Thanksgiving week brings cherished traditions and championship hopes

Hello Statesboro!

Thanksgiving week is finally here, and our community is ready to embrace the holiday season in full force. Between Tuesday's inaugural downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, Thursday night's opening of TMT Farms' legendary Christmas lights display, and Saturday's crucial football game that will determine bowl eligibility, this week perfectly captures what makes Statesboro special: cherished traditions, unwavering support for our Eagles, and a community that comes together when it matters most.

We've got a packed edition covering Saturday's tough loss to Old Dominion, record-breaking university enrollment, All-Conference volleyball honors, the controversial Kroger development, and all the holiday events that make this the most wonderful time of year in Bulloch County.

Let's dive in!

Georgia Southern's hopes of securing bowl eligibility at home ended Saturday in a 45-10 blowout loss to Old Dominion at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, spoiling Senior Day for 25 departing players who were the first recruiting class under head coach Clay Helton.

Old Dominion dominated from the opening whistle, posting 376 rushing yards—the second-most in school history—while limiting the Eagles to just 49 rushing yards. ODU quarterback Colton Joseph ran for a career-high 189 yards and one touchdown while also passing for 140 yards, leading the Monarchs to their fourth straight victory and an 8-3 record.

The game turned disastrous immediately. On Georgia Southern's second play from scrimmage, quarterback JC French IV threw an interception that Jerome Carter returned 28 yards to the Eagles' 45-yard line. Two plays later, Old Dominion scored the first of seven touchdowns. By halftime, the Monarchs led 31-0, and Georgia Southern hadn't crossed the 50-yard line. The Eagles' only touchdown came with 29 seconds remaining in garbage time when backup quarterback Turner Helton—the coach's son—found Dylan Gary for 11 yards.

The loss was particularly painful given the circumstances. These 25 seniors stayed loyal during a coaching transition in an era when transferring is commonplace. "This is going to be very emotional for me because a lot of these guys are the first ones to come in with our staff," Helton said before the game. "They chose to be Georgia Southern and be Eagles for life."

Now sitting at 5-6 overall and 3-4 in the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern must win Saturday, November 29 at Marshall (1:30 p.m. ET) to reach bowl eligibility. A victory would mark four consecutive bowl appearances—unprecedented in program history—for these departing seniors.

The crown jewel of Bulloch County's holiday season returns Thursday night when TMT Farms Christmas Lights Drive-Thru opens for its 29th year. The beloved tradition—featuring nearly two miles of Christmas lights covering the entire farm—opens at dark (approximately 5:45 p.m.) on Thanksgiving and continues nightly through December 27.

This year's display carries special meaning. It's held in loving memory of Deborah Thompson, the matriarch of TMT Farms who passed away in July 2025 after battling cancer. Deborah's love for Christmas inspired this annual tradition that has grown from a simple wagon and four reindeer into what many consider Georgia's longest and largest Christmas lights drive-through.

The free display at 16710 Old River Road North attracts an estimated 325,000-350,000 visitors each season, with cars sometimes backing up two miles in both directions on peak nights. Visitors tune their radios to a local FM signal to hear music synchronized with an animated light house, and drive past replicas of historical Bulloch County landmarks including Snooky's Restaurant, Henry's barbershop, and Portal High School's lighted football field.

But the spectacle serves a higher purpose. The Thompson and McCranie families use the display to collect charitable donations that support local families year-round. In 2022, they collected more than 95,000 pounds of food (in some years 112,000 pounds), six trailers filled with pet food, and seven trailers of toys. All donations go to families in need through Christian Social Ministries, Bulloch County Animal Services, and direct assistance for utility bills, rent, and medical expenses.

The farm opens Wednesday, November 27 for a special night exclusively for senior citizens, nursing homes, group homes, and those with disabilities (6 p.m.-10 p.m.) before the public opening Thursday. "It's a blessing to me, because it's a little like being Santa, but I believe it's the work of the Lord," says Roy Thompson, current Bulloch County Commission Chairman and farm co-owner. "The spirit in the heart puts the spirit in the air."

Note that some areas sustained Hurricane Helene damage but will still be decorated. Visitors should remain in vehicles at all times during the drive-through experience.

Statesboro inaugurates a new holiday tradition Tuesday evening when the city hosts its first-ever downtown Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The free, family-friendly event runs 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Art Park (corner of Railroad Street and East Main Street) and will include hot cocoa, cookies, and Christmas carols.

The 26-foot-tall tree was installed by the City's Public Works crew and temporarily replaces one of the sculpture installations in the Art Park during the holiday season. City Hall will also be illuminated as part of the celebration. Parking is available next to the park and across the street at Georgia Southern's Business Innovation Group.

"I'm looking forward to joining our community downtown as we celebrate the start of the holiday season together," said Mayor Jonathan McCollar. "This is our first year hosting a tree lighting in the park, and we believe it will be a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and share in the joy and spirit that make Statesboro such a special place."

