Denise Barnes Herrin, 65, passed away peacefully Monday morning, September 28, 2026, at Baptist Village Retirement Communities in Waycross, after an extended illness.
She was born February 15, 1961 in Waycross where she lived all her life.  She was employed from an early age at J.C. Penny, and she worked there for many years. She retired from the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector and she was affiliated with the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her father, W. D. Barnes; her mother, Rachel Barnes Martin and her sister, Sue Barnes.
Survivors include Shane Barnes (wife Krystal), Though born a nephew, Shane was raised from a young age as a beloved son in every way that truly matters; along with their children Klara and Kane; her brother, Marlon Kelley (wife Connie); her sister, Belinda Gilliard (husband Tony); very special friends, Ritchie Herrin and Jimmie Rae Roberts and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
She dearly loved all her precious dogs, and she was a good mama to them.
A special thank you to Baptist Village for such good care and Hospice Satilla for their excellent care of her.
A memorial visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, at Music Funeral Home in  Waycross.
Music Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.

Carl Milton Johnson, born January 25, 1959, in Alma, Bacon County,  to James Howard Sr. and Grace Mattox Johnson.  He passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.  His last few breaths were peaceful but unresponsive and his cousin, Jeff Feagin, was talking to him and reminiscing about some of their antics during their youth.
He grew up on the Johnson family farm in Pierce County which has been in the family since 1938. His father, Howard, died when Carl was just five years old.  So, he did not have the benefit of following his dad around the farm to learn how to be a “Jack of all trades.”
He graduated from Blackshear High School in 1977.
He was employed as a survey technician with several companies in the Hilton Head Island area from about 1980 until his death. He was currently employed by Nandina, Inc. doing surveying work.  He truly enjoyed his job and the experiences it gave.
He was interested in music of all kinds.  He has met several musical artists and is friends with some of them.  Also, many of his friends are well-known musicians and artists who paint, do ceramics and use tiles to create beautiful pieces of art. He started drawing and painting when he was young but did not pursue his artistic abilities. He has a few paintings including one of Beulah Baptist Church where he was a member.
He was an avid reader of astronomy, scientific material and was a conservationist. In his work as a surveyor, he encountered many interesting articles and events which contributed to the enjoyment of his job.
Preceding him in death are his parents, James Howard Sr. and Grace Mattox Johnson; brothers, James Howard Jr. and Andrew J. Johnson; sister-in-law, Geraldine S. Johnson; great-great niece, Gracelyn Dyal; paternal grandparents, Andrew Jackson and Ella Little Johnson; maternal grandparents, Charles F. and Lula Sweat Mattox and numerous cousins.
Survivors are his sister, Lou Ella J. and David P. Miller; niece, Marcia L. and Elbert Dyal; great nephews, Jeremy L. and Morgan Dyal and their children, Lexa Dyal and Axton J. Dyal; Jordan J. Dyal (fiancé Christy Mincey) and their children, Waylon J. Dyal, Taytum Dyal, Berkley Dyal; step-niece, Sherree M. (late Robert) Cordero; step-nephew, Mitchel (late Cindy) Moore all of Baxley; step-great niece, Jennifer Moore and step-great nephew, James Johnson (Jessica) and their daughters, Kyrie and Zoe Johnson.
Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at Beulah Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, from the Beulah Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Tuttle officiating.
Interment will be in the Beulah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Carl’s memory be made to his church, Beulah Baptist Church, 3343 Beulah Church Road, Alma, GA  31501 or to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA  31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Johnson family during this time.

“We needed to go and play a quality opponent and play well in all three phases of the game,” Strickland said after his team bounced the Blue Devils 45-14 in a game that had a running clock for most of the second half. “We did that, and I’m really proud of the guys. this was our most complete game of the year. We needed a game like this.”

The win was the second straight for the Gators (32, 2-0 in 1-AAAAA) after two straight losses. Statesboro dropped to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the region with a second straight loss.

Ware County senior quarterback Isaiah White was responsible for four of the Gators’ touchdowns, passing for three and running for another. He completed nine-of-13 passes for 178 yards with two of the scores going to Ja’Londi O’Hara and the other to Javon Lawson, also seniors.

O’Hara, who’d been bothered by an ankle injury the past few weeks, had his best game of the season with four receptions for 129 yards and the touchdown.

Ma’Siyer McKoy led a rushing attack that totaled 193 yards. The junior ran six times for 115 yards and two scores.

“Isaiah was clicking pretty good and the offensive line was together to get the running game going,” Strickland said. “Our running game is starting to come along and that opens up everything.”

Junior Jeffrey Gonzalez accounted for the rest of Ware County’s points with a field goal and six conversion kicks.

The Gators’ defense limited Statesboro to 190 total yards, the bulk coming on three possessions after the game was already decided. Ware County recorded eight negative plays, recovered a fumble and had stops on each of the Blue Devils’ fourthdown attempts.

“The defensive front was really big,” Strickland said. “The defense had some big stops.”

White got the Gators in the end zone on their first possession after the defense forced a punt off the opening kickoff. Ware County went 65 yards in seven plays with White and Lawson teaming for a 13-yard pass and a 7-0 lead after Gonzalez added the extra point with 6:05 left the first period.

“Getting that kind of start was big,” Strickland said.

The Blue Devils drew even on the first play of the second quarter after getting some help from Ware County.

Statesboro was stopped again after the kickoff, but Davion Jones muffed a short punt by Mason Sellers while trying to catch it on the run. The Blue Devils recovered at the Ware County 34.

The Gators then were called for unsportsmanlike conduct after a sack of quarterback Beckham Jarrard giving the Blue Devils a first down at the WCHS 23.

Statesboro faced thirdand-four at the 17, but the Gators kept the drive alive with an offside penalty. Three plays later, running back D.J. Brooks took a direct snap six yards for the touchdown on a third down play with the conversion knotting the score at 7-7 six seconds into the period.

The Gators started their run to the romp after ensuing kickoff, reeling off 28 points the rest of the second quarter.

Ware County moved 73 yards in six plays and a penalty with McKoy capping the possession with a seven-yard run for a 14-7 lead after the Gonzalez kick with 8:37 left in the half. A 42-yard pass from White to O’Hara came a play before the score.

The Gators’ defense then stepped up big time to help set up the offense the rest of the quarter.

First, it stuffed Jarrard for no gain on a fourthand- two play at midfield. Ware County covered the distance in seven plays with White and O’Hara hooking up from 34 yards out for the score and a 217 lead after another Gonzalez conversion 4:16 before intermission.

A bobbled punt snap on Statesboro’s following possession led to another Gators’ score after Sellers was smothered at the Blue Devils’ 10. White got the score on a five-yard keeper on third down for a 28-7 cushion on the extra point by Gonzalez with 2:15 before halftime.

The Gators’ defense finished the half by getting Jarrard in the backfield on a fourth-and-six play from the Ware County 46 with 1:14 left.

The White-to-O’Hara connection clicked again for a 48-yard score with just 10 seconds left and a 35-7 margin with the extra point by Gonzales. O’Hara pulled in the throw despite pass interference being called on the play.

Statesboro surprised the Gators with an onside kick to begin the second half, but it proved fruitless as the Ware County defense rose up again.

The Blue Devils moved from the Ware County 49 to a first down at the 24 after a 10-yard pass that was followed with a personal foul penalty for a helmet-to-helmet hit on the tackle. Statesboro lost two yards on the first three plays before cornerback Makai Porter knocked away Jarrard’s fourth-down pass in the end zone.

McKoy turned the stop into points six plays later with a 45-yard run in which he broke out of a pack of defenders at the line and then broke another handful of tackles on the way to the end zone. Gonzalez finished off a perfect night on conversions for a 42-7 lead with 6:16 left in the quarter to bring on a running clock.

Another failed conversion attempt by the Blue Devils on a fourth-down play at the Ware County 35 led to the Gators’ final points with 5:30 left in the game. Gonzalez kicked a 30-yard field goal to cap a nine-play drive that included six runs by sophomore De’ Shavious Gibson totaling 32 yards.

Statesboro set the final score with 15 seconds left on a 13-yard run by Perkins and the extra point by Sellers.

