The rise in gas prices has fueled concern that increases could ripple through the economy, driving up the price of fertilizer and food.  “Global markets remain unstable and are subjecting Georgians to unpredictable price shocks on basic goods and services,” Kemp wrote in his executive order. It noted that futures on Brent crude, a global benchmark for oil prices, had spiked 3 percent for the day. The order prohibits price gouging.  

Diesel factors into the cost of groceries and any other product that must be hauled. “As Georgia families prepare for the Memorial Day travel weekend, they should not feel blindsided by prices at the gas pump,” Kemp said in a statement. Kemp’s office said AAA predicts 39.1 million Americans will travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, topping last year’s record. The release said the average cost of a gallon of regular gas in Georgia is $4.02, half a dollar less than the national average. It said Georgia is one of only two states with a motor fuel tax suspension. 

Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this report.

Clara Jene Gunnels Barsness, 82, lovingly known as “Jene”, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 10, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Allons, TN, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and generosity touched all who knew her.
Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Livingston Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday May 15, from the Livingston Methodist Church.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan Maynard, Andy Gunnels, Alex Gunnels, Aeric Gunnels, Brandon Gunnels, Joshua Gunnels, Sam Officer andCade Pritchett.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Dennis Barsness; her parents Harry and Ina Mary Gunnels and her cherished nephew, Jeremiah Maynard.
Survivors include her two daughters, Bethany Barsness Strickland and her favorite son-in-law, Steve Strickland, Blackshear and Jordan Barsness, Cookeville TN. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Bennett, Ryan, Campbell and Beau Strickland, who were the absolute joys of her life. Jene and Dennis never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, whether at soccer games, football fields, golf matches, graduations or any milestone worth celebrating. She also leaves behind her sweet sister, Reba (Gerald) Maynard, Livingston; loving brothers James (Jerekay) Gunnels, Mt. Juliet, TN and David (Debbie) Gunnels, Livingston and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jene married the love of her life, Dennis, April 12, 1968. From the moment they met, it was truly love at first sight, and together they built a beautiful life marked by nearly six decades of devotion, laughter, perseverance and unwavering love. Hand in hand through every season of life, they were a perfect example of commitment and partnership. And as anyone who knew Dennis would surely agree, Jene deserved sainthood status for lovingly putting up with him all those years, a testament to both her patience and her wonderful sense of humor.
She dedicated her professional life to helping other through her work in the medical insurance field, serving for many years at Overton County Medical Center and later alongside Dr. Gray Smith until her retirement. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the countless patients she helped over the years.
She found her greatest happiness in caring for others. She was an exceptional cook, known for opening her home and table to friends and family. Her meals were more than food; they were an expression of love, hospitality, and community. Cooking was her love language and her recipes will continue to be cherished by all those who were blessed to sit at her table or enjoy a jar of her legendary candied jalapeños.
A gifted and prolific artist, Jene she many hours in her basement studio creating meaningful works for those she loved. From hand-painted holiday decor to custom birth samplers, each piece reflected her thoughtful spirit and creative talent.
Music was another great love in Jene’s life. Whether gathered on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake, enjoying live performances at local venues or filling a friend’s living room with laughter and song, music was always woven into the moments she cherished most. She especially loved all genres of music and the simple joy of people coming together to share it.
For her 80th birthday, Jene celebrated in the most fitting way possible, surrounding herself with family, friends and the sound of local bluegrass musicians filling her home with music and happiness. It was more than a party; it was an evening full of love, storytelling, laughter and togetherness. A memory that everyone fortunate enough to be there will cherish forever.
Her life was a testament to love, service, creativity and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories shared around her table.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Dennis Barsness Memorial Scholarship through the Overton County Educational Foundation: 2632 Bradford Hicks Drive, Livingston TN 38570.
Speck Funeral Home of Livingston, TN, is handling arrangements. A special thanks to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home for additional care in Blackshear.

BCHS’s representation was the most of any program across the state in the finals.

Five of the six teams landed bass led by the 17th-place finish of Hayden Hickox and Brysen Chancey. The duo reeled in the five-catch limit with a combined weight of 12 lbs., 6 ozs.

Jefferson High School’s Jacob Janning and Ben Wilson won the title with 20 lbs., 5 ozs., with their five-catch limit. The biggest bass was 6 lbs., 10 ozs., by the Hart County duo of Cooper Sanders and Kain Norris (17 lbs., 10 ozs. total), who finished fifth. The Sanders-Norris big bass outweighed the totals of 35 teams.

Brantley County’s Eli Crawford and Kolby McLeod tied for 60th with a combined weight of 6 lbs., 15 ozs., with their five bass.

Brooks Anderson and Ryder Mercer finished 64th with a weight of 6 lbs., 12 ozs., for five bass.

Ryder Todd and Conner Wages placed 76th with their two bass weight 5 lbs., 14 ozs.

Saybree Niece and Waylon Thomas finished 92nd with their two bass weighing 3 lbs., 13 ozs.

Randy Johns and Jesse Miller were one of the 11 teams who were unable to reel in a bass.

Voting has continued at a steady pace, with 783 ballots cast through midmorning Monday, May 11.

The Saturday, May 9 voting saw 70 people cast votes. A week earlier (Saturday, May 2), there were 44 votes cast.

Early voting closes Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m., at the Brantley County Elections Office.

On Election Day, Tuesday, May 19, polls will open at 7 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. Voters must cast their ballot at their assigned precinct — Brantley County Senior Center, Hoboken Community Center or Waynesville Baptist Church.

“This meeting (May 7 at Nahunta Methodist Church) was all about recovery,” said County Manager Joey Cason. “We’re bringing all the partners who are trying to unify all of the different faces of people who are willing to be so generous and donate time, donate funds and donate resources all into one space.

“This helps so that we have a concerted effort to basically rebuild our community. The good news is hallelujah ... we hope to be 90 percent contained by the end of today (Thursday). The red team and all the guys that are still here are trying to wrap that up and really bring it down to a compact, small area.”

County officials also discussed aiding residents with cleanup.

“We are in the process of getting rolloffs delivered for debris,” said Cason. “The county transfer station will accept debris at no charge. The county has also waived the fees for permitting inside the fire zone. So, citizens can go to our building and planning office and that will be resolved for them.”

