On the morning of January 18*, 2026, much of South Georgia received some wintry mix, leaving behind a little less than an inch of snow. This is the second year in a row that it snowed on campus. Unlike the historic snowfall of 2025, this year’s snow only lasted a few hours before melting. However, that didn’t stop students from having fun on Sunday morning. Pictures on the next two pages are from staff members.
IN THIS ISSUE
2026 SGA BLOOD DRIVE PAGE 3
FUN AND GAMES PAGE 4
SPORTS PAGE 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE 7
“BLUE FIRE” SUBMISSIONS OPEN PAGE 8
*Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly listed Saturday, January 17 as the day it snowed. It actually snowed on Sunday, January 18.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Left to right: Alice Kimbrough, Caden Landis, Kaitlyn Jackson, Ozzy Osborne, Luca, Chloe Joiner, and Briggith Machuca.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
Cooper Ray poses with a “67” Mural. Photo by Madison Vickers.
Photo by Madison Vickers.
SHOULD WE BE WORRIED ABOUT THE COLD?
Colby Hernandez Editor-in-Chief
The usual concern in Georgia with these freezes is the plant life. Dr. Stephanie Harvey, biology professor at GSW, explained what could happen to plant life during the cold weather.
“Most native plants are well adapted for the variability of our Georgia winter,” Dr. Harvey explained, “Crops that are typically grown for forages (like oats and rye) can have reduced yields due to delayed growth and dry conditions (water frozen in the soil is not available for plants). For well adapted crops – like some peach varieties – the cold is not an issue. Their tissues are still dormant throughout the winter. If this were to happen later in winter or early spring, after the trees break dormancy, significant fruit loss and even tree loss would occur. For most winter vegetables that are cold hardy – collards for example – will be fine. Although, young plants that are still tender can be damaged.”
The real threat the cold has is to non-native species, such as Japanese wisteria and lantanas. Dr. Harvey explained that it’s these species that are “fooled” when we have warm weather followed by a freeze.
“They begin to break dormancy” Dr. Harvey explained, “sap rises, buds swell. This makes the plants more susceptible to freezing conditions.”
When water freezes within and between plant cells, ice crystals form that break cell membranes and destroy tissue, commonly causing blackened, water-soaked, or necrotic leaves.
Species native to Georgia, such as the Dogwood Tree and Southern Live Oak, know about the false spring we get here. According to Dr. Harvey, “they are programed to wait for more cold hours before they break dormancy.”
However, native species aren’t immune to winter damage.
“A few years ago, a late hard freeze in April caught even the native species by surprise. Oak trees, for example, experienced lost or damaged leaves and many were not very reproductively successful due to loss of flowers,” said Dr. Harvey.
Though it may be unseasonably cold, it’s not time to worry about the plants yet. A hard freeze similar to the one Dr. Harvey described could result in widespread losses for plants and key crops like peaches.
Corner of Lamar and Windsor. Photo by Zac Monnier.
The Windsor from Jackson Street. Photo by Zac Monnier.
Holly covered in snow. Photo by Zac Monnier.
SGA BLOOD DRIVE EXCEEDS 2026 GOAL
Zac Monnier Reporter
The Georgia Southwestern University Student Government Association (SGA) January 22 blood drive was a success. The SGA’s goal was 20 units of blood, and they exceeded that goal by 14 units; 34 in total.
The Red Cross staff set up shop in the Intramural Gym of the Athletic Center with reservations running from 10:30 in the morning into the late afternoon. Despite delays in operation, the Red Cross staff did a phenomenal job walking students, faculty, and members of the public through the process.
The SGA President, Nakayla Kennedy, confirmed another blood drive is planned for some time in the fall. She also wished to thank the SGA Service Committee members for all their hard work.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HONORED AT FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Zac Monnier Reporter
Hundreds gathered at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19. Those in attendance included members of the Sumter County’s Black community; many brothers and sisters of the Divine Nine, a collection of black fraternities and sororities in America; and a few dozen white allies.