The Gators (3-2 overall, 2-0 region) followed a 68-6 trouncing at home against overmatched Groves with its most complete game performance through the midway point of the season beating favored Statesboro 45-14 on the road. “We’ve got guys returning and that’s been huge,” said head coach Jason Strickland. “The guys we had penciled in as starters this season have only had eight or nine quality practices together and that’s not a lot.

“The offensive line is starting to come together and their communication is getting better. Isaiah (White, quarterback) is starting to play with confidence knowing he’s got receivers who are getting man coverage in matchups to our advantage. And the running game is coming around with the improved play of the offensive line.

“We’re getting better defensively with guys returning on that side of the ball. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re headed in the right direction and I feel good about that.”

The defense will be severly tested Friday night against an explosive Musketeers (4-1, 1-1) offense in the third-ever meeting between the two schools. The Gators and Richmond Academy have not played since going head-to-head in 2006 and 2007. Ware County prevailed 42-0 in Augusta in the first meeting and 42-7 at home the following season.

The Musketeers are averaging 36 points per game, which includes a 1412 victory over Laney-Augusta in the season opener. Since, Richmond Academy outlasted Thomson 41-40, thumped Westside- August 35-7, belted regionmate Wayne County 41-14 and lost a 52-49 shootout to fourth-ranked Benedictine last week.

“They (Musketeers) have an elite offense that is scary good,” said Strickland. “It’s the best offense we have seen thus far.”

Richmond Academy’s spread scheme is led by junior quarterback Carson Hand (6-foot-1, 200 lbs.), who has completed 55-of-77 passes (71%) for 798 yards with seven touchdowns against an interception. He’s rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior Jay’Andre Brown (5-6, 167) and junior Vincent Carter (5-8, 160) split carries. Brown has 562 yards (8.4 average) and six touchdowns to go along with three 100-yard rushing nights. He went for 234 in the win over Wayne County. Brown has nine catches for 50 yards.

Carter has totaled 351 yards (9.8 per carry) with a team-high eight touchdowns. He rushed for 181 against Westside with three touchdowns.

Out wide, senior Lo’than McBride (5-11, 175) leads the tea in receptions with 26 for 328 yards (12.6 per reception) and three touchdowns. Junior Carl Butler (6-1, 155) has 11 catches for 240 yards (21.8 per catch) and two scores. Junior Chase Caldwell (6-foot, 160) has seven catches for 177 yards (25.3 per reception) with three touchdowns.

“The quarterback has a lot of crazy weapons,” Strickland said. “The running back (Brown) is electric. McBride can run ... all of their skills can run.

“The offensive line is not huge, but that offense is tough to slow down. They (coaches) are going to give you a lot of formations with motions and shifts to try and create one-on-one matchups for the receivers.”

Strickland said his defenders are going to have to have eye discipline.

“We can’t have our eyes looking in to the backfield because those receivers will run past you,” the veteran coach said. “They’ve had a lot of big plays all year (91, 66, 41 yards longest by each of the three).

“We have to have all 11 defenders on the same page. We’ve got to be disciplined with our calls and communicate. We’ve also got to be great tacklers, especially in the open field.”

Defensively, the Musketeers scheme out of 4-2. Richmond Academy is allowing 25 points per game.

“They (Musketeers) don’t do a lot up in the box,” said Strickland. “They play with gap integrity. The linebackers do a good job of running to the ball.

“They don’t blitz a lot. The secondary will give you multiple looks. The safety (Carter) will come up and knock your head off.”

Senior defensive back Shy-Heem Brown (5-10, 175) leads the team with 27 tackles. He has one tackle for loss and one interception.

Carter is second on the team with 24 stops and two TFLs including a sack. He is a dangerous kick returner averaging 39.3 yards per return.

Butler, a defensive back, is third on the team in tackles with 20. He has two interceptions. Senior linebacker San’Quan Rolle (5-10, 165) has a teamhigh three TFLs. Junior defensive lineman Trez Lambert (6-foot, 230) has 2.5 tackles for loss.

“The key for us is to continue to get better each week,” said Strickland. “We can build off last week. This week we’ve got to control the clock to keep their (Musketeers) offense off the field. We’ve got to be able to run the ball effectively, throw when we want to and control the time of possession.”

Strickland said the injury report continues to improve and everyone should be a full go.

The Lady Gators (7-15 overall, 4-3 Region 1-AAAAA) snapped their streak with a 15-0 victory in three innings Tuesday, September 22 in Savannah against region foe Jenkins (4-22, 2-7), losers of eight straight games, to complete the season sweep. Ware County beat the Lady Warriors 15-0 at home on the first day of the month WCHS fell 4-2 at Brunswick (7-16) a day later in a makeup of a game rained out August 24. The Lady Pirates entered having lost nine of their last 10 games.

Ware County wrapped up the week dropping a 12-7 decision Thursday, September 24 to visiting regionmate Statesboro (15-3, 6-2), winners of six straight, for a season split. The Lady Gators notched at 15-5 road victory September 3.

The Lady Gators are playing a pair of doubleheaders this week. Charlton County visted Monday, September 28. Ware County travels Thursday, October 1 to Augusta to tangle with region foe Richmond Academy.

Ware County closes out the regular season Monday, October 5 hosting Brunswick at 5:30 p.m.

Lady Gators ...............................15 

Jenkins.......................................0

SAVANNAH — A 12-run first inning uprising decided the outcome early for the Lady Gators.

Cassidy Lee led the 14-hit onslaught with 11 players collecting a hit going 3for-3 driving in three runs. Reagan Middleton (2-for-2, double, RBI) was the only other player to record multiple hits.

Kara Coleman (1-for 2, triple) drove in a career-best four runs. Genesis Walker (1-for-1) and Natalie Pittman (1-for-1, triple) were credited with two runs batted in each.

Ware County sent 16 batters to the plate in the first inning with the first 12 reaching before an out was recorded. The Lady Gators scored off an error on a ball hit by Teriayn Kirkland (1-for-2), a bases loaded walk to Mattie Forsyth (1-for-1), two runs on Lee's first hit, two on a single by Walker, three on a bases-clearing triple by Coleman, an RBI double by Kirkland and a run-scoring single by Middleton and a final run on a single by Lee.

WCHS mercifully ended the inning having players step off the bases before a pitch for called outs.

The Lady Gators plated three runs in the top of the second for a 15-0 advantage. Pittman's two-run triple followed a leadoff walk to pinch-hitter Londyn Young and a double by Darah Durrance (1-for-1). Pittman scored on Coleman's ensuing groundout. Ware County ended the second inning with two runners stepping off bases.

Ware County recorded singles by Addi Pittman (1-for-2), Hannah Higginbotham (1-for-1) and Lee in the third with each called out for leaving early.

Meanwhile, Jenkins managed a first inning single off Middleton (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB). Forsyth twirled two innings of hitless relief with a strikeout.

Brunswick ..................................4 

Lady Gators ................................2

BRUNSWICK — The Lady Pirates built a 4-0 lead through three innings and then held on to beat Ware County.

Brunswick did all of its damage in the third inning against Kirkland (5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 K, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 1 WP) to break up a scoreless game. The Lady Pirates scored on a wild pitch, a two-out single and took advantage of a pair of run-scoring errors to extend the lead.

After the first 10 Ware County batters were retired in order, Kirkland (1-for-3) blasted a one-out homer in the fourth ending the no-hit and shutout bid cutting the deficit 4-1.

The Lady Gators capitalized on Coleman reaching on a one-out, two-base error in the sixth on a ball hit by Coleman. She raced home on Middleton's (1-for-3) two-out double pulling Ware County to within 4-2.

Lee's (1-for-3) one-out single allowed the Lady Gators to get the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh.

Statesboro ..........................12

 Lady Gators ..........................7

Statesboro scored the final six runs over the final three innings overcoming a 7-6 deficit in rallying past the Lady Gators.

Ware County built an early 3-0 lead, fell behind 4-3, tied the score at 4-apiece, trailed 6-4 and battled back for a 7-6 lead in a wild first four innings. The Lady Blue Devils tied the game with a run in the fifth and took the lead for good with a run in the sixth. They scored four insurance runs in the seventh.

WCHS's run in the first came on a Addi Pittman (1-for-3) groundout following Kirkland (1-for-2) getting hit by a pitch and Middleton (2-for-4) following with a double.

