuing to determine how many were first-time professions…

Residents will have the opportunity to celebrate the history of Jeff Davis County while investing in its future during the inaugural 1905 Society Dinner, hosted by the Jeff Davis County Community Foundation. The event will be held on Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 p.m. at The Big House, located at 25 East Coffee Street in Hazlehurst. The evening will feature a steak or chicken dinner, cocktails, fellowship, and stories highlighting the people, resilience, and community spirit that have shaped Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County since the county’s founding in 1905. The 1905 Society Dinner also serves a larger purpose—raising support…

Former Jeff Davis Yellow Jacket standout and current Mississippi State University pitcher Duke Stone is continuing to earn national attention as one of the top young arms in college baseball. In a recent feature, Baseball America highlighted Stone’s pitching repertoire and included him among the publication’s Top 100 prospects for the 2027 MLB Draft, ranking him No. 26 on its draft board. According to Baseball America, Stone possesses an “extremely polished repertoire” with a collection of pitches that already project as major strengths. The publication praised his fastball for its velocity and movement while describing his changeup as a pitch…

For the past seven years, Heather W. Carter has called Hazlehurst home. By day, she inspires creativity as an art teacher at Jeff Davis Elementary. By night, she pours her heart into writing stories that encourage readers through faith, hope, and God’s grace. Carter says she never expected to become an author. “I began writing during a difficult season of life, and over time God turned what started as a refuge into a calling,” she shared. Today, Carter writes faith-centered romance novels that focus on hope, family, grace, and God’s faithfulness through everyday life. While her stories are fictional, they…

Tonight, generations of Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets will come together to celebrate the tradition, history, and brotherhood of Jeff Davis Football during the annual Legends Gala. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Jeff Davis Multipurpose Building, located next to the football field, and promises an evening of fellowship, recognition, and celebration for players, alumni, families, supporters, and community members. Organizers describe the Legends Gala as one of their favorite nights of the year—a time when former and current Jackets gather to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the program’s rich tradition. Guests will enjoy a catered meal while taking…

Residents who need help with federal tax questions or IRS account issues will have an opportunity to receive free, in-person assistance when the Internal Revenue Service hosts a temporary Community Assistance Visit in Hazlehurst later this month. The event will take place Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30, at the Hazlehurst Public Library, located at 189 East Jarman Street. IRS representatives will be available each day from 10:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. IRS employees can help with: Tax account questions IRS notices and levies Payment adjustments Basic federal tax law questions Payment arrangements Identity verification…