November 21st Weekly Update
SWAMPLINE FRIDAY UPDATE — NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Waycross • Ware County • Southeast Georgia
WAYCROSS / WARE COUNTY
AUTO THEFT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN WAYCROSS
Waycross Police arrested James Dustin Cribbs, 36, wanted in Coffee County for multiple auto thefts. He was found driving a stolen Toyota pickup.
WAYCROSS LIBRARY GRAND REOPENING
The Waycross–Ware County Public Library held its renovated grand reopening on Nov. 20 with major upgrades throughout the building.
TASTE OF THE CHAMBER: ZEL’S WINS TOP AWARD
The Chamber’s annual Taste of the Chamber event took place Nov. 20. Zel’s won the top honor of the evening.
CITY COMMISSION RUNOFF FORUM SATURDAY
A nonpartisan forum for District 3 & 4 candidates will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Waycross–Ware Library. Early voting runs Nov. 24–26; Election Day is Dec. 2.
WAYCROSS CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION RECAP
Commissioners reviewed paving and culvert bids, a new $62,000 Truvac vactor trailer, FY26 CDBG project areas, the 2026 calendar, board appointments, and alcohol license renewal improvements.
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: EMMELEE HADDOCK
WCHS junior Emmelee Haddock received the Sergeant Kennedy L. Sanders Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award for her service and leadership.
REGIONAL SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
(Alma • Brantley • Charlton • Pierce • Brunswick • Savannah • Valdosta)
LOCAL COUNTIES:
BACON COUNTY RAIDERS END SEASON
Bacon County’s playoff run ended in Round 1, but the Alma community remains proud of the team.
FOUR ARRESTED AFTER ARMED ROBBERY IN NAHUNTA
A planned firearm sale turned into an armed robbery. Four Waycross teens were arrested after a traffic stop uncovered firearms and marijuana.
NAHUNTA MILLAGE RATE HEARINGS DRAW STRONG REACTIONS
Residents questioned taxes, services, revenue use, and police staffing during hearings on the proposed one-mill increase.
TRI-COUNTY BYPASS BACK IN ACTIVE DISCUSSION
Ware, Pierce, and Brantley counties met to restart talks on the long-discussed bypass project. A draft route exists, but no GDOT study or funding yet.
HEAD START REOPENS AFTER TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN
Local Head Start programs are fully operating again after their recent closure.
BIG LOCAL CITIES:
ARBERY HATE-CRIME CONVICTIONS UPHELD
A federal appeals court upheld the hate-crime convictions in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a major ruling for Brunswick and coastal Georgia.
GLYNN COUNTY APPROVES MAJOR FLOCK CAMERA EXPANSION
An $830,000 expansion of the license-plate reader network was approved. Supporters cite crime-solving; critics raise privacy concerns.
SAVANNAH GUN STORAGE ORDINANCE STRUCK DOWN
A Chatham County judge ruled the city’s “safe storage” gun ordinance unenforceable.
MULTIPLE SHOOTINGS UNDER INVESTIGATION IN SAVANNAH
Savannah PD responded to several shooting incidents and increased patrols.
SAVANNAH MASQUERADE BALL SET FOR DECEMBER 5
Tickets are $20 for the holiday Masquerade Ball Dinner at the Civic Center.
VALDOSTA WILDCATS ADVANCE IN PLAYOFFS
Valdosta secured another postseason win and moves into Round 2.
VALDOSTA FRAUD RING SENTENCED
Eight individuals received federal prison time for a large check-cashing and kickback scheme.
MOODY AFB TRAINING FLIGHTS LOUDER THIS WEEK
Expect louder afternoon flyovers due to increased training schedules.
LARGER NEWS (STATE & NATIONAL)
GEORGIA POWER RATE CASE STILL UNDER REVIEW
Officials continue evaluating proposed rate adjustments that could affect customers statewide.
LAWMAKERS DISCUSS ZERO PERCENT INCOME TAX
State senators met to explore eliminating Georgia’s income tax, sparking major debate.
STATE FARM AUTO RATES DROP AGAIN
Insurance Commissioner John King approved a 3% reduction, totaling a 10% drop for customers this year.
GEORGIA RECEIVES F IN PRETERM BIRTH REPORT
Georgia again received an F grade, underscoring serious maternal health disparities.
FLU AND RSV RISING ACROSS GEORGIA
Georgia DPH reports increases in flu and RSV as the holiday season approaches.
RURAL UNEMPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO IMPROVE SLIGHTLY
Small declines in rural unemployment were reported statewide.
GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO DROP
National gas prices are falling — and South Georgia remains 20–30 cents cheaper on average.
That’s this week’s update. Thanks for keeping up with what’s happening across Waycross, Ware County, and Southeast Georgia. Stay safe and have a great weekend.
