Hello, Statesboro!
Welcome back. Spring Break is over, students are back on campus, and the Boro is fully awake again. This week brings a mix of serious news and community bright spots. There is an important public safety story out of north Bulloch County, a significant City Council vote that could affect your property taxes, and some genuinely good news from Georgia Southern's journalism students and the baseball diamond. We also have the GS Planetarium lighting up this Friday night with one of the most visually stunning shows they have ever hosted. Grab your coffee and let's get into it.
📰 TOP NEWS
Teen Arrested After Shooting at Bulloch County Mobile Home Park
A 17-year-old from Screven County, Lorenzo Demond NeSmith, was arrested on March 18 approximately six hours after shooting two men at Chances Mobile Home Park off Kyle Sorrell Road near U.S. 301 North. According to Bulloch County Sheriff's Office Captain Todd Hutchens, NeSmith arrived at the park with two other juveniles, approached a residence, and opened fire with an AR-style pistol rifle. A 19-year-old was shot in the hand and treated and released at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. A 23-year-old was shot in the leg and airlifted to Memorial Health in Savannah with non-life-threatening injuries. Four bullets also struck a neighboring mobile home where an elderly woman was inside. She was not hit. NeSmith faces 10 charges including three counts of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, and weapons charges. Investigators are examining whether the incident was gang-related and whether the two juveniles who accompanied him will also face charges.
Statesboro City Council Votes to Oppose Georgia HB 1116 Property Tax Cap
Statesboro City Council voted 4-0 on March 17 to pass Resolution 2026-13 opposing Georgia House Bill 1116, which would cap local property tax increases at 3% per year and propose a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax. City Manager Charles Penny warned the bill would have "a tremendous impact" on the city, noting that even the police department's $11 million budget alone exceeds the city's total property tax revenue. He pointed specifically to Fire Station 3, currently under construction, which relies on the city's full faith and credit for bond repayment. Mayor McCollar argued the bill would ultimately shift costs onto consumers through added sales tax. The resolution is directed at the State Senate, which must still vote on the bill.
Bulloch County Commission Approves Public Safety Facility, Airport Hangars, and Park Improvements
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners took several major actions at its March 17 meeting. By a 4-1 vote, the board approved financing the purchase of 5.07 acres on Highway 301 South for $1.75 million to develop a new public safety facility. The board also approved two 30-year ground leases for corporate hangar construction at the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport, along with a $195,470 contract to extend water service to the new hangars using T-SPLOST funds. A $562,494 bid from Benchmark Construction was approved for trail, parking, and sidewalk improvements at Fletcher Park and a new walking trail at the Brooklet Soccer Complex. Seven members were also appointed to the new Bulloch County Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee, a key step toward implementing development impact fees.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Bulloch County Schools to Launch Generative AI Tools for High Schoolers
Bulloch County Schools announced that high school students will soon gain access to Google's NotebookLM and Gemini within a protected educational environment. Assistant Superintendent Teresa Phillips said the district has been on a two-year preparation journey. "AI is changing the world as we know it. Our role is to make sure that students are good users of AI," Phillips said. The tools will be governed by the same privacy protections as existing school Google accounts.
Annie's Nails Celebrates Major Expansion with Soft Opening Today
Annie's Nails at 1098 Bermuda Run in Statesboro's Market District opened its newly expanded space this morning. The renovation takes over the former Sully's Steamers space next door, more than doubling the salon's footprint and making it the largest nail salon in Statesboro. Owners Tom and Kally Berry said a larger grand opening celebration is planned for a later date.
Catie's Gathering Raises More Than $94,000 for Childhood Cancer Research
The annual CURE Childhood Cancer fundraiser Catie's Gathering, held March 6 at The Market in downtown Statesboro, raised more than $94,000 for pediatric cancer research and family support. The evening highlighted the story of Ellis, a local child battling a brain tumor, and featured live music, dinner catered by Blue Mile Catering, and live and silent auctions. The event is held each year in memory of Catie Wilkins.
