Happy Monday, Statesboro!
Hope everyone stayed warm and safe through last week's winter weather. We're officially back to normal operations, and this week brings us into Valentine's territory with plenty happening around town. From city council meetings to Georgia Southern basketball's crucial homestand, library crafts to the kickoff of baseball and softball season, February is heating up despite the lingering chill in the air.
Let's jump into everything you need to know this week.
📰 TOP NEWS
Mayor McCollar to Deliver 2026 State of the City Address
Mark your calendars for February 24. Mayor Jonathan McCollar will host his annual State of the City address at 7:00 PM at the Emma Kelly Theater (35 E. Main Street). Over six years, these addresses have become a tradition for highlighting achievements and outlining vision for the year ahead.
This year's focus includes economic growth, infrastructure improvements, public safety, housing investment, and a special emphasis on childhood literacy. "Childhood literacy is not just an education issue. It is an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a community safety issue," McCollar stated.
The address will feature a flag presentation by Statesboro High School JROTC Color Guard, the National Anthem by Statesboro Youth Chorale, and a Q&A session with WTOC News Anchor Dawn Baker. Light refreshments follow. Can't attend? Watch the live stream on the City of Statesboro Government Facebook page or catch it on YouTube the next day.
City Council Approves Infrastructure Improvements for Church and Roundtree Streets
At the February 3 City Council meeting, members unanimously approved awarding a contract to Parker Engineering for professional engineering design services for the proposed FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant project. The project targets Church Street and Roundtree Street areas with significant road improvements, utility upgrades, drainage, and sidewalk enhancements.
Staff will apply for CDBG funding estimated at $1 million with a required 10% match of $100,000. Parker Engineering has completed numerous CDBG projects for the city previously. The improvements respond to residents' needs for adequate fire protection and road infrastructure in these neighborhoods.
Council also approved new bus stop shelters for Statesboro Area Transit, authorizing up to $65,000 in 2018 TSPLOST funding for three shelters at high-traffic locations: Social Security Office, Food Bank, and Newport Trace Apartments.
Arbor Day Celebration Set for Saturday, February 21
Mayor McCollar proclaimed February 20 as Arbor Day in Statesboro, recognizing the city's continued Tree City USA participation and commitment to urban forestry. The community celebration takes place Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 AM to noon at Marvin Park.
The event extends beyond tree planting with local organizations, educational displays from Georgia Native Plant Society, hands-on activities, and tree giveaways. A memorial tree planting will honor Henry Clay, a longtime Tree Board member who served approximately 40 years. Clay's family will attend.
Shawn Diddie, Tree Board chair, emphasized the celebration's community focus, bringing together education and appreciation for Statesboro's urban canopy.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
City Receives National Finance Awards
The City of Statesboro received two prestigious awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): recognition for its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and its Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award evaluated how well the budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. These honors validate sound financial management and the Finance Department's dedication.
Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 Introduced
Speaker Jon Burns applauded the introduction of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, a legislative priority that aligns with Mayor McCollar's upcoming State of the City focus. The act emphasizes early childhood reading proficiency as critical to economic development and community stability.
PJ's Coffee Celebrates First Month in Statesboro
One month after opening at 23 Independence Drive, PJ's Coffee has established itself in the local coffee scene. The Louisiana-based chain brings its unique approach to coffee, distinct from typical chains. For those curious about what makes PJ's different and how to order like a regular, local coverage provides a guide to navigating the menu.
Bulloch County Schools Employee Recruitment Fair February 10
Bulloch County Schools hosts its Employee Recruitment Fair on Monday, February 10, seeking new talent across all positions. The district continues expanding to serve its 11,024+ students across 15 schools. Job seekers interested in education careers should attend this opportunity to meet school administrators and learn about available positions.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS
Monday, February 9
Family Craft Activity: Celery Heart Art 4:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE All ages welcome for this creative Valentine's week craft using celery hearts to make art. Simple, fun, and perfect for families looking for an afternoon activity.
Alzheimer's Support Group 4:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Monthly support group providing resources, community, and understanding for families affected by Alzheimer's.
