The Statesboro Brief - Edition 11: Birmingham Bowl, Kroger Approval, and Christmas Week Events

The biggest news this Christmas week is the countdown to Monday's showdown in Birmingham. Georgia Southern's Eagles take on rival Appalachian State in the JLab Birmingham Bowl on December 29 at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN, the first-ever neutral-site meeting between these longtime foes.

Closer to home, Kroger's long-awaited arrival is now official, two murder suspects are in custody, and Georgia Southern just finalized a historic consolidation that takes effect January 1.

Here's everything you need to know heading into the holidays.

Georgia Southern (6-6) faces Appalachian State (5-7) on Monday, December 29 at 2:00 PM ET at Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham. The Eagles are 2.5-point favorites in this Sun Belt showdown, the 42nd meeting between the programs and the most-played rivalry in Georgia Southern history. App State leads the all-time series 22-18-1, but the Eagles won 25-23 at Boone back on November 6.

How to watch: ESPN national broadcast with kickoff at 1:00 PM Central.

Tickets start at $39 via Ticketmaster or the Birmingham Bowl website. Club seating in Sections 101-103 includes chairback midfield seats and complimentary food and drinks. Call the BJCC ticket office at 205-458-8400 for assistance.

Parking costs $20 on BJCC campus (credit/debit only via ZipPark, no cash). Free remote parking is available at Riverchase Galleria with complimentary shuttle service. RV parking runs $150 at BJCC's P10 lot or $40/night at Hoover RV Park using code EVENTS2025.

Fan Fest kicks off Sunday, December 28 from 1-5 PM in Uptown Birmingham with live music, games, food, and a Kids Zone. Back-to-back pep rallies featuring both schools' coaches, team captains, cheerleaders, and bands run from 4-5 PM, followed by a fireworks demonstration. It's free and open to everyone.

Stadium gates open at 11:30 AM CT on game day, with Fan Fest continuing until 12:45 PM.

Wide receiver Camden Brown delivered a record-breaking campaign. The Auburn transfer became the first player in Georgia Southern history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season (1,049 yards) while leading the nation with 14 touchdown receptions. He earned Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Conference honors.

Joining Brown on the All-Sun Belt First Team: offensive guard Caleb Cook (top-graded OG in the conference) and defensive lineman MJ Stroud (14 tackles for loss, team-high 6.5 sacks). Quarterback JC French IV and running back OJ Arnold both earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors this season.

Coach Clay Helton's staff also announced Mike Mutz as the new defensive coordinator on December 14, plus a future home-and-home series with Auburn beginning in 2028.

The wait for Kroger is over, at least on paper. Statesboro City Council unanimously approved two zoning applications on December 2 for a massive mixed-use development at Cypress Lake Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. The plans include:

Developer Southeastern Property Acquisitions LLC of Augusta secured approval to rezone approximately 28.37 acres from R-3 to Mixed Use District. Councilman John Riggs acknowledged wishing Kroger had chosen a "middle of town" location but ultimately voted yes, emphasizing the need for tree buffers and light/noise mitigation for neighbors in Whispering Pines.

At the December 16 meeting, council approved a 22-unit duplex subdivision on Cindy Lane and Beasley Road, 11 duplex buildings on 3.89 acres developed by Cody Rogers. Other approvals included the first FY 2026 budget amendment, a $60,440 change order for the East Main Street Drainage and Sidewalk Project, a new Ford F-150 for Public Utilities, and two diesel backup pumps for wastewater operations.

In a meaningful moment, Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr welcomed Rabbi Mendle Moully, Rabbi Levi Sudak, and Rose Alana Schaffer for a blessing centered on love and inclusion, citing the city's commitment during "a time of increased division and hatred nationwide."

Major breaks came in a murder investigation this week. Timothy Odell Ward was arrested December 18 in Effingham County by U.S. Marshals, and Khalir Nickens, 21, surrendered the following day at Bulloch County Jail. Both face murder charges in connection with the October 25 shooting death of Deontre Mincey, 30, at 200 Lanier Drive near Cowboy's Bar.

