Hello, Statesboro!
Happy Monday. If you have not registered to vote yet, today is the day. The deadline to register or update your information for the May 19 primary is tonight, so do not wait.
Beyond that, this is one of the biggest community weeks of the spring. Whitesville Park finally reopens tomorrow after being closed for a full decade, city council meets Tuesday evening to continue working through the fire funding puzzle, and the 15th Annual Kiwanis Rodeo takes over the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex Thursday through Saturday. We have also got a Farmers Market, a dog show, a former NBA Slam Dunk Champion signing autographs downtown, and a whole lot more packed into the next seven days.
Let's get into it.
📰 TOP NEWS
Whitesville Park Reopens After a Decade
This one has been a long time coming. The City of Statesboro will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Whitesville Park on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. at 206 Raymond Street Extension. The park has been closed since 2016, and residents in the Whitesville community have waited years to see it come back to life. The renovation was funded with $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and includes a brand new playground, a refurbished basketball court, modern restrooms, and covered pavilions. Lavender & Associates handled the construction. It is one of the most visible neighborhood investments the city has made in years, and the community deserves to celebrate it.
Today Is the Voter Registration Deadline
Monday, April 20 is the last day to register, change your name, or update your address to vote in the May 19 General Primary and Nonpartisan Election. Early voting begins April 27 at the Bulloch County Annex Elections Office (113 N. Main St., Suite 201) and runs through May 15. Saturday voting is available May 2 and May 9. Absentee ballot requests are due by May 8.
Several contested local races are on the ballot, including Commissioner District 1-B (Simmons vs. Johnson), a three-way Commissioner District 2-B race (Conner, Bedell, Redman), and Board of Education District 6 (Draeger). You can register or check your status at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
City Council Still Working Through $2.7 Million Fire Funding Gap
The city continues to wrestle with how to replace $2.7 million in fire protection revenue lost when the county withdrew from the joint fire district. At the April 7 meeting, City Manager Charles Penny flagged legal risks associated with a proposed fire service fee, pointing to lawsuits other Georgia governments have faced over similar charges. Council opted to keep studying the issue. The same meeting approved contracts for the Fire Station 3 access road, the Averitt Center renovation, and an airport water system expansion. Council also approved $272,821 in South Main TAD funds for the Hop Atomica brewery and distillery redevelopment.
Council meets again Tuesday, April 21 with a work session at 3:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
15th Annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo This Thursday Through Saturday
The biggest annual fundraiser for the Statesboro Kiwanis Club returns April 23-25 at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex (44 Arena Blvd.). Presented by Nine Line Apparel and produced by Hedrick Rodeo Company, the rodeo features bull riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, barrel racing, a calf scramble for the kids, appearances by Miss Rodeo USA Ashley Polson, food trucks, and a kids' area. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night with the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m.
Important: tickets are pre-sale only. None will be sold at the gate. You can grab them at statesborokiwanisrodeo.com or at McKeithen's Hardware. Kids 3 and under get in free.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Brannen Drive Rezoning Approved in 4-2 Vote
Bulloch County Commissioners voted 4-2 to rezone 10.55 acres at 424 Brannen Drive from R-80 to R-25, capping the development at 10 houses. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended denial 5-1, and neighbors raised concerns about increased density. The same meeting approved a $643,000 Country Club Road repair contract with Reeves Construction. Commissioners continue to weigh a development impact fee study.
School Bus and Car Collide Near Cawana Road
A Bulloch County school bus and a passenger car collided at Cawana Road and Burkhalter Road around 3:15 p.m. on April 14. One student and the driver were aboard the bus. No one required hospital transport. Preliminary information indicates the car pulled out in front of the bus.
Home Destroyed in Pre-Dawn Register Fire
Crews arrived to find a double-wide manufactured home in the 1600 block of Dreamland Road fully engulfed around 5:30 a.m. on April 17. The homeowners were not at home and no injuries were reported. Red Cross, the CAFE Team, and VOAD are assisting the displaced couple.
