Author: Staff Reports

A new arrest in nearby Vidalia involving an investigation into the alleged online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material serves as another important reminder for parents and guardians: knowing what children are doing online — and who they are communicating with — matters. Children and teenagers have access to more ways to communicate online than ever before, often through phones, gaming platforms, social media and messaging apps. As the GBI notes in the release below, the Internet Crimes Against Children program was developed in response to both the increasing number of young people using the internet and heightened…

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Jeff Davis County Schools teacher following allegations involving inappropriate contact with a student. The GBI announced Friday that Fernando Chavez, 31, of Hazlehurst, has been charged with one count of Improper Sexual Contact with a Student and one count of Interference with Custody. According to investigators, the alleged contact occurred away from school grounds during the previous school year. Chavez has been booked into the Jeff Davis County Jail, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Hazlehurst Now is publishing the GBI’s August 14 press release below in its entirety: GBI Arrests…

The Vidalia Police Department has released this update:  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced an arrest in connection with the July 4th  shooting death of a 36-year-old Atlanta man in Vidalia. According to an update released by the GBI on Wednesday, August 12, 25-year-old Joel Anton-Jamaal Brown of Savannah has been charged with murder and several other offenses in connection with the death of Rashad Lamar Lumpkin. Brown was already being held in the Chatham County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of his arrest. The following is the GBI’s update and original release, published as provided: UPDATE…

Discussion surrounding data centers took center stage during the latest Jeff Davis County Commission meeting, with commissioners considering how the county should move forward as a year-long moratorium remains in place.  Commissioner James Emory Tate suggested the county consider lifting the moratorium, pointing to the potential economic benefits data center development could bring to Jeff Davis County. During the discussion, examples from other Georgia communities were cited, including reports of substantial prices being paid for land associated with data center development and the possibility that increased tax revenues could provide additional funding for local needs. Rather than moving forward without…

HAZLEHURST, GA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced a significant development in the investigation into the death of a Jeff Davis County teenager. The agency released the following statement providing updated information on the case. The following is the GBI’s news release in its entirety: GBI Arrests Two People for Murder in Hazlehurst Hazlehurst, GA (August 11, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Tyzhawn Corouthers, age 17, and Donaven Smith, age 18, both of Hazlehurst, GA, with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. These charges stem…

ALAMO, GA — Wheeler County Schools officials say classes will resume as scheduled after a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of the Wheeler County K-12 School on Thursday morning. According to a notification from Wheeler County Schools (WCS), the district received an anonymous bomb threat message early in the day. Following established safety protocols, school staff immediately evacuated the building out of an abundance of caution. The district worked alongside the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate the threat. Trained personnel and search…

Members of the Hazlehurst Rotary Club recently learned about a local ministry that is bringing hope, healing, and support to individuals and families affected by addiction. During the club’s weekly meeting, Rotarian Perry Brown introduced Michael Campbell of Southside Baptist Church, who shared information about the church’s S3 Addiction Recovery Program. S3 is a Christ-centered recovery ministry dedicated to helping individuals find freedom from addiction while offering encouragement, accountability, and hope through faith. The program also provides support for families affected by addiction by connecting participants with valuable recovery resources and a caring community. Campbell explained that S3 Recovery strives…

Hazlehurst voters will head to the polls this fall to elect a new representative for the Ward 4 seat on the Hazlehurst City Council following the resignation of Councilman Landon Chavis. Chavis, who was elected in November 2023 and began serving in January 2024, resigned in April after accepting a new job and relocating to Bainbridge. His departure created the vacancy that will now be filled through a special election. According to the official notice issued by the Jeff Davis County Board of Elections and Registration, the special election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Candidates wishing to seek…

A kidnapping investigation that began in the Hinesville area ended Tuesday morning in Appling County after a multi-agency pursuit culminated in an officer-involved shooting near Graham. According to information provided by the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Department, authorities were initially contacted after a family member of the alleged kidnapping victim reported that a woman had been abducted. Investigators were reportedly able to track the victim’s phone location, which initially placed the suspect vehicle at the Dollar Store on Coffee Street in Hazlehurst. Law enforcement officers responded to the area, but the vehicle—a black Chevrolet Malibu—had already left. Officers later located…

Rory Chaney has announced her intention to run as a certified write-in candidate for the Ocmulgee District 5 seat on the Jeff Davis County Commission in the November 3, 2026, election. If elected, Chaney would become part of an uncommon chapter in local politics, as successful write-in campaigns are relatively rare. In announcing her campaign, Chaney said her decision to run is rooted in her family’s long-standing connection to Jeff Davis County and a desire to serve the community. “My husband, Joel, and I have long had a passion for making Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County a better place,” Chaney…