For some volunteers in Toombs, Montgomery and Wheeler counties, there’s not going to be much rest for the weary for next couple of months as they get up early and go to bed late all in an effort to help raise money for local citizens in need.
The 2027 fundraising campaign of the United Way of Toombs, Montgomery and Wheeler Counties kicked off last Thursday at the Dahlia, and for some, it will be nonstop until mid-November.
This year’s theme is “Let Your Light Shine” and is co-chaired by Amanda Higgins and Emily Hart.
The goal for this year is $510,000, with a portion of that goal already met through special events being held prior to the kickoff and some companies and entities called pacesetters already beginning their donations. But that doesn't mean your help isn't needed! Volunteers will be visiting businesses and industries in the next several months letting people know how they can help support their fellow citizens from birth to the elderly in nineteen humanitarian agencies in the tri-counties. Of the local donations raised, 99-cents of every dollar donated remains right here at home.
“Sometimes God allows us to carry a little light into someone’s life through a kind word, a prayer, a hug, a donation, or simple by just showing up,” Patricia Dixon, United Way Executive Director, said. “Keep letting your life shine. You may never know how much someone needed it. Together, we brighten the world.”
A victory celebration will be held in November appropriately just before Thanksgiving to give volunteers and the community one more good item to add to their lists of things for which they are thankful.
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A quarter of a century ago, America changed. Terrorist had waged an attack on American soil, and the shockwaves reach far across the nation.
But Americans who witnessed the tragedy have not forgotten, and Friday morning, dozens of First Responders and civilians gathered at the Ronnie A. Dixon City Park to remember that fateful day.
The morning began at Vidalia City Hall where participants embarked on a solemn Patriot Walk to the park where they entered through a reverent aisle flanked by local and state First Responders and Patriot Guards.
Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper said as the ceremony began, “I don’t know if we need a reminder of how quickly time goes, but to think we are here today to witness one of the most horrific attacks on our country is hard to believe. That day was the first time that I didn’t feel safe in our own country.”
He continued by addressing the First Responders who had gathered at the park, saying, “I’m convinced that many of those that entered those towers or other places that were attacked that day knew they weren’t coming home but they were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to try to save as many lives as possible. THAT is a hero! YOU are all heroes of our community!”
In memory of those who died in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in the Shanksville, PA, are in honor of the First Responders who have died since, Vidalia Fire Department Apparatus Operator Jonus Blackwell tolled the bell 25 times, one toll for each year since the attacks.
As those who had gathered prepared to disburse, Vidalia City Manager Josh Beck urged the attendees to remember the feelings in the immediate days that followed that tragic day.
“Let us remember how strong we were when we united in those days,” Beck said. “Too often we focus on what divides us: race, politics, religion. Remember how strong we were the next day when we became united and the power that is in there.”
Also participating in Friday morning’s remembrance were the Color Guard of the JROTC, a trumpeter with the Vidalia High School Soundtribe who played “Taps,” and a retired Naval veteran from Cobbtown.
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The tragic death of a teenager earlier this year in Laurens County have his parents urging state leaders to consider putting strong penalties into law when it comes to distracting driving.
Brayden Wilson of Houston County was just 15 when he died from a brain hemorrhage after the SUV in which he was a passenger was struck from behind on Interstate 16. The Georgia State Patrol say the SUV was stopped in an area of the interstate where road construction was being done when a driver who was going too fast for conditions hit the vehicle causing it to overturn. The accident occurred on February 27. Brayden lost his life and his brother has been left with a traumatic memory following the crash.
The boys’ parents Sarah Lavoix-Wilson and James Wilson are asking lawmakers to support a new initiative they have entitled Brayden’s Law.
An online petition has begun with supporters calling for tougher first offense consequences including higher fines, points against driver’s licenses, and required driver’s education before the case can be closed.
The Wilson say if passed Brayden’s Law won’t bring their son back, but they hope it will encourage drivers to pay closer attention to their driving habits before another family has to suffer a similar loss of a loved one.
To read or sign the petition, log onto change.org and search for Brayden’s Law.
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by John Wagner, RadioJones, LLC
Tuesday the Effingham Sheriff released information on a drug bust from August 31st and thanked the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office and the Swainsboro Police for their assistance.
At the raid in Guyton, a warranted search turned up 150 pounds of marijuana; investigators also found over a dozen guns, including machine guns and suppressors; over $18,000 in cash; reportedly a 2026 Chevy Corvette was also seized. Federal officers participated, including the FBI and the ATF.
Twenty-four-year-old Mason Berry of Claxton was arrested on several charges, including trafficking, obstruction, possession with intent, and possession of firearm during the commission of felonies.
Berry was known to the Emanuel County Sheriff’s office who still hold him from an arrest reported August 13th. Investigators in Emanuel County developed the information that led to the search warrant in Guyton.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
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The Scrap Tire Amnesty Day is to prevent illegal dumping of scrap tires on residential and commercial properties, city right-of-ways and county right-of-ways.
The Scrap Tire Amnesty Day for Toombs County will take place beginning Monday, September 21, 2026 to Friday, September 25, 2026. This event allows citizens within Toombs County and its municipalities to bring scrap tires to the Toombs County Landfill entrance located at 3595 Georgia Hwy. 15, next to the Georgia Forestry, Lyons, Georgia for no charge, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. This event ends at 4:00 PM on September 25, 2026. On September 26, 2025 the normal tire disposal fees for tires will resume.
These scrap tires can only be passenger cars and trucks. We will not be accepting non-commercial semi-tractor trailer, or non-commercial front and rear farm tractor scrap tires. (Only tires, no rims allowed). No heavy equipment tires, especially skidder tires; will not be accepted. No scrap tires accepted from retail tire dealers, or commercial scrap tire generators (Farmers, Loggers, Owner-Operator Semi- Drivers, etc.). The specifications for this event will be strictly enforced by Toombs County and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. There will be no exceptions to the date, times or tire type.
Funding for the program comes from an application by the Toombs County Board of Commissioners to the state Solid Waste Trust Fund, which was established in 1990 as part of the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act. In 1992, an amendment to the Act established a primary source of funding for the SWTF in the form of a $1.00 fee on every new tire sold in the state. Each year, fees collected the previous year MAY be appropriated by the General Assembly to EPD.
The Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a state agency charged with protecting Georgia’s air, land, and water resources through the authority of the state and federal environmental statutes. For more information please contact the Toombs County Landfill at 912-537 9966 or Toombs County Board of Commissioners at 912-526-3311.
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