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Talks of a possible nickel refinery near Richmond Hill sparked debate at Tuesday's Bryan County Commissioner Meeting

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. —

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Residents and company supporters urged Bryan County commissioners Tuesday to consider a proposed nickel refinery in Richmond Hill, saying it could bring hundreds of jobs and high wages to the area.

The topic, which was not on the meeting agenda, surfaced during public comment at the Bryan County Commission meeting.

"I'm very much in support of Westwin elements. I think there's a future there. I think there's a future there for my son," resident Trey Bragg said.

Westwin Elements, the company behind the proposal and the only major nickel refiner in the country, told residents the project would create 800 jobs in the Richmond Hill area over the next several years. Company officials said workers without a college degree could earn about $90,000 on average, plus paid family benefits.

Floyd Harbin, a resident of Bryan County and retired Air Force colonel, addressed the national security importance of domestic critical mineral production and the benefits of the proposed project.

"Anybody that thinks China, Russia or any other nations don't want to destroy America, you know, I'm telling you, they do. All right? I've been all over the world. I've been in three wars," Harbin said. "I felt like I needed to come up and tell you that my heart is about our country being able to provide, materials for our military and other items that, you know, they're conducive to us to win a war."

Opponents to the idea pointed to several lawsuits involving Westwin Elements, which include unpaid fees and financial disputes. Others questioned whether the land fits a refinery. We received a letter from a viewer that says:

"This proposal after the catastrophic flooding last year from Hurricane Helene is the most outlandish proposal ever. I say 'never'."

Because the proposal did not appear on the meeting agenda, commissioners limited their comments but listened to residents.

"We would have liked it, had it been on the agenda. Maybe we could ask some questions. You know, we don't have to take any action tonight," a commissioner said.

Commissioners said the proposal can be discussed more thoroughly at an upcoming town hall and that they need more time to research the topic. The next Bryan County Commission meeting will take place Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Pembroke at 26 N. Courthouse Street.

Editor’s Note: In an earlier version of this report, we incorrectly stated that Mr. Harbin was in opposition to the proposal. However, Mr. Harbin spoke at the commissioners meeting in support of the proposal and Westwin Elements. WJCL 22 apologizes to Mr. Harbin and Westwin Elements for the error.

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Sam Lilley was the first officer aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which was hit midair by an Army Black Hawk helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. —

Above file video: Initial coverage of the crash

The parents of First Officer Sam Lilley, a Richmond Hill native, say their son and the captain of American Airlines Flight 5342 “did everything right” the night their regional jet collided midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

In a court filing Wednesday responding to a civil lawsuit over the January 29 crash, the U.S. government acknowledged failures and accepted legal responsibility for its role, stating it owed a duty of care that it breached and that the breach “proximately” caused the accident.

The government’s 209-page filing in U.S. District Court in Washington said the pilots of both aircraft “failed to maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid each other,” and it admitted the Black Hawk pilots’ failure to maintain vigilance was a proximate cause of the collision.

The filing also conceded that an air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport did not comply with a regulation requiring controllers, when aircraft are on converging courses, to inform the other aircraft of the traffic and that visual separation is being applied. But the government denied that any alleged negligence by controllers was a factual or legal cause of the crash.

The lawsuit was filed by the family of one of the victims and is described as the “master complaint” on behalf of families of deceased passengers. The crash involved a commercial flight operated by a regional carrier for American Airlines and a military helicopter on a training mission, officials have said.

Lilley was 28. He graduated from Richmond Hill High School and Georgia Southern University and was engaged to be married, his family said. His father is a retired Black Hawk pilot and a commercial jet captain, according to the family’s statement.

In a statement, Lilley’s parents, Tim and Sheri Lilley, said information presented at an investigative hearing showed that the Flight 5342 crew complied with federal procedures and industry-standard practices.

“We stand by the facts presented at the NTSB’s investigative hearing, which confirmed that AA5342 Captain Jonathan Campos and our son, First Officer, Sam Lilley, complied with all required federal procedures and industry-standard operating practices,” they said. “They did everything right the night of January 29.”

The government filing pushed back on broader allegations that the airspace around Reagan National was an “accident waiting to happen.” While acknowledging the airspace can be busy and that the risk of midair collision cannot be reduced to zero, the government did not admit to “collective failures” leading to the crash and denied certain claims about how prior near-miss events were required to be analyzed.

Attorneys for plaintiffs said families remain in grief and are continuing to investigate. A hearing is anticipated Jan. 26 in Washington, according to an attorney representing one of the plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes is presiding over the case, court records show.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Richmond County leaders are debating whether to close and consolidate polling locations just months before several commission races and the mayoral election, drawing concerns from residents who packed a standing-room-only meeting Monday.

