Pat Donahue

Improving literacy scores will take a broad-based effort from the community, according to those at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center on Saturday morning.

The first phase of the Hinesville bypass is going well, Liberty County commissioners learned at their meeting last week. Atlas Technical Consultants field construction supervisor Tim McColley said the anticipated completion for the first phase is December 2027.

The Kiwanis Club of Liberty County opened its fifth little library for books geared toward children with special needs, and their efforts resulted in a donation from the Vaden Foundation — and ultimately two more matching donations.

Governor Brian Kemp has filled the seats of two former Atlantic Judicial Circuit superior court judges — and now the circuit will have a new district attorney. Current Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Billy Joe Nelson was named to replace Robert L. Russell III, who has retired from the bench.

As the park bearing her name continues to develop, it is also hoped her story remains alive and resonating, said a local historian. Community leaders and others gathered Saturday morning at the Susie King Taylor Freedom Park next to Jones Creek on the Isle of Wight to celebrate what would have been Taylor’s 178th birthday.

While recent Milestones assessments showed improvements in some subjects and grade levels, Liberty County School System officials are working on bolstering a majority of scores that still lag behind the state and Valarie Lawson, the system director for teaching and learning, said the schools will look at the best instructional practices that will move children toward success.

Some of the work on Charles Frasier Boulevard could be done by February 2027, according to the city’s engineer.

Calling him “the right man at the right time,” Fort Stewart garrison commander Col. Gabe Weaver welcomed aboard Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Tocco as the new garrison command sergeant major Friday.

Contractors are expected to be back at work on the Hineshaw Elementary School site, after Hinesville City Council members approved a change order earlier this month.

There is a lot Flock cameras can do for law enforcement, Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office Maj. Bill Kirkendall said. There is also a lot the cameras — thrust into the spotlight as incidences of misuse by law enforcement officers become known — can’t and don’t do, he said.