The Lady Gators extended the lead to 3-0 with a two-run second. Lee (2-for-4) opened the frame with a base hit, moved to second on Natalie Pittman's (1-for-3) sacrifice bunt and moved to third on a single by Walker (2-for-4). After Walker stole second, both runners raced home on a two-out error on a ball hit by Kirkland.

Statesboro battled back with a four-run third against Middleton (3 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 4 K, 3 BB, 2 HBP). Six consecutive batters reached after the first out with three scoring to tie the game at 3-apiece. The go-ahead run crossed the plate on a passed ball.

Ware County got one run back in the bottom of the inning tying the game at 4-all. Addi Pittman was hit by the first pitch, sacrificed to second by Coleman, swiped third and scored on Forsyth's groundout.

The Lady Blue Devils plated two runs in the top of the fourth to claim a 6-4 lead. Consecutive two-out singles were followed by a first-pitch, two-run double over a five-pitch sequence.

WCHS answered with three runs in its half of the inning after two outs and one on base to take a 7-6 advantage. Walker laced a one-out double and scored on Kirkland's two-out single. Maggie McQuaig, courtesy running for Kirkland, sprinted around the bases to score on Middleton's ensuing base hit tying the game at 6-apiece. Middleton, who took second on the throw to the plate, scored on Addie Pittman's single for the one-run advantage.

Statesboro tied the game at 7-all in the fifth on a two-out single off Kirkland (4 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 6 K, 0 BB, 1 HBP).

The Lady Blue Devils followed with a run in the sixth plating the run on the second of consecutive two-out singles to take an 8-7 lead.

Ware County threatened to tie the game in home half of the sixth getting a leadoff single from Durrance (1-for-3) and an ensuing walk to Kirkland. Consecutive strikeouts and a groundout squelched the threat.

SHS extended the margin to 12-7 with a four-run seventh, three crossing the plate on three run-scoring singles. An error allowed the first run of the inning.

The titanic battle was one of two in South Georgia pitting a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup, the 48th and 49th meetings all-time between the top two teams in the same classification since 1952. Class 6A’s No. 1 Thomas County Central picked up a 49-26 victory at No. 2 Lee County in a Region 1 confrontation to give No. 1 teams a 26-22-1 advantage.

The showdown here in Lyons showcased the state’s No. 1 rusher with the Bears’ (4-1 overall, 1-1 region) Jae’Veon Williams and the state’s top scorer with the Bulldogs’ Donterrius Mincey.

Williams, who entered with 1,184 yards and three consecutive 300-yard rushing nights, rushed for 266 yards - 190 in the first half - on a career-high 41 attempts against perhaps the most talented defense in the state with six Power 4 commits. He scored once ending his school-record streak of 16 consecutive multi-touchdown games.

Mincey entered with a state-leading 19 touchdowns and as the No. 5 rusher in the state with 881 yards. He overcame a slow start (31 yards in the first half - no touchdowns) to score twice in the second half and finish with 175 yards on 17 attempts.

“Are you kidding me,” said PCHS head coach Ryan Herring when told after the game of Williams’ total. “I was just hopping he would get 100 yards against that bunch.

Wow! He got peppered all night and never wavered when there wasn’t any blocking. He didn’t point fingers.

“He ran hard on every carry. You saw tonight why he’s the best running back in the state. That has nothing to do with me ... God makes running backs ... I don’t. God gets all the glory. Jae’Veon showed everybody at the game tonight he’s the best running back in the state.

“If you can run for 262 yards when they (Bulldog defenders) know you’re coming at them against that defense this year ... you’re special.”

Williams worked for his yardage. There were 25 carries of three yards or less totaling 34 yards. His other 16 carries totaled 232 yards with runs of 46, 78 (touchdown) and 21 yards. He also had gains of 13 and 14 for five doubledigit runs.

Mincey was held in check until the second half. He had four doubledigit yardage runs of 16, 13 (touchdown), 49 and 76 (touchdown) with the last three carries coming over the final 24 minutes. His first touchdown with 9:37 left in the third quarter broke a 7-all tie to give Toombs County the lead for good.

The Bulldogs, who entered leading Class AAA in scoring at 51 points a game, tacked on two fourth quarter scores to widen the margin.

“That’s the most talented team in AAA,” Herring said. “We’re 7-7 at the half. We didn’t play badly in the second half, but we had some issues on defense and it starts with me. We (coaches) have got to do a better job of coaching and get that corrected. This was a game that should have ended 14-7.

“The (go-ahead) touchdown was an inside zone run and I knew it was coming. The quarterback scores after riding the running back inside (RPO action). We have a hat and a half (defender plus one) and we didn’t make the play. Then we gave up the last score.

“Defense wins championships ... our defense kept us in the game. But in the second half, we had just a couple of things happen. Our better players didn’t play well and sometimes that happens. You need your good players to play better in these types of game.”

PCHS missed out on two scoring opportunities inside the Toombs County 20 in the first half and once in the second half. The Bears, after Dylan Johnson’s 47-yard kick return of the opening kickoff set up shop at the Bulldogs’ 48. They got as close as the Toombs County 37 before punting the ball away with Jack McClelland’s 41-yard punt downed at the Bulldogs’ two.

The home team quickly went 98 yards in six plays needing just 2:27 to open a 7-0 lead. Mincey’s fouryard run on third-and-3 kept the offense on the field. Three plays later, quarterback Joseph Owens (8-of-17, 135 yards) connected with Brandon Stevens, running behind the PCHS secondary, for 67 yards. Alex Catero kicked the first of his four PATs with 4:29 on the clock.

Aided by Williams’ 46yard burst up the gut of the Toombs County defense to the home teams’ 14, the Bears reached the eight on the last play of the first quarter. An incomplete pass on fourth down on the opening snap of quarter two turned the ball over.

After a quick three-andout by the Bulldogs, PCHS drove from its own 46 to the Toombs County 10 before stalling. Two 15-yard penalties helped move the chains. A Bulldog defender broke through the line to block Jayme Perez’s 27-yard field goal attempt with 5:55 left in the half leaving the score at 7-0.

Another stalled series by the potent Toombs County offense and 32yard punt set the Bears up at their own 26. Following a little flip/shovel pass from Williams to Jashun Faison losing four yards, PCHS ran the same play one snap later. Williams faked the flip and raced uncovered around right end as Bulldog defenders bit for the 78-yard score with 4:56 left before intermission. Perez tied the score with the PAT.

Toombs County’s highly-touted Nick Carroll returned the second-half kick 53 yards getting tackled at the Bears’ 28. Mincey scored five plays later from 13 yards away running through a seam at left guard for what proved to be the winning score. Catero kicked the margin to 14-7 with 9:37 left on the clock.

The Bulldogs’ halftime adjustments limited Pierce County to just 73 yards in the second half after surrendering 198 in the opening 24 minutes. After two PCHS punts in the third quarter, the Toombs County offense found the end zone five plays into the final period for a 21-7 lead.

Owens followed a 31yard pass completion on a third-and-10 with backto- back keeps around right end for gains of 13 and 22 yards to cap a 66yard drive. The Catero PAT with 9:41 to play gave the home team a twotouchdown advantage.

PCHS, in a slow and methodical drive eating up 5:43, came up short on a fourth-and-11 from the Toombs County 24 with 3:58 to play ending a 10play possession.

Mincey ended a dominating second half with a 76-yard run three plays later outracing Bear defenders to the end zone with 2:13 to play for the final margin after the Catero extra point.

Ware County Schools recently honored its 2026-27 Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year during a special pregame ceremony prior to Ware County High’s home football game against Groves in Memorial Stadium.

Among those honored were District Teacher of the Year Jenna Brooks and District Support Staff of the Year Scott Raulerson, who received recognition from Ware County Schools Supt. Dr. Lynn Barber.

The school district also recognized Waycross Middle School Principal David Hitt as recipient of the inaugural Leader of the Year, which will be presented annually along with the Teacher and Support Staff Member awards.

Brooks will represent Ware County in the competition for Georgia Teacher of the Year later this school year. The three were first recognized in July at a meeting of the Ware County Board of Education.

