Statesboro Week Ahead: Eagles History, Nutcracker Ballet & Christmas Tree Lighting

Happy Monday, Statesboro!

Thanksgiving week is almost here, and our community has plenty to be grateful for. Following last week's election where Mayor McCollar secured his third term and voters approved both FLOST and E-SPLOST, our newly elected leaders will be inaugurated after the first of the year. Georgia Southern just pulled off a thrilling 45-40 victory over Coastal Carolina on Friday night, OJ Arnold made Eagles history with a performance for the ages, and eight of our Bulloch County schools earned state recognition as top performers.

This week brings The Nutcracker Ballet to the Averitt Center, Georgia Southern's Senior Day football game, and the start of Thanksgiving festivities. By next Monday, we will have lit Statesboro's first-ever downtown Christmas tree and kicked off the holiday season in style.

Let's get into it.

WalletHub's 2025 ranking put Statesboro at #24 among more than 1,300 small cities evaluated nationwide for starting a business. Mayor Jonathan McCollar said the ranking demonstrates "our community's dedication to economic vitality and fostering a vibrant community that's welcoming to all."

Statesboro is one of only three Georgia cities in the top 25, alongside LaGrange and Carrollton. The city also earned finalist status for the 2025 National Civic League All-America City Award and will compete in Denver this June.

Statesboro's Bull and Barrel Steakhouse is heading to Savannah. Owners Jason Franklin, Jim Peery, and John Adam purchased the former La Scala Ristorante property at 119 E. 37th Street in Midtown Savannah for $2.8 million.

The original Bull and Barrel opened in downtown Statesboro in 2018 at 30 West Main Street and has become a cornerstone of the local dining scene. The expansion shows the strength of Statesboro-born businesses competing beyond our borders.

Georgia Southern University Police Investigator Samuel Derr received the 2025 Bulloch County Outstanding Public Safety Officer of the Year award at the November 13 banquet at Kiwanis Community Building. About 100 public safety officers attended.

Derr also earned the 2025 Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Outstanding Police Officer of the Year award in September. This double recognition highlights the caliber of law enforcement serving our community.

The Georgia Department of Education recognized eight Bulloch County schools based on 2024-2025 Georgia Milestones Assessment results:

Distinguished Schools: Brooklet Elementary, Nevils Elementary

Reward Schools: Julia P. Bryant Elementary, Mattie Lively Elementary, Portal Elementary

Literacy Leader Schools: Nevils Elementary, Portal Elementary, Southeast Bulloch Middle

Math Leader Schools: Mattie Lively Elementary, Portal Middle High, Southeast Bulloch Middle, William James Middle

Three schools (Mattie Lively, Nevils, and Southeast Bulloch Middle) earned honors in two categories. State School Superintendent Richard Woods praised these schools for keeping "the focus on preparing students for life" despite facing real challenges.

Bulloch County Sheriff's Office arrested Michael Jenkins of Statesboro following a months-long narcotics investigation. Authorities seized significant quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, prescription pills, methamphetamine, and a firearm from properties on Lanier Drive.

Separately, seven individuals were arrested November 15 following an early-morning vehicle break-in at a Georgia Avenue apartment complex that led to a SWAT operation. Charges include entering auto, drug possession, and weapons offenses.

The murder trial of Kentaevious Raeshon Davis runs this week (November 17-21) for the February 29, 2024 double homicide at Days Inn. Davis faces two counts felony murder, two counts malice murder, aggravated assault, and firearm charges in the deaths of Jamaryce Mincey and Christopher Joyce.

What a game. Georgia Southern defeated Coastal Carolina 45-40 on Friday night at Paulson Stadium, and OJ Arnold put on a performance nobody will forget.

Arnold racked up 393 total yards of offense, rushed for 267 yards on 21 carries (5th-most in GSU single-game history), and became the first player in Georgia Southern history to rush for a touchdown, catch a TD pass, and throw a TD pass in the same game. His 73-yard touchdown pass to Camden Brown in the third quarter was pure magic.

