Hello, Statesboro!
Welcome back from spring break. Students are filing back into classrooms across Bulloch County today, the Farmers Market is in full swing on the Blue Mile, and if you stepped outside this morning you probably noticed something: it is getting warm. Like, mid-80s-today-and-climbing-toward-the-90s-by-Friday warm. More on that below. This week brings a big concert downtown, a historic marker dedication honoring America's 250th, Eagles softball hosting Troy for Alumni Weekend, and a voter registration deadline that sneaks up faster than you think. We have a lot to cover, so let's get into it.
TOP NEWS
City Council Wrestles With $2.7 Million Fire Funding Gap
How do you replace $2.7 million in lost fire protection funding? That was the central question at last Tuesday's Statesboro City Council meeting, and the answer is still being worked out. After the service agreement with Bulloch County Fire ended in July 2025, the city has been exploring a fire service fee to help cover an estimated $4 million in budget needs as Statesboro continues to grow. But City Manager Charles Penny expressed caution, pointing to lawsuits other Georgia governments have faced over similar fees. Council opted to continue studying the issue rather than rush into implementation. The meeting also included approval of a Fire Station 3 access road contract and an airport water system expansion contract worth $115,351 for approximately 2,000 feet of new water main. Captain Christopher Moore was honored at the meeting for his retirement after 25 years with the Statesboro Fire Department.
Bulloch Commissioners Approve Brannen Drive Subdivision in Controversial 4-2 Vote
After weeks of debate and a previously deferred 3-3 tie, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved a controversial rezoning request on Brannen Drive in a 4-2 vote. The decision allows a residential subdivision limited to 10 houses on approximately 10.55 acres, rezoned from R-80 to R-25. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended denial 5-1, and neighbors raised concerns about increased density and the precedent it could set for rural areas. In other business, commissioners awarded a $643,054 contract for Country Club Road repairs, a road that has been closed since May 2025 due to storm damage. The project qualifies for $891,000 in FEMA mitigation funding.
Voter Registration Deadline Is One Week Away
If you plan to vote in the Georgia General Primary Election on May 19, your deadline to register is next Monday, April 20. Early voting begins April 27. Races on the ballot include U.S. Senate, Governor, and a full slate of state and local offices. You can check your registration status or register online at Georgia's My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov). Also worth noting: a Special Election Runoff for Georgia House District 177 takes place tomorrow, April 14. Bulloch County voters can contact the Elections Office at 912-764-6502 with questions.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Whitesville Park Grand Reopening Set for April 21
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated Whitesville Park is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. on Raymond Street Extension. The park has been closed since 2016 and was renovated with $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The project includes a new playground, refurbished basketball court, modern restrooms, and covered pavilions. This has been a long time coming for residents of the Whitesville community.
Bulloch County Schools: School Choice Transfer Requests Open Wednesday
The School Choice Privilege transfer request window opens this Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 a.m. and runs through May 15 at 4:30 p.m. for the 2026-2027 school year. Schools currently open for non-zoned transfer requests include Julia P. Bryant Elementary, Stilson Elementary, and Portal Middle High School (grades 9-12). Most other schools are closed to non-zoned students. Applications are available through the district website.
Georgia Legislature Wraps Session With Record Budget, New Laws
The Georgia General Assembly adjourned its 40-day session on April 3, approving a $38.5 billion state budget. Highlights with local impact include $70.4 million for literacy coaches in all K-3 schools, championed by House Speaker Jon Burns who represents parts of Bulloch County, along with $14.9 billion to fully fund the state school funding formula, speed camera legislation, and income tax relief measures. A bill to expand the Bulloch County Board of Elections from three to five members was also filed. Governor Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto passed legislation.
EMC Engineering Wins State Award for Blue Mile Revitalization Work
Statesboro-based EMC Engineering Services received a Merit Award at the 2026 Georgia Engineering Awards for its work on the Blue Mile Revitalization Project. The firm's stormwater management design addressed chronic flooding along South Main Street, a problem that has plagued downtown for years. The recognition adds another feather in the cap of one of Statesboro's most established engineering firms.
