Area News
South Georgia Wildfires Surge Past 50,000 Acres – By Leslie Kulwik
South Georgia Wildfires Surge Past 50,000 Acres as Crews Battle Blazes in Brantley, Clinch, and Echols Counties The Highway 82 Fire, which ignited in Brantley County on April 20, continues to expand, now covering more than 31 square miles, officials reported Sunday. Firefighters across Southeast Georgia have been battling the blaze for a…
Read MoreAwards for SGES
St. George Elementary was awarded the Literacy and Math Leader awards for the second year in a row. The Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade assessments. A total of 406 schools met the qualifications for…
Read MoreGeorgia Bend Celebrates Grand Opening of New Fire Station By Leslie Kulwik
Community members and local officials gathered 0n April 16 for a special Board of Commissioners meeting marking the dedication and grand opening of the new Georgia Bend Fire Station. The ceremony began with a warm welcome and introduction from Interim County Administrator Becky Harden, followed by remarks from County Commissioner Alphya Benefield, who expressed appreciation…
Read MoreCharlton County Hospital Authority Accepts Proposal to Transform Former Hospital Site – By Paul Kulwik
After more than a decade without a local hospital, a major step toward revitalization and renewed opportunity was taken Tuesday evening as The Charlton County Hospital Authority approved a proposal that could reshape both the historic hospital site and the county’s future. During a called meeting held at 6 p.m. on March 31, The Authority…
Read MoreTwo New Businesess Open: The Gibson and Centered Pilates – By Leslie Kulwik & Kelvin Henderson
The Gibson – Readers may remember the history of The Gibson Homestead featured in our March 18 edition. Now, that treasured piece of Charlton County history has officially entered a new chapter. The Gibson Homestead celebrated its grand opening on March 29 as a vacation rental property, welcoming many members of the community to…
Read MoreCity of Folkston Continues Downtown Improvements – By Leslie Kulwik
Over the past few months, residents and visitors may have noticed several exciting improvements taking place throughout the City of Folkston. From updates at the popular Folkston Funnel Platform – including renovated bathrooms expected to be completed later this year – to the removal of trees with overgrown roots, the city has been steadily working…
Read MoreCrime Scene Investigation on U.S. Hwy 1 – By Leslie Kulwik
A significant law enforcement presence surrounded Jimmy’s Pawn Shop on U.S. Highway 1 in Folkston on Sunday, March 29, as officers and investigators remained on the scene for much of the day. According to neighbors in the area, officers with the Folkston Police Department arrived at approximately 10:00 a.m., quickly filling the area…
Read MoreCharlton County Ag Day Brings Farming, Food, and Fun Together – By Kelvin Henderson
The 5th Annual Ag Day, hosted by Charlton County 4-H, brought the community together Friday evening at the Charlton County High School Ag Barn for a lively celebration of agriculture and local tradition. Held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, the event attracted families, students, and residents from across the area,…
Read MoreFolkston Forestry Leader Honored at State Capitol
A 25-year veteran of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has been recognized at the state capitol for earning the agency’s highest honor. Roger Todd, a native of Folkston, Georgia, received the 2025 GFC Director’s Award for his leadership as chief ranger in Charlton County and for his quick response to a local plane crash. State…
Read MoreYouth and Mobility Impaired Hunters Early Start on Turkey Season
Youth and mobility-impaired hunters get an early start to turkey season on March 21-22, 2026. This special opportunity gives youth and mobility-impaired hunters a chance to harvest a gobbler on private lands before the statewide turkey season opens, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. This early weekend hunt…
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