Tuesday, February 10
Adult Craft Activity 11:00 AM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE (Ages 18+) February-themed craft activity for adults. Materials provided.
Valentine's Social 3:30 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Celebrate Valentine's week with neighbors at this social gathering.
Bulloch County Schools Employee Recruitment Fair Details TBA | Bulloch County Schools Job seekers welcome to explore education career opportunities.
Wednesday, February 11
Family Craft Activity: Valentine Craft Day 4:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE Make Valentine's Day crafts for family and friends. All ages welcome with materials provided.
Thursday, February 12
Movie & Pizza Activity: "The Notebook" 4:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Valentine's week movie screening with pizza. Perfect date night or friend gathering.
Teen Craft Activity 4:30 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE (Ages 12-18) Creative craft activity designed specifically for teens.
Bulloch County Board of Education Regular Session 6:30 PM | Board Room, Central Office/Transition Learning Center, Williams Road Monthly board meeting open to the public.
Friday, February 13
Music Group 2:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Weekly music gathering for community members.
Anti-Valentine's Day Party 4:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE (Ages 12-18) For teens who prefer celebrating friendships over romance. Games, activities, and fun alternative to traditional Valentine's celebrations.
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. West Virginia 6:30 PM | J.I. Clements Stadium Eagles open home baseball season against the Mountaineers. First pitch of a three-game series.
Saturday, February 14
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. West Virginia 2:00 PM | J.I. Clements Stadium Valentine's Day baseball game. Second game of the series.
Sunday, February 15
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. West Virginia 1:00 PM | J.I. Clements Stadium Series finale against West Virginia.
Library Note: Presidents' Day holiday means all Statesboro Regional Public Libraries will be closed Monday, February 16.
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
Eagles Football Adds 44 Players in February Signing Class
Georgia Southern football finalized its 2026 recruiting class with 44 total players: 24 from the transfer portal (22 signed Wednesday) plus one new high school signee to complement 19 December high school signees. Head coach Clay Helton addressed major needs following a large senior class and transfer portal attrition.
The marquee signing is Statesboro native Kam Mikell, returning home after two years at Colorado. Mikell was ranked among the top 20 players nationally his senior year at Statesboro High. "We have been recruiting him since his sophomore year of high school," Helton said. "We are so happy we finally landed him."
North Carolina transfer quarterback Max Johnson also joined, bringing over 6,000 career passing yards and 49 touchdowns. "With Max it's an awesome opportunity for him and us," Helton noted. Spring practice begins late February with full field work in March.
Men's Basketball Homestand Against Texas State and Appalachian State
After dropping three straight games, Georgia Southern men's basketball (13-6 overall, first in Sun Belt) returns home this week for critical conference matchups. The Eagles fell to Louisiana 83-78 on Saturday despite strong performances from Alden Applewhite (19 points), Spudd Webb (17), Tyren Moore (14), and Nakavieon White (11).
Despite the losing streak, Georgia Southern maintains a tie for third place in Sun Belt standings at 5-4 conference record. Remaining games include home contests against Texas State, Appalachian State, and Marshall, with Marshall's game elevated to ESPNU coverage.
Graduate guard Tyren Moore recently scored a season-best 34 points against Coastal Carolina, tying a career-high seven made three-pointers. Senior forward Shainen Carter needs one block to crack the Georgia Southern career blocks list.
Softball Season Opens This Weekend with Bash in the Boro
Georgia Southern softball begins its 2026 campaign Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8, hosting the Bash in the Boro at Eagle Field. The tournament brings UNC Greensboro, Eastern Illinois, and Eastern Kentucky to Statesboro.
Opening Day (already completed by publication time) featured a doubleheader against UNC Greensboro (3:00 PM) and Eastern Illinois (5:30 PM), with fans receiving Georgia Southern Softball Posters. The Eagles return to action this weekend wrapping up home games before hitting the road for the Easton Bama Bash (Feb. 13-15) where they'll face Alabama, Liberty, and Purdue.