Fire Station 3 on Track for July Completion
The $4.8 million Fire Station 3 on Brannen Street behind Lowe's remains on schedule for a July 2026 completion, weather permitting, Chief Tim Grams confirmed. The city's new Sutphen 75-foot quint ladder truck is expected to arrive on a similar timeline.
Dutch Bros Coffee Fully Operational After Rocky Start
Dutch Bros at 23950 Highway 80 East had a chaotic debut after being ordered closed just hours into its February 24 opening for lacking a food service permit. The shop has since secured all permits and is now fully operational with long lines at the drive-thru.
Inaugural "Choose Bulloch" Event Spotlights Local Economy
The Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber held its first "Choose Bulloch: Discovering Opportunities" event at Ogeechee Technical College on April 15. A panel of local leaders discussed economic growth, and State Sen. Billy Hickman presented a Senate Resolution recognizing "Bulloch County Day at the Capitol."
SEBHS Senior Named Georgia Scholar
Southeast Bulloch High School senior Carli Cowan was named a 2026 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education. The award recognizes the state's top high school seniors for academic achievement.
School Choice Window Open Through May 15
The 2026-27 School Choice Privilege transfer window opened April 15 and runs through May 15 at 4:30 p.m. Only Julia P. Bryant Elementary, Stilson Elementary, and Portal Middle High School (grades 9-12) are accepting non-zoned transfer applications.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (April 20-26, 2026)
Monday, April 20
Tech Help | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Book Binding Class | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 14+ | FREE
Voter Registration Deadline for May 19 Primary | Register at mvp.sos.ga.gov
Tuesday, April 21
Whitesville Park Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting | 1:30 p.m. | 206 Raymond Street Extension | FREE
Statesboro City Council Work Session | 3:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers (50 E. Main St.)
Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Commission | 5:30 p.m. | North Main Annex (115 N. Main St.)
Statesboro City Council Meeting | 5:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, April 22
Earth Day Story & Craft | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 6-11 | FREE
Kindness Rock Painting Event | 4:00-6:00 p.m. | West Main Gallery, Downtown Statesboro | FREE | Hosted by Statesboro Regional Art Association
Chess & Pizza Night | 6:00 p.m. | Holiday Pizza, Downtown | All ages
Thursday, April 23
"Blooming for Prevention" Child Abuse Prevention Month Event | 12:00 p.m. | Downtown Statesboro | Organized by Safe Haven, The Teal House, and Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful
GS4 Student Scholars Symposium (Statesboro Campus) | 9:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Russell Union, Georgia Southern | Keynote by Tamas Havar, Ph.D., Gulfstream Aerospace
Adult Book Club | 6:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Bulloch County Board of Education Work Session | 6:30 p.m. | Williams Road Board Room
15th Annual Kiwanis Rodeo (Night 1) | Gates 5:00 p.m., Rodeo 7:30 p.m. | Bulloch County Agricultural Complex, 44 Arena Blvd. | Pre-sale tickets only at statesborokiwanisrodeo.com or McKeithen's Hardware
Friday, April 24
Senior Bingo | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 55+ | FREE
15th Annual Kiwanis Rodeo (Night 2) | Gates 5:00 p.m., Rodeo 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market | 9:00 a.m.-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
Children's Art Workshop | 10:30 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Hogs for Dogs Dog Show (1st Annual) | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Downtown Dog Park | $20 entry per pet, free to watch | Categories include Cutest Dog, Most Like Owner, Best Trick | Hosted by Redeemed Riders Motorcycle Club | Benefits Run For The Son
Dee Brown Autograph Signing | 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Statesboro Sports and Memorabilia Fan Shop, 8 E. Olliff St. | $40 | Former 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Champion | Benefits Roosevelt Cone Jr. Scholarship Foundation
Author Meet & Greet | 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
15th Annual Kiwanis Rodeo (Final Night) | Gates 5:00 p.m., Rodeo 7:30 p.m.