Speaking of Camden Brown: he caught three touchdown passes (5 catches, 133 yards), becoming the first Eagle with 3 TD receptions in a game since Corey Joyner in 1998.

The Eagles are now 5-5 overall and 3-3 in Sun Belt Conference play. They scored 35 points in the first half, the most in the Clay Helton era.

This Saturday is Senior Day. Georgia Southern hosts Old Dominion at 1:00 PM at Paulson Stadium for Blue Out and First Responders Appreciation. The Eagles need one more win to reach bowl eligibility. Get your tickets at gseagles.com.

Georgia Southern announced record-breaking Fall 2025 enrollment: 29,633 total students (7.73% increase, highest in university history). The freshman class hit 5,946 students (17.67% increase, largest ever), and the Honors College grew to 923 students (18.33% increase). Graduate enrollment reached 4,038 students.

President Kyle Marrero called it "a testament to our outstanding faculty and staff, our commitment to student success, and the value of a Georgia Southern degree."

Men's basketball improved to 3-1 overall (2-0 at home) after defeating Johnson C. Smith 98-79 on November 14 at Hanner Fieldhouse. The team was picked 10th in the Sun Belt preseason poll.

Women's basketball (1-2) hosted LSU on November 9, drawing a record-setting crowd of 5,322 fans at Hanner Fieldhouse, the largest attendance for a GSU women's basketball game ever.

The rifle team wrapped up a dominant fall season at 17-2, defeating VMI on November 15 with a score of 4,718. Ranked #4 nationally, the Eagles won their fourth consecutive Southern Conference Championship with record-setting performances.

Armstrong Campus housing contracts are transferring from Corvias Campus Living to Georgia Southern University management in January 2026 following Corvias's bankruptcy filing. The university will provide all housing services with direct oversight of maintenance, renovations, and improvements.

The Nutcracker Ballet returns to the Averitt Center for three performances this week. Presented by Cotton Rose School of Dance, this beloved holiday tradition features a local cast starring Ansley Dolan as Clara and Aaliyah Lonon as the Nutcracker.

Showtimes:

Location: Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts, 33 E Main Street

Tickets: Adults $25 ($23 for members, military, veterans, first responders, city/county employees); Students with ID $15

Get tickets at averittcenterforthearts.org or call (912) 212-2787.

Piano Concert featuring Dr. Benjamin Warsaw 7:30 PM | Trinity Episcopal Church (Country Club Road and the bypass) | FREE Dr. Warsaw is an associate professor at Georgia Southern University.

Graphic Novel Book Club 4:30 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 6-11

Financial Literacy Class: Insurance Basics 5:45 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 18+

Mill Creek Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Meeting 6:00 PM dinner, 6:30 PM program | Ole Times Country Buffett, Northside Drive East Program: "The Battle at Yorktown" presented by Mike Lisenby

Baby Time (Ongoing Weekly Program) 10:00 AM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 0-24 months

Fire Safety Class 2:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | FREE Hosted by Statesboro Fire Department. Contact: Haley McNure (912) 225-7204

Toddler Time (Ongoing Weekly Program) 10:30 AM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 2-5

Virtual Dementia Tour 4:00 PM | Bethany Community Commons Building | FREE (RSVP required, space limited) Contact: Regina Bell (912) 531-4437

Genealogy Program: Family Tree Craft 4:30-5:30 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, all ages Registration required at Circulation Desk or email [email protected]

Adult Book Club 6:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 18+

"I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" Musical Evening | Georgia Southern Performing Arts Center, 847 Plant Drive Adults $10; Children 12 and under $5. Heartwarming musical about seven-year-old Lois Jean who believes a baby hippo can bring her family together. Tickets: (912) 478-7999 or [email protected]

NOTE: November 20 is the last day of "ME" FIRST Fall Tutoring Session (resumes next semester)

The Nutcracker Ballet (Opening Night) 7:00 PM | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts See details above

