Blake Williams

The Statesboro City Council honored retiring department heads Steve Hotchkiss and Kathy Field during a packed May 20 meeting that also featured strong FY2024 financial results and multiple housing-related approvals. Council also accepted new infrastructure, announced a $1.3 million CHIP grant, and appointed six members to the Youth Commission.

Bulloch County Commissioners voted to approve a 20-year revenue bond to fund the jail expansion project, opting for long-term flexibility despite concerns about rising costs and taxpayer burden. The decision capped a meeting that also included discussions on fire district consolidation, road acceptance policy, storm debris savings, and critical infrastructure updates.

Emmy-winning cinematographer David Wright’s documentary "Finding Freedom" captures the powerful story of Freedom the bald eagle and his bond with longtime Wildlife Center Director Steve Hein. Born from a decades-long friendship and a shared respect for wildlife, the film now stands as a timeless tribute to trust, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Georgia Southern University

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown led a memorial ceremony on May 19 honoring Sgt. Wilbur Berry, who was killed in the line of duty 24 years ago while serving a warrant. Colleagues, family, and community members gathered to reflect on Berry’s legacy of service, mentorship, and compassion, vowing to keep his memory alive through annual tributes and upcoming benefit events.

Fifteen graduating seniors from area high schools have been awarded $2,000 Kiwanis Memorial Scholarships, funded by proceeds from the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo. Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

The Bulloch Retired Educators Association held its annual memorial service Tuesday, honoring the lives and legacies of Janie Hill and Coach Clark Collins—two longtime members and devoted educators. The group also elected its officers for the 2025–2026 year during the meeting at Pittman Park United Methodist Church.

Nine student-athletes from Statesboro High School signed college scholarships across six sports during the school’s final signing day of the year, celebrating years of hard work, resilience, and support from their families and coaches. The emotional ceremony featured personal reflections from each athlete, heartfelt speeches from parents, and praise from coaches who helped guide their journeys.

Bulloch County Commissioners held a detailed budget work session Thursday to address a projected $7.8 million deficit in the FY 2026 budget, weighing options including partial or no millage rate rollback and use of fund balance reserves. CFO Kristie King, along with Public Works and Recreation leaders, outlined the operational and service-level consequences of proposed 10% cuts, while emphasizing the need for realistic, long-term revenue planning.

The 2025 Kiwanis Livestock Project launched with the distribution of animals to local youth who will raise and show them during this year’s Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, set for October 13–18. Participants will showcase pigs, goats, lambs, and cows while gaining hands-on experience in animal care and agricultural responsibility.

The Bulloch Retired Educators Scholarship Foundation presented Katie Gardner, Makayla Jones, Carolyne Petkewich, and Valery Manville with their scholarships on Tuesday. These Bulloch County students all have plans to major in education when they begin college this fall.