The ceremony kicks off a month of downtown holiday programming, with additional events scheduled for early December at Main Street and the Visitors Center/Farmers Market.

Before the Christmas tree lights up Tuesday, another beloved tradition unfolds at the same location. Shopping by Lantern Light returns Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market behind Visit Statesboro (222 South Main Street).

The annual holiday shopping event—marking the end of the 2025 farmers market season—features dozens of vendors offering local produce, meats, holiday foods, fine art, crafts, jewelry, and gifts. Santa will be inside Visit Statesboro with a Christmas village for free photos. The low lighting and lanterns create a festive atmosphere perfect for kicking off the holiday shopping season. The pet-friendly event is free to attend.

Statesboro City Council postponed a major land-use decision November 18 after hearing passionate opposition from dozens of residents. The council voted 3-1 to table until December 2 a rezoning request for a proposed Kroger supermarket development on 28.37 acres at Cypress Lake Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway.

The project would include a 99,992-square-foot Kroger supermarket, fuel center, four commercial outparcels, and approximately 75 residential lots. But Whispering Pines neighborhood residents flooded the meeting with environmental and traffic concerns, arguing the development would destroy forested wetland habitat. In a memorable moment, resident Jordan Gray introduced "Cypress," an Eastern box turtle, to illustrate wildlife displacement concerns.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar recused himself due to family land ownership near the proposed site. District 2 Councilmember Paulette Chavers cast the sole vote against tabling, but the measure passed, giving opponents and developers more time before the December 2 meeting at 9:00 a.m.

In other Council business, members approved five annexation ordinances for approximately 226 acres on Lakeview Road and Landfill Road for municipal landfill expansion, a $1.75 million grant application for Creek on the Blue Mile trail design, and a $1.45 million contract for Little Lotts Creek drainage design.

The Bulloch County Commission approved $615,063 in construction contracts November 18 for a connector road between Earl Dabbs Drive and US 301 South, improving access to Ogeechee Technical College. The two-lane road, funded by 2019 SPLOST, includes a reinforced concrete box culvert under US 301 and has a 180-day construction schedule.

The Commission also approved purchasing two 2026 John Deere tractors with mowers for $465,240 and a Caterpillar backhoe for $169,951, both funded through TSPLOST. The board unanimously approved expanding the Board of Elections and Registration from three to five members through state legislation.

After extended discussion about board member tenure, the Commission voted 6-1 to reappoint Doug Lambert, Beth Matthews, and Tal Johnson to the Development Authority, and reappointed Marion C. Hulsey to the Board of Tax Assessors for a six-year term.

The next Commission meeting is December 3 at 5:30 p.m. Many government offices will be closed November 27-29 for Thanksgiving.

Four Eagles earned 2025 Sun Belt All-Conference Volleyball Team honors November 19—the most in a single season in program history—as the team (18-9 overall, 9-5 Sun Belt) prepared for the conference tournament quarterfinals.

Senior setter Kirsten Barrett landed on the First Team after leading the Sun Belt with 1,005 assists (10.15 per set), ranking 34th in NCAA Division I. Barrett earned Sun Belt Setter of the Week six times this season and recorded 14 double-doubles. Junior outside hitter Reagan Barth also made First Team, leading the Eagles with 442 total kills and nearly setting the school record with 37 kills against Louisiana on November 14.

Freshman middle blocker Alex Myers earned Second Team honors while leading the Sun Belt in hitting percentage (.378 in conference matches, .355 overall). Sophomore libero Maddie Cugino made the Third Team after averaging 4.76 digs per set, ranking second in the conference and 27th nationally.

The Eagles competed November 21 in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Quarterfinals in Foley, Alabama.

Georgia Southern announced record-breaking Fall 2025 enrollment on November 12, with 29,633 students representing a 7.73% increase over Fall 2024—the highest in university history. The freshman class of 5,946 students grew 17.67%, making it the largest incoming class ever.

The university's retention rate jumped 4 percentage points to 82%, earning Georgia Southern the Chancellor's Cup Trophy for the highest percentage retention increase among all University System of Georgia comprehensive institutions. Graduate enrollment reached 4,038 students (up 3.86%), including 757 doctoral students (up 7.38%) and 365 specialist students (up 21.67%).

The Honors College grew 18.33% to 923 students, while dual enrollment increased 16.65% to 1,808 students. Georgia residents comprise 85% of total enrollment. The university also set a record for graduate degrees conferred in fiscal year 2025: 1,622 degrees, a 16.02% increase.

Approximately 2,200 students will receive degrees during three Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies in December, with three distinguished alumni returning as speakers.

