Hello, Statesboro!
Happy Monday. There is a lot happening this week, and some of it needs your attention right away. Early voting for the May 19 primary opens today at the Bulloch County Annex, a statewide burn ban is in effect after devastating wildfires in South Georgia, and our fire department just earned a rating that puts it in the top 1.4% in the entire country. We have also got the second Downtown Live concert of the season Thursday night, the fourth annual Longest Table community meal Saturday, and Eagles baseball hosting No. 7 Coastal Carolina this weekend. There is plenty to get into, so let us jump in.
📰 TOP NEWS
Statewide Burn Ban in Effect After South Georgia Wildfires
If you have noticed hazy skies or a smoky smell over the past week, here is why. Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency on April 22 after wildfires tore through South Georgia, and the Georgia Forestry Commission issued a mandatory 30-day outdoor burn ban covering 91 counties, including Bulloch. State Forester Johnny Sabo called it the first burn ban of its kind in the agency's history. The largest blaze, the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, has burned over 27,000 acres, destroyed at least 87 homes, and was only 7% contained as of Saturday. Closer to home, Bulloch County Fire Department logged 37 brush fire calls in April alone, prompting commissioners to pass a local ordinance banning open burning of yard debris in unincorporated areas. Violations carry penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days in jail. Statesboro Fire, Bulloch County Fire, and the CAFE rehab team have all deployed crews downstate to assist, and the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office organized a donation drive for displaced families. Bottom line: no outdoor burning until further notice. Period.
Statesboro Fire Department Earns Elite ISO Class 1 Rating
This is a big deal. Chief Tim Grams announced at last Tuesday's city council meeting that the Statesboro Fire Department scored 92.96 out of 105.5 to earn an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest classification available. Only 517 out of 37,358 fire departments nationwide hold this designation. That is roughly the top 1.4% in the country. The new rating takes effect September 1, 2026 within city limits, replacing a Class 2 rating earned in 2019. For homeowners, this could mean lower insurance premiums. For the department, it is validation of years of investment in training, equipment, and infrastructure, including the $4.8 million Fire Station 3 on Brannen Street that is on track to open this summer.
Early Voting Opens Today for May 19 Primary
The polls are open. Early voting for the May 19 General Primary and Nonpartisan Election begins today at the Bulloch County North Main Annex Elections Office (113 N. Main St., Suite 201). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., running through May 15. Saturday voting is also available on May 2 and May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The headline local race is the Bulloch County Commission Seat 2-B Republican primary between incumbent Toby Conner, Frank Bedell III, and Dr. Theodore "Ted" Redman. Other contested races include Commissioner District 1-B (Simmons vs. Johnson) and Board of Education District 6 (Draeger). Absentee ballot requests are due by May 8. Check your registration and find your polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
City Council Denies Park Avenue Rezoning, Advances Grants
After significant neighborhood opposition, Statesboro City Council denied a multi-family rezoning request for 115 Park Avenue at its April 21 meeting. Residents cited concerns about tenant turnover, infrastructure strain, and setting a precedent in an established neighborhood. In other action, council terminated the city/Agape Worship Center/Habitat for Humanity MOU on the Johnson Street CHIP grant project after the Georgia DCA flagged it as inadequate. Council also authorized a $128,015 GDOT LMIG Safety Plan grant application and approved one-year extensions on both the Waste Management and Atlantic Services solid-waste contracts effective July 1, 2026.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Teen Shot at Groover Homes; Juvenile Arrested
Statesboro Police responded to gunshots at the Groover Homes complex on Packinghouse Road around 7:45 p.m. on April 23 and found a 16-year-old male who had been shot. The victim was airlifted to Memorial Health in Savannah in critical condition but has since stabilized. On April 24, police arrested a 16-year-old suspect. A second 16-year-old suspect remains at large. Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Detective Hardin at 912-764-9911.
