The Advance

06/04/2026

Celebrating 80 Years of Service to the Community

Georgia Tire Company is reaching a monumental accomplishment this month, as the business is celebrating 80 years of service to the community.The business began in 1945, when two brothers returned home after being held in prisoner of war camps.Joe and Harry Moses served their country valiantly in World War II. Harry was a B-17 bomber pilot, and he flew 19 missions over Germany. Eighteen of the bombing runs were good – one turned out bad...

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06/03/2026

Gabbard Headed To Dartmouth

Vidalia High School Class of 2026 Graduate Justus Gabbard has officially turned his tassel and ended his high school career, but will be embarking on a new adventure this fall, as he studies at an Ivy League college. Gabbard will be studying film and media at the prestigious Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. “So, I was just looking through all the schools when I went to apply. Harvard and Yale – you hear of those Ivy League...

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06/03/2026

🇺🇸❤️ I Love America Patriotic Pride Tribute Contest! ❤️🇺🇸

What does the 4th of July mean to you?

Show your American spirit and creativity for a chance to win $250!!

We're looking for your original patriotic creations, including:
Paintings, Photographs, Poems, Songs, Crafts, Tattoos, and any other creative expression that celebrates America!

How to Enter:
Email your submission to [email protected]
All entries must be received by June 24th.
Winner will be announced July 1st.

Let your creativity shine as we celebrate the freedoms, values, and pride that make America special.

06/03/2026

Toombs Grand Jury Indicts 13 Offenders

Thirteen offenders will soon officially enter their formal pleas to the court, as the Toombs County Grand Jury has indicted 13 people on various charges, including murder, obstruction of an officer, trafficking methamphetamine, and more. Ja’meak Rashod Byrd was indicted on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for his actions on...

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06/01/2026

05/27/2026

VHS Graduate Harvard Bound

Vidalia High School Class of 2026 Graduate Kingston Ryals will be leaving rural Georgia and heading to study at one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation this fall – Harvard University.Ryals has solidified his reputation as one of the brightest members of the area’s Class of 2026, as he has served as the Georgia 4-H President, has won multiple...

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05/27/2026

107 Years of Patriotic Community Service

THE OLDEST BOY SCOUT TROOP in the district is Troop 933 with its beginnings dating back to the year 1919. With the backing of the Kiwanis Club and many sponsors the Scouts have served the community for 107 years in many worthy capacities. One of the most popular traditions is the placing of American Flags on the sidewalks throughout downtown Vidalia. The Scouts proudly line the streets with the Red, White and Blue 8 times during the year recognizing patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day...

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05/22/2026

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05/22/2026

Wayne Brantley, II

This is overdue, and I regret having to pay tribute to a good friend belatedly. When I heard the news that my long-time friend Wayne Brantley had passed away a few weeks ago, I made plans to drive down from Athens to Vidalia for his final service. It was a busy time, and there was a lot going on, making it difficult for me to undertake the journey as I initially had planned. There are days when time constraints knuckle you under. It was the weekend before the Masters, which would be followed by the managing of an event that requires overtime responsibility. Since then, I have spent considerable time recalling Wayne’s days in Athens, when he was a small guard (5-11,195 lb.), but an overachiever who performed much bigger than his stature. He had fire in the belly...

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05/21/2026

VHA Sweeps Rams, To Play DEA In Final 4

The Vidalia Heritage Academy Eagles baseball team are heading to the GIAA Class A Final 4. #3 ranked VHA secured their spot by sweeping the #6 ranked Heritage Preparatory Rams of Atlanta in a best-of-three Elite 8 series last week at home. Next up is a trip to Stillmore to face a familiar foe: the #2 ranked David Emanuel Academy Eagles. Game 1: In the series opener, both offenses stayed quiet early before the Rams broke through in the top of the fourth inning with a two-run single. VHA immediately responded in the bottom half of the frame. Bridge Bass delivered an RBI single, and Gray McNeal drove in a run on a fielder's choice to tie the game at 2-2. The Eagles took control in the fifth when Pearson O'Neal plated the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly...

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