Relay for Life Survivors Dinner Honors Local Cancer Community
Relay for Life of Bulloch County held its annual Survivor Dinner on March 19 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The meal was prepared by Maurice Jackson, managing partner of Texas Roadhouse Statesboro and a cancer survivor himself. Keynote speaker Amee Adkins shared her journey through cancer. The event builds momentum toward the April 17 Relay for Life downtown. An Eat to End Cancer fundraiser at Eagle Creek Brewing Company is set for this Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Karl E. Peace Honored with Inaugural Distinguished Fellow of Public Health Award
Georgia Southern professor and legendary biostatistician Dr. Karl E. Peace, a Baker County sharecropper's son who became one of GSU's greatest benefactors, was honored with the inaugural Distinguished Fellow of Public Health Award. Peace endowed the first college of public health in the University System of Georgia, established 12 other endowments including two Eminent Scholar Chairs at GSU, and played key roles in the regulatory approval of drugs treating Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and other conditions.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (March 23-29, 2026)
Monday, March 23
Book-Binding Basics Class | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 14+ | FREE
Tuesday, March 24
Baby Time | 10:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 0-24 months | FREE
"ME" First Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE | Continues every Tuesday and Thursday through April 30
Eat to End Cancer Fundraiser | 6:00 p.m. | Eagle Creek Brewing Company | Benefits Relay for Life of Bulloch County
Georgia Southern Softball vs. College of Charleston | 6:00 p.m. | Eagle Field at GS Softball Complex | HOME | Free admission
Wednesday, March 25
Toddler Time | 10:30 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 2-5 | FREE
Men's Tennis vs. North Alabama | 1:00 p.m. | Wallis Tennis Center, GS Campus | HOME | Free admission
Chess and Pizza | 6:00 p.m. | Holiday Pizza, Downtown Statesboro | All ages | FREE
Thursday, March 26
Adult Genealogy Club | 2:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Virtual Dementia Tour | 4:00 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building | RSVP required
"ME" First Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Medicare Workshop | 5:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Adult Book Club | 6:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Bulloch County Board of Education Work Session | 6:30 p.m. | Board Room, Central Office/Transition Learning Center, Williams Road | Open to the public
Friday, March 27
Senior Bingo | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 55+ | FREE
GS Planetarium: "Experience the Aurora" | Shows at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. | Georgia Southern Planetarium, Statesboro Campus | $5 per person | A stunning visual journey through the Northern Lights featuring timelapse footage captured over seven months in the Arctic Circle.
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. Troy (Game 1) | 6:30 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | HOME | Sun Belt Conference series opener. Promo: Friday Night Smackdown.
Saturday, March 28
Statesboro Stitches (Crochet and Knitting Club) | 10:00 a.m. to Noon | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Men's Tennis vs. No. 70 Old Dominion | Noon | Wallis Tennis Center, GS Campus | HOME | Free admission
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. Troy (Game 2) | 2:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | HOME | Promo: Mario Mania
Tech Help | 2:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Sunday, March 29
Dungeons and Dragons Youth Club | Noon to 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 12-18 | FREE
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. Troy (Game 3) | 1:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | HOME | Series finale
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
George-Anne Media Group Wins Nine Journalism Awards
Georgia Southern's student-led media organizations earned nine total awards from the Georgia College Press Association and the College Media Association. The George-Anne took first place for Newspaper Layout and Design Excellence, along with second-place finishes for General Photography Excellence, Best Newspaper Website, and Best Investigative News Article. The Inkwell earned first place for Newspaper Layout and Design Excellence, second-place finishes for Best General News Article and Best Entertainment Story, and an honorable mention at the CMA Apple Awards in New York City.
Fall 2026 Class Times Are Changing
Early registration for Fall 2026 opens today, and students will notice something new when they look at the schedule. MWF class periods are increasing from 50 to 55 minutes, and TR classes from 75 to 85 minutes. The trade-off is an earlier end to the semester: the last regular class day will be Friday, November 20, before Thanksgiving, with finals beginning November 30.
Physics Lecturer Selected for Governor's Teaching Fellows Program
Senior Lecturer of Physics Erica Hillsnipe was selected as one of only 16 candidates statewide for the 2026-27 Governor's Teaching Fellows Academic Year Program, hosted by UGA's Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education. She will begin the fellowship in September 2026, a meaningful recognition for a faculty member who works directly with students each day.
GS Planetarium Hosts "Experience the Aurora" This Friday
The Georgia Southern Planetarium will present three public showings of "Experience the Aurora" this Friday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. The show features breathtaking timelapse imagery of the Aurora Borealis captured over seven months in the Arctic Circle using high-resolution fisheye cameras. This is open to the entire community and is well worth the trip to campus.
🏈 SPORTS AND CAMPUS EVENTS
Baseball: Eagles Earn First Sun Belt Win in Wild Weekend Series
After a rough stretch, the Eagles delivered a moment worth celebrating on Sunday. Georgia Southern split its home series against Marshall and notched its first Sun Belt Conference win of 2026 in the process. Friday's game was a 14-inning marathon that slipped away 16-17 despite a furious late rally. Saturday's 5-13 loss allowed Marshall to clinch the series. But Sunday the Eagles came alive in a 18-12 slugfest, scoring six runs in the 6th inning and four insurance runs in the 8th. James McCoy leads the team at a .377 batting average and Sean White has 21 RBI and 6 home runs on the year. The Eagles sit at 6-17 overall, 1-5 in Sun Belt play. This week: Tuesday at Charleston Southern (6:00 p.m.), Wednesday at College of Charleston (6:00 p.m.), then the Troy series at home Friday through Sunday at J.I. Clements Stadium.