Ward faces additional charges including two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault as party to a crime, and terroristic threats. The Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, Screven County Sheriff's Office, and Georgia Southern University Police collaborated on the investigation.

The Sheriff's Crime Suppression Team executed a search warrant on Van Buren Street on December 18 following citizen complaints about drug activity. Deputies seized trafficking amounts of methamphetamine plus distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and a handgun. Rotema Watson, Frances Howard, and Roshaunda Johnson were among those arrested. Sheriff Noel Brown encourages anonymous tips at bullochsheriff.com/anonymous-tip.

December 10 brought tragedy with two fatal crashes. A 57-year-old woman on a tricycle was killed crossing GA-73 at East Parrish Street after disregarding a traffic signal. Separately, a Kia Forte driver from Florida died at Ash Branch Church Road and Highway 46 after failing to yield to a Ford Explorer, striking a utility pole, and overturning.

The Board of Regents gave final approval December 8 for Georgia Southern's consolidation with East Georgia State College, effective January 1, 2026. SACSCOC previously cleared the merger, which Chancellor Sonny Perdue first announced in April.

EGSC campuses will operate as "Georgia Southern University - East Georgia campuses" while maintaining the college's open access mission. More than 150 faculty and staff from both institutions served on consolidation action teams. President Kyle Marrero will lead the combined institution, and a town hall is planned for January 2026 in Swainsboro.

The University System of Georgia will now have 25 member institutions instead of 26.

Georgia Southern celebrated three graduation ceremonies December 13, 16, and 17 across Savannah and Statesboro. Notable commencement speakers included Tim Wilkerson ('91), Senior VP at The Home Depot and 1989 national championship team member; Carla Metts ('14), Emmy Award-winning NASCAR Countdown Live host; and Jaime Weeks ('21, '24), VP at The Wendy's Company who completed all six major world marathons.

The university also reported record Fall 2025 enrollment: 29,633 students (up 7.73%) with a record freshman class of 5,946 (up 17.67%).

Student-athletes set a department record with a 3.26 GPA this semester, with women's tennis leading all teams at 3.82.

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners received a detailed FEMA recovery briefing at its December 16 meeting. EMA Director Corey Kemp confirmed full reimbursement for Hurricane Idalia debris removal ($70,679.96), Brannen Pond road repairs ($531,832.78), and countywide road repairs ($839,393.81). Outstanding claims remain for Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene recovery tied to roads, bridges, drainage, and generators. The county continues using fund balance while awaiting federal and state payments.

Commissioners also approved a major cardiac monitor purchase for EMS and advanced multiple road and engineering contracts.

The Hospital Authority of Bulloch County previously delivered a $1.8 million check to the county at the November meeting.

The December 11 Board of Education meeting recognized five eighth-graders as the Class of 2030 REACH Scholars. These students will receive $10,000 scholarships upon high school graduation through Georgia's Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen program, supplemented by the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education.

Portal Elementary School celebrated significant academic improvements, with Content Mastery scores rising from 68.6 to 73.2 and Progress scores jumping from 74.2 to 93.1 year-over-year.

The board also validated October's ESPLOST election results and continued its superintendent search following Charles Wilson's announced retirement effective March 31, 2026. The Georgia School Boards Association is assisting, with a new hire potentially announced by May.

The district won the state Farm to School Award on December 5 for its school nutrition program.

Georgia's longest drive-thru Christmas light display runs nightly from 6 PM to 1 AM at 16710 Old River Road North in northern Bulloch County, about 15 miles from downtown Statesboro. The 2-mile route features nativity scenes, antique farm equipment, inflatables, and replicas of historic Statesboro landmarks.

New this year: 65-75 displays acquired from the former Guido Gardens in Metter, plus a 35-foot Christmas tree from Tanger Outlets. Admission is free; donations of canned food, new unwrapped toys, pet supplies, or cash for needy families are appreciated. Check the TMT Farms Facebook page for weather closures.

Johnson Grove Baptist Church and Truthful Lodge #375 host a complimentary Christmas dinner on December 25 from noon to 2 PM at the Jones-Love Cultural Center at Luetta Moore Park on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The meal serves senior citizens and those in need. Call 912-541-1389 for information.