Brantley County has also contracted with H2O Creative to develop a new recovery site for citizens, hwy82firerecovery. com. This site collates multiple different contacts for aid and resources.

“We have also set up the County main number with a specific option to call into,” Cason added.

The county manager also stated Brantley County’s volunteer fire departments have assumed responsibility for local fire protection along with Georgia Forestry, which started Friday, May 8.

“We do have resources on standby if the fire does rekindle,” said Cason.

What also happened Thursday is several local organizations were given a charitable gift for their hard work during the Hwy. 82 fire.

Five volunteer fire departments in Brantley County were given $15,000 to split. Southside Baptist Church received $12,000.

“It’s awesome,” said Cason referencing the donations. “We’re pretty inundated with supplies, and the issue with that is that folks who lost their home don’t have anywhere to put supplies, and so getting a monetary donation like helps us further down the road.”

He went on to say all local donations not going through the local faith community are being directed through Family Connection.

“County staff is working in conjunction with Family Connection to ensure the integrity of donations of any type, including financial will be properly maintained and disbursed,” said Cason. “A small committee of local leaders will help oversee the use of donated items.”

Michael Fader and his wife, Amanda, are real estate investors and licensed mobile home dealers in Jacksonville. They were taken aback by news reports and video of the devastation in Brantley County.

“My lovely bride, Amanda, came up with this on the fly,” said Michael. “She said, ‘Honey, we can help and we can help now.’ So we jumped into action and almost immediately devised a plane.”

The Faders’ plan includes providing double-wide mobile homes to the families who’ve lost their home in the wildfires, but at an affordable rate.

The Faders are wanting to cut $90,000 brand new mobile homes to less than $50,000. All of the homes are going to be finished very similarly with chair railing islands, backsplashes and stainless steel appliances.

One family, an 87-year-old mother, and her son have already met the Faders. Patty Ryle and Edward Ryle had lived in her Gatewood Drive home in since 1978. It’s now just ash and rubble.

“It’s like a dream,” said Mrs. Ryle. “It’s really not even a reality. Yet, I know it’s gone. I know material things can be replaced, but there’s so many memories that I just have to hold in my heart.”

“I could hear he (Edward Ryle) was sincere in his voice the moment he told me he was living with his mother,” said Michael. “I have a soft spot for ‘memaws’. Then we jumped into action.”

“These people (Faders) here have been a Godsend,” said Edward Ryle.

If there is an error in the report, contact the Brantley County’s Sheriff’s Office.

• Outstanding Prob ation warrant: Matthew Rentz, 29, was arr ested Monday, May 4 on an outstanding Probation warrant.

• Criminal Interference with Government Property: Matthew Cribb, 46, was arr ested Monday, May 4 and charged with Criminal Interference with Government Property.

Brantley County deputies responded to a subject being irate.

• Outstanding warrants of Reckless Driving, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Laying Drag, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Hit and Run: James Thompson, 44, was arr ested Tuesday, May 4 on outstanding warrants of Reckless Driving, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Laying Drag, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Hit and Run.

• Outstanding Prob ation warrant: Hank Thorn, 47, was arrested Tuesday, May 5 on an outstanding Probation warrant.

• DUI, Battery: Daniel Sapp, 39, was arrested Wednesday, May 6 and charged with DUI and Battery.

Brantley County deputies responded to Highway 82 in reference to a domestic dispute.

• Outstanding Failure to Appear warrant: Kat rena Beck worth, 48, was arr ested Wednesday, May 7 on an outstanding Failure to Appear warrant.

• Outstanding Probat ion warrant: Thomas Bell, 44, was arr ested Thursday, May 7 on an outstanding Probation warrant.

The event begins at 12:30 p.m., in the social hall at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church, 1998 Riverside Rd., Nahunta.

Please bring a covered dish.

Hickox reunion is Sunday, June 14 HOBOKEN — The annual Hickox Family reunion for the descendants of Ernie Hickox, Alzada Shuman Hickox and Allie Oquinn Hickox is scheduled for Sunday, June 14.

The reunion will be held at Twin Oaks Bluegrass Park, 401 Twin Oaks Drive Hoboken, 31542.

The community/meeting room will be open by 11 a.m. Everyone bring your family, come and enjoy a covered dish meal and don’t forget to bring desserts and drinks.

Call Lanita Hickox Branch at 912-367-2870 or 912-278-4354, or Greta Hickox Dyal at 912-2855528 or 912-614-1731 if there are any questions.

The City Council had a proclamation honoring the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Brantley County High School Class of 2026 at the May 4 meeting.

Yog Pritul Patel and Cohen James Carter were recognized for their academic achievements in being named the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

The city council took great pride in recognizing their achievements as they demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and academic excellence. The council also acknowledged their hard work, persever-ance and commitment to excellence.

The councilmembers extended their sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued success in their future endeavors.

Mayor Marty Lee and the councilmembers also had a proclamation for the 57th annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, where they acknowledged the hard work and dedication of their City Clerk, Angie Wirth.

The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is considered a time honored and vital part of local governments throughout the United States. It is also the oldest among public servants providing the professional link between citizens, local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels.

Nahunta Police Department Police Chief Brad Todd gave the monthly report for the month of April.

There were 372 E911 calls; 185 traffic stops; 74 citations issued; 111 warnings issued; five incident reports filed; seven accident reports filed; and six arrests made.

Jeremy Ryan gave the Public Works Report. Ryan stated there were 477 work orders for last month. He also stated the new waste water treatment plant is now operational and it is mowing season.

For the City Clerk/Mayor Report, Wirth announced the End of School Year Bash is still on for Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Nahunta City Hall.

The next Nahunta City Council Meeting will Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m.

Shiver was born May 7, 1974, in Homerville to the

Shiver

late James T. Shiver and Linda Shiver Bennett. He was raised in Waresboro.

After marrying his childhood sweetheart and starting a family, Shiver made Blackshear his home. He worked for the Waycross Housing Authority for 20 years until his health declined in 2023.

Shiver was an active member of Cornerstone Church of God until his health kept him home bound.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by grandparents, William H. Shiver and Linda Shiver Bennett, Jehu Ralph Davis and Lucille Ryan Davis; brother, James “Teddy” Shiver III; and his fur babies, Flossie and Sissy.

