The Times, (This letter to the editor expresses the writer’s feelings concerning the proposed perimeter road which is in high controversy with concerned citizens in the counties of Pierce, Brantley and Ware. Rep. James Burchette has arranged to have the issue placed on the May 19, 2026, ballot and residents of the three counties will be asked to vote “‘yes’ or ‘no.’”) Waycross/Ware County I love you but why are some thinking of helping you and at the same time hurting neighboring counties of Pierce, Brantley and Ware?
It is said the by-pass or perimeter road is proposed to encircle the city of Waycross and will alleviate traffic congestion in that area. This proposed by-pass would take land, front yards and wildlife which we land owners/neighbors in Pierce and Brantley Counties are not prepared to give up.
The word is the proposed route would go across the Satilla River at Ternest Road in Ware County to Hacklebarney Road in Pierce County and on to County Line Road in Brantley County. By the way what kind of road? How much land does it involve?
Why not leave the roads as they are? I have lived on Hacklebarney Road since 1960 when Ware street and Hacklebarney Road were just clay and dirt. During the 1960s there was a good change in Hacklebarney Road. My father-in-law and neighbors agreed with the road department to give land for Hacklebarney Road to be paved. For some distance the old dirt Hacklebarney Road ran behind my present home which we built in 1961 — the change took away a curve to the left of our property and ran the length to the Tuten/Zachry property near Hacklebarney Community Center.
Today paved Hacklebarney Road parallels Sweetwater Branch the length of our property and of some neighbors. This was a good move as Hacklebarney was paved and at one time the passing of just two or three cars on the country road has resulted in today, the passing of many, many cars including large trucks.
The paving resulted in a land change for us Carters, but this was a good move most agree. Some land was used, but I am so thankful that our Sweetwater Branch which borders our land was not damaged. The beautiful trees which announce the changing of the seasons, the wild animals like deer, possum, raccoons, birds, etc. have remained. The branch/creek is the icing on the cake for me to admire and appreciate.
I have not complained about the semi-trucks coming by my home today. I suppose Hacklebarney is a short cut to Alma, by way of turning left on Hacklebarney Road at Cason Road and continuing on to Alma destination. Hearing and seeing the semi-trucks, I just say “They are making a living for their families.’’
Hacklebarney Road stretches a long way from the Highway 82 red light at Stop and Go (formerly Lairsey’s Grocery Store) all the way to Cason Road. The road at the red light crosses the railroad tracks at Ace Pole and winds a long, long way, passing an elementary school too, then turn right going on to Hoboken. And, if heading to Jacksonville, keep going on!
How about Corridor Z, Waycross? This is a beehive of traffic taking drivers through the city of Waycross. The overpass is great to help traffic, but how many of those drivers stop and share the goodness of businesses, restaurants, shops which Waycross offers?
I am a city/country bred woman — born in 1940 in Homerville, Clinch County, since two years old grew up in Waycross, Ware County graduating Waycross High School and studying at the former University of Georgia off campus center which became the baby of Waycross College, now South Georgia State College. At the age of 20 years old I married a farmer/CSX locomotive engineer and moved across the Satilla River to my husband’s Hacklebarney family farm. I have lived for the past 65 years in Hacklebarney Community, Pierce County. I can proudly say, “There are 6 generations of Carters living in Hacklebarney Community.’’ (A city girl, I learned the farming ways, one of which how very important the weather is concerning growing crops. I can see my husband standing on the front porch of the old country home in which he was born watching the clouds, praying for rain to ensure growth for his tobacco, corn, cotton or vegetables.)
I ask the question to those concerned in the road department, “Why change any traffic flow? I know these trucks come by my home because this is a short cut going to Alma, then on to northern cities. I pray God speed to them and keep on keeping on —We need what they are transporting for our own lives.
I love Waycross where I worked for 37 years as a newspaper reporter. I ask the question “Why do road department personnel want to take the traffic away from Waycross? It seems to me the city needs customers/tourists/shoppers as there are many motels, restaurants and unique shopping opportunities downtown. It seems Waycross would want travelers to come to their city — to help the economy. Look at the cities of Douglas, Blackshear and Jesup! These cities are flourishing and I see no by-pass taking away from land owners’ properties. Waycross needs shoppers for the many, new unique shops offered. What is this traffic congestion? It seems business owners should have a say in stopping or welcoming many to their city of Waycross. Nickie Carter Hacklebarney Community
(Carter retired in 1999 due to colon cancer issues as family page editor of the former Waycross Journal-Herald on Isabella street. She now continues her love for writing for three local newspapers and enjoys being with family and friends. She said her life is led by her faith in her God Jesus Christ and she enjoys worshiping at her church Blackshear First Baptist. She has authored a family book The Faith of Lonely Mr. First Pew, written 3 booklets and looks forward to completing present writings. This includes her memoirs “Upper Class Please’’ describing her life in 1958—1960s in the news room “hot type days.’’ This book highlights her enjoyment in writing for 37 years for whom she calls “Wonderful ladies. I wrote the happy news.’’)
