Author: Staff Reports

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…

Hi, I’m Becky Hutto, and I am honored to serve as the Corporate Director of Operations for Hazlehurst Now. With more than 35 years of combined experience in marketing, advertising, broadcasting sales, and digital news, I have dedicated my career to helping local media organizations grow while building lasting relationships within the communities they serve. I proudly serve as the General Manager of Coffee County Broadcasters and also hold the role of Corporate Director of Operations for Douglas Now. As we launch Hazlehurst Now, I am excited to help create a trusted digital news platform that keeps Jeff Davis County…

Hello, I’m Chan Newell, Web Designer of Hazlehurst Now. I’m a former educator with 31 years of full-time work in teaching and technology leadership in both K-12 and postsecondary education.  I’ve been building websites since the dial-up modem days of the mid 1990s, and since retiring in 2021 I’ve been able to expand the scope of my web design and media development work to include new local projects like Hazlehurst Now. I’m excited to be a part of the team at Hazlehurst Now and can’t wait to share our new website with the people of Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County.…

Hi, I’m Diana Lindsey, Inbound Sales Specialist for Hazlehurst Now. With more than 30 years of experience in retail and broadcasting sales, I’ve had the opportunity to help businesses find advertising solutions that fit their goals and budget. My background has given me a strong understanding of both traditional advertising and today’s digital marketing opportunities. At Hazlehurst Now, I handle all in-house sales and inbound advertising inquiries. Whether you’re calling to learn more about our advertising options or you’re ready to promote your business, I’m here to guide you through the process and make it as simple and stress-free as…

Hi, I’m Darrell Hutto, Community Sales Rep for Hazlehurst Now. As a lifelong Jeff Davis County resident and advertising professional with five years of experience, I’ve helped local businesses connect with the people who matter most—their community. As a small business owner, I understand the importance of making every advertising dollar count. Hazlehurst Now is committed to strengthening our local economy by helping businesses reach hometown customers while encouraging residents to shop local and stay connected. I’d love the opportunity to learn about your business and discuss how Hazlehurst Now can help you grow. Call me at (912) 381-9037 or…

Hi, I’m Brooke Mertz, Creative Coordinator & Executive Administrator for Hazlehurst Now. I have a passion for helping businesses tell their story through creative marketing and digital media. My role is to create eye-catching graphics, social media content, and digital advertising that showcase your business, products, and services. Through custom graphics, promotional campaigns, and sponsored content across our digital news platform, I help businesses strengthen their brand, increase visibility, and connect with customers throughout Jeff Davis County and the surrounding area. I’m excited to be part of the Hazlehurst Now team and look forward to helping local businesses grow through…

Hi, I’m Donna Wilcox, Editor and Publisher of Hazlehurst Now. After spending more than 30 years in education as a teacher, principal, and educational leader, I’ve always believed in the power of learning, serving others, and building strong communities. Through Hazlehurst Now, I’m excited to continue that passion by sharing local news, highlighting the people and businesses that make Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County such a special place, and providing accurate, timely information that matters to our community. I’m honored to serve in this new role and look forward to helping tell the stories that connect, inform, and celebrate the…