Shiver is survived by his loving wife of 33 years although they were together 35 years, Angela Ryals Shiver; four children, Justin Shiver and wife Breanna of Blackshear, Dustin Shiver of Blackshear, Katelyn Howell and husband Payton of Blackshear, Leighanne Walston and husband Kenny of Dublin; 12 grandchildren, Aubrey, Kenlee, Oakland, Hunter, Camberlyn, Brooklyn, Caleigh, Leland, William, Brayden, Livy and Johnathan; three sisters, Rhonda Johns and husband Buddy of Brantley County, Cheryl Jewell and husband Timmy of Waycross, Tina Davis and husband Roy of Blackshear; fur baby, Raine; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A celebration of life was held Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel.

The family requested the Waycross Housing Authority to serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Miles-Odum Funeral Home to help offset funeral costs.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Adams

HORTENSE — Donna H. Adams, 74 of Hortense, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Hospice of Golden Isles in Brunswick after an extended illness.

Mrs. Adams was born in Jesup to the late Michael Carol Henderson and Daisy Harper. She was also preceded by a daughter, Vanessa Franklin; and two brothers, Michael Ashley Henderson and Kim Allen Henderson.

Mrs. Adams was a lover of all things food, fishing, basketball and family. Sunday afternoons, you could find her watching NASCAR races, eating a big family cooked meal and spending time with her family.

She spent most of her life as a server for Cracker Barrel and Shoneys in Brunswick. She was the best mama, little mama, Granny, and Nanny to all her babies. They were what she lived for.

Survivors include her two daughters, Roygina Wood (Homer) of Hortense and Nikki Durden (Harvey) of Darien; her eight grandchildren Michael Wood (Tiffany) of Hortense, Homer Wood, Jr. of Hortense, Taylor Fincher (Shelby) of Hoboken, Nick Fincher of Hortense, James Fincher (Brittany) of Brunswick, Donna Dowdney of Hortense, Brittany Sloan (Tony) of Brunswick and Destiny Googe of Hortense; her 13 great grandchildren, Brody and Braeleigh Wood, Emberlynn Melton, Easton, Everett and Hayden Fincher, Carsten Dowdney, Trinity Rowe, Selena, Bentley and Ashton Sloan, Paris and Donavan Googe; her stepfather, Zade Harrell; and her former son in law Herman 'Bubba' Fincher; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Frye Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Bobby Williams and Rev. Aaron Howard.

Burial followed at Hortense Cemetery.

Pallbearers were James Fincher, Taylor Fincher, Nick Fincher, Michael Wood, Logan Himes and Trey Guest.

Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.

Melissa Michelle ‘Missy’ Carter Montgomery BLACKSHEAR — Mrs. Melissa Michelle “Missy” Carter Montgomery, 45 of Blackshear, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2026 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born November 24, 1980 in Blackshear, Mrs. Montgomery lived in Pierce County all her life. She worked as a waitress at Oak Plaza Restaurant. Mrs. Montgomery loved to Montgomery

sing, make jewelry, write poems, draw, and do hair and makeup. She was of the Baptist faith.

Mrs. Montgomery was preceded in death by her father, Kavin Dwayne Carter; and by her brother, Anthony Aspinwall.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Montgomery of Blackshear; her daughter, Taylor Carter of Blackshear; her stepson, Landon Montgomery of Brantley County; her mother and stepfather, Susie and Ronald Dixon of Blackshear; her uncles, Mark Carter of Blackshear, Neal (Teresa) Aspinwall of Lake Charles, La., and Frank (Marilyn) Aspinwall of Kingsland; a grandchild, Trenton Vickery; two nieces, Hannah Boatright and Gracie Bell; a nephew, Winton Aspinwall; her pet goat, Goatie; and several other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Mrs. Montgomery was held Thursday afternoon, May 7, 2026 from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment followed in the Shiloh Cemetery.

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

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

Lee was born November 29, 1947 in Waycross to Jerome Carlos Lee, Sr. and Daisy Lee Dowling Lee. He had lived in Brunswick most of his life and was a 1966 graduate of Glynn Academy. Lee received an Associate Degree from Brunswick Junior College.

He was a member of Glyndale Baptist Church where he had also formerly served as a Deacon. Prior to its closing, Lee had worked as a welder at B & W before beginning his career in law enforcement as an officer at the City of Brunswick Police Department.

That was followed by Metro Drug Squad. Lee was the first officer with the department to receive a drug canine, Bando. He was then appointed to the Governor’s Task Force.

Lee eventually went to work as an SRO with the school system and had a dual role as school transportation director. He was then promoted to Police Chief with the Glynn County School System.

When not working, Lee enjoyed fishing, wood working and cooking.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by brothers, Jerome Lee, Jr., and Donald Lee sister in laws Martha Higginbotham and Delores Higginbotham.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley Higginbotham Lee; children, Denise Miller (James) of Brunswick, Amy Hatcher (Marty) of Hortense, and Ron E. Lee, Jr., of Brunswick; siblings, Cindy Lee and Darrell Lee (Kathryn), all of Brunswick; brother-inlaw, Linton Higginbotham of Brunswick and Bill Higginbotham of Amelia Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Alexis Potts (Nathan), Kelsey Lee, Stanley Lee, Andrew Gordon, Ben Lee and Ron E ‘Tripp’ Lee III; great grandchildren, Sophia and Brady Potts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his loyal canines, Whiskey, Rock, Trudy and Pearl, and his coffee drinking cat, Roscoe.

A service to celebrate Lee’s life was held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Chapman Funeral Chapel.

Chapman Funeral Chapel and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

Born December 1, 1941 in Fort Myers, Fla., Rooks lived in Fort Myers prior to moving to Nahunta in 2006.

He served in the U.S. Army and would go on to work for the Florida Department of Transportation for 30-plus years retiring as a supervisor. Rooks enjoyed doing projects around the house as well as hunting, fishing, and camping.

Rooks also enjoyed watching Westerns and war movies. In his later years, you could find him playing games on his iPad.

Rooks was a devoted husband, an amazing father who taught his children well, and a doting grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather.