Tim Wilkerson ('91), Senior VP of Home Services for The Home Depot, speaks December 13 at 10 a.m. at Enmarket Arena in Savannah. Wilkerson, who played on the 1989 National Championship football team, oversees the largest home installation operations in the United States and serves on boards including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Zoo Atlanta.

Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster Carla Metts ('14), host of NASCAR Countdown Live on The CW network, speaks December 16 at 2 p.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro. Metts was a four-year captain of the co-ed cheerleading squad and earned a communications degree with journalism minor.

Jaime Weeks ('21, '24), VP and Managing Director at The Wendy's Company, addresses graduate candidates December 17 at 6 p.m. at Hill Convocation Center. The "Double Eagle" completed both her bachelor's and MBA at Georgia Southern and now oversees operations services for nearly 6,000 Wendy's locations.

Georgia Southern men's basketball (3-2) pushed ACC opponent Georgia Tech to the wire November 18 before falling 68-66 at McCamish Pavilion. Alden Applewhite recorded a double-double in the loss, while four Eagles scored in double figures: Khayri Dunn (13), Applewhite (11), Tyren Moore (10), and Nakavieon White (10). The Eagles led 25-14 midway through the first half before the Yellow Jackets rallied.

The women's team (1-3) lost 69-58 at Missouri State on November 19 after trailing by only one point at halftime. Earlier this month, the Eagles hosted No. 5 LSU in a record crowd of 5,322 fans at Hill Convocation Center—the first time hosting a nationally-ranked opponent at the new facility. Though LSU won 118-70, the game marked a homecoming for Savannah native Flau'jae Johnson.

Both teams continue non-conference play before Sun Belt Conference action begins in mid-December.

Brooklet City Manager Paul Dyal resigned during the November 20 City Council meeting after serving in an interim capacity. City Clerk Lori Phillips was appointed temporary City Manager, and the council approved a professional service agreement with Sumpter Local Government Consulting to lead the search for a permanent city manager.

The resignation comes amid contentious debates over city finances, development proposals, and water/sewer billing disputes with Bulloch County Recreation and Fire departments. A 728-lot subdivision proposal by Waterford Investment Holdings remains pending before the city.

Eight Bulloch County schools earned recognition as Top Performers from the Georgia Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year. Nevils, Portal, and Southeast Bulloch Middle were named Literacy Leader Schools, while Mattie Lively, Portal Middle High, Southeast Bulloch Middle, and William James Middle earned Math Leader School honors. Three schools—Mattie Lively, Portal Middle High, and Southeast Bulloch Middle—received dual recognition.

Separately, Superintendent Charles Wilson announced his retirement on October 28 after leading Bulloch County Schools through a period of growth and achievement.

Schools are closed November 24-28 for Thanksgiving break. The district continues offering free Saturday CDL training for prospective bus drivers with a $250 stipend upon completion.

The 15th Annual Dancing with the Statesboro Stars raised $156,000 for Safe Haven on November 20 at Connection Church. Bryan Realiza and Emily Gillen won the Judges Choice Award, while Madelyn Ritchie and Trenton Higginbotham earned the Fundraising Award. An encore performance was held November 23. The funds support Safe Haven's programs assisting domestic violence victims throughout Bulloch County.

Most government offices, libraries, and schools close November 27-29 for Thanksgiving. Statesboro Regional Library will be closed Thursday through Saturday (November 27-29). Georgia Southern administrative offices close November 27-29, though residence halls remain open for students. City and county offices generally close November 28-29.

Contact individual businesses and organizations directly to confirm holiday hours, as schedules vary. The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market season ends with Shopping by Lantern Light on Tuesday evening, though online ordering through Market2Go continues (with a pause during Thanksgiving week since delivery is normally Thursday).

Small Business Saturday on November 29 offers an excellent opportunity to support downtown Statesboro businesses and local retailers throughout the community. Downtown features clothing shops, antique stores, and specialty shops along Main Street, which sees 25,000 cars daily through its main intersection.

Early December brings continued holiday programming, including "Christmas Around the World" on December 5 in downtown Statesboro. The Averitt Center for the Arts presents "A Crooning Christmas with Chris Mitchell & Friends" on December 13 and the Celtic Angels Christmas Concert on December 19.

Georgia Southern's last day of fall classes is December 3, with commencement ceremonies scheduled for December 13 in Savannah and December 16-17 in Statesboro.

That's it for this Thanksgiving week edition! We're grateful for each of you who makes Statesboro and Bulloch County such a special place to call home. Whether you're headed to TMT Farms Thursday night, cheering on the Eagles Saturday at Marshall, or simply gathering with loved ones around the table, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy, gratitude, and maybe just a little extra pecan pie.

Next Monday, we'll recap the Marshall game, share highlights from the Christmas Tree Lighting and TMT Farms opening, and preview all the December events heading our way.

Know someone who'd love Statesboro Brief? Forward this email to family and friends so they never miss what's happening in our community!

See you next Monday!