The Richmond County Board of Elections held a special called meeting to discuss precinct consolidation and realignment. Many people found out about the meeting just days or even hours beforehand, but Facebook posts ahead of the session encouraged residents to attend and voice their concerns.

The proposed changes would reduce the county’s 68 precincts to 55 and cut polling locations from 42 to 36. Officials say the adjustments are needed due to facility issues and changing voting patterns, but residents are questioning the timing just four months before elections.

Several polling locations have requested to stop hosting elections. St. Mark Methodist asked for voting to be relocated from there at the end of 2025 due to rising insurance premiums. Mann-Mize Memorial Methodist said its aging congregation is no longer able to serve as a polling place. The Hephzibah Carroll Community Center is closed during renovations.

After the 2021 redistricting, no voters were moved and precinct changes were not made to keep everyone at their polling location.

Some of the changes are being proposed because more voters cast early ballots now. The adjustments could reduce wait times, officials say. Officials noted turnout on early in-person voting jumped over 15% between 2022 and 2024.

Consolidating voting sites is something that’s happening across the state, but Richmond County is behind others. Polling places downtown are on average a mile to a mile and a half apart, so officials looked at the least utilized polling sites, like St. Mark. Voters who use the St. Mark polling site would be moved to National Hills since they’re in the same district for many races.

If there are no changes, officials say there will be rising labor costs, an uneven voting experience, fewer machines per voter and longer lines at high-volume sites.

“I know that we are 10 years behind. But if we’re going to be 10 years behind, why would we want to try to do what we couldn’t do in 10 years in one? And not even just in one, but...in a few months,” said Lakeland Barnes, a Richmond County resident.

Barnes suggested a more gradual approach to the changes.

“We could plan this out. Let’s do this. Let’s phase it out for the next two to three years. Or if you do, let’s do it in an off election year,” Barnes said. “I don’t want what they’re doing to fail or there to be such a backlash or there to be such a large impact on people.”

Betty Reece said “there is not enough time” to make changes and that there couldn’t be “a much worse time to do this.” She says more poll workers need to be hired right now.

One speaker at Monday’s meeting said voters’ age and transportation needs should be considered when moving polling sites.

Travis Doss, executive director of the Richmond County Board of Elections, acknowledged the compressed timeline but defended the timing.

“I agree with the public sentiment that it seems compressed. However, I feel that even when doing it during an election year, that’s when people are more engaged,” Doss said.

Pay for election workers was a big topic at the meeting. Poll workers have not received a pay raise since 2000, and board members said $175 is not enough pay for 16 hours of work.

“It’s hard to attract new poll workers when the first thing they ask is, well, how much does it pay?” Doss said. “It’s a hard ask to go to the commission and say, we want increased poll worker pay when there’s a potential of cuts.”

Audience members agreed there has been a delay in getting more well-trained poll workers. The Board of Elections says it’s not a matter of getting more people but a matter of getting poll workers with “the ability to be trained.”

Barnes expressed concern that the changes could discourage voter participation.

“You’re doing more things to ensure that these people are confused about what it takes to vote, where they need to go vote. It becomes so confusing at some point. People just give up,” Barnes said. “Now it’s up to the commissioners to start seeing this is how your budget impacts not just your department... but people who work for the city in general. And that 5% is now costing the voters.”

The Board of Elections must make a final decision for this year by March 20. A public hearing is scheduled for February 9.

RV Georgia (11-0) vs. VCU (4-7) Friday, Dec. 19 || 7 p.m. Henrico Sports and Events Center || Richmond, Va. ESPN+ Listen to Jeff Dantzler on 960 AM The Ref, ESPN 103.7 FM or the Georgia Bulldogs Sports App. The legendary voice of the Lady Bulldogs has been calling games for 32 seasons.

SERIES VS. VCU OVERALL Georgia leads, 4-0 IN ATHENS Georgia leads, 1-0 AT VCU Georgia leads, 2-0 NEUTRAL Georgia leads, 1-0 LAST MEETING Georgia won 68-54 (11/25/22) » Georgia heads to the 4Tha Culture Classic in Richmond, Va., this weekend to face VCU and Coppin State. The first game versus VCU tips off at 7 p.m. ET Friday.

» The Lady Bulldogs are 11-0 for the first time since 2014 and for the 10th time in program history. This weekend, Georgia is looking to start the season 13-0 for the first occasion since 2009.

» This year's Georgia team has reached 11 wins quicker than any squad in program history. The Lady Bulldogs are receiving votes in the associated press top 25 and are ranked No. 37 in the NET rankings.

