On turning 76 — By Tommy Purser
I turned 76 Sunday. I didn’t celebrate the occasion but I did endure it. I graciously accepted a chorus of Happy Birthdays from family that had gathered at my oldest offspring’s home for a belated Thanksgiving celebration. Belated because we celebrated two days after Thanksgiving. Late celebrations of significant events have, in my old age,…
Read MoreCommissioners meet behind closed doors
Most of the November meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission was spent behind closed doors to discuss personnel. The commissioners met 15 minutes in open session, then spent 55 minutes in private. After re-opening the meeting to the public, the commissioners approved a contract with actionpact, approved hiring two new road department employees, approved…
Read MoreWard 2 election will be March 12
Jeff Davis County Election Supervisor Christy Riner this week issued the call for a special election for Ward 2 city voters to elect a Ward 2 City Council member. The election will be held March 12, 2024, in conjunction with the Presidential Primary. The special election was necessitated by the resignation of Mayor-elect John Ramay…
Read MoreMr. Eddie Lee Smith ‘Man’, 77
Mr. Eddie Lee Smith “Man” was born Feb. 11, 1946, to the late Isabella Faison and Wright Smith Sr. in Hazlehurst. He was married to Lillie Mae Swinson and from that marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Eric (Veleria) Smith Sr. and Lorenzo Smith. He was known for preaching the Gospel as a pastor…
Read MoreMrs. Mancy Carter Williamson, 92
Mrs. Mancy Carter Williamson, 92, of Hazlehurst passed away Nov. 19 at The Pavilion. Mrs. Williamson was born March 23, 1931, in Jeff Davis County to the late Ernest Carter and the late Dessie Branch Carter. She was a member of Ferry Road Baptist Church and retired from Hazlehurst Mills. Mrs. Williamson was preceded in…
Read MoreSigning Day
Jeff Davis High School senior baseball players Duke Stone and Alex Mason last week signed schoarships to play collegiate baseball next season. Stone signed with Mississippi State and Mason signed with Georgia Southern. Both were recruited as pitchers. Pictured from left are Duke’s parents, Dan and Rhonda Stone, Duke Stone, Alex Mason and Alex’s parents,…
Read MoreThe first Thanksgiving — By Tommy Purser
In 1620, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a home where they could freely practice their faith, and others lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership. After a treacherous crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod. A month later,…
Read MoreWho has time to protest? — By John Reed
Who has time to protest? Regular readers will notice this space has been rather quiet of late. Naturally other contributors have contributed more than their fair share of ink to fill the page. In truth, any column, editorial, or letter is merely that writer’s opinion, and as we know from the old adage, opinions are…
Read MoreCorbett gives final financial report
At the November meeting of the Jeff Davis County Board of Education, School System Chief Financial Officer Betty Corbitt gave her monthly financial report, which may be her last time giving the report. In the board’s October meeting, board members accepted Mrs. Corbitt’s retirement after decades of service. Her retirement reception has been scheduled for…
Read MoreCity calls for special election
In a three-minute called meeting of the Hazlehurst City Council Monday morning, only two motions were quickly discussed and then carried unanimously. The first called for a special election on March 12, 2024, to be held in conjunction with the presidential primary to fill the council seat for Ward 2. Mayor-elect John Ramay formerly held…
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