The promotional schedule includes Hats, Bats & Boots night (March 13), Strikeout Cancer Night (April 2), Friends Friday during Alumni Weekend (April 17), and Senior Day Blue Out (April 25).
🏀 SPORTS & CAMPUS EVENTS
Baseball Home Opener Weekend: West Virginia Series
Georgia Southern baseball opens its home schedule this weekend with a three-game series against West Virginia. Games scheduled for Friday (6:30 PM), Saturday (2:00 PM), and Sunday (1:00 PM) at J.I. Clements Stadium. Following this series, the Eagles travel to face fifth-ranked Georgia Tech on Monday, February 17 (6:00 PM) before heading to South Florida for a weekend series (Feb. 20-22).
The 2026 schedule features competitive nonconference opponents and a full Sun Belt Conference slate. Fans can catch all the action with streaming available for home games.
Basketball Faces Critical Stretch
With the Eagles sitting at 13-6 overall and tied for third in the Sun Belt, every remaining game matters. Home contests against conference opponents provide opportunity to climb standings and secure favorable postseason positioning. The team's ability to score 90+ points has proven decisive (8-0 record when reaching that mark).
Georgia Southern Rifle Ranked #2 Nationally
The women's rifle team continues its stellar season ranked second nationally. Recent victories include defeating third-ranked Alaska, 15th-ranked Air Force, and Schreiner with a team score of 4,710. The Eagles remain a force in collegiate rifle competition.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: Eagle Creek Brewing Company
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Valentine's weekend or just enjoy great local beer and food? Eagle Creek Brewing Company (2 S. Main Street, downtown Statesboro) is Statesboro's first craft brewery, founded in August 2013.
The brewery focuses on producing delicious, interesting, and highly drinkable beers in the heart of South Georgia. The downtown location provides a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, with regular events, live music, and a menu that pairs perfectly with their craft offerings.
Eagle Creek's commitment to quality and community has made it a staple of downtown Statesboro's revitalization. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a great atmosphere, Eagle Creek delivers.
Hours and menu details: Visit their downtown location or check social media for current offerings and events.
☀️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Expect pleasant February weather this week with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s by Friday. Monday through Wednesday brings partly cloudy skies with highs in the low-to-mid 60s and overnight lows in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Thursday and Friday warm considerably with highs reaching 78-80°F, perfect for outdoor activities and baseball games. The weekend cools slightly to mid-60s with sunny conditions.
No significant precipitation expected, though isolated showers remain possible early week. Enjoy the mild weather while it lasts as typical February variability continues.
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
Presidents' Day Weekend (February 16-17)
All Statesboro Regional Public Libraries closed Monday, February 16 for Presidents' Day. Resume normal hours Tuesday.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 17 at 3:30 PM: City Council Work Session at City Hall Tuesday, February 17 at 5:30 PM: City Council Meeting at City Hall (50 E. Main Street)
Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration
Tuesday, February 17 at 3:30 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Celebrate Fat Tuesday with the community before Lent begins.
Graphic Novel Book Club
Monday, February 17 at 4:30 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE (Ages 6-11) Monthly gathering for young readers who love graphic novels and comics.
Home Instead Presentation
Tuesday, February 18 at 3:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Representatives from Home Instead will present on senior care resources and services.
Georgia Southern Baseball vs. #5 Georgia Tech
Monday, February 17 at 6:00 PM | J.I. Clements Stadium Major midweek matchup against fifth-ranked Yellow Jackets.
Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 AM to noon | Marvin Park Community tree celebration with memorial planting for Henry Clay, educational displays, activities, and tree giveaways.
State of the City Address
Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 PM | Emma Kelly Theater (35 E. Main Street) Mayor McCollar's annual address highlighting achievements and outlining 2026 vision. Live stream available.
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
That's Edition 18! We're back in full swing after last week's winter weather, and February is packed with community events, crucial Georgia Southern games, and ongoing city improvements.
Valentine's week brings plenty of crafts, activities, and baseball to enjoy. Don't miss the Arbor Day celebration on the 21st or the State of the City address on the 24th.
Got news tips, events to share, or feedback? Hit reply. We read every message and love hearing from you.
See you next Monday!