He was a son of the late Ellis Garfield Rooks and Irene J. Salters Nash. Rooks was also preceded in death by both of his brothers, Herman Rooks and Timothy Nash.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Karen Rieske Rooks of Nahunta; two daughters, Shirley Garrett of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Dorothy Crews of Cleveland, Tenn.; two sons, Kenneth Rooks, Jr. (Susan Hall) of Blackshear and John (Brenda) Rooks of Walworth, N.Y.; a sister, Janice Fagan of Florida; a sister-in-law, Heidi Nash of Naples, Fla.; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild with a second on the way in August; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Rooks were held Saturday

Rooks morning, May 9, 2026 from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Long officiating.

Memorialization was by cremation.

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

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

The Bacon County native had lived in Wayne County most of his life. He was a member of Corners tone United Pent ecostal Church.

Sikes loved fishing and spending time with his family and

Sikes friends.

His wife of 49 years, Marilyn A. Tillman Sikes, preceded him in death; along with his parents, Mitchell and Eunita Harris Sikes; brothers, Harold, Eddie and Neal Sikes; and a great grandson, DeOntia Butler, Jr.

Survivors are his children, Louis (Dana) Terrell of Jacksonville, Fla., Dana (Roy) Tabb of Jesup and Joshua (Logan) Sikes of Hortense; grandchildren, Roy (Andie) Arielle, Alexxis Tabb, Matthew Terrell, Anthony Jordan, Joshlyn, Dakota and Oliver Axel Sikes; great grandchildren, Bryelle, Ryder, Kinsley, Korbin, Ariabella, Kordale and Oaklie Tabb; a sister, Wilma “Faye” Cribbs; sisters- in-law, Paula Sikes and Ernestine Scurry; brothersin- law, Charles and Kenneth Tillman, and Sylvester “Buddy” Scurry; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.

illness.

Register

Register was born in Homerville to the late Arzell Register, Sr. and Estelle Zipp erer Register. He retired as a conductor from CSX Transportation after 40 years of service and served as secretary and treasurer of Local 998 for a number of years. Register also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Lambert Register of Waycross; one son, Terrill Register (Christina) of Waycross; one daughter, Bridget Corbett (Matt) of Blackshear; four grandchildren, Michael Shane Strickland (Samantha), Matthew Isaac Corbett (Grace), Elijah Brant Corbett, and Brooke Anistan Register; two great-grandchildren, Christian Strickland and Claire Strickland; five sisters, Faye Keyton (Ed) of Pomona Park, Fla., Carolyn Porter (Joe) of Jacksonville, Fla., Vicky Graham of Hahira, Oveta Copeland (Johnny) of Hahira and Mary Wright (Bill) of Hahira; one brother, James Register (Terry) of Naylor; two cousins, Robert Register (Peggy) of Clarksville, Fla. and Chandler Register of Flatwoods; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Wayfare Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Stockton.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.co m.

Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Born in Toombs County, Waters lived in Brantley County for 59 years. He worked at Margo Garden Products in Folkston for the past nine years.

Waters enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing where he frequently visited Bulloch County Wildlife Management during deer season in search of the next big buck. He spent his past time fishing the Satilla River with family and friends.

Waters is preceded in death by both parents, Graham and Gladys Waters; and a sister, Dawn Waters.

Survivors include his wife, Heidi Waters; a daughter Sarah Biston (James); four grandchildren, Christopher Waters, Nevaeh Zagroski, Bryce Zagroski and Zachary Biston; a sister, Donna Waters- Gibson (Tony); and a brother, Tony Waters (Tina); extended family and friends consisted of the Skipper clan; two lifelong friends, Jeffery Johns (Judy) and Matt Brooker (Stacey); and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with immediate family and friends at Waters’ request.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.

Waters

Firefighters and first responders came from these 32 states to help fight the fires, which wreaked havoc burning over 22,000 acres of land and claimed over 120 homes or dwellings to be lost in the past two weeks here in Brantley County.

This will go down as the most destructive fire in Georgia history. I have taken pictures of a lot of it and it has really been bad.

Real bad. For the past 25 years, I have strived to do my best to show the beauty of Brantley County. Several of my photos taken right here in the county have won contests to prove I’m not the only one that has felt that way.

I will continue taking pictures of Brantley County, as it is my home and always has been. I have also met a lot of firefighters, first responders and many others in the past couple of weeks who I now consider my friends.

They are some of the greatest bunch of people I have ever met. Many have come a long way from home, leaving their families behind to come do what they could to save many of ours.

They have told me the locals have all been so nice to them.

• Wayne Morgan is freelance wildlife photographer and author.

My usual smart-alecky retort was something akin to “Well, then, we need to wrap it up and mail it to India.”

If we did, that would be one large package — about the size of Maine.

This from a story a while back in the New York Times: Studies have shown that a quarter to half of all the food produced in the United States goes uneaten.

According to the story, one study, conducted by the University of Arizona over three decades, found that 25 percent of the food Americans bring into their homes is wasted.

A book written by Jonathan Bloom, “American Wasteland: How America Throws Away Nearly Half of Its Food,” points out our wasteful ways are also expensive. Bloom points out a family of four spending $175 a week on groceries squanders about $40 each week, which adds up to more than $2,000 a year. (Please note that these financial figures were from a number of years ago).

Add that to food produced in the U.S. left in fields, spoiled in transport or thrown out at the grocery store or restaurant, and that brings you to an estimated 50 percent mark.

Why do we waste so much food? The story offers up a number of reasons — discarding food due to safety concerns, refrigerator clutter, not being hungry — but misses the primary culprit, in my own personal estimation.

That villain is timing. More specifically, the timing of when you go grocery shopping. Even more specifically, going grocery shopping when you’re hungry.

I’ll offer this personal anecdote to make my point.

Shortly after my wife and I married — nearly 30 years ago — I went to the grocery store on the verge of starvation (American translation: Not full), and placed a gigantic box of animal crackers in our shopping cart.

“Why are you buying an eightpound box of animal crackers?” my new wife asked, oblivious that I was hungry — and stupid. “You’ll never eat all that.”

“Oh, yes I will,” was my hungry reply. “I love animal crackers.”

Her eyes rolled. “And look here,” I added, pointing to the nutritional label. “Animal crackers are good for you, too. Only 120 calories per serving, and 6 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Riboflavin.”

She surveyed the label for a moment, then offered, “Len, there’s 120 servings of animal crackers in this box.”

I bought it anyway. And ate six servings that night.

And five more servings a week later. And, then, we moved — five years later.

