The Darien News

10/18/2025

Inmate succumbs in McIntosh County Jail
McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office provided the following press release at 10 p.m. on Oct. 17.
“At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, corrections staff at the McIntosh County Detention Center discovered an unresponsive inmate in their housing unit. Detention staff immediately began life-saving measures, assisted by medical personnel from Genisys Health Alliance, the detention center’s medical provider. McIntosh County Emergency Services also responded and continued resuscitation efforts.
“Despite these efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the facility. The inmate has been identified as Brandon Scott Crews, age 36.
“In accordance with standard procedure, the McIntosh County Coroner and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) were notified. The GBI will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“Mr. Crews was being held at the McIntosh County Detention Center on pending charges.
“Sheriff King stated, ‘Any loss of life in our custody is a tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Crews. The Sheriff’s Office is cooperating fully with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to ensure a thorough and transparent review of this incident.’
“Additional information will be released as appropriate, consistent with investigative and privacy considerations.”

As reported in The Darien News in the October 16 issue of The Darien News, Crews was indicted on Oct. 7 by a McIntosh County Grand Jury on six counts of child molestation, felonies; three counts of aggravated child molestation, felonies; and two counts of in**st, felonies. The indictment alleges these violations occurred against one child between Aug. 9, 2021, and March 14,2025, and against the other child between Feb. 14 and March 14, 2025. Ct. 12 is a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony, made on March 23, 2025, after crews had been convicted in Gwinnett County Superior Court on May 14, 2010 for the offense of aggravated child molestation; and had been convicted of possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer in Henry County Superior Court on July 20, 2010; and had been convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Jan. 14, 2020 in McIntosh County Superior Court.

10/15/2025

Local News Matters!

10/11/2025

Go say Hey! 🍺

Christin and Kenny are watching the bar for us today. Y’all come give-em a hard time!

10/09/2025

10/08/2025

Make sure your food is fresh and colorful!! 🍅 🎃 🌱 🍎 🥬

10/08/2025

County provides information concerning garbage/recycling collection transition
By Kate Pontello Karwacki
Chair McIntosh County Commission
Dear McIntosh County Residents and Community Partners,
We want to inform you of upcoming changes to our garbage and recycling collection services as we transition from Waste Management to Amwaste. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone.
Residential:
Beginning the week of October 12th, the transition will be visible in residential neighborhoods across the county. Please take note of the following important steps:
New Cart Delivery: Amwaste will begin delivering carts Oct. 12 and be finished by Nov. 1. The cart will be tagged with new service day and details. Amwaste will provide one poly cart for garbage service to each property.
Cart Removal: Every property that currently has a Waste Management poly cart (including second homes, vacation homes, and rental properties) must place those carts at the curb for pickup.
Please leave your current Waste Management cart curbside on your service day the week of Oct. 13, 2025, and keep it curbside until it is removed.
Be a Good Neighbor: If you know a neighbor who is not a full-time resident, please help us spread the word or assist in getting their cart to the curb.
Additional Carts & Recycling: If you require more than one garbage cart, or if you would like the recycling service, you must call Amsaste directly to establish your account and request additional carts, 912-274-3375.
If you require medical backdoor service, call Amwaste at 912-274-3375. The service will require a doctor's note.
Commercial
Amwaste will be purchasing the commercial front end dumpsters or green commercial dumpsters from Waste Management, so if you are a commercial account/business, you will no have to worry about any changes or modifications with your dumpster.
Recycling
Recycling remains a free service to those who choose to partake. Recycling collections will remain the same as with the previous company: paper and cardboard, metal cans and plastics 1 & 2. NO GLASS AT THIS TIME!
You must call to establish a new recycling can whether you had one or not from Waste Management. The previous operator kept different records for recycling cans, so to ensure that you are included, please call 912-274-3375.
Additional Cans
Additional recycling and garbage carts are available. You will need to contact Amwaste directly to establish these additional carts, regardless of whether or not you had multiple carts previously. Call 912-274-3375. The fee associated with additional carts is $10 per cart per, per month. This will be billed directly by Amwaste.
Fee
In October 2024, the solid waste fee was increased to $200, you will see this reflected on you tax bill that you receive in November 2025. Outside of this, there are not any additional increases anticipated at this time with the modifications.
No Delays
There will NOT be a two-week delay in garbage collection. The companies have an internal agreement so as the cans are changed as early as October 12 collections and will continue. By Nov. 1, Amwaste intends to be serving the county in full.
Amwaste customer care tram can be contacted at 912-274-3375 or via email at [email protected].
For updates, visit www.mcintoshcountyga.com.
We understand change can sometimes be inconvenient, but your cooperation will help ensure a successful start with Amwaste.
For more details about service features and specific changes, please see the attached flyer.
Thank you for your patience and for working together as neighbors to keep McIntosh County clean and welcoming.

