Area News
Farmers need more rain in coming weeks
While recent rains have certainly been welcomed by local farmers, the county remains in a D4 drought, i.e., exceptional drought. Jeff Davis County Agent Jennifer Miller says the drought didn’t just happen overnight but actually began last season. “We didn’t get any tropical weather last season,” Miller said, adding that the subsequent dry periods since…
Read MoreRains ease brush fire danger
The recent rains in Jeff Davis County have given the Hazlehurst/Jeff Davis County Fire Department a reprieve from the high volume of brush fires occurring during the first four months of 2026. But more rain is needed before local firefighters can relax. “It’s stopped the brush fires tremendously,” Fire Chief Charles Wasdin said of the…
Read MoreClass of 2026 Graduation Set
Members of the Jeff Davis High School Class of 2026 will receive their diplomas this Friday night at graduation ceremonies at the football stadium. Top graduates are Valedictorian Vincent Ly and Salutatorian Sidney Hand. Thursday will be a busy day for the seniors as the annual Senior Activity Day will be held at the school…
Read MoreSchool Board holds called meeting
The Jeff Davis County Board of Education held a called meeting last week. The board approved the purchase of playground equipment for the new primary school from Play South Playground Creators. The retirement of high school teacher Roger Metts was approved. The board approved recommendations to hire Pre-K paraprofessional Carly Jones, primary school teacher Isabella…
Read MoreVeterans award scholarships
The Jeff Davis Veterans Association recognized five seniors as scholarship recipients recently at their monthly meeting. They enjoyed a nice reception and were able to tell about their future college and career plans and about their qualifying veteran. Each received $1000 to use towards college expenses. Pictured from left are Veteran David Stapleton, recipients Bryan…
Read MoreChavis resigns from council; wants city to take over hotel/motel tax
By MARY ANN ANDERSON During the April 23 meeting of the Hazlehurst City Council, Ward 4 Councilman Landon Chavis announced his resignation, citing a new job and a move to Bainbridge. The resignation, which had been previously submitted to the mayor, took effect that evening. Chavis had served on the council since January 2024. His…
Read MoreSwain Funeral Home opens here
On April 6, history was made in Jeff Davis County as Swain Funeral Home, Hazlehurst Chapel officially opened. A large crowd gathered to celebrate the occasion and were greeted with a hearty welcome and allowed to tour the beautiful new facility. “I fell in love with the folks of Jeff Davis County many years ago.…
Read MoreIt’s playoff time
It’s playoff time for high school spring sports and action has already begun in the Georgia High School Association 2026 championship tournaments. Jeff Davis High’s boys and girls tennis teams began play yesterday (Tuesday) with the boys meeting Barrow County and the girls playing Worth County. Jeff Davis High’s tennis program is one of the…
Read MoreDrought, wind causing problems
National media reports over the past few weeks have been detailing drought conditions throughout the southeastern United States. And Jeff Davis County is included in a wide swath of south Georgia and north Florida classified as D4 (Exceptional Drought). D4 is the highest drought rating with other areas of the southeast classified as D3 (Extreme…
Read MoreStone is SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week
Jeff Davis High graduate Duke Stone has been a standout pitcher this year for the Mississippi State baseball program and this week he was named the Southeastern Conference’s Co-Pitcher of the Week. Stone’s appearance Saturday afternoon before a national television audience was superb as he pitched six shutout innings and fanned 12 against South Carolina…
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