“Hey, Len, when are you going to eat the rest of these animal crackers?,” my wife asked, chuckling, as she cleaned out the cupboard.

“Uh, uh, I’m going to get around to that,” I said.

“I have to be in an animal cracker mood.”

She packed it in the move — solely to prove a point.

Then, five years later, we moved again. And again, we went through the “when are you going to eat the rest of these animal crackers?” routine.

I threw it away that time — adding to America’s squandered smorgasbord.

But I’m also making an effort to create less excess through one simple action: Before I go grocery shopping now, I always go to an all-you-can-eat buffet first.

And when I get in an animal cracker mood, I buy a small bag, or two.

• Len Robbins is the editor of The Clinch County News. He can be reached at lrobbins@clinchcounty news

• Public Hearing – Joint Comprehensive Plan Proposal: A public hearing concerning Brantley County’s five-year comprehensive plan was hosted by James Horton of Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC).

Horton briefly described the contents of the 138page plan, including sections on community policies, demographics, and land use. He assured the public the full document would be available for review at www.sgrc.us.

Horton said residents of Brantley County are “absolutely welcome to comment on anything that’s in (the comprehensive plan proposal). If it seems like something we should include in the plan, I’ll bring it back to the commissioners and have them look over it. That’s what this is all about — you being able to have a part in the planning process.” Those with questions concerning the proposal can contact Horton directly at jhorton@sgrc.us.

• Approval of May agenda: Commissioners approved the agenda for the regular May meeting.

• Submitting Joint Comprehensive Plan Proposal: A motion carried to submit the proposed Joint Comprehensive Plan to Department of Community Affairs Georgia for review.

• Opening of New Grant Fund account: Commissioners approved the opening of a new account through PrimeSouth Bank. This account will house any grant funds the county receives.

• Purchasing equipment for airport: Payment for the lighting and equipment repair work done by TCA Electrical Contractors was approved for $18,439.75, sourced from the county’s airport budget.

With this update, Brantley County Airport is now compliant with GDOT Aviation and FAA standards.

• Purchasing updated fire gear: A motion carried for the Hoboken Volunteer Fire Department to receive various fire equipment through Ten-8 Fire Safety for $12,492.07.

It will be paid for out of the Hoboken VFD budget.

• Supporting cost of fire engine fuel: Commissioners approved fuel costs from Lewis & Raulerson for support received during the Highway 82 fire, paid for out of the supplies budget.

In addition to fuel, the $89,628.11 amount supports tire replacement and engine repair.

• Purchasing Enforcer unit for brush truck: A motion carried to approve the purchase of an Enforcer 30 SKID unit with 4500 SCBA adapter from North American Fire Equipment for $13,099.

It will be paid out of the Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department budget.

• Purchasing gas tanks: Commissioners approved the purchase of 34 SCBA tanks from Ten-8 Fire and Safety for $49,258.52 for the Nahunta VFD.

• County Manager report: County Manager Joey Cason reported news about recent wildfires.

“As of today (May 7), the (Highway 82) fire was 85 percent contained with no growth,” Cason told commissioners. “The hope is we may be at 90% containment by tomorrow.

“I met with a new incident management group. They are in the process of combining this incident management group with the Pineland Fire, so we will have one consolidated incident management team going forward.”

Cason said a new website was created to support Brantley County’s needs during recovery. Hwy82firerecovery.com provides essential information for those in need of financial, emotional, or physical assistance, and serves as a means to contact the county with questions and concerns regarding the fire.

• Executive session: Commissioners entered an executive session concerning personnel, legal, and real estate matters.

CANEY BAY — Brantley County’s top-seeded Herons’ tennis program will defend its title after blanking Banks County 3-0 here Thursday in the Class A DI semifinals.

The two-time defending champion Lady Herons’ (13-12) bid for a third consecutive title fell short falling 3-1 in the “Elite 8” to sixthseed Model (17-5) in Rome. The Lady Blue Devils, who knocked off 2nd-seed ACE Charter 3-2 in the semifinals, meet top-seed Jeff Davis (24-3) in the championship match.

The “Final Four” victory by the Herons (23-2), winners of seven straight matches and nine consecutive state tournament matches over the last two years, sets up a date with sixth-seed Rabun County (192) today (Wednesday, May 13) at 12:30 p.m., at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.

Brantley County ousted the Wildcats in last year’s quarterfinals,posting a 3-0 victory.

Rabun County, who lost twice to Private School “Final Four” participant Athens Academy, advanced through the bracket at home, beating 27th-seed Dodge County in the first round, 11th-seed Vidalia in the “Sweet 16”, 14th-seed Swainsboro in the “Elite 8” and 7th-seed Model (31) in the semifinals.

The Herons improved to 11-4 with a fifth consecutive quarterfinal victory downing 8th-seed Bleckley County 3-0 Monday, May 4. They followed with Thursday’s (May 7) semifinal win over 13th-seed Banks County improving to 3-8 in the semis winning in each of their last three appearances.

‘Elite 8’ No. 1 Herons.........................3 No. 8 Bleckley County...........0

Brantley County posted straightset victories in its three wins and was one game away in the other two matches against Bleckley County.

Ashton Tyler posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles over Jack Tripp. Jayce Chapman had no trouble at No. 3 blanking Jay Faulk 6-0, 6-0. Owen Spradley had a 6-2, 5-0 advantage at No. 2 over Abbott Keel.

The No. 1 doubles team of Jett and Miles Florey knocked off Bo Yeatly and John Teston 6-3, 6-0. The No. 2 tandem of Evan Payne and Alex Keen led Brady Cape and Colton Zachran 6-3, 5-1 when the match was pulled.

‘Final 4’ semifinals No. 1 Herons.........................3 No. 13 Banks County.............0

The Herons rolled to two wins in the singles competition and one in doubles dropping just five games to oust Banks County.

Spradley strolled to a 6-1, 6-1 decision at No. 2 over Carter Oliver. Chapman had no trouble at No. 3 beating Canyon Boswell 6-0, 6-1. Tyler dropped the first set to Sam Ledford at No. 1 to trail 7-6 (7-4).

The Floreys controlled their No. 1 doubles match against Issac Perdue and Thomas Nguyen winning 6-1, 61. Payne and Keen were up a set and leading in the second 7-5, 2-1 against Eli Castonguay and Cohen Vitug when the match was stopped.