» Georgia is 4-0 all time against VCU and owns a 2-0 mark against Coppin State. The Lady Bulldogs last played the Rams in 2022 in the Virgin Islands and played CSU back in 2014.

» Georgia has scored 80 points or more in six games. It represents the most 80-point contests through the first 11 games for the program since the 2005-06 campaign.

» The Lady Bulldogs are led by four players that score in double figures, paced by sophomore guard Dani Carnegie. Carnegie leads the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage (50.0) and 3-pointers made (35) and is eighth in points per game (18.1).

» Georgia has also played well defensively, which is a staple of Coach ABE's teams. The Lady Bulldogs rank third in the SEC and seventh nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to 51.2 ppg.

» Georgia has held six of 11 opponents below 50 points. The Lady Bulldogs held four-straight teams below 50 in the first four matchups of the year, marking the first time in program history Georgia has held four-straight opponents below the 50-point mark.

» The Lady Bulldogs have used the same starting five in each of the first 11 games. Overall, Georgia has both committed fewer turnovers and led in rebounds in 10 of 11 matchups this year.

With 18.1 ppg, sophomore guard Dani Carnegie currently ranks eighth among all SEC players in scoring. Carnegie has reached double figures in every game and has scored 20 points or more five times this season. She is an 88 percent free-throw shooter and shoots 50 percent from 3-point range. Scoring double digits in four of the last five games, junior guard Rylie Theuerkauf has established herself as scoring threat. Theuerkauf ranks second on the team 3-point percentage, shooting 45 percent from behind the arc. Typically one of the first players off the bench, Georgia freshman Zhen Craft has been a bright spot for the Lady Bulldogs. She is fourth on the team in rebounding and is the team's leading scorer outside of four starters. Craft averages 6.6 points and 4.2 boards per game. Georgia's roster features a bevy of options. Two of those made an impact in games against Kansas and Butler. With her team down 16-7 at the end of the first quarter, Aicha Ndour came off the bench to score a season-best eight points, to go with six rebounds and a career-high five blocks. The following day, Enjulina Gonzalez scored a season-high 15 points and dished out a career-best seven assists against Butler. Georgia has scored 80 or more already six times this season, its best mark through 11 games since 2005-06..Georgia has scored 90 or more points in two contests. Georgia owns a commanding 38-10 lead in the all-time series against its rival Georgia Tech. This year's win against the Yellow Jackets marked a significant historical performance. The Lady Bulldogs' 28-point margin was the widest margin in the series since 1994, and the 87 points scored were Georgia's most against the Yellow Jackets since 1999. Georgia's win marked the program's first victory over Tech in Athens since 2017. The Lady Bulldogs scored 56 points against Furman, marking the most points in any half for a Georgia team since the year 2000. Carnegie hit five 3-pointers and was one of five players in double figures against the Paladins. Georgia signed impressive transfer portal and freshman classes in 2025. UGA's transfer portal class was ranked as high as No. 5 nationally (247sports.com) and the freshman class was ranked No. 18 nationally (by ESPN). The Lady Bulldogs are one of three SEC teams, joining Tennessee and LSU, to rank in the top-5 in the transfer portal and top-20 in freshman class rankings.

The Lady Bulldogs' five transfers include Dani Carnegie (Georgia Tech), Enjulina Gonzalez (Miami Ohio), Rylie Theuerkauf (Wake Forest), Aicha Ndour (Wichita State) and Vera Ojenuwa (Arkansas). This year's freshman class includes Jocelyn Faison (Atlanta). Among Georgia's nine players with college experience (including returners and transfers), five averaged double-figure scoring margins last year. Gonzalez (16.9 ppg at Miami Ohio) leads all returning scorers, including Carnegie (12.9 ppg at Georgia Tech), Theuerkauf (12.0 ppg at Wake Forest), Turner (12.2 ppg at Georgia) and Woolfolk (11.0 ppg at Georgia).