Bishop Melvin McCluster, pastor to the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, hosted the service and offered the opening and closing prayers while other ministers from across the Sumter Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) sat in a place of honor during the service.
The service featured Retired Dougherty County Superior Court Chief Judge Willie Lockette as the keynote speaker. He called upon the audience to overcome the negative labels the Black community has been laden with for so long. Like Jabez in First Chronicles 4:10, we are to defy our names. Jabez literally meant “pain,” yet, by relying on the majesty and power of his Lord and asking for his provision, Jabez became more honorable than all his peers.
“Don’t ask for a car, ask for a dealership. Don’t ask for a job, ask for a business.” said Lockette, encouraging the younger members of the audience to swing for the fences.
Lockette encouraged listeners to dream big: enlarge and expand their territory so one day the world calls them not by “boy” or “criminal” but new titles, like “Your Honor”. His message was well received by many in attendance.
Lockette’s message echoed throughout the celebration accompanied by the talents of The Sumter County Middle School Chorus and Passion, a dance troupe from Americus Holiest Deliverance Temple, who punctuated the speeches with song and dance. Shannon Leary accented the speeches with her piano and sang so beautifully and with such force that the microphone cut out from overloading.
FUN AND GAMES
JANUARY CROSSWORD: FOOD & COOKING
Across
2. A mixture of vegetables often served cold
7. A mixture followed to prepare a dish
8. A flat tool used for flipping or spreading food
10. A heated appliance used for baking or roasting
11. A pan used to fry food
13. Flavor enhancers like salt or herbs
15. A tool for mixing ingredients or beating eggs
16. A tool used to cut food
Down
1. A flavorful liquid added to dishes
3. A person who cooks professionally
4. Long, thin Italian pasta
5. A dairy product often used in baking and cooking
6. A bowl used to combine ingredients
7. A tool used to flatten dough
8. To mix ingredients together
9. A sweet breakfast treat often served with syrup
12. To cook in an oven
14. A cooking method using direct heat, often outdoors
ANSWERS ON PAGE 7
page out for some
JANUARY
COULD DEONTE WILLIAMS BE THE NEXT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
Dylan Scott
Athletics Correspondent
Senior Deonte Williams has a legitimate argument for being the best defensive player in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC).
He currently leads the conference in blocks per game with 2.8, 1.2 ahead of second place. He is also tied for the lead in steals per game at 1.9. Leading the conference in the only 2 measurable defensive statistics that the PBC has should be enough for him to win the DPOY title.
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Williams cites his wanting to get on the court as a primary catalyst for him taking pride in his defense.
“I’m a big guy on defense because in high school the only way I could play when I was younger is if I could defend. I always took pride in that,” said Williams, who transferred to GSW from Sacramento State University. “Coming over here in America, the big thing to get on the court is playing defense, so I will always take pride in that.”
Williams’ defensive impact goes beyond just the box score. His defensive versatility allows him to eliminate an opposing team’s biggest threat regardless of position.
LADY HURRICANES OPEN CONFERENCE PLAY WITH A DOMINANT SECOND HALF
Dylan Scott Athletics Correspondent
The GSW Lady Hurricanes outscored Middle Georgia State University 77-67 to win their Peach Belt Conference opener on December 3.
The Lady Canes had a rocky start in the first half but turned it around to dominate in the second. The team was on fire in the fourth quarter outplaying MSGU 21-7.
Standout performances came from junior Ray’ven Robinson who scored 23 points, junior Madison Brittle with 16 points, junior Shane’ Jackson
with 12 points, and junior Janiya Johnson with 11 points. Freshman Kassidy Neal added 9 points to the total score, scoring 7 of that 9 in the final quarter.
The Lady Canes face Augusta University this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Storm Dome.
Photo by Chris Fenn.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BASKETBALL
Men’s
Jan. 31- vs Augusta University 7:45 p.m.
Feb. 4- at Clayton State 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11- vs North Georgia 7:45 p.m.