Armed Standoff at Caribe Court Ends in Arrest
A standoff at a Caribe Court apartment complex that began the evening of April 25 and stretched into April 26 ended when the SWAT team used chemical agents and entered the unit to arrest Hunter Quinton, 22. Residents had been evacuated after Quinton reportedly fired multiple rounds inside the apartment. No injuries were reported.
Viral K-9 Use-of-Force Video Draws Community Response
A video circulating online showing Bulloch County deputies restraining a handcuffed man during a K-9 arrest drew widespread attention this week. The man has been identified as Jamal Demeico Hendrix, 25. Mayor Jonathan McCollar addressed the situation at his April 25 town hall at Agape Worship Center, calling the video "unfortunate." The NAACP of Bulloch County is planning a community conversation for April 29 at Luetta Moore Park.
Brooklet Faces Sudden Financial Crisis
An emergency Saturday session on April 18 revealed that the City of Brooklet experienced a $416,000 financial swing in just 30 days, going from a $208,000 surplus on February 26 to a $207,857 deficit on March 31. Council adopted an Expenditure Control Action Plan instituting a moratorium on all non-essential spending. Contributing factors included a consultant who failed to reconcile budget and bank statements, roughly $88,000 in legal fees against a $40,000 budget, and an incomplete FY25 audit.
Statesboro STEAM Academy to Launch Girls Flag Football
Statesboro STEAM Academy received a $10,000 grant from the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to launch a girls flag football program beginning this fall. The school is one of 27 across Georgia selected for the funding.
Ben Edwards Named Deputy Chief ADA
District Attorney Robert Busbee announced on April 22 that Ben Edwards has been named Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit.
Farmers Market Opening Day Sets Sales Record
The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market kicked off its 2026 season with a record-breaking opening day, posting over $57,000 in sales with 76 vendors. That is up from $43,000 on opening day in 2025. The market runs every Saturday through November from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (April 27 - May 3, 2026)
Monday, April 27
Early Voting Opens | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County North Main Annex (113 N. Main St., Suite 201) | Continues weekdays through May 15
East Georgia Campus Golden Eagles Athletics Unveiling | 4:00 p.m. | Luck Gambrell Center Auditorium, Swainsboro | FREE
Writers Workshop | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 14+ | FREE
Constellation Craft Activity | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 6-11 | FREE
Tuesday, April 28
Baby Time | 10:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 0-24 months | FREE
Genealogy Program: Poetry Through the Ages | 3:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Wednesday, April 29
Toddler Time | 10:30 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 2-5 | FREE
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
NAACP Community Conversation | Luetta Moore Park | Time TBD
Black Out Poetry for Teens | 5:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 12-18 | FREE
Thursday, April 30
Downtown Live: 70's Kids | Food trucks 6:00 p.m., Music 7:00 p.m. | East Main Street, Downtown Statesboro | Disco, yacht rock, and 1970s hits | FREE
"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Friday, May 1
Senior Bingo | 11:00 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 55+ | FREE
GSU History Talk | 4:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Eagles Baseball vs. No. 7 Coastal Carolina | 6:30 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium | Tickets at GSEagles.com
Saturday, May 2
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market | 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | 222 S. Main Street | 75+ vendors, local produce, baked goods, crafts, food trucks, live music | FREE
Saturday Early Voting | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County North Main Annex (113 N. Main St., Suite 201)
The Longest Table (4th Annual) | 4:00 p.m. | Georgia Southern City Campus Alley, 58 East Main Street | Free community meal hosted by the One Boro Commission
Tech Help | 2:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | Ages 18+ | FREE
Statesboro Stitches (Crochet and Knitting Club) | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE
Eagles Baseball vs. No. 7 Coastal Carolina | 2:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium
Sunday, May 3
Eagles Baseball vs. No. 7 Coastal Carolina | 1:00 p.m. | J.I. Clements Stadium
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
East Georgia Campus Unveils Golden Eagles NAIA Brand Today
Today marks a defining moment for Georgia Southern's Swainsboro campus. A public celebration at 4:00 p.m. in the Luck F. Gambrell Center Auditorium officially unveils the new Golden Eagles athletic identity. The NAIA Council of Presidents approved the campus's application on April 12, effective July 1, 2026, with competition in the Continental Athletic Conference beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Joe Heikkinen has been named Director of Athletics. Sponsored sports will include baseball, men's and women's basketball, and softball, with men's and women's cross country being added in fall 2026. President Kyle Marrero called it "a defining moment" for the campus and its community.