Representatives from schools and departments throughout the district gathered on the field, where they were recognized before students, families, colleagues and members of the Waycross-Ware County community.

The annual Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year and now Leader of the Year recognitions celebrate employees who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their schools, colleagues, and students.

Together, the year’s honorees represent the many different people and roles required to support the education of Ware County students.

Following the ceremony, Layne’s provided a meal for the honorees, adding to the evening’s celebration. Ware County Schools also thanked Layne’s for its generosity and continued support of the school community.

“Their service reflects the commitment of employees throughout the district to ensuring that learning remains the highest priority while caring for and supporting the students and families of Ware County,” Ware County Schools said in a release. “The district was proud to celebrate these deserving employees before the Ware County community and recognize the important work they do throughout the year.”

Addressing a gathering of an audience of 100-plus, James Burchett and John Corbett, spoke about accomplishments of the 2026 General Assembly and hopes for 2027 at the REA Building in the Historic Railway Depot. Both Republicans represent parts of Ware County while Corbett also serves all of Brantley County.

The area’s senators, Mike Hodges of Dist. 3 and Russ Goodman of Dist. 8 sent apologies for missing the event.

The two were called to a meeting of the senate’s GOP caucus by Rick Jackson, the GOP’s candidate for Governor, to plan campaign events leading to the General Election, Tuesday, November 3.

Burchett conveyed the apolo-gies of the senators.

“Since Russ isn’t here we should get out on time,” Burchett quipped.

Waycross Ware County Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Rubenbauer introduced Burchett and Goodman, and served as moderator for the hour-long, question-and-answer portion of the luncheon.

Both legislators said they were elated with the dollars the state was able to return to taxpayers, cut from their bills or invest in services to help their lives in the past year. It remains a goal looking ahead to the 2027 session in January.

“We returned more than $12 billion back to taxpayers,” said Corbett, who represents Dist. 174 and was at the luncheon on his birthday. “We’ve cut the (state) tax from six percent to 3.99. It’s been lowered four times since 2018.”

Burchett, who represents Dist. 176 and serves as Majority Whip, added: “I’m proud we’ve been able to stay fiscally conservative while investing in rural Georgia.”

That investment has ranged from improved health care facilities and services as well as infrastructure and improved educational opportunities to enhance the available workforce to better positioning the area for economic development.

Burchett said among the keys to luring business is a “cohesive message” from all stakeholders that defines the area as attractive to investment. He cited the Douglas-Coffee County portion of his district as an example.

“We can control that,” he said. “You’re never going to agree on everything, but when it comes to the public message to others, it needs to be a unanimous voice so you’re defining who you are and what you are, not others. That’s a big differencemaker in those (communities) that grow and those that don’t.

“Being a place that looks like it’s functioning correctly makes a difference to those who might be interested in you.”

Corbett stressed the effort to draw business shouldn’t be limited to just large industry. New smaller operations should be a target as well as expanding what’s already operating when possible.

“Instead of one large (development), go after 10 smaller ones that could generate the same dollars,” he said. “Agriculture in the state is more than a $100 billion industry. If you increase that just 10 percent, that’s $100 million.”

Both lawmakers told those gathered the sooner they know about the area’s needs, the better plan they can formulate in the statehouse for appropriate legislation to bring about desired change.

“If you come to us with something in January, we’re already behind the eight ball,” Burchett said, adding the delegation needs information supporting any request, not just the idea. “It’s highly unlikely something could get passed.”

They also said their job is not just to pass legislation, but see that bad bills don’t make it out of committee for a vote or to the other chamber, let alone the governor’s desk. That, too, they said is a cooperative effort.

“If you see something coming that’s going to affect you that’s bad in a bill, we need to know,” Corbett said. “The most important thing we do is kill bad legislation.”

Rubenbauer asked the lawmakers what they hoped to be able to convey to the group at next year’s luncheon. Both agreed it would be legislation that continued to make Georgia a safe, affordable and prosperous place to live in across all ages and demographics.

“I hope we can continue to pass good policy where Georgia remains the best place (in the country) to live,” Corbett said. “I want my two grandkids to enjoy the same opportunities I’ve had for their futures.”

“I look forward to this new position of service and will strive to lead the District Attorney’s Office with integrity and fairness,” Sansot said after taking the oath of office in the Friday, September 25 ceremony.

Sansot’s rise to the interim post follows the appointment earlier in the week by Gov. Brian Kemp of District Attorney Marilyn Bennett to the position of Superior Court Judge.

Bennett, a Pierce County resident, was elected DA in 2022.

Sansot has been a prosecutor in the Waycross Judicial Circuit for more than 14 years and was appointed Chief Assistant in 2025.

During his career, he has prosecuted thousands of felony cases, from the beginning of cases through appeals, including arguing before the Supreme Court of Georgia.

He has also has prosecuted cases in Juvenile Court and was previously the assigned prosecutor for both Drug Court and Mental Health Court.

He, his wife, and daughter are residents of Douglas. The Waycross Judicial Circuit is made up of Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee, Pierce and Ware counties.

Bennett is the first woman to sit on the bench in the Waycross Judicial Circuit.

State Rep. James Burchett (R-Dist. 176) introduced Collins to the crowd of about 80 citizens at the September 21 rally, expressing the Republican is the best person in the race to represent the values of South Georgia voters.

The Jackson trucking executive and two-term congressman from Georgia District 10 opened with a homespun account of church and family before turning to the three reasons he said he first ran for Congress — opportunity for the next generation, care for veterans, and backing law enforcement.

“Our kids don’t have the opportunities that we had,” said Collins, 59, recalling he built his first house at age 22 and started a business two years later. He and his wife, Leanne, later grew a one-truck operation into a company which now runs about 100 vehicles. They’ve been married 37 years and have seven grandchildren.

Record in the House Collins listed House work he said carried into law: the TRAK Act aimed at synthetic opioids and the Laken Riley Act, which he called the first immigration measure “with any real teeth” in three decades.

He also credited himself with education language in a working-families tax package, including 529 plan changes that allow funds to be used for technical college.

As chairman of the Water Resources and Environment sub-committee, Collins said he pressed the Army Corps of Engineers to finish dredging at Brunswick’s port, advance Savannah Harbor work, protect Augusta’s lock and dam drinkingwater source, and secure $12 million to replenish Tybee Island’s beach.

A sharp contrast with Ossoff Collins framed the Senate choice as “polar opposites.” He described himself as a blue-collar businessman and Ossoff as a “trust fund kid” who, he said, backed inflationary spending, opposed the tax package, voted to allow boys in girls’ sports, opposed Israel aid amendments, and supported government shutdowns over immigration and health-care fights.

Collins argued Ossoff is positioning for a 2028 presidential run with Democratic Socialists of America allies and that most of the senator’s money comes from outside Georgia.

Those claims are campaign rhetoric. Ossoff’s office was not present at the event.

Polls, hunters and a turnout pitch Collins said he ran almost no television advertising in the primary and started the general-election race 13 points behind.

He told the room internal and public numbers had closed to four points — within the margin of error — and that national Republican groups, including the NRSC, RNC ground operation and MAGA Inc., had entered the race because they now view it as winnable.

Collins cited Ossoff’s 2021 runoff win of 50.6 percent — about 55,000 votes — and said more than 105,000 Second Amendment activists and hunters stayed home that year, “over twice as many as we needed.”

“This is all about turnout,” Collins said. “Whoever packs the most in there is gonna come out on top.”

Collins asked supporters to make a plan, “drag 10 people with you,” and treat the midterm as a turnout fight.

The Ware County Board of Elections and Registration will register eligible residents weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday. Those registering need photo identification and proof of residence.

Carlos Nelson, Supervisor of Elections, said if a person doesn’t have an acceptable government-issued photo ID for voting purposes, the board of elections office can issue a Georgia Voter Identification Card at no charge.

Early voting for the General Election on Tuesday November 3 begins Tuesday, October 13 and ends Friday, October 30. Those registered by October 5 can vote in person weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the board office, 408 Tebeau Street.

Applications for an absentee ballot currently are being accepted. Deadline to request those is 5 p.m., Friday, October 23.

Requests can be submited to securemyabsenteeballot. sos. ga. gov, emailed to tgill@warecountyga. gov, by mail to the board office address, fax to (912) 287-4364 or in person.