Road Work Advisory for the Week
GDOT has active projects affecting Bulloch County this week. SR 73 has a traffic shift for northbound lanes with the southbound inside lane closed for road widening between Randy Lowery Road and Clito Road, continuing through July 10. SR 119 in the Bulloch/Effingham area has daily flagging operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 30. I-16 eastbound and westbound has daily shoulder closures for equipment installation through June 19. Plan ahead, especially during the morning commute.
THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (April 13-19, 2026)
Monday, April 13
Story Share Activity | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 50+ | FREE
Alzheimer's Support Group | 4:00 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE
Tuesday, April 14
Special Election Runoff, GA House District 177 | Check your precinct at mvp.sos.ga.gov
Statesboro Tree Board Meeting | 10:00 a.m. | City Hall
Adult Craft Activity | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Eagles Baseball at #3 Georgia Tech | 6:00 p.m. | Atlanta | ESPN+
Wednesday, April 15
Bulloch County School Choice Transfer Requests Open | 7:30 a.m. | Apply at bulloch.k12.ga.us
Bingo | 3:30 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building | FREE
Georgia Southern Percussion Ensemble | 7:30 p.m. | Carter Recital Hall, GSU | FREE
Thursday, April 16
DAR Historical Marker Dedication | 10:00 a.m. | Triangle Park, 116 East Main Street | FREE
The Archibald Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a new marker honoring Revolutionary War patriots as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. Speakers include DAR State Regent Helen Robertson Powell and 2026 DAR American History Essay Contest Georgia winner Arabella McLamb. The SAR Color Guard will open the ceremony. Everyone is welcome.
Wyatt Flores: Drive All Night Tour | Doors 6:00 p.m., Show 7:00 p.m. | The Blue Room (Outdoor Parking Lot Concert), 1830 Chandler Road | 18+ | With opener Kashus Culpepper | Tickets from ~$44
One of country music's fastest-rising stars makes a stop in Statesboro. Flores has built a massive following on the strength of songs that blend Americana storytelling with raw honesty, and his live shows have earned a reputation for intensity. This is an outdoor parking lot concert, and with temperatures in the upper 80s, bring water and dress light. This one will sell out if it hasn't already.
Habitat for Humanity "Playhouse with a Purpose" Auction Closes | 7:00 p.m. | Bidding at SouthAuction.com | Two custom 8x8 children's playhouses | Proceeds benefit Habitat Bulloch County
Georgia Southern Brass Chamber Recital | 7:30 p.m. | Carter Recital Hall, GSU | FREE
Friday, April 17
Senior Bingo | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 55+ | FREE
Kids' History Club | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 6-11 | FREE
Relay for Life of Bulloch County and Georgia Southern | 6:00-10:00 p.m. | Downtown Statesboro, East Main Street
Eagles Softball vs. Troy (Alumni Weekend / Friends Friday) | Eagle Field, Statesboro | Fans receive a GS Friends' 90s T-Shirt
Georgia Southern Opera: "Hansel and Gretel" (Night 1) | 7:30 p.m. | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts, 33 E. Main St.
Saturday, April 18
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market | 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | 222 S. Main Street | 75+ vendors, local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, food trucks, coffee, and live music | Every Saturday through November | FREE
BIG Boro Bash | 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Downtown Statesboro | Live music from Colby Anderson, local vendors, food trucks, vintage market | FREE and family-friendly
Family Activity: Design Your Own Pokemon Cards | 12:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | All ages | FREE
Eagles Softball vs. Troy | Eagle Field, Statesboro
Georgia Southern Opera: "Hansel and Gretel" (Night 2) | 7:30 p.m. | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center
Sunday, April 19
Eagles Softball vs. Troy | Eagle Field, Statesboro
Georgia Southern: Southern Sax presents NOWS | 5:00 p.m. | Carter Recital Hall, GSU | FREE
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
Student Sales Team Dominates National Competition
Five students from the Parker College of Business competed at the 28th National Collegiate Sales Competition in Atlanta, widely considered the premier collegiate sales event in the country. Georgia Southern was the only university out of 72 competitors to have two students win first place in their respective divisions. Ana Giddens and Tyler Goddard both took top honors in Speed Selling, a 90-second elevator pitch competition against roughly 200 students. The team also included Lucas Schultz, Katie Smith, and Joseph Tarwater. It is a remarkable achievement for a program that continues to punch above its weight on the national stage.