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
East Georgia Campus Athletics Joins the NAIA
Big news for the Swainsboro campus. The NAIA Council of Presidents approved the East Georgia Campus application on April 12, effective July 1. The campus will compete in the Continental Athletic Conference in 2026-27 as the Georgia Southern Golden Eagles, rebranding from its former NJCAA identity as East Georgia State College. A public Golden Eagles unveiling event is set for April 27 at 4 p.m. at the Luck Gambrell Center Auditorium in Swainsboro.
Three Students Earn Spots in Regents Cup Debate
Alexander Millstone, Annelise Hughes, and alternate Niyah Sanchez represented Georgia Southern at the 2026 USG Regents Cup at Columbus State on April 14-15. The team competed in International Public Debate Association format. Millstone helped revive the GS Debate Club and was a driving force behind the team's qualification.
Tuition Rises 1%, But GS Fees Actually Decrease
The Board of Regents approved 2026-27 tuition rates with a 1% increase for in-state undergraduates. However, fee changes at Georgia Southern will actually reduce costs for in-person students. Out-of-state and international tuition increases 3%.
Spring Commencement Set for May 11 in Savannah
Georgia Southern's 2026 Spring Commencement is Saturday, May 11 at Enmarket Arena in Savannah with two ceremonies. The 10 a.m. ceremony covers Science and Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Public Health, and Engineering and Computing. The 3 p.m. ceremony covers Education, Parker College of Business, and Behavioral and Social Sciences. Speakers had not been announced as of April 20.
Theatre Department Presents "Sweat"
The Georgia Southern theatre program is staging Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Sweat," directed by a GS alumna returning to campus. The play explores working-class identity and economic anxiety in a deindustrialized American town.
🏈 SPORTS & CAMPUS EVENTS
Baseball Swept at Old Dominion, Battled No. 2 Georgia Tech
It was a rough stretch for Eagles baseball (12-27, 5-13 Sun Belt). The week started with a competitive 13-9 loss at No. 2 Georgia Tech on April 14, where Bryson Trammell lined his 14th double and Jack Myers launched a towering blast. Things got harder from there as the Eagles were swept in a three-game Sun Belt series at Old Dominion, including a 10-inning walk-off loss.
This week: The Eagles host The Citadel on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. at J.I. Clements Stadium for Salute to Service Night, then travel to Appalachian State for a Sun Belt series Friday through Sunday.
Softball Drops Home Series to Troy, Falls at Georgia Tech
Eagles softball (19-26, 6-12 Sun Belt) lost the Alumni Weekend series to Troy (1-5, 3-6, 2-4) and was run-ruled 8-0 at Georgia Tech on April 15. Freshman Shaylin Stringer turned in a strong relief inning in the Georgia Tech game.
This week: The Eagles close out their home season against Appalachian State with games Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. (Senior Day and Blue Out, blue attire encouraged, free softball giveaway for fans), and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Men's Tennis Season Ends in Sun Belt Semifinals
The Eagles advanced to the Sun Belt semifinals with a 4-2 quarterfinal win over James Madison on April 17 at the Rome Tennis Center. Willy Mirarchi and Matthew Mitchell took Court 3 doubles 7-5. GS then fell 4-0 to No. 2 Troy on April 18, ending the season.
Freshmen Shine at Georgia Southern Relays
The Georgia Southern Relays on April 17-18 produced personal records and event wins across the roster, with Rebecca Stratton leading the distance efforts at the USATF-sanctioned meet.
This Week's Schedule
Women's Golf: Sun Belt Championship begins today at The Lakewood Club in Point Clear, Ala.
Women's Tennis: Sun Belt Championships open Wednesday, April 22.