Absentee ballots can be mailed to or dropped off at the board office. They must be received by the end of voting November 3.

Voting Election Day will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all locations in Ware County.

There are no contested local races on the ballot, only those for representation at the state and national levels.

A sample ballot for Ware County voters appears on Page 2 of today’s edition of The Journal-Herald.

River gauges as of Thursday, September 25:

• Doctortown on the Altamaha – 2.5 feet and falling

• Lumber City on the Ocmulgee – 0.4 feet and steady

• Clyo on the Savannah – 2.9 feet and falling

• Statenville on the Alapaha – 3.1 feet and falling

• Alapaha on the Alapaha – 3.7 feet and steady

• Waycross on the Satilla – 5.8 feet and falling

• Atkinson on the Satilla – 4.4 feet and steady

• Quitman on the Withlacoochee – 2.1feet and falling

• Macclenny on the St. Marys – 2.6 feet and steady

• Fargo on the Suwannee – 2.6 feet and falling 

Altamaha River – Justin Harrison and his dad fished out of Jaycee Landing and caught over 30 nice bass. All of the fish were caught below the landing. They caught their fish on trick worms.

Flint River – Jim O’Conner took a quick trip over to the river near Albany this week. The water level was up and current was a little strong. He landed six shoal bass and a spotted bass. Crawfish baits were the ticket.

Lakes and Ponds – Tommy Davis and Captain Bert Deener fished at a local pond and each caught around 40 fish (crappie, bluegill, and bass).

Ten of the crappie Tommy caught weighed around a pound. They fooled their fish on Satilla Spins, chartreuse Specktacular Jigs (tipped with a minnow), Zombie Eye Jigheads and Flashy Jigheads rigged with 2-inch Keitech swimbaits.

Jimmy Zinker fished at Carr Lake (near Tallahassee) and caught a few bass (two of them weighed 3½ lbs.) on a Muskie Jitterbug.

Jimmy later fished at a Turner County area pond and landed a half dozen bass. The biggest one of the trip weighed 5 lbs., 15 oz. He caught one on a buzzbait and the rest ate a Muskie Jitterbug.

I won first place and big fish last in a tournament. Justin Harrison fished at a pond and caught a 7-lb., 13-oz., monster bass .

Matthew Bennett fished at a private lake and caught around 40 bass. His biggest weighed around five pounds.

Okefenokee Swamp – Captain Bert Deener fished on the east side of the swamp and caught a gar and 22 bowfin up to three pounds over a four-hour period. Most of his fish were caught on a Bladed Fly but a few came on a Dura-Spin.

Capt. Bert reported the fish are firing up due to the cooler weather.

He offers guided fishing trips in the Okefenokee. To book a trip with him, visit his website bertsjigsandthings. com. Latest Swamp level on the east side was 120.16 feet.

Saltwater - No reports were received. Fishing has been tough with the Full Moon and high winds. The bite should pick up in the next week or two.

Before your next fishing trip, stop by Winge’s Bait and Tackle located at 440 Memorial Drive in Waycross. They have all the tackle you need for a successful trip! For their hours, call 912-283-9400.

To monitor all the Georgia river levels, visit the USGS website (waterdata.usgs.gov/ga/nwis/rt). For the latest marine forecast, check out www. weather.gov/jax/.

If you have any fishing reports or fish pictures that you would like to be included in this report, email them to me joshuabfishhunter@gmail.com or send them through Messenger on Southern Waters Fishing Report’s Facebook Page.

The Bears (4-1 overall, 11 region), who fell two spots after their first setback of the season, are tangling with a very athletic and explosive Bulldog (2-3, 1-1) squad entering off a 48-35 against Isl ands. Beach dropped its region opener 76-7 against Toombs County. Friday’s meeting is the seventh between the two schools and first since 2018. PCHS has won all six of the previous encounters with the closest matchup a 2918 win in 2017.

Beach entered the 2026 season off a state playoff berth last year under sixth-year head coach Michael Thompson. It marked the Bulldogs’ first post-season appearance since 2011.

Head coach Ryan Herring and his staff are working to correct defensive mistakes made against a vaunted Toombs County offense.

“We’ve got to do a good job, from the coaching aspect, of making corrections,” said Herring. “We’ve got to make sure our players understand and make corrections ... that’s huge. You don’t look at yourself when you win 49-0. When you come out here and play Toombs and get beat Now you’re going to look at yourself real hard. We won’t have a hard time getting the players to understand.

“That was a great litmus test at midseason. You played against the best team in state. That game could have gone either way until the fourth quarter.”

After Sunday’s film study of the Toombs County game, the attention turned towards Beach.

“Beach is loaded on offense,” said Herring. “We (coaches) watched them against Toombs. Beach has got some athletes on offense, so this won’t be a week off for us. They (Bulldogs) are not anything like I thought they were going to be offensively ... they’re pretty good.

“They moved the ball against Toombs. They have some explosive playmakers. The could be the best of the Savannah schools in our region.”

Senior quarterback Jayvion Williams (6-foot-1, 175) directs the spread offense. According to Herring, he is a true dualthreat problem.

Senior running back Jordan Newton, who also plays middle linebacker, is a power back. Lining up at the wide receiver slots are senior Willie Mayes (5-7, 120), senior Dionte Riley and senior Kywan Phillips (6-1, 160).

“They (Bulldogs) are well-versed in what they are doing offensively,” said Herring. “The quarterback does a great job of leading. They are going to run counters and the offensive line, which is a good one, is well-coached in what they are supposed to do. They have a good mixture of height at wide receiver and they can all run.

“We’ve got to stay disciplined in what we’re doing and be better than we were last week. We’ve got to do a better job at all three levels on the defensive side of the ball.”

Herring was unsure of what the Bears’ offensive unit will see.

“They are going to give you multiple looks,” he said. “They’ve (coaches) put a lot of emphasis on the offensive side of the ball.”

Williams joins Newton on the defensive side of the ball playing safety.

“We’ve got to continue doing what we do and get better at it,” said Herring. “We’ve (coaches) got to clean up a few things.”

Beach vs. PCHS Bears lead series 6-0 BHS PCHS 2012................18.........35 2013................14 ........42 2015 .................6.........33 2016................13 ........58 2017................18 ........29 2018.................0 ........38

The fourth-ranked Pirates (5-0 overall, 2-0 region) had five different players score at least one touchdown in pulling away to a 45-6 win over the visiting Herons (2-3, 1-1).

“We got busted up pretty good,” said head coach Matt Hickox afterwards. “Appling County really controlled the game from the start. Their (Pirates) coaches did a good job of exploiting things against our defense and their defense was very physical.

“I’m really proud of how our guys competed all night. We got off to a slow start defensively and made a couple of mistakes on special teams. But we did force Appling County to do some things they normally don’t do.

“That effort is something we can be proud of and build on because we represented our school, the logo on the side of the helmet and the community.”

Appling County led 200 after the first quarter and 35-0 at the half. The Herons did not score until Tallan Collins (six rushes, 35 yards) broke a 20-yard run with 2:13 left in the game. With the running clock, that was the final play of the game.

The Pirates’ first drive (four plays, 37 yards, 1:21 time of possession) started at the Brantley County 37 after Collins’ 23-yard punt.

Jaiden Knight (six carries, 98 yards did the heaviest lifting on the night. He gained nine, then Harrison Hickox (9-of-13, 156 yards, five carries, 31 yards) hit Hudson Gjone for 25 to the BCHS three.

Knight gained a yard before Hickox took it in from two. Eduardo Delgado’s extra point was blocked leaving the score at 6-0 with 8:25 on the first quarter clock.

Roldahn Ramirez’s perfectly executed pooch kick was recovered by Antonio Conoway at the Herons’ 32. Hickox found Titus Wallace for six on the first snap. Conoway (four carries, 61 yards) broke off a 26-yard on the ensuing snap for the score. The run for the two-point conversion was stopped by the Brantley County defense leaving the score at 12-0 with 7:41 remaining in the opening stanza.

After Brantley County went three-and-out, the Pirates got the ball back on their own 43. The Herons made their best defensive stand of the night.