Spring Commencement Schedule Announced
Georgia Southern has finalized its 2026 Spring Commencement schedule with ceremonies spread across multiple days and campuses. The Statesboro undergraduate ceremony for Science and Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions, Public Health, and Engineering and Computing takes place Monday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The graduate ceremony follows that evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Hill Convocation Center. The Savannah ceremony is Wednesday, May 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Enmarket Arena. The second Statesboro ceremony for Education, Parker College of Business, and Behavioral and Social Sciences is Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. at Paulson Stadium. Livestreaming will be available for all ceremonies.
Elizabeth Kicklighter Named Head Cheerleading Coach
Athletic Director Chris Davis announced on April 24 that Elizabeth Kicklighter has been named Head Cheerleading Coach. Kicklighter returns to Georgia Southern after a stint at Long Island University, where she helped lead the program to a UCA College Nationals championship.
Tuition Update for 2026-27
The Board of Regents approved a 1% increase in in-state undergraduate tuition for the 2026-27 academic year. However, fee adjustments at Georgia Southern will actually reduce costs for in-person students. Out-of-state and international tuition increases 3%.
🏈 SPORTS & CAMPUS EVENTS
Baseball Swept at App State for First Time in 40-Year Rivalry
It has been a rough stretch for Eagles baseball. After falling 13-3 to The Citadel on April 22, the Eagles traveled to Boone and were swept by Appalachian State (16-3, 11-5, 7-3), marking App State's first series sweep over Georgia Southern in the 40-year history between the programs. The Eagles sit at 12-31 overall (5-16 Sun Belt) with a nine-game losing streak. James McCoy continues to lead the offense at .367 with 16 doubles, 7 home runs, and 33 RBI. This week: Tuesday, April 28, 6:00 p.m. vs. Charleston Southern at home; Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. at Mercer; and a huge weekend series against No. 7 Coastal Carolina at J.I. Clements Stadium beginning Friday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Softball Rallies for Senior Day Series Win Over App State
What a finish to the home schedule. After dropping the opener 7-5 on Friday, the Eagles came back strong with a 3-2 Senior Day victory on Saturday, powered by Delanie Thames' 12th home run of the season. Then on Sunday, trailing 5-1 entering the sixth inning, the Eagles scored four runs to tie it and walked off with a 6-5 win in the seventh. The team is now 21-28 overall (8-13 Sun Belt). Senior Emma Davis leads the squad hitting .349. Up next: a three-game series at Georgia State starting Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. The Sun Belt Tournament runs May 6-9 in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Men's Tennis Earns Conference Honors
The Eagles finished 11-9 after a quarterfinal win over James Madison (4-2) and a semifinal loss to No. 2 Troy (4-0) at the Sun Belt Championships. Gregoire Delattre was named 2026 Sun Belt Player to Watch, becoming only the second Eagle to earn that distinction, and joined teammate Willy Mirarchi on the Second Team All-Conference Singles list.
Women's Golf Wraps Sun Belt Championship
The Eagles finished 11th at the Sun Belt Championship at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear, Alabama. Freshman Margaux Brejo from Fontainebleau, France, posted a top-10 finish (T-7th, 216 total) for her second top-10 of the season.