Gratitude Gala Celebrates Record-Breaking Year
Georgia Southern hosted its annual Gratitude Gala on March 27 at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside in Savannah. President Kyle Marrero highlighted milestones including $1.167 billion in regional economic impact, record enrollment, and more than $6 million in scholarships awarded this year. The university's "Together We Soar" campaign continues its march toward a $300 million goal by 2030. Honorees included St. Joseph's/Candler (President's Ambassador Award), the Bevill Family, and Greg Parker, the Parker's Kitchen founder who has donated more than $30 million to education, healthcare, and community causes.
Honors Student Earns Fellowship at New York Public Library
Junior Ariana Taylor-Williams earned a Schomburg-Mellon Fellowship to spend this summer at the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. She will research the Harlem Renaissance, gaining access to one of the world's most important archives on African American history. It is a nationally competitive fellowship and a standout achievement for Georgia Southern's Honors Program.
SPORTS AND CAMPUS EVENTS
Baseball Takes One of Three From South Alabama, Heads to Georgia Tech
It was a mixed bag at J.I. Clements Stadium this weekend. The Eagles (12-23, 5-10 Sun Belt) opened the South Alabama series with a bang on Friday night when Brady Christman launched a walk-off home run for a 5-3 win. Saturday was less kind, a 13-5 loss, before a wild 13-12 rubber match went to the Jaguars on Sunday. Christman went deep in back-to-back games and James McCoy crushed a 451-foot solo shot on Saturday. This week the Eagles travel to Atlanta for a midweek date with #3 Georgia Tech on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+), then open a Sun Belt series at Old Dominion on Friday.
Softball Drops Two Tight Ones at Southern Miss, Hosts Troy This Weekend
The Eagles (19-22, 6-9 Sun Belt) battled hard at Southern Miss but came away with just one win in three games, all decided by a single run. Friday was a classic pitcher's duel, a 1-0 loss despite a strong start from Alana Barnard. The Eagles bounced back with a 2-1 win Saturday before Southern Miss walked off 2-1 in the series finale on Sunday. Emma Davis (.374 avg, 40 hits) and Kayla Christensen (.372 avg, 45 hits) continue to pace the offense. The good news: the Eagles are home this weekend for a Sun Belt series against Troy, with Alumni Weekend and a Friends Friday giveaway (90s T-Shirts!) making this a great time to get out to Eagle Field.
Football Spring Practice Recap: Blue-White Game Was a Shootout
For those who missed it, the Blue-White Spring Game on April 5 was a high-scoring affair with the White (Offense) team winning 48-29. The offense put up eight scoring drives while the defense recorded four sacks and a turnover. The quarterback competition remains wide open heading into fall. Transfer kicker Blake Ford, who arrived from North Texas and Arkansas, connected on a field goal beyond 50 yards, giving fans hope that the kicking game will be much improved in 2026. The full fall schedule includes a September 12 trip to Clemson and the Erk 100 celebration game on September 26 against Houston.
Thomas Horne Named Sun Belt Men's Golfer of the Month
Sophomore Thomas Horne earned Sun Belt Golfer of the Month honors after a stellar March. He shot 15-under 201 at the Augusta Haskins Award Invitational, finishing second after a playoff. That three-round total is the fifth-lowest in program history. Horne averaged 69.33 across nine rounds with 49 birdies and an eagle during the month. The Eagles compete in The Ford Collegiate starting today, with the Sun Belt Championship set for April 27.
Women's Tennis Coach McCaffrey Makes History
Coach Sean McCaffrey became the all-time winningest women's tennis coach in Georgia Southern history with a 4-1 Senior Day victory over Marshall on April 4, notching his 134th career win. The team (8-11) continues Sun Belt play this week. Meanwhile, the men's tennis team heads to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament April 17-19 in Rome, Georgia.