Hickox threw a strike to Rett Thomas (three catches, 100 yards) for 37 yards to the BCHS 20 on the first play. That was as close as the Pirates got on the possession.

Hickox lost three yards on first down, then was sacked for the first time in five gains for an 11-yard loss. On third-and-24, Hickox was harassed throwing the ball away, forcing the Pirates’ first punt of the year.

The feel-good stand was short-lived as Hickox’s punt sailed to the three.

The punt was muffed with Appling County’s Carson Britt pouncing on the loose pigskin three yards up the field at the Brantley County six.

Conoway scored on the next snap with Knight running in the two-point conversion upping the margin to 20-0 with 1:33 left in period one.

Brantley County got its initial first down on the ensuing series moving from its own 20 out to the BCHS 38 before stalling. A punt was downed at the Appling County 36.

Following a five-yard penalty, Knight ripped off a 69-yard burst straight up the middle of the Brantley County defense and outran Heron defenders to the end zone for the score. Titus Wallace ran in the two-point conversion extending the margin to 280 with 9:32 left in the first half.

Getting deep into the playbook, Brantley executed a double pass (Collins to Jayden Byron to Malachi Saunders) for 38 yards. Brantley County fumbled the ball away two plays later with Appling County making the recovery at its own 41.

The Pirates were driving when with Knight running free in the BCHS secondary. He was caught and went down in pain, fumbling the ball. The Heron’s Dallas Jackson scooped up the fumble and returned back to the Appling County 28.

Brantley County could not move the ball and turned it over on downs at the Pirates’ 36 losing eight yards from the original line of scrimmage.

It took just one play for the Pirates to score as Hickox hit Thomas on a 64-yard bubble screen. Eduardo Delgado’s kick was good with the Pirates extending the lead to 35-0 with 2:22 left in the half.

The second half saw a running clock with the Pirates scoring a touchdown on Dareon Hood’s three-yard run with 9:17 remaining in the third quarter capping a fiveplay drive to open up a 42-0 advantage after the Delgado kick.

Delgado capped an 11-play, 6:47-drive that spilled over into the final period with a 26-yard field goal with 9:25 to play.

Brantley County averted the shutout with a lengthy drive ending with a Collins 20-yard run with 2:13 to play on the game’s final snap.

The Herons will host top-ranked and unbeaten Toombs County (5-0, 2-0) this week. The Bulldogs scored three second-half touchdowns to beat then second-ranked Pierce County 28-7 at home.

Ware County commissioners packed a work session, four public hearings and a regular meeting into one afternoon Monday, September 14.

They considered more than $1.4 million in road resurfacing, airport consultant contracts, recreation grants, and a slate of zoning changes tied to RV parks and private gatherings.

Chairman Elmer Thrift conducted the meeting with all five commissioners present.

• Dixie Union noise complaint: Before the posted agenda, a citizen, Greg Scott, raised a complaint about four-wheelers and side-by-sides running in Dixie Union outside Fat Daddy’s ATV Park causing disruptions in the local community until the early hours of the morning.

Assistant Police Chief Dave Hanson told commissioners anyone caught drinking alcohol or breaking noise ordinances can be arrested or ticketed.

• Tires, pickleball and after-school grant: The board was asked to approve a Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement agreement with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

The first collection effort is eligible for up to $40,115 in reimbursement. Residents would drop waste tires behind the county Public Works facility for disposal or recycling under EPD rules.

Resolution 2026-15 authorizes a pre-application for 2026-27 Land and Water Conservation Fund money for six pickleball courts at Trembling Earth Recreation Complex. If awarded, it would have a 50 percent local match.

Recreation Director Lance Adamson’s department also brought Resolution 2026-16, an agreement with the Georgia Recreation and Park Association for a $65,000 BOOST grant for out-ofschool programs.

• Thrift Brothers low bidder on LRA roads: A bid opening drew three offers for 2026 Local Road Assistance (LRA) work on Beach Road, Lucy Moore Road, Eight-Mile Post Road and Needham Road: Thrift Brothers, LLC bid $1,486,471, East Coast Asphalt, LLC submitted a bid of $1,550,431 and The Scruggs Company’s bid was for $1,672,912.

The job covers 3.69 miles of Beach Road from Lucy Moore Road, 4.923 miles of Lucy Moore Road from Bickley Highway to Bear Trail, and 1.241 miles of Eight-Mile Post Road from Huckleberry Road to Old Shop Road, plus five patch-and-overlay spots on Eight-Mile and Needham.

LRA funding is $1,373,079. The county would add $195,776 from SPLOST and local money. Statewide Engineering recommended Thrift Brothers. Burse chaired the discussion.

• Passero selected for airport work: Staff asked for the hiring of Passero Associates, LLC, for two airport jobs — design/ engineering/construction and planning — at Waycross-Ware County Airport.

Packets from Passero and Kimley-Horn were scored in August. Passero finished 99 to 92.6 on design and construction and 99 to 94.3 on planning.

Commissioners also considered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ware County Board of Education to keep using the airport and Trembling Earth as reunification and shelter sites in case of emergencies.

• Stop signs, school sign, zoning: Commissioners were asked if stop signs at Minnesota Avenue and New Mexico Avenue should flip. New Mexico still stops at Minnesota, a leftover from when Minnesota (old Valdosta Highway) carried U.S. 84/S.R. 38. Minnesota west of New Mexico now dead-ends after about a block.

The school system asked for a Ruskin Elementary directional sign at Needham Road and Minnesota Avenue. The system would build, install and maintain it to traffic control device standards.

Four land-use items went to hearings after unanimous recommendations in August from the Waycross-Ware County Planning Commission: ∞ Rezone 830 New Mexico Ave. (parcel 070A 001) from R-75 MH to C2 to align an RV park with current RV-park zoning.

∞ Define park-model tiny homes and allow them in RV parks.

∞ Add a zoning use and definition for private gatherings on residential property.

∞ Name a private drive Saylor Lane for Janice Everly, about 1,200 feet west of Dixie Union Road and Tanner Road.

• Manager and commissioner comments: County Manager James Shubert called on Public Safety Training Center Director Brian Varnadore to update commissioners on a firefighter competition at the Center.

He also said the Public Safety Training Center is becoming a regional hub not only for firefighters and law enforcement officers, but also 911 dispatcher training.

Interim Planning Director Dustin Minchew announced an opening on the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Burse praised the staff of the Ware County Board of Elections and Registration for work on its annual report to the commission.

1: 84th NAACP State Convention, 10 a.m., Macon Marriott City Center, 240 Coliseum Drive.

2: Memorial Satilla Health blood drive, 9 a.m., old registration lobby, 1900 Tebeau Street.

2: 84th NAACP State Convention, 10 a.m., Macon Marriott City Center, 240 Coliseum Drive.

2: Feast of Tabernacle Celebration, 2 p.m., Pernell Roberts Memorial Park, McDonald and Mary Streets.

3: 84th NAACP State Convention, 10 a.m., Macon Marriott City Center, 240 Coliseum Drive.

3: OHC Heritage Marketplace, 10 a.m., 1460 N. Augusta Avenue.

3: Feast of Tabernacle Celebration, 2 p.m., Pernell Roberts Memorial Park, McDonald and Mary Streets.

4: Lee Family Reunion, 11 a.m., Hoboken Community Center, 294 Chicago Avenue.

5: Waycross City Commission work session, 5 p.m., City Hall.

6: Waycross City Commission bimonthly meeting, 5 p.m., City Hall.

9: CPTC Foundation Golf Benefit, Okefenokee Country Club, 1204 S. River Oaks Drive.

10: Faith & Blue community clean-up, praise picnic, 9 a.m., Pernell Roberts Memorial Park, McDonald and Pary Streets.

10: Okefenokee Field Day, 10 a.m., Okefenokee Swamp Park, 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road.

16: Night Golf Tournament, 7 p.m., The Lakes at Laura S. Walker State Park, 5653 Laura Walker Road.

17: J.C. Deal Family Reunion, 11 a.m., Long Branch Community Center, 3419 Long Branch Road, Bristol.

17: OATH Night Without a Home, 6 p.m., C.C. McCray City Auditorium, 865 Pendleton Street.

19: Waycross City Commission work session, 5 p.m., City Hall.