‘Elite 8’ No. 6 Model ..........................3 No. 14 Lady Herons...............1

ROME — Haley Smith provided the Lady Herons their lone victory against Model.

Smith downed Baelen Robinson 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Adalyn Lattanzie fell 6-1, 6-4 at No. 2 to Olivia Peck. Mary Drury suffered a 6-1, 6-1 setback to Ava Welchel at No. 3.

The No. 2 doubles tandem of Bri Crews and Brenna Gilder let a oneset advantage slip away in falling 16, 6-4, 6-3 to Greta Garrett and Anabella Rozier. The No. 1 duo of Emersyn Payne and Kynli Flowers were tied in the third set at 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 4-4 when the match was ended.

The Saturday, May 2 Sectional was postponed due to weather in the Middle Georgia area.

There were representatives from 27 Region 1, 2, 3 and 4 schools particpating in the meet.

The Top 8 finishers in each event will compete Tuesday, May 12 in the GHSA Track & Field State Championships at Spec Towns Track at the University of Georgia Track & Field Complex in Athens.

Saunders co-shared the winning height of 6foot in the high jump with three others. Four more participants finished at the same height finishing fifth thru eighth because of more missed attempts.

The winning height in the other Sectional, also held Monday, May 4 at Bremen High School, was 5’10” with seven posting the height.

Barnes finished sixth in the 1,600-meter event with a time of 5:59.42. The winning time was 5:07.14 with an eighthplace time of 6:04.06.

The winning time was 5:15.42 in Bremen,with an eighth-place time of 6:01.05.

Thigpen placed seventh in the discus with a throw of 93’9”. The winning mark was 120’1” with an eighth-place distance of 93’7.5” The winning distance in Bremen was 130’6” with an eighth-place qualifying distance of 91’10”.

The Herons’ Brayden Middleton ran to a 12thplace showing in the 1,600m event posting a time of 5:13.59. The winning time was 4:26.60 with an eighthplace time of 4:55.81.

The Lady Herons’ Jaelynn Evans finished 13th in the 800m event with a time of 2:50.83. The winning time was 2:24.36,with an eighthplace time of 2:41.51.

Briar Cothern clocked a 14th-place time of 20.67 seconds in the 100m hurdles. The winning time was 14.26 seconds with an eighth-place time of 18.32 seconds.

Members of the FCA Leadership Team distributed approximately 250 Bibles to their fellow students during the April 2 event.

Funding for the Bibles was made possible through the Swampland Stampede, an annual rodeo event which raises money for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America programs across surrounding counties. The event has become an important community fundraiser supporting local students and organizations.

In support of Brantley County FCA, Riverside Baptist Church Pastor Tom Kennedy answered the call to participate in the rodeo event known as “chute dogging,” helping raise funds to provide Bibles for the eighth-grade class.

FCA Huddle Coach Dustin Ray expressed his appreciation to Danny Varnadore and Jubilee Farms for organizing the Swampland Stampede and making the event a success for the tri-county area.

Ray also thanked the local churches and pastors who worked together to ensure every eighth-grade student had access to a Bible.

“Brantley County churches really came together to provide Bibles for every eighth-grade student,” Ray said. “I appreciate every pastor who had a hand in making this possible.”

The following churches were Nahunta First Baptist, Hickox Baptist, Waynesville Missionary Baptist, Southside Baptist, Riverside Baptist, King Memorial, Hoboken Baptist, Oak Hill and Mt. Calvary.

The next Swampland Stampede is scheduled for August 14-15 at the Waycross Fairgrounds. Families from across the area are encouraged to attend and enjoy a variety of exciting rodeo events.

Crews will assume the role of General Manager when John Middleton retires in early 2027, concluding a distinguished 39-year tenure.

“Darren is a long-time OREMC employee with broad experience in our industry, including work with other cooperatives that has helped prepare him for this opportunity,” said Middleton. “He is focused, detail- oriented, and committed to getting things done. These qualities will serve him well as he works alongside me over the next several months to ensure a seamless transition into the general manager position. I’m excited to ‘pass the torch’ and leave OREMC in very capable hands next year.”

Crews brings 20 years of service to OREMC, most recently serving as Manager of Engineering, where he was responsible for developing the co-op’s overall work plan and system improvements. His work has centered on strengthening system reliability and supporting the co-op’s continued growth.

Under his leadership, OREMC has integrated a large customer-choice load, constructed five new substations, rebuilt six others, and implemented the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system — a modernizing of how the co-op monitors and analyzes real-time performance across its distribution network.

Prior to his engineering leadership role, Crews served as Manager of Member Services and Manager of Corporate Support Services. His primary focus was member-service initiatives and helped establish OREMC’s Cooperative Solar Program.

Crews also spent time at Georgia Transmission Corporation as a Transmission Service Engineer for the southeast region, gaining valuable experience working with other electric cooperatives and expanding his knowledge of the ITS transmission system.

“Darren’s overall experience, the variety of positions he has held, and the projects he has worked on over the years make him exceptionally well prepared to step into the role of general manager,” said OREMC Board President Wayne Combs. “He will lead the co-op in continuing to pursue our strategic goals of providing reliable service at an affordable price, being a trusted energy partner, and remaining an employer of choice.

“John Middleton has been a tremendous asset to OREMC. While we hate to lose him, we fully support him as he transitions into retirement.”

Crews grew up in Brantley County. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering technology from Georgia Southern University.

RAYBON — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Kingsland office is investigating the death of a 37-year-old Blackshear man killed by Brantley County Sheriff’s Office deputies Thursday afternoon.

Thomas Kenneth Bowen III, who reportedly had outstanding arrest warrants, pulled a firearm and pointed it at the deputies during a May 7 stop, according to the GBI’s preliminary information of the investigation released Friday, May 8.

BCSO deputies arrived at a home on Pat Harris Road to arrest Bowen on the outstanding warrants at approximately 5:35 p.m.

As the deputies (names have not been released nor how many) arrived, Bowen got into his truck, which had a boat and trailer in tow. Bowen then fled the home, which initiated a pursuit south on Pat Harris Road and turned onto Hoke Road.

Pat Harris Road runs north and south between Raybon Road West and Hoke Road.

The GBI’s preliminary investigation reported Bowen stopped the truck on Hoke Road, exited, and attempted to release the trailer. Deputies approached Bowen and gave several verbal commands.