Softball: Struggling Through a Tough Stretch
The Eagles softball team has dropped six straight after opening Sun Belt play with a win, falling to 12-18 overall and 1-5 in conference play. The Marshall series this past weekend was particularly difficult, with the Thundering Herd completing a sweep on Sunday by hitting six home runs in the finale to tie a program record. The Eagles host College of Charleston on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Eagle Field before traveling to Coastal Carolina for a three-game series this weekend.
Tennis: Home Matches on Tap This Week
The men's tennis team hosts North Alabama on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and No. 70 Old Dominion on Saturday at noon, both at Wallis Tennis Center. Women's tennis travels to Stephen F. Austin on Thursday and Louisiana on Friday. All home matches are free to attend.
Spring Football: Blue-White Game Two Weeks Away
Spring practice continues this week with sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at Paulson Stadium. All practices are open to the public at no cost. The Blue-White Spring Game presented by Morris Bank is set for Saturday, April 4. It is a great free opportunity to see the 2026 squad and get an early read on the fall season.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Huey's on Main: Bringing New Orleans to the Boro
If you have not made it to Huey's on Main yet, consider this your invitation. Located at 232 South Main Street in downtown Statesboro, Huey's has been serving authentic New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine since opening in February 2025, and the community response has been nothing short of enthusiastic.
The food delivers on every front. The world-famous beignets arrive golden brown with powdered sugar and your choice of drizzle, including raspberry, chocolate, caramel, praline, or bourbon vanilla. Po'boys are built on authentic Leidenheimer bread shipped directly from New Orleans. The shrimp and grits have quickly become a local favorite. The menu also includes Pasta Jambalaya, C&A Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, and Boudin Balls. Weekend Jazz Brunch adds live music to the mix.
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
A Warm Start, Then a Roller Coaster Week
Spring is living up to its reputation for unpredictability this week. Here is what to plan around:
Monday, March 23 | High 85°F | Low 53°F | Breezy morning with clouds thickening through the day. Thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening with localized damaging wind gusts. Stay weather-aware today.
Tuesday, March 24 | High 69°F | Low 49°F | Cooler behind the front with scattered showers continuing (55% chance).
Wednesday, March 25 | High 69°F | Low 47°F | Mostly cloudy with a slight shower chance (25%).
Thursday, March 26 | High 82°F | Low 54°F | Warming back up with a mix of clouds and sunshine.
Friday, March 27 | High 86°F | Low 59°F | Mostly sunny and the warmest day of the week. Outstanding conditions for the baseball series opener and the Planetarium Aurora show.
Saturday, March 28 | High 67°F | Low 45°F | Another sharp cool-down. Dress in layers for the baseball game.
Sunday, March 29 | High 70°F | Low 46°F | Partly sunny and pleasant.
The big story is today's storm threat followed by a stunning warm-up heading into Friday. Tree pollen remains very high, so allergy sufferers should plan accordingly.
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
March 27 | GS Planetarium "Experience the Aurora" | 6, 7, and 8 p.m. | GS Campus | $5 per person
April 4 | Georgia Southern Blue-White Spring Game | Paulson Stadium | Free admission. Also: Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market Opening Day, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 222 S. Main Street. The market runs every Saturday through November.
April 5 | Easter Sunday
April 9 | Downtown Live Concert Series Kickoff | Liquid Pleasure (Motown to modern hits) | 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street in front of the Bulloch County Courthouse | FREE. Food trucks open at 6:00 p.m. Full series: Elizabeth as Taylor (May 14), Y2K-Kids (May 28), The Tams (June 11).
April 15 | Inaugural Choose Bulloch event | Ogeechee Technical College | Community showcase hosted by the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, presented by Georgia Power.
April 16 | Wyatt Flores: Drive All Night Tour | 7:00 p.m. | The Blue Room, 1830 Chandler Rd. | With Kashus Culpepper
April 17 | Relay for Life of Bulloch County/GSU | 6:00-10:00 p.m. | Downtown Statesboro, East Main Street | Register at RelayForLife.org/bullochga
April 20 | Voter Registration Deadline for the May 19 primary election. Several contested local races are on the ballot. Register at georgia.gov.
April 23-25 | 15th Annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo | Bulloch County Agricultural Complex, 44 Arena Blvd. | Gates 5:00 p.m., rodeo 7:30 p.m. | IPRA-sanctioned | Advance tickets only at statesborokiwanisrodeo.com or McKeithen's Hardware
May 13-17 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement | Three ceremonies at Paulson Stadium (Statesboro), two at Enmarket Arena (Savannah)
May 19 | Georgia Primary Election | Polls open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 24 in the books. It has been a full week in Bulloch County and there is a lot to look forward to ahead. The Eagles got that first Sun Belt win on Sunday, the community continues to show up for causes like Relay for Life, and this Friday's Aurora show at the Planetarium is going to be something special.
Stay safe through today's storms, enjoy the beautiful weather coming Friday, and keep supporting local.
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See you next Monday!