19: Ware County Board of Education work session, 5 p.m., 1301 Bailey Street.

— Luke 4: 38

For the past two weeks, we’ve talked about Jesus’ confrontation with a demon-possessed man in the synagogue in Capernaum. Then, he left the synagogue and went to Simon Peter’s house where Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever.

But now, let’s re-run the past few days with Jesus.

Earlier, he’d healed the Roman official’s son in Cana of Galilee. That Roman official had come from Capernaum.

So, it’s only natural that Jesus would go to Capernaum to see the boy, and now He has a friend there who is a Roman official. While He was there, He overpowered the demon in the synagogue so you might expect Peter to ask Him to heal his mother-in-law.

I was a medical chemist in a former life, and I remembered something chemists call a “catalyst.” There is a concept known as an “activation energy barrier.”

Whenever you mix two chemicals together, the resulting reaction requires a spark of energy to start the reaction.

A catalyst is something that dramatically lowers the “activation energy barrier” and jump-starts the reaction, therefore speeding up the process.

Jesus walked into Peter’s house and “dramatically lowered the ‘activation energy level.’” Matthew tells us what happened next.

'He touched her hand and the fever left her and she got up and began to wait on him.'

— Matthew 8:15

The fever would likely have fallen back to normal over several days, but Jesus’ presence acted as a catalyst and the woman’s body temperature quickly returned to normal. In an instant, he broke the cycle of inflammation and fever.

Normally, after a fever breaks, the body enters a convalescent phase. In natural human biology, recovering from a severe illness takes time.

When a high fever breaks, your body enters a period in which you reclaim your strength.

But Mark tells us:

“She began to serve them.”

— Mark 1:31

That’s the biological miracle following the chemical miracle which lowered the “activation energy level.” Jesus not only healed Peter’s mother-in-law, he instantly restored energy to her depleted cells and “she began to serve them.”

Jesus sees you right where you are — whether you’re stuck in a physical struggle, an emotional depression, or spiritual exhaustion. But when He reaches out and touches you, He heals you and restores you completely and instantly.

And the natural response is to serve him!

Charles “Buddy” Whatley is a retired United Methodist pastor serving Dawson Street Methodist Church in Thomasville, Ga. With wife, Mary Ella, they are missionaries to the Navajo Reservation.

According to Sheriff Ramsey Bennett, his office and those in Wayne and Long County and the Law Enforcement Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture executed eight simultaneous search warrants on vape stores in Blackshear, Jesup and Ludowici.

The raid was the result of an eight-month long investigation, a joint media release from the law enforcement agencies said.

The action led to several arrests, and a number of vehicles, weapons and products of contraband being confiscated, authorities said.

All four stores were selling illegal items and all have been closed.

All the stores are owned by Yemeni nationals. No additional details were released.

The case is still under investigation by all four agencies.

“This case once again proves that Georgia sheriff’s work tirelessly to protect their citizens and their cooperation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture has made Pierce, Wayne and Long Counties safer places to live,” the release said. “Cooperation between sheriffs and state agencies is paramount in stopping complex criminal organizations like this one.

The Waycross City Commission holds its hold its fall planning retreat Friday-Saturday, October 9-10 at the Fairfield by Marriott, 2207 Memorial Drive.

The public forum begins at 8 a.m. Friday and continues into early evening before adjourning. It resumes at 8 a.m. Saturday for a partial day.

MSH honors breast cancer survivors 

Memorial Satilla Health holds its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Survivor Reception at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, in the Main Lobby, 1900 Tebeau Street.

The community is invited to join the hospital honoring breast cancer survivors, recognizing the strength of those still in treatment and celebrating the care teams, families, friends and loved ones who support them.

The reception is open to survivors, caregivers, loved ones and community. Registration is requested by calling (844) 630-5295 or visit ing memorialsatillahealth.co m/calendar.

Lee family slates reunion Oct. 4 

Descendants of James F. and Nancy Lee holds their annual family reunion at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, October 4, at Hoboken Community Center 294 Chicago Avenue.

A covered dish lunch will be served at 12:45 p.m. after the business meeting. Meat, ice and utensils will be provided.

Call, (912) 614-1036.

SFW holds vehicle, truck show, Oct. 10 

Southern Forest World will hold a car and truck show at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10 at the Okefenokee Fairgrounds, 2335 Knight Avenue.

Entry fee is $25 with all makes and models welcome. Vendor spots (10 foot by 10 foot) are available for $100.

Registration and Tshirts are available at southernforestworld.org.

There will be a 50-50 raffle, door prizes and trophies to top finishers. Vehicle judging is at 10 a.m.

Swamp Park has Field Day Oct. 10 

Okefenokee Swamp Park celebrates 80 years of stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation with a Field Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 10 at the park, 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road.

The free community family-friendly gathering highlights efforts to inspire curiosity, wonder, and meaningful connections in the largest blackwater wetland in North America.

The event includes guided walks, wildlife education, hands-on learning, prescribed fire education, swamp history displays, and traditional crafts and skills.

WPD Faith & Blue event set Oct. 10 

Waycross Police Department holds its annual Faith & Blue community clean-up and picnic from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 10 in Pernell Roberts Memorial Park.

The activity begins with a community-wide cleanup effort that culminates in a barbecue cookout with food and beverages at the shelter in the park. the local event is part of the 2026 National Faith & Blue observance.

CPTC benefit golf tournament Oct. 9 

John Pike Memorial golf tournament to benefit the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 9 at Okefenokee Country Club.

Entry fee for the fourplayer scramble is $125 per person, which includes meal, cart, door prize ticket, swag bag, and team recognition on signage. Registration is 9:30 a.m. and sponsorships are available.

To register or for sponsorships information, visit https://www.coastalpines .edu/cptcfoundation/golftournament.

BLACKSHEAR — Mr. Fredrick Winston “Fred” Barber, Jr., of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born May 21, 1943, in Bainbridge, Ga., he was the son of the late Fredrick Winston Barber, Sr. and Ruth McDowell Barber. He made his home in Blackshear where he became a respected pharmacist, community servant, and friend to countless people throughout the Southeast.

Barber was a gifted athlete from an early age. A 1961 graduate of Bainbridge High School, he excelled in football, baseball, and track. He was a scholar student as well. During his high school career, Barber earned numerous honors, including All-State Halfback, AllSouthern, and All-American recognition, among other honors. He finished his high school football career with 3,357 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, establishing himself as Bainbridge High School's Hall of Famer. Barber earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country award in high school as well.

Barber attended the University of Georgia, where he played football from 1962 through 1964. Among the highlights of his collegiate career was scoring the first touchdown for Coach Vince Dooley against Florida, a game Georgia won 7-0. He remained especially proud of having played for Coach Dooley and being his first running back.

He was a member of the University of Georgia Lettermen’s Club, the University President's Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2006, he received the University of Georgia Post-Graduate Scholar Award from the National Football Foundation and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

After earning degrees from the University of Georgia in pharmacy, he established Barber's Pharmacy, which he owned and operated for 50 years.

Barber had a deep passion for pharmacy. He was a member of the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy for 10 years. He served on the Georgia Pharmaceutical Association and served on its Board of Directors. His professional affiliations included the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

His commitment to his community was equally strong. Barber had a heart for the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear and the Enriched Sunday School class. He served as President and Board member of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, President and Board member of the Blackshear Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. His commitment to helping people and his community was endless and whatever was needed, he helped.

His service extended to numerous other organizations, including the American Cancer Society Board of Directors, Southeast Georgia Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, Okefenokee Swamp Council, Pierce People for Safe Progress, Leadership Pierce, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Pierce County Chapter.

As much as Barber loved football, hunting and his community, he also loved his family deeply. He was a dedicated father, and he cherished every moment he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Priscilla Bailey.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Julie Musgrove Barber of Blackshear; his children, Fredrick Winston Barber III (wife, Sarah) of Johns Creek, Ga., Downing Musgrove Barber (wife, Candace) of St. Simons Island, and Heidi Lyneath Barber of Charleston, S.C.; six grandchildren, Mary Brooke Barber of Nashville, Tenn., Downing Musgrove Barber, Jr. of St. Simons Island, Buck McDowell Barber, John Stanley Barber, and Clay Naomi Barber, all of Johns Creek, and Hap Heimel of Mt. Pleasant, S.C; his sister, Brenda Martin of Bainbridge; and several other relatives.