After Bowen refused to comply, deputies attempted to tase him. Bowen continued to resist, pulled a firearm from his waistband, and pointed it at the deputies.

Deputies then fired shots toward Bowen, hitting him. Medical assistance was provided to Bowen by the deputies. EMS was called to the scene with Bowen succumbing to his injuries.

Bowen’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler for an autopsy.

No deputies were physically injured, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff Len Davis requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues, which officials said is standard procedure in cases like this.

“Any time an incident like this occurs, it is tragic for everyone involved,” Davis said in a press release.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Kingsland at (912) 729-6198. Jason Seacrist is the Special Agent in Charge of the investigation.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

It was an agreement between Shane Hardee and Lance Robinson, Operations Section Chiefs with Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team 1 Thursday, May 7 before turning the operations back over to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The fight has been helped by rain Saturday, May 2 and again Friday night, May 8 into Saturday, May 9.

The two chiefs have coordinated efforts to help the Hwy. 82 Brantley County fire to 90 percent containment covering 22,420 acres since its Monday, April 21 explosion into a raging wildfire.

Hardee has provided morning updates of the daily agenda items in a multi-agency quest to bring the fire, which burned nearly 35 square miles in eastern Brantley County, under control.

Hardee said there are still pockets of smoke inside the perimeter from deep-rooted vegetation.

“There is no threat of escape, because it’s so deep in the interior (bays),” said Hardee. “But, it’s going to continue to put up smoke until we get enough rain to put those organics out. We have mopped up very far from the primary containment features, so we’re feeling really good about the the future.

“We’ve done a lot of work around the structures and stuff on Browntown Road to try to keep the citizenry safe in those homes while making sure there’s no hazard trees. We’ll do one more pass through today in doing that to make sure we haven’t missed anything.

“There are still some areas with significant heat. We’ve got over 22,000 acres of landscape here, and it’s scattered heat throughout its interior. We’ll have some folks in there continuing to work on that.”

Hardee said the general plan moving forward is mopping up and continuing to widen contingency lines.

“We want to leave the residents with a few key things as we leave,” said Robinson. “The fire is not out ... the bays will continue to have heat.”

Hardee warned in a couple of weeks, if the weather stays dry, pine needles are going to fall, and there is potential of re-burn which may actually climb up and get into the crowns of some of the bays. He also offered safety advice for the years to come.

“Take this time for the coming days, months and years to really create that defensible space in and around your houses,” said Hardee. “It gives us the best chance for success when it comes to helping defend homes when the need arises.

“Also, if you have gable ends on a home, make sure you have screens on the inside of them. I’ve seen more houses burned from the top down as those embers go in that gable end than probably any other thing in my career.”

During the Friday, May 8 update, Marcus Beasley of the Field Operations for the Georgia Forestry Commission Type 3 Incident Management Team which took over command Thursday night (May 7), stated the agenda was to do some rehab and road work.

“You’re going to start seeing in the West division and East Division, a lot of tractor plow units freshening up lines,” said Beasley, explaining the fire has been shrunk to three divisions including a North during the Friday, May 8 update. “We don’t want a re-burn creeping across a line and getting out. We’re trying to right-size this thing (fire) and trying to focus more on freshening the lines up and some mop up. We’ve got a lot of heat in the northwest corner in that bay of vegetation.”

Firefighters will keep fixing damage caused by the firefighting work at affected homes. This includes preventing erosion, removing dangerous debris, and shoring up damaged areas to prevent further damage, keep people safe, and make it safer for residents to get in and out.

The temporary flight restriction over the fire area remains in effect as firefighters will continue to use Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with infrared technology to assist ground crews in identifying hot spots.

During the Saturday, May 8 update, Beasley said the overnight rain helped, but an area around Fendig Road was still of concern with hot spots.

“It’s burning real deep in organic material,” he said. “It’s a dangerous place to put firefighters in to long-term exposure.”

No house, no clothes, no basic necessities. Families without a roof over their heads, children without toys, babies without blankets or diapers.

Fortunately, there has been an outpouring of donations and charity as well. Brantley County Family Connections and the UGA Brantley extension office have made their location a hub for donations and aid.

Under the outdoor shelter, racks of clothing and boxes of shoes and toys stand like an outdoor market, while inside, basic toiletries, baby supplies and non-perishable food fill rooms, with volunteers maintaining the inventory.

Dawn Deen, Executive Director of Brantley Family Connection, spoke about the current supply needs.

“Our needs change almost hour-to-hour, depending on what people are coming and looking for,” she said.

Lately, people have been searching for fans, as well as cooking utilities like crock pots and griddles (though nothing with an open flame), cleaning supplies like mops, and non-perishable foods.

Volunteers play a huge role in the group’s operation.

“We have volunteers who have been with us since Day 1 when we started this,” said Dean. “They show up every single day.”

She thanked the University of Georgia for pulling volunteers from neighboring county offices, along with Southeastern Bank and Georgia Power for their volunteers.

“That’s one thing we will not turn away, is a volunteer,” Deen said.

Now, with the fire mostly contained, Family Connections has gone from serving 80 families a day, to serving approximately 20-25 families a day.

One Brantley County resident, Marsha Bailey, who lost everything in the fire, has lived in Brantley County since 1986. She recalled receiving the evacuation warning.

“I live in Brantley County, but it was a Camden County deputy who knocked on my door,” she said.

Despite losing everything, Bailey described herself as “well-blessed” by the influx of community outreach and charity. Her son also found a mobile home for her to rent in the meantime.

Bailey also thanked the firefighters for their efforts.

“Our volunteers, I’m part of the Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department, and our firefighters, our local firefighters, did everything,” she said.

Deen, for her part, thanked her volunteers, and encouraged those in need to pay a visit.

“For the families who are out there, we are a resource,” said Deen.

Family Connections and the UGA extension are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and 8 a.m.12 p.m. Saturdays.

• Approval of May agenda: The council approved the agenda for the May regular council meeting.

• Approval of April minutes: Council members approved the minutes of the previous regular council meeting held in April.

• Proclamation of State of Emergency: The council officially adopted a State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Hoboken, as declared Wednesday, April 22 by Governor Brian Kemp on in response to South Georgia wildfires.

