Jackson Beat

09/10/2026

“I’m not Haitian but I’ll eat your kitty” hats being sold at Chevron gas station on Peeksville Road

LOCUST GROVE, Ga. - “I’m not Haitian but I’ll eat your kitty” hats, referencing a debunked claim about Haitians eating cats, are being sold at the Chevron gas station on Peeksville Road.

The hats are a parody of a statement made by President Donald Trump during the Sept. 10, 2024, presidential debate, when he claimed Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating residents’ pets.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said during the debate.

Springfield officials said there were no credible reports supporting the claim, but the controversy surrounding Haitian immigrants has continued as Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status in the United States has been terminated.

Jackson Beat spoke with a store clerk on duty about the hats, and she said it is the owner’s decision to supply the hats and that she simply works there.

What do you think about the hats? Do you find them offensive or racist? Share your opinion below.

09/06/2026

Operation Transparent begins tomorrow with a Stop the Bullying Rally hosted by HUB WAOCK.

See flyer for more information.

09/05/2026

UPDATE : SR 42 construction project complete.

The project converted the former passing lane into a two-way left-turn lane.

09/04/2026

Jackson Red Devils host Rec Night, Union Grove at Red Devil Hill tonight

Jackson, Ga. - The Jackson Red Devils will host Union Grove tonight at Red Devil Hill as the team celebrates Rec Night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Rec Night put a spotlight on Butts County’s young athletes as fall sports come to life at Butts County Parks and Recreation. Roughly 220 children are participating in football, 100 in cheer and 400 in soccer this season.

“At the end of the day, we want our kids, smiling. If they’re happy that they’re playing, and they’re outside, active, healthy, learning, and loving a sport, that’s all we can ask for,” Parks and Recreation Director Chris Henderson said.

The Butts County Red Devils football teams compete in the Central Georgia Youth Sports Association (CGYSA) and are sporting new Stranger Things - themed uniforms this season. 

09/04/2026

SR 42 construction continues on new two-way left-turn lane

Locust Grove, Ga. - Construction continues on a new two-way left-turn lane along SR 42 in Locust Grove.

The project will convert the existing passing lane into a two-way left-turn lane, providing motorists with a center lane for turns into driveways and subdivisions such as Massey Lane.

The project includes milling, resurfacing and restriping SR 42 between mileposts 2.8 and 3.30. Lane closures are expected during construction.

What are your thoughts on the change? Do you prefer the new turning lane or the existing passing lane?

09/01/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT: Tractor-trailer on fire on I-75 South in Locust Grove near Exit 212. Motorists should proceed with caution.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Another day, another industrial project:
Construction continues on Jackson Road

Jackson, Ga. - Industrial construction continues along Jackson Road near Exit 205, where another industrial building is under construction.

Project signage identifies INCO as the contractor for the development. The future tenant has not yet been announced.

What type of business or industry do you think will occupy this building? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

08/28/2026

GAMEDAY : Jackson vs. Woodland 🏈

The Jackson Red Devils hit the road tonight to take on the Woodland Wolfpack in their second game of the 2026 season.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Let’s Go, Red Devil Nation! ❤️💙

08/28/2026

Opinion: Jackson has the best Mexican food
The views expressed are those of the writer

Author: Jayla Perkins

Locust Grove, Ga. - Today, I tried the new Mexican restaurant Pedro’s located at the Shoppes at Indian Creek in Locust Grove. The aesthetic, the mosaic tiles, the bright colored chandeliers and the new-ness were beautiful. The atmosphere gave Mexico City vibes.

I walked in and was greeted with a smile, everyone was smiling. I was then seated. Then, as soon as I sat down the chips and two salsas came to my table, one brownish and one bright red, I preferred the darker colored salsa. It had a bolder, oniony, spicy flavor and you could see those ingredients in it.

After reading the menu I noticed it offered traditional Mexican favorites. Most lunch combos included rice and beans and started around $12.99. The only unique item I saw on the menu was tortas served with potato wedges.

After reading the menu, I ordered the lunch #22 the fajita tacos on corn tortillas, one with chicken, the other with steak, served with rice and beans. The food came out quickly and was plated nicely on a white plate. The beans came in a fried tortilla bowl and the rice was stacked like a pyramid.

First, I went for the beans, then the rice and was surprised by the blandness. Finally, I took a bite into my chicken fajita taco. My first bite was overpowered by the cheese melted on top. The second bite, I noticed how oily the corn tortilla tasted, then on the third taste test I noticed the need for more seasoning.

Honestly, once your eyes get past the aesthetic which is very photo dump worthy and the food hits your taste buds you realize Mesquite and Gambino's may have them beat. If Jackson restaurants invested more in their atmosphere, people wouldn't feel the need to drive up the road for standard Mexican food.

Overall Rating: 7/10. Great service and atmosphere, but average flavor.

Have you tried Pedro’s yet? What did you think?