Toombs County Continues to Grow in 2024

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Toombs County experienced a year of growth and change throughout 2024, as new industries entered the county, fundraising thrived, and unique experiences brought joy to all within the area.

Workforce was a hot topic of discussion in Toombs County in 2024, as Oxford Industries announced their intent to invest $130 million into the county through the creation of their new distribution center at the new Toombs County Corporate Center on U.S. Hwy 1 in Lyons. This huge stateof- the-art facility is currently under construction and will sit on an almost 50-acre lot.

In addition to this growing industry, Shinsung Petrochemical Company announced they would be investing $11.2 million into the county, as they create their own new facility at the Toombs County Corporate Center. This business comes as a result of the Hyundai Megaplant located in Bryan County, as Shinsung manufactures the automotive sealant for these vehicles. The new manufacturing facility’s close proximity to Bryan County and I-16 were large draws to the area, as the business may quickly move their product to the plant. The investment will create 30 new jobs and will continue economic growth in the area.

To help accommodate these new workers within the county, more workforce housing is being created, as Vidalia received a $2.5 million workforce grant in January. This grant, which came from the OneGeorgia Authority as a part of Governor Brian Kemp’s Rural Workforce Initiative, will help to fund the water, sewer, street, and drainage improvements for the Triple Oaks Subdivision, which is currently being built along Loop Road. The subdivision will feature 70 homes constructed by Stanley Farms in its first phase, and an additional 150 homes will be later added in phases 2 and 3 of the project.

The City of Lyons also received a workforce housing grant of $1.6 million in April, will allow the City to provide much-needed infrastructure for a development where twentyseven single-family homes will be constructed. This 14.5-acre subdivision at the intersection of Bulldog Road and Parker Street will supply homes for the growing workforce.

The County also prepared to say goodbye to the old things in 2024 and hello to new beginnings in 2025, as the old Toombs County Courthouse was demolished, and County Commissioner Wendell Dixon, Tax Commissioner Brenda Williams, and Sheriff Alvie “Junior” Kight decided not to run for re-election. In these retirees’ absence, Buck Moon was elected to the commission seat, Anna Wommack Holcombe won the tax commissioner seat, and Captain Jordan Kight was elected to the sheriff’s position. Each of these new positions will officially take office on January 1, 2025.

Vidalia

The city of Vidalia had an exciting year, as the municipality gained a new city manager, was visited by celebrities, and showcased the giving nature of the community through fundraising.

Josh Beck took over the City Manager role in May, after former City Clerk Bill Bedingfield had served in the interim role since the resignation of Nick Overstreet in 2023. In addition to this personnel change, the Vidalia Police Department announced in April that the Department would be fully staffed by the end of 2024 for the first time in over a year.

Longtime Vidalia City Schools Superintendent Garrett Wilcox officially retired, as he passed the responsibility to Sandy Reid. Reid has continued to lead the school to success, as the district most recently won the GHSA 1-A One Act Play State Championship.

Several celebrities visited the city this year, as the Blue Angels flew in for the annual Vidalia Onion Festival, and even took Jordan Robins and Skye Estroff for a ride that they’ll never forget. Country Music Star Lauren Alaina met citizens and perused the streets of Downtown Vidalia before her concert at the Festival, and American Idol Winner Will Moseley even graced the stage at the Sweet Onion Social.

Vidalia even celebrated their own celebrities, as Angela Lane was named the 2024 Lady of the Year and Brian Bishop was named the 2024 Man of the Year at the annual celebration in May. Thousands of dollars were raised for local charities in Vidalia in 2024, as the annual Dancing for the Stars competition raised $30,000; the summer bingo nights for the United Way of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties raised over $20,000; and the annual United Way of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties campaign raised $536,881. This funding was especially helpful for Hurricane Helene aid, as the organization was able to generously give to those in need.

Lyons

In 2024, a new councilman began his term, as Drayton Oliver succeeded longtime City Manager and Councilman Rick Hartley. The municipality later mourned Hartley’s untimely death in October.

One of the city’s own was recognized by the state Lions Club, as Toombs County High School Graduate Brock Nobles was awarded the Outstanding Deaf Award at the State Club meeting on April 26. Nobles was nominated for the award by the Lyons Lions Club, and is only the club’s second nominee to receive a state award.

The Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby became Georgia’s official soapbox derby on May 7, and members of the community celebrated the event with an official ceremony at Derby Hill on July 10. This accomplishment has been two years in the making, as State Representative Leesa Hagan has worked tirelessly to get the bill passed to declare the event a state event.

Scott Tuck was selected to lead Robert Toombs Christian Academy as the school’s headmaster, and has continued to help the school thrive in success.

Overall, though filled with many struggles, 2024 was a year of growth and achievement within Vidalia, Lyons, and Toombs County, as it brought new leadership and adventures to the area.

DANCING FOR THE STARS CHAMPIONS – Mario Zamorano (left) and Logan McElveen (right) took home the title of 2024 Dancing For The Stars Champion on Thursday, February 22. The event raised $30,000 for the United Way of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

OUT WITH THE OLD —McLendon Enterprises began demolishing the old Toombs County Courthouse in February. The demolition and cleanup took 2 weeks, after which work began on the parking area adjacent to the new courthouse. The new courthouse officially opened November 20, 2023.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

AN EVENING OF MEMORIES – Retiring Vidalia City Schools Superintendent Garrett Wilcox and his wife Blythe laugh as speakers share their memories of Wilcox’s time with the school system.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

MAN OF THE YEAR – Brian Bishop was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Vidalia Man of the Year award. L to r: Zack Fowler, Brian Bishop, Lisa Bishop.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

LADY OF THE YEAR – Angela Anders Lane was recognized as the 2023 Vidalia Lady of the Year. L to R: Mary Lea Lane, Angela Anders Lane, Brady Lane, Charles Lane.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

RACING DOWN DERBY HILL – State Representative Leesa Hagan (left) races down Derby Hill with local Masters class derby champion Alexis Head (right).Photo by Makaylee Randolph

OUTSTANDING DEAF AWARD – Brock Nobles was presented the Outstanding Deaf Award on behalf of the State Lions Club at the State Convention on April 26. L to R: Lions Past International President James “Jim’ Ervin, Brock Nobles, Lions Past International President Dr. Clement F. Kusiak.