Men's Golf Sun Belt Championship Begins Today
The Eagles enter the Sun Belt Championship at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Mississippi as the No. 2 seed and No. 53 nationally. Stroke play runs today through Wednesday, with semifinals and finals on Thursday, April 30.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
The Slider Joint by The Painted Chef: Downtown Gets a Late-Night Option
Statesboro's late-night dining gap is about to get a lot smaller. Travis Phillips, better known as "Shug, the Painted Chef," is bringing The Slider Joint to 22 West Vine Street in the former Vandy's BBQ building downtown. Phillips is a heavily tattooed former bouncer turned chef who has appeared on Spike TV's FrankenFood and Discovery's Deep Fried Masters, and he is turning his longtime catering operation into his first brick-and-mortar restaurant.
The menu centers on 80/20 Black Angus smash sliders served plain because, as Phillips puts it, "I want you to taste the beef." Beyond the classic, look for a maple-bourbon goat cheese slider, a blackened mahi slider with pineapple salsa and house-made slaw, what he calls "killer fries," and a planned BBQ slider named as a tribute to Vandy's. His wife Jackie owns The Flowergirl downtown, so the family is already part of the Main Street fabric.
Planned hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to midnight, which would make it one of the few downtown spots open past 10:00 p.m. We will update you on an exact opening date once confirmed.
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Pleasant Start, Storms Midweek, Cooler Weekend
The week opens sunny and mild before a cold front brings the only significant rain chance on Wednesday. Temperatures peak in the low 80s Tuesday and Wednesday before dropping behind the front. If you are heading to Downtown Live on Thursday evening, expect partly sunny skies in the upper 70s with a slight chance of leftover showers. Saturday looks cool and potentially wet for the Farmers Market and Longest Table, so plan accordingly.
Day | High | Low | Precip | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mon Apr 27 | 74°F | 51°F | 5% | Mostly sunny, light winds |
Tue Apr 28 | 82°F | 60°F | 10% | Mostly sunny, warming up |
Wed Apr 29 | 81°F | 62°F | 70% | Showers and thunderstorms likely |
Thu Apr 30 | 76°F | 53°F | 35% | Partly sunny, chance of AM showers |
Fri May 1 | 70°F | 50°F | 35% | Partly sunny, cooler |
Sat May 2 | 71°F | 50°F | 40% | Mostly cloudy, showers possible |
Sun May 3 | 72°F | 52°F | 20% | Mostly sunny |
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
May 2 | Saturday Early Voting | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County North Main Annex
May 5 | Bulloch County BOC Public Hearings | 5:30 p.m. | North Main Annex | Data Center Ordinance and Residential/PUD Rezoning Moratorium extension
May 5 | Statesboro City Council Meeting | 9:00 a.m. | City Hall
May 8 | Absentee Ballot Request Deadline for May 19 Primary
May 9 | Saturday Early Voting | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Bulloch County North Main Annex
May 10 | Karla Harris "Love and Legacy: A Mother's Day Concert" | Averitt Center for the Arts | Tickets at averittcenterforthearts.org or 912-212-2787
May 11 | Georgia Southern Spring Commencement Begins | Statesboro ceremonies at Paulson Stadium (9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
May 13 | Georgia Southern Savannah Commencement | 9:00 a.m. | Enmarket Arena
May 14 | Downtown Live: Elizabeth as Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute) | East Main Street | FREE
May 14 | Georgia Southern Statesboro Commencement Ceremony 2 | 9:00 a.m. | Paulson Stadium
May 15 | Last Day of Early Voting
May 19 | Primary Election Day | Polls open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at assigned precincts
May 22 | Last Day of School for Bulloch County Schools
May 25 | Memorial Day | County and city offices closed
May 28 | Downtown Live: Y2K Kids | East Main Street | FREE
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That is Edition 29 in the books. Between the burn ban, early voting, and a week full of community events, there is no shortage of ways to stay engaged with what is happening around here. Do not forget: early voting starts today at the North Main Annex. If you have strong feelings about who represents you on the county commission, now is the time to make them count.
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See you next Monday!