The mall's "Find Joy" elf hide-and-seek activity runs through Christmas Eve, find Joy the elf, snap a photo, and share on Facebook.

The library at 124 S. Main Street operates regular hours (Mon-Thu 9 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 9 AM-6 PM) but is closed December 24-25 and January 1. The D&D Youth Club meets December 27 from noon to 4 PM for ages 12-18. The children's area features LEGO stations, a playroom with sensory activities, and interactive light boards, perfect for families during school break. Call 912-764-1341 for details.

Contact Haley McNure at 912-225-7204.

First Baptist Church Statesboro (108 N. Main Street) holds its Family Christmas Eve Service at 4:00 PM on December 24, led by the kids ministry. Visit fbcboro.church.

Pittman Park United Methodist Church offers two Christmas Eve options: a Quiet Christmas Service at 4:00 PM and a Candlelight Service at 7:00 PM. Details at pittmanpark.org.

St. Matthew's Catholic Parish (221 John Paul Ave) holds Christmas Eve Mass, contact the parish for times.

Most area churches offer Christmas Eve services; call ahead to confirm schedules.

It's Christmas week, so most government meetings are suspended:

Statesboro Business Commission meets Monday, December 22 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 East Main Street, the only scheduled government meeting this week.

The Bulloch County NAACP MLK Parade steps off at 11 AM from East Olliff Street and North Main Street, continuing through downtown to West Main Street and concluding at Luetta Moore Park with an awards ceremony. This year's theme: "Dream with hope. Believe in the community. Lead with purpose."

Participation is free, entry forms are due by January 8, 2026. Contact Keith Wilkey at 912-687-5499 or [email protected]. Register at bit.ly/MLKPARADEBULLOCH26.

Bulloch County Schools: Students return Tuesday, January 6 (January 2 and 5 are teacher in-service days). MLK Day on January 19 is a student holiday.

Georgia Southern: Spring 2026 classes begin Monday, January 12. Residence hall check-in opens January 9 at noon. Drop/add runs January 12-15. MLK Day (January 19) means no classes.

The Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration is set for January 13.

The men's basketball team carries a six-game winning streak and 10-5 record (2-0 Sun Belt) into the new year. They've dominated at home, going 6-0 at The Hill with a 9-game home winning streak. Guard Spudd Webb leads the team averaging 16 points per game and just hit his 100th career three-pointer.

The women's team stands at 8-3 (1-0 Sun Belt) after beating Georgia State 68-47 in their conference opener.

Both teams resume play January 1 with road games at Coastal Carolina and Old Dominion.

The women's rifle squad won the 2025 Southern Conference championship, their fourth consecutive title, while setting a program record with 2,384 in air rifle. Tori Watts earned individual titles in both smallbore and air rifle. The team is ranked #4 nationally.

New downtown businesses: Coastal Plains Home (interior décor), WhipItUp Engraving Studio (custom engraving), Parrish Hair Salon, Little Harts Boutique (children's clothing), and The Archive (vintage) all opened in downtown Statesboro this year.

Former Kmart site: A major national home furnishings retailer will occupy the former Kmart location before year's end, the name hasn't been publicly announced. Retail recruiter Alan Gross says it will "revitalize" the site and deliver "meaningful economic benefits."

Freedom II introduced: Georgia Southern's new bald eagle mascot, a 9-year-old female rescued from Florida after battling West Nile virus, debuted November 15 at Paulson Stadium. She'll eventually resume the pregame flyover tradition.

City economic stats: Statesboro issued over 190 new business licenses in 2024, has $128+ million in commercial development projects, and ranks #24 nationally for "Best Small Cities to Start a Business" according to WalletHub.

Merry Christmas, Statesboro! Whether you're driving through TMT Farms' lights, catching one last Eagles game in Birmingham, or simply enjoying time with family, here's to a safe and joyful holiday week. See you in the new year.

The Statesboro Brief publishes weekly. Edition 12 arrives after the new year.