Feb. 14- at USC Beaufort 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 18- at Lander University 7:30 p.m. BASEBALL
Jan. 31- vs Trevecca Nazarene 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 1- vs Trevecca Nazarene 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 3- vs Auburn Montgomery 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 6- at North Greenville University 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 7- at North Greenville University 12:00 p.m.
Feb. 7- at North Greenville University 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 10- vs Embry-Riddle 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 13- vs USC Beaufort 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 14- vs USC Beaufort 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 15- vs USC Beaufort 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 17- at Valdosta State 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 20- vs Georgia College 6:00 p.m.
TENNIS
Feb. 3- vs Coastal Georgia TBA
Feb. 6- vs Abraham Baldwin TBA
Feb. 20- at Shorter University 2:00 p.m.
RESULTS FOR DEC. 6-JAN. 21
BASKETBALL
Men’s
Dec. 6- at Augusta University L 55-84
Dec. 10- at Flagler College L 70-71
Dec. 13- vs Francis Marion University W 77-59
Dec. 17- vs Clayton State W 88-66
Dec. 20 vs Southern Wesleyan W 89-55
Jan. 3- vs Georgia College W 79-65
Jan. 7- vs Lander University W 71-68
Jan. 10- at North Georgia L 62-79
Jan. 14- vs USC Beaufort L 74-95
Jan. 17- vs Columbus State L 72-75
Jan. 21- at USC Aiken W 92-76
Women’s
Jan. 31- vs Augusta University 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 4- at Clayton State 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 11- vs North Georgia 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 14- at USC Beaufort 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 18- at Lander University 5:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Jan. 31- vs Florida Southern 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 31- vs Florida Southern 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 7- vs Savannah State 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 7- vs Savannah State 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 12- vs University of West Florida 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 13- vs Converse College 11:30 p.m.
Feb. 13- vs University of Mount Olive 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 14- vs Nova Southeastern University 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 14- vs Eckerd College 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 20- at Emmanuel University 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 20- at Emmanuel University 4:00 p.m.
GOLF
Feb. 9- Spring Kick-Off Rounds 1 and 2 TBA
Feb. 10- Spring Kick-Off Round 3 TBA
Women’s
Dec. 6- at Augusta University W 59-54
Dec. 10- at Flagler College L 70-91
Dec. 17- vs Clayton State W 66-60
Dec. 31- vs Anderson University L 73-80
Jan. 3- vs Georgia College L 51-61
Jan. 7- vs Lander University W 64-53
Jan. 10- at North Georgia L 68-70
Jan. 14- vs USC Beaufort L 66-74
Jan. 17- vs Columbus State L 65-75
Jan. 21- at USC Aiken L 60-67
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Feb. 6, First Friday: Chili Crawl, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Downtown Americus. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/ event/11996763
Feb. 9, Career Week: Money Monday, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Success Conference Rooms. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12024707
Feb. 10, Career Week: Marketing Your Skills, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Success Conference Rooms. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12024892
Feb. 11, Career Week: Navigating a Lifetime of Careers, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Success Conference Rooms. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12024946
Feb. 12, Career Week: Graduate School, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Student Success Conference Rooms. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12025072
Feb. 13, Senior Day, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Marshall Student Center and Canes Central. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12025312
Feb. 17, GSW Association of Nursing Students February Meeting, 4 p.m.- 5 p.m., Nursing Building.
Feb. 21, Plains Food Distribution, 8 a.m.- 11 a.m., Plains Inn Parking Lot. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11993498
Feb. 21, Heart Walk & Run, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/12086742
Feb. 21, Women’s Wine & Chocolate Walk, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Downtown Americus. Additional Information can be found at: https://canesconnect.gsw.edu/event/11969513
Feb. 25, 46th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation, 11:00, Storm Dome. The theme for this occasion is “Still, We Rise: Honoring the Dream by Building Bridges, Not Barriers.” The keynote speaker is Miss Rutha Harris. Miss Rutha Harris is one of the original Freedom Singers and a part of the Albany Movement.