10/07/2025

COVID Vaccines available at McIntosh County Health Department

Public health departments in the Coastal Health District are now offering the updated COVID vaccine for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. Supplies are limited in some locations as vaccine shipments continue to arrive, so call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment.

The health departments in McIntosh, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty and Long counties will offer the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine which is approved for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.

Vaccination is particularly beneficial for adults age 65 and older and individuals of any age with health conditions that increase their risk of getting very sick from COVID infection. Risk factors include cancer, lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, and more. For a list of potential risk factors for COVID-related complications, visit the website cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors.

No prescription is needed to receive a COVID vaccine. According to the latest CDC guidance, individuals may make their own informed decisions after receiving information about the COVID vaccine.

The cost of COVID vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans, and low-cost vaccination options are available for individuals without health insurance coverage.

More information is available online at coastalhealthdistrict.org.

10/06/2025

It’s in a lady’s genes.

10/03/2025

MCA student arrested Oct. 2 after having "replica" gun in vehicle on campus
McIntosh School Superintendent Dr. Melissa Williams and Sheriff TK King made a joint announcement on Friday morning, Oct. 3, concerning a student in possession of a "replica" gun in a vehicle on campus and being arrested at McIntosh County Academy on Oct. 2.
The statement follows:
"Late yesterday afternoon, school officials were informed that a student may have been in possession of a "replica" gun in a vehicle on campus. School officials immediately contacted law enforcement, and an investigation began immediately.
"The student was taken into custody on Thursday evening. There was no direct threat to students or staff at any time.
"We want to assure our community that the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. The McIntosh County Sheriff's Office and the McIntosh County School System are working together, and the investigation is ongoing.
"We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and school personnel. Out of respect for student privacy and the integrity of the investigation, no further details can be shared at this time.
"The McIntosh County School System and Sheriff's Office remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students."

10/01/2025

09/30/2025

Firefighters working with Businesses on Pre-Fire Plans

Special to the News from the
McIntosh County Board of Commissioners

McIntosh County has received notice from Wesley Deverger, who serves in a dual role as our Deputy EMA Director and the Training Officer for the McIntosh County Volunteer Fire Department, the Fire Department is actively working on Pre-Fire Plans with businesses throughout the county.

During this process, firefighters will be visiting businesses in an official capacity, wearing a fire department shirt and vest. They will be gathering critical information, such as owner and emergency contact details, gas company and cutoff location, power company and panel box location, building exits, the nearest hydrant, and hydrant flow. These Pre-Fire Plans will greatly enhance our preparedness and support our ISO rating during the next inspection.

In addition, several fire stations will be conducting hydrant inspections over the next few weeks. These efforts are a vital part of maintaining the safety, readiness, and resilience of our community.

On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I thank our fire department personnel and volunteers for their ongoing commitment to protecting McIntosh County.

Kate P. Karwacki

Chair

McIntosh County Commission

09/27/2025

Show Announcement

We are honored to be performing the Rockin’ for Rebecca Benefit Fundraiser on Sunday, September 28th at the Darien, GA Waterfront Amphitheater.

About the Benefit
Rebecca tragically lost her life this past weekend in Darien, GA, leaving behind two heartbroken boys. This fundraiser will help cover funeral expenses and provide support for her children and family.

Event Info / Schedule
• Gates Open: 3:00 PM
• Entry Donation: $5
• Cooler Fee: $10

Lineup
• Peyton Chambless &
The Back Shift Band – 4:00 PM
• Golden Isles Belly Dancers – 5:15 PM
• 3 Day Weekend – 5:30 PM
• Raffle Ticket Sales End – 6:15 PM
• South of Athens – 7:00 PM

Please come join us in supporting this wonderful cause as we honor Rebecca’s memory and help her family through this tragic time of loss.

For more information and raffle details, please visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CoiYCRdYh/?mibextid=wwXIfr