Baseball: vs. The Citadel, Wednesday 6 p.m. (Salute to Service Night) | at Appalachian State, Friday-Sunday
Softball: vs. Appalachian State, Friday 6 p.m. | Saturday 3 p.m. (Senior Day/Blue Out) | Sunday 1 p.m.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Flacos House Bar & Grill: Street-Style Mexican With Big Flavor
If you have not made it to Flacos House yet, put it on this week's list. Located at 701 Piedmont Loop, Suite 100 (near the Walmart Supercenter in the former Nikko Express space), Flacos House opened October 6, 2025 and has quickly built a loyal following.
Owner Adolfo "Flaco" Mitchell operates 10 other locations from Savannah to Springfield and brings an urban, street-style Mexican approach that fills a gap between Statesboro's Tex-Mex staples and national chains. The menu centers on what Mitchell calls his personal favorite across every location: birria tacos and the Cheesy Grilled Birria Plate. Other standouts include the Al Pastor Burrito, the Flaco Special, loaded beef-cheese fries, esquites (street corn in a cup), and cream-cheese-filled churros. You will also find street-style tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, fajitas, tortas, sopes, nachos, and salads.
Grice Connect described the restaurant as a community staple with great vibes and rich culture. Mitchell operates under the slogan "mi casa, su casa," and based on the early response from the community, Statesboro feels right at home.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). Online ordering is available through 8:25 p.m., and delivery runs through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates.
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Mild Start to the Week, Warming Into the Low 80s by the Weekend
After last week's brief heat wave (a 93 degree day on April 16 flirted with the 1925 record of 94), this week settles into a much more comfortable pattern. Monday and Tuesday mornings open cool in the upper 40s to low 50s under abundant sunshine, with afternoons climbing from the upper 70s into the low to mid 80s by the weekend. Humidity builds Friday onward as winds turn southerly, bringing a slight shower chance but nothing severe in current outlooks.
If you are heading to the Kiwanis Rodeo Thursday through Saturday, expect warm, slightly humid afternoons with only a slim chance of an isolated shower. UV will be very high Tuesday through Thursday, so bring sunscreen.
Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon Apr 20 | 78°F | 48°F | ~1% | Abundant sunshine, light NNE winds |
Tue Apr 21 | 81°F | 51°F | ~1% | Mainly sunny |
Wed Apr 22 | 82°F | 58°F | 5% | Plenty of sunshine |
Thu Apr 23 | 81°F | 57°F | 20% | Mostly sunny |
Fri Apr 24 | 82°F | 60°F | 25% | Humid, considerable clouds |
Sat Apr 25 | 83°F | 59°F | 25% | Humid, sun and clouds |
Sun Apr 26 | 84°F | 60°F | 25% | Turning cloudy, humid |
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
April 27 | Early Voting Opens for May 19 Primary | Bulloch County Annex Elections Office (113 N. Main St., Suite 201) | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays through May 15, plus Saturdays May 2 and May 9
April 27 | East Georgia Campus Golden Eagles Athletics Unveiling | 4:00 p.m. | Luck Gambrell Center Auditorium, Swainsboro
April 29 | Building a Resilient Community Summit | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Jack Hill Building, Ogeechee Technical College | Hosted by Bulloch County Family Connection
April 30 | Downtown Live: 70's Kids | Food trucks 6:00 p.m., Music 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | Disco, yacht rock, and 1970s hits | FREE
May 5 | Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Public Hearings | Proposed moratorium on residential/PUD rezonings and data center permitting framework
May 10 | Karla Harris Love & Legacy: A Mother's Day Concert | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts | Confirm with box office at 912-212-2787
May 11 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement | 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. | Enmarket Arena, Savannah
May 14 | Downtown Live: Elizabeth as Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute) | 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | FREE
May 19 | Georgia General Primary Election Day | Polls open 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at all 16 Bulloch County precincts
May 28 | Downtown Live: Y2K-Kids | 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street | FREE
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 28 in the books. This is a week of reopenings, community traditions, and important decisions. A park returns to life after 10 years, voters line up for a busy primary, and a rodeo that has become one of the county's signature events saddles up for three nights of action. Do not forget: voter registration closes today. If you are not registered, get it done now.
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See you next Monday!