Area News
School board has 2 called meetings
The Jeff Davis County Board of Education held called meetings last Tuesday and Friday. In Tuesday’s meeting, School Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe provided information regarding a one time grant from the state that targets economically disadvantaged school districts. Procedures, Operations, and Support The board approved to use Satilla REMC donation funds to purchase additional Chromebooks.…
Read MoreChamber announces slate of officers
The Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce this week announced the slate of candidates for the 2026-2027 Chamber Board of Directors. Officers: Chair – Shannon Kight of the Hazlehurst Housing Authority Past Chair – Sharon Brown of Renasant Bank Vice-Chair – Tracy McClendon of the Bank of Hazlehurst Treasurer – Michelle Allday of Coastal Hospice…
Read MoreCity says ‘No’ to GDOT proposal
By MARY ANN ANDERSON During the June 2020 meeting of the Hazlehurst City Council, then-Mayor R. Bayne Stone reported that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) was beginning plans to install a turn lane on the now four-lane U.S. Highway 341 from its intersection with U.S. 23 Bypass northward to U.S. Highway 221. The plan…
Read MoreCounty adopts burn ordinance
A state forestry official, alarmed by the frequency of brush fires started by yard waste burning in Jeff Davis County, sent word to the County Commission requesting the county take action to combat the problem. In a called meeting Tuesday afternoon, the commissioners voted without opposition to require permits be obtained before hurning in hopes…
Read MoreJury hands down indictments
The following indictments were filed by 2026 March Term Jeff Davis Grand Jury on March 19, 2026: Jordan Skylar Spell – Count 1: Aggravated Battery; Count 2: Aggravated Assault; Count 3: Aggravated Assault . Christopher M. Bennett – Count 1: Aggravated Assault; Count 2: Simple Battery, Family Violence; Count 3: Possession of Firearm by Convicted…
Read MoreCandidates enter legislative races
Three men have qualified to run for election to represent Jeff Davis County in the Georgia House of Representatives. And four men have qualified for the State Senate seat vacated by Blake Tillery, who will instead run for Lieutenant Governor. Qualifying for District 157 State Representative are Republican incumbent Bill Werkheiser, Republican Bradley Anderson and…
Read MoreWasdin updates Commission on rampant fires
At last Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, Fire Chief Charles Wasdin updated the commissioners on the unusually high number of brush fires emergency personnel have had to battle over the past few months. As if on cue, a brush fire broke out in the Hogs Hell Bay area the next day, consuming some 44 acres. Thick,…
Read MoreFormer Clerk Eula Mae Edwards dies at 84
For over four decades, Eula Mae Edwards was the face of the Jeff Davis County Courthouse. She began her long career at the courthouse when still a teenager and retired 44 years later as one of the most popular elected officials in the history of Jeff Davis County. She served for many years as Clerk…
Read MoreBluegrass festival coming
The family bluegrass music festival, Headin’ Home Fest, is returning to Hazlehurst April 8-12 at Stagger Lee Music Park, 902 Vernon Williams Rd. The festival’s October, 2025, event was a smashing success, drawing hundreds of musicians and bluegrass lovers from all over the country. Hosted by the family band Headin’ Home from Bloomingdale, Headin’ Home…
Read MoreHoly Week services set
The community noon holy week services are again scheduled this year at Hazlehurst First Methodist Church, says the Rev. Steven Riddle, pastor. Each day March 30 thru April 3 the church will have lunch beginning at 11:45 in their social hall followed by different area singers and speakers. HFMC has hosted this event for over…
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