Senior Bingo 11:00 AM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 55+

Kids vs. Adults Trivia 4:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 8+

Georgia Southern Football: Eagles vs Old Dominion 1:00 PM | Paulson Stadium | Senior Day, Blue Out, First Responders Appreciation Critical game for bowl eligibility. Tickets at gseagles.com

The Nutcracker Ballet (Second Performance) 7:00 PM | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts

Dungeons & Dragons Youth Club 12:00-4:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 12-18

Cribbage Club (Ongoing Weekly) 1:30 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE, ages 18+

The Nutcracker Ballet (Final Matinee) 3:00 PM | Emma Kelly Theater, Averitt Center for the Arts

Statesboro Stitches (Ongoing Weekly) 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | Statesboro Regional Library | FREE Crochet and knitting club

Statesboro Regional Library: CLOSED November 27-29 (Thursday-Saturday). Call (912) 764-1341.

Bulloch County Schools: Thanksgiving Holidays November 24-28 (students). Administrative offices open Nov 24-26, closed Nov 27-29.

Georgia Southern University: Thanksgiving Holidays for students November 24-29. Residence halls remain open. Administrative offices open Nov 24-26, closed Nov 27-29.

Statesboro City Council Work Session 3:30 PM | Council Chambers, City Hall (2nd floor), 50 East Main Street Agenda posted 48 hours before at statesboroga.gov/mayor-council/agendas-minutes

Statesboro City Council Meeting 5:30 PM | Council Chambers, City Hall Public comment period available

Bulloch County Board of Commissioners 8:30 AM | Board Room, North Main Annex, 115 North Main Street Contact: (912) 764-6245 or visit bullochcounty.net

Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Commission 5:30 PM | Board Room, North Main Annex

Bulloch County Board of Education Work Session 6:30 PM | Central Office Boardroom, 150 Williams Road Live stream at bulloch.k12.ga.us/about/board-of-education and on Bulloch County Schools Facebook Public participation time available. Contact: Mandy Motes (912) 212-8508

Statesboro Community Youth Network (Youth Commission) 6:00 PM | Council Chambers, City Hall Contact: Dr. LaSara Mitchell (912) 212-2378

Tuesday, November 25 at 5:00 PM Downtown Statesboro Art Park (corner of Railroad Street and East Main Street)

This is the City of Statesboro's first year hosting a downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The 26-foot-tall tree will be lit alongside hot cocoa, cookies, and carols. FREE and open to the public. Parking available next to the park and across the street at Georgia Southern's Business Innovation Group.

Opening Thanksgiving Night: November 28, 2025

This 29-year tradition features over two miles of lights, one of Georgia's largest and longest Christmas displays. The drive-through experience runs through December 28, open from dark until 1:00 AM nightly.

Special Senior Night: Wednesday, November 27 (dark-10 PM) for senior citizens, nursing homes, group homes, and people with disabilities.

Location: 16710 Old River Road North, Statesboro

Cost: FREE (donations accepted: non-perishable food, toys, pet supplies, cash for families in need)

The display features stage-set buildings, antique farm equipment, and replicas of Bulloch County landmarks. Created by the McCorkle family, this labor of love brings joy to thousands every year.

Georgia Southern Symphony Concert - Monday, December 1, 7:30 PM at Carter Recital Hall. Free admission.

Choral Concert - Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Statesboro First United Methodist Church. Free admission.

Celtic Angels Christmas Concert - Friday, December 19 at the Averitt Center. Professional touring show featuring Irish singers, dancers, and musicians. Tickets: (912) 212-2787.

That's Edition 6! This week brings holiday traditions, history-making Eagles performances, and the start of Thanksgiving festivities. Next Monday we'll recap the inaugural Christmas tree lighting and preview what's ahead in December.

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See you next Monday! Happy Thanksgiving week, Statesboro! 🦃

The Statesboro Brief is your weekly community newsletter covering Statesboro and Bulloch County, Georgia. Edition 6 | November 17, 2025