A funeral service was held September 24 at First Baptist Church of Blackshear with Dr. Bill Young and the Rev. Steve Timmer officiating.

A graveside service was held September 28, in the Bulldog Haven section of the Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens with the Rev. Jerry Varnado officiating.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the First Baptist Church Enriched Sunday School Class, Georgia Football Lettermen, Jimmy Walker, Andy Day, Patrick Jones, Dennis Bloodworth, George Allen, Dari Thomas, Hugh Thompson, Travis Harrison, Stetson Bennett, Ted Welch, and Teddy Welch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pierce County Touchdown Club, P.O. Box 433, Blackshear, 31516 or the YMCA of Waycross, In Memory of Fred Barber, 1634 Plant Avenue, Waycross, 31501 or at ymcawaycross.com.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

Bagley

BLACKSHEAR — Mr. Dewey Edward Bagley, 80, of Blackshear, passed away Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Waycross on April 22, 1946, he lived in Ware County for many years before moving to Pierce County in 2003. Bagley served in the US Navy before going to work and later retiring from CSX Transportation where he worked for more than 40 years. He also owned and managed apartments in Waycross and had owned a farm in Dixie Union. In his free time, he enjoyed mowing grass, watching westerns, and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren who he dearly loved. He and the love of his life, the late Debra Thrift Deen, had enjoyed traveling and shopping which were, truth be told, just more ways he found to spoil her. Bagley was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear where he was in the Misfits Sunday School class.

He was a son of the late Elbert Dewey and Mary Yawn Bagley. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by all three of his sisters, Deloris Sharpe, Linda Gail Gregory, and Minnie Elizabeth “Beth” Nelson; and a brother, Danny Bagley.

Survivors include his daughter, Kandi (David) Crews of Blackshear; two sons, Matt Deen (fiance’ Amanda Allen) of Waycross, and Kidd (Nishita) Deen of Blackshear; a brother, Leonard Calvin “L.C.” (Jeanette) Bagley of Lawrence, Tenn; a brother-in-law, Dennis Nelson of Statesboro; five grandchildren, Mackenzie Deloach (fiance' Aaron Patton), Kayleigh Crews (fiance’ Kyle Hendricks), Kalissa Crews, Jace Johnson, and Arya Deen; two great grandchildren, Walker Patton and Kace Hendricks; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service was held September 26 from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Young and Bill Cason officiating.

Interment was in the Enon Cemetery.

The Misfits Sunday School class served as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Southeast Cancer Unit, P.O. Box 667, Blackshear, 31516.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home was honored to serve the Bagley family during this time.

• Finances and enrollment: The board unanimously approved payroll and disbursements of $6,861,314.15 as of August 31, along with the monthly financial report.

Enrollment stood at 5,746 as of Friday, September 11, down from 5,840 a year earlier. Upcoming dates approved included a PL day for Friday, October 9; and fall break the week of October 12-16.

• Helene damage and surplus: Board members declared a piece of playground equipment (Asset ID EQU000076), damaged in Hurricane Helene and later upgraded, as surplus. The item will be removed from the capital asset list retroactive to June 30.

• Agreements and community use: Approved without dissent were: ∞ A contract with Action Pact (Head Start) in which the district will contribute $25,000 toward one teacher assistant in an inclusion classroom, funded by the federal preschool disabilities grant.

∞ A clinical experience agreement and a fall dual-enrollment memorandum of understanding with Coastal Pines Technical College.

∞ Continuation of a school-based probation memorandum of agreement with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

The board also waived fees for Okefenokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes to use Ware County Middle School’s outdoor athletic facility November 12 (or the auditorium in poor weather) for Fields of Faith.

• CTAE, maintenance and buses: The FY27 Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) local plan and several CTAE purchases funded by state constructionrelated equipment bond grants were approved, including a floral cooler, welding simulator, patient skills trainer and embroidery machine for Waycross Middle School labs.

Maintenance items included luxury vinyl plank flooring at the central office (not to exceed $135,000, including abatement) and a section of roof at Waresboro Elementary (not to exceed $99,000 via cooperative purchasing).

The sole divided vote came on two 2026 Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger gas buses from Yancey Bus Sales, not to exceed $312,808. The state is expected to reimburse $176,220; the district would cover the rest.

Chairman Barry Deas voted no while the other six members voted yes. The chairman stated in discussion he doesn’t believe gas buses can hold up as well diesel buses.

• Scholarships, grants and student activity: The board authorized staff to seek additional community and business donors for the REACH Scholarship Program while keeping the partnership with the Satilla REMC Foundation.

Grant-seeking approvals included up to $31,000 for a rural teaching apprenticeship program and smaller agriculture grants for hydroponics stations at Ruskin Elementary.

• Field trips: Field trips from six schools and fundraisers from several campuses and the Exceptional Children’s Fund were approved.

• Personnel: A speech-language pathologist position will be converted to a school psychologist starting in 2026-27.

Classified hires included a school nurse, mechanic, school resource officer (SRO), high school secretary and substitute bus driver.

Certified additions included an interim special education director (49 percent), a physical education teacher and two 49 percent RTI (Response to Intervention) teachers.

Several transfers, resignations, contracted consultants, coaches and two work-based learning student workers also were approved.

The 2026-27 local board training plan was adopted. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, October 19 (work session) and Tuesday, October 20 (business meeting).

“Although this was news no family wants to experience, we’ve faced it together with faith, strength and gratitude for the care and encouragement we’ve received,” Hodges said. “I’ve visited and consulted with some of the nation’s best cancer care institutions and specialists to confirm my diagnosis and the best course of care.

“Based on their guidance, I began a treatment regimen that has proven to be of net benefit, so I’m moving forward with hope and determination.”

Hodges emphasized because of his positive response to treatment, he will continue fulfilling responsibilities and serving the people of Southeast Georgia while receiving cancer care.

“My commitment to the people of District 3 remains as strong as ever,” Hodges said. “While I could never know what the future holds, I will continue working on behalf of our communities and addressing the issues that matter most to the citizens I’m honored to represent.

“This diagnosis does not change my dedication as a public servant nor my resolve to stand up for what is right.”

State Senate District 3 includes the counties of Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh and portions of Ware.

Hodges said he and his family are taking the treatment process one step at a time.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded on a rock.”

— Matthew 7: 24-25

Building codes are rules for the designing and construction of buildings that, by law, are to be adhered to by the contractor to assure the safety of the future occupants.

The building code will be different based on the geographical location. The building codes will reflect the areas susceptibility to certain forces of nature such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods. The building codes in California and Oklahoma will not be the same as they are in Georgia.

When the draft or blueprints for a building are seen to meet the building codes, the builder is given a permit to build.

A person may read and memorize the building code, but if he doesn’t do as the code says during construction the occupants won’t be safe should disaster strike.

Not only are men building homes they’re also building lives. Just as a building must have a strong foundation to survive the storms, so must a life have a strong foundation to survive the many storms of life.

The sure foundation for one’s life is faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3: 11).

Then, just as a construction crew adds the floors, walls, and roof to a building’s foundation, the Christian adds to his faith in Christ and builds himself up in this most holy faith. (Jude 20) He then adds “to his faith virtue (integrity); and to virtue knowledge (intimate knowledge of God); and to knowledge temperance (self-control, self-discipline); and to temperance patience (waiting on God’s timing); and to patience godliness (Christ likeness); and to godliness brotherly kindness (looking out for my brother in Christ); and to brotherly kindness charity (God’s love for all).” (2 Peter 1: 5-7) And with charity comes

completion and perfection. (Colossians 3: 14) “Add” means to get in the habit of doing.

These things are not gifts we receive at the time of salvation but are virtues that we add and that make up the sum of our godly character.

A person may read and memorize God’s building codes for life but if he doesn’t base his life on them, he won’t survive the storms of life.

The person who follows God’s building codes for his life will still be standing after the storms of life have done their worst to him and passed on by.

Is your life being constructed according to God’s building codes?

James H. Cagle is a Ray City resident who pastored several churches for a total of 11 years. Email him at pastorjameshcagle@ yahoo.c

om