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
The Slider Joint: Shug the Painted Chef Brings Late-Night Sliders to Downtown
Downtown Statesboro is about to get a new late-night option, and it is coming from one of the community's most recognizable food personalities. Travis Phillips, known locally as "Shug the Painted Chef," is putting the finishing touches on The Slider Joint at 22 West Vine Street in the former Vandy's Bar-B-Q building.
The concept is built around a simple observation: downtown Statesboro does not have enough food options after dark. Phillips told Grice Connect that the gap has been obvious for years, and The Slider Joint is designed to fill it with quick, affordable slider meals served until midnight. Planned hours are 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, with breakfast potentially coming down the road.
Phillips is no stranger to Statesboro's food scene. He has run The Painted Chef catering operation for years and is a regular presence at local events and community gatherings. His wife Jackie owns The Flowergirl downtown, making the couple a true downtown family. One detail that speaks volumes about Phillips' approach: the menu will include a BBQ slider named after Vandy's as a tribute to the building's history.
The Slider Joint has not announced an official opening date but appears to be very close to launching. Keep an eye on The Painted Chef's social media pages for the announcement.
WEATHER ADVISORY
Unseasonably Warm Week Ahead, Approaching 90 by Thursday
The comfortable 70s we enjoyed last week are in the rearview. A warm pattern has set up across the Southeast and Statesboro is going to feel it all week. Temperatures will climb steadily from the low 80s today into the upper 80s by Thursday and Friday, running roughly 10 to 15 degrees above normal for mid-April. Rain chances are near zero across the entire week, so if you are heading to the Wyatt Flores show Thursday night or the Farmers Market Saturday morning, plan accordingly: sunscreen, water, and shade will be your best friends.
Monday, April 13 | High 83 F | Partly cloudy, 10% rain chance | Mild but noticeably warmer than last week
Tuesday, April 14 | High 86 F | Sunny skies, 0% rain chance | Hot for mid-April
Wednesday, April 15 | High 87 F | Sunny and dry, 0% rain chance | Approaching record territory
Thursday, April 16 | High 87 F | Mostly sunny, 10% rain chance | Outdoor Wyatt Flores show, bring water
Friday, April 17 | High 88 F | Sunny, 0% rain chance | Hottest day of the week
No severe weather is expected, and the extended outlook shows temperatures easing slightly into the low 80s by early next week. Stay hydrated out there, Statesboro.
LOOKING AHEAD
April 20 | Voter Registration Deadline for the May 19 Georgia Primary Election | Register at mvp.sos.ga.gov
April 21 | Whitesville Park Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting | 1:30 p.m. | Raymond Street Extension
April 21 | Statesboro City Council Meeting | 5:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
April 21 | Statesboro Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Averitt Center for the Arts
April 23 | "Blooming for Prevention" Child Abuse Prevention Month Event | 12:00 p.m. | Downtown Statesboro
April 23-25 | 15th Annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo | Bulloch County Agricultural Complex | Gates 5:00 p.m., Rodeo 7:30 p.m. | Presented by Nine Line Apparel | Tickets at statesborokiwanisrodeo.com
April 25 | Hogs for Dogs Show (1st Annual) | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Statesboro Dog Park | Categories include Cutest Dog, Most Like Owner, Best Trick | $20 entry/pet | Benefits Run For The Son
April 27 | Early Voting Begins for May 19 Primary | Bulloch County Annex
April 30 | Downtown Live: 70's Kids | 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | Disco, yacht rock, and 1970s hits | FREE
May 11 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement Ceremony #1 | 9:00 a.m. | Paulson Stadium
May 14 | Georgia Southern Commencement Ceremony #2 | 9:00 a.m. | Paulson Stadium
May 14 | Downtown Live: Elizabeth as Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute) | 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | FREE
May 19 | Georgia General Primary Election | Polls open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 27 in the books. This week has something for everyone, from the DAR marker dedication Thursday morning to Wyatt Flores that same evening, a loaded weekend of Eagles softball at home, and the Farmers Market and BIG Boro Bash on Saturday. And do not forget: voter registration closes next Monday. If you are not registered, get it done this week.
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See you next Monday!