• Proclamation of Municipal Clerks Week: The 57th annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9) was recognized by presenting City Clerk Linda Henderson with a “51 Years of Service” certificate.

• Plat for property donated to City by Varn Wood Products: Varn Wood Products offered a plat to the City of Hoboken, which the council voted to accept.

• Hoboken Police Sergeant Jonathan Chancy reported one arrest, 70 traffic stops, 43 public calls, 44 written citations, 26 written/verbal warnings and three failures to stop for school bus unloads during the month of April.

The Hoboken Police Department assisted the Brantley County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department and EMS agencies with the Highway 82 wildfires during the week of April 21-27.

Sgt. Chancy told councilmembers about a new building check program the police department is starting. The program involves leaving informational placards on the doors of businesses and residences the police department is asked to check while owners are away.

“This)way we have a record we can leave on the door to say, ‘We checked your residence,’” said Sgt. Chancy.

Officer Devin Blankenship resigned from his position with the Hoboken Police Department. The resignation was approved by the council.

Officer Barry Dasher will be joining the HPD part-time. Dasher recently resigned from the Brantley County Sheriff’s Department. He is also a full-time officer at Coastal Pines Technical College in Brunswick.

• Hoboken Volunteer Fire Department: Sgt. Chancy also made the report for the Hoboken VFD, which did not have a representative night due to ongoing wildfires.

During the month of April, the fire department responded to an accident with no injuries, two accidents with injuries, seven brush fires — one inside city limits, one smoke showing and one structure fire.

• Mobile Home Park: Councilmember Timothy King received a resident request to clean up piles of tree limbs left in the mobile home park.

Mayor Joey Crews said they would make arrangements to have the piles removed.

• Office Administration: Mayor Crews reported two generators were donated to the city for use in the event of an emergency.

Sgt. Chancy thanked office administration staff for accepting donations for the fire department.

• Executive session: The Council entered an executive session about personnel.

“Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government,” said Governor Kemp. “That’s why we’re committed to being good stewards of those dollars and putting more of them where they belong—in Georgians’ pockets—at a time when other states are having to raise taxes.”

Previous special refunds were issued in 2022, 2023, and 2025. To be eligible, Georgia taxpayers must have filed both 2024 and 2025 individual income tax returns, have paid into the system, and not owe the State Department of Revenue.

An individual filer’s refund amount will depend on their tax liability and is capped at:

• $250 for single filers and married individuals filing separately

• $375 for head of household filers

• $500 for married individuals filing jointly “Our team is ready to deliver these refunds efficiently and securely to Georgia taxpayers,” said DOR Commissioner David Burge. “We’ve built a process that prioritizes accuracy and speed so eligible filers can receive their money as quickly as possible.”

Taxpayers can check their eligibility using the Surplus Tax Refund Eligibility Tool, available through the Georgia Tax Center, by filling in their tax year, Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number, and Federal Adjusted Gross Income.

For more details, including Frequently Asked Questions and refund tracking, visit: https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-surplus-tax-refund.

Valedictorian Sinclair is the daughter of Chris and Amanda Sinclair and she has one sister, Bayleigh.

She has served on and participated in numerous boards and clubs. She is a four-year participant and officer of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), served as vice president of both public relations and finances, is a four-year participant in BETA, served on the superintendent advisory council as a sophomore and the Hospice Satilla Junior Board as a junior. She currently serves on the First Southern Bank Junior Board where she serves as treasurer. She is a three-year participant of the school’s math team and has placed both individually and with a team in multiple competitions. She is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She served as a junior usher and assisted with organizing and planning graduation including grad practices, honors night and the graduation ceremony (junior). She is a fouryear player on the high school’s varsity golf team and won three area championships and three state championships. She is an active member of her church, First Baptist Church of Blackshear, specifically the youth program, through which she has served in numerous events benefiting the community. She has volunteered as a buddy at baseball games through the Miracle League of the Okefenokee for many years now, connecting through the golf team, BETA and church groups. She has been active in the local St. Illa Chapter of Junior Cotillion for many years as well. She was a student in the program (5th-7th grade) until she was able to become an assistant in the program (8th grade-senior), a position in which she helped lead events, such as balls and dinners and instructed classes of students in lessons surrounding ballroom dance, table manners, etiquette, and respect. Through her community involvement, she has volunteered time towards local fundraisers (Cowboys for Kids, Southeast Cancer Unit, etc.) and given materially towards local drives (Southeast Georgia Women’s Center, nursing homes, relief centers for hurting families, dog shelters, churches, etc.).

Academically, her honors include being a Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient (top 5% of junior class), STAR student for the Pierce County school district and highest average in Honors Literature, Geometry, Chemistry, World History, Adv Pre-Calc & Algebra, and Biology, as well as French I, and DE College Algebra (Math 1111). In the community, she has been honored as Exchange Club Student of the Month (October 2025). Her peers voted her on the school’s Homecoming Court (2025) and for the Most Intellectual Senior Superlative. She has received Coach’s Award (2023) and Academic Award (20242025). She made All Area Team in 2024.

Working towards her goal of a career in the education field, Sinclair plans to attend Georgia Southern University. After acquiring her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from GSU, she hopes to find an upper secondary teaching position as a math teacher. While working, she plans to complete a master’s degree in math as well. This degree will qualify her to teach college level math courses through local high schools.

Sergent is the daughter of David and Celesta Sergent. She has one brother, Walker, last year’s salutatorian, and two sisters, Emma and Kayla.

Sergent has been a starter in tennis and swim for four years. She received the most improved and coaches award for both. She is a part of the first-ever PCHS girls relay team to swim in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State championship in Atlanta. In her tennis career, she has been to the Elite 8 one year, the final four two years, and is heading to the state championship match this week. Over the four years, she has received awards for Most Improved, Coach’s Award, and Highest GPA. She has also played trumpet for marching band and concert band for four years, as well as bass guitar for jazz band for one year. In band she has received the Merit Award all four years, and has served as band chaplain all four years.

She scored a perfect score on the algebra EOC, and she received the highest average in at least one subject for the past several years.

She is an active member of Central Baptist Church and the Solid Rock Student Ministry.

She has been in Beta for four years and participated in the Math team for one year. She has also regularly attended FCA every year.

Sergent plans to attend Georgia College and State University to study Education in the fall. After college she plans to move back to Pierce County, be a teacher and start a family.