This year's roster features three players who led their team's in scoring last year. Turner was Georgia's leading scorer, Gonazlez paced Miami (Ohio) and Theuerkauf led all scorers at Wake Forest. Among five portal additions is 2025 ACC Sixth Woman of the Year and five-time ACC Rookie of the Week Dani Carnegie from Georgia Tech. Ranked No. 10 overall on ESPN's list for top transfer for 2025-26, Carnegie led her team in 3-pointers made and was seventh in the ACC with 66 total 3-pointers last year. Carnegie moved to the state of Georgia at age 12 from New York and finished her prep career at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga. Coach ABE preaches family and culture, and it shows in the longevity of her staff. Associate Head Coach Tahnee Balerio and assistants Isoken Uzamere, Nykesha Sales and Ebone Henry-Harris have been with Coach ABE a combined 43 seasons! Georgia welcomes back All-SEC guard Diamond Battles, who now serves as a graduate assistant. Battles was one of just three SEC players to rank in the top 15 in scoring, assists and steals during the 2022-23 season. Georgia women's basketball stands among the most elite programs in the SEC and the country. The Lady Bulldogs rank second in SEC history and 19th nationally with 1,097 all-time wins – one of just six league teams to reach the 1,000-victory mark (Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Auburn and Texas). Georgia is tied for second in total conference victories (344) and third, behind Tennessee and South Carolina, with seven league championships. This year marks the 30-year anniversary of two of the greatest teams in Georgia history across all sports.

The Lady Bulldogs went on a remarkable run during the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. Both squads reached the Final Four, with the Lady Bulldogs finishing national runner-up in 1996.

La'Keshia Frett, Tracy Henderson, Saudia Roundtree, Kedra Holland and Tiffany Walker guided the 1994-95 team to a 28-5 overall record en route to the Final Four. A year later, the 1996 squad became the first team in the program's storied history to win the SEC regular season title and earn a trip to the Final Four. For a full game notes packet the game, CLICK HERE.

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. —

Above video: Your Friday headlines

Fifteen members of the Southeast Georgia chapter of the Outcast Motorcycle Gang have been convicted in what officials described as the largest motorcycle gang prosecution in Georgia history, officials announced Friday.

Information released Friday by the Office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the case, dubbed Operation “Patronus,” followed a 13-month, multiagency investigation that led to the recovery of more than 100 firearms. Authorities said investigators executed more than 40 search warrants, including 17 residential warrants across multiple Georgia counties, Fort Stewart and Wakulla County, Florida, and also seized two motorcycles and two cars.

All 15 defendants pleaded guilty in Bryan County to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit robbery by intimidation, and violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, according to the attorney general’s office.

Prosecutors said the charges stem from an attempted armed robbery and shootout on June 17, 2022, at Flacos House Bar & Grill and the Red Roof Inn on U.S. Highway 17 in Richmond Hill.

Officials said several bystanders were caught in the crossfire and that six members of a rival gang were the intended robbery targets.

The case also targeted the chapter’s leadership, including alleged president Melaun Aiken, vice president Eddie Latson, secretary Lee Alan Mole and road captain Joseph Leeks, officials said.

Aiken, 48, was sentenced Dec. 3 to 25 years, with seven years in prison and the remainder on strict probation, after entering a non-negotiated plea, authorities said.

Mole, 61, was sentenced Oct. 8 to 20 years, with two years in prison; Simmons, 44, received 20 years with four years in prison on July 23; and Latson, 45, was sentenced Dec. 4, 2024, to 20 years with four years in prison, according to the attorney general’s office.

Other sentences ranged from prison time followed by probation to strict probation, including one defendant who received 20 years of strict probation and banishment from Georgia except for one county, officials said. Authorities said no charges were dismissed as part of the pleas.

“This historic case is a testament to the results we’re able to achieve when all levels of law enforcement work together,” Carr said in a statement.

Full list of defendants and charges:

Melaun Arturi Aiken (aka "Do Wurk"), age 48

As part of this plea, Aiken is also required to pay $17,345 in fines, which includes $7,500 for Gang Leadership charges and five separate fines equating to $1,969 each.

Lee Alan Mole (aka "Trench"), age 61

Taurus Marquis Simmons (aka "Repeat"), age 44

Terrance Donita Potter (aka "Chatter Box"), age 47

Potter entered a non-negotiated plea to the following charges. On Aug. 22, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years of strict probation and banishment from the State of Georgia except for one county.

Eddie Latson (aka "Stash"), age 45

Latson pleaded guilty to the following charges. On Dec. 4, 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

As part of this plea, Latson is also required to pay $5,655 in fines.

Joseph Leeks (aka "Axel"), age 46

Leeks pleaded guilty to the following charges. On Feb. 6, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

As part of this plea, Leeks is also required to pay $3,000 in fines.

Marquis Jones (aka "Grudge"), age 41

Jones pleaded guilty to the following charges. On Sept. 22, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 180 days to be served in a Probation Detention Center and the remainder on strict probation.

As part of this plea, Jones is also required to pay $4,255 in fines.

Donovan Scott (aka "Sockit"), age 38

Scott entered a non-negotiated plea to the following charges. On July 23, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first two years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

Shron Gilbert (aka "Hard Left"), age 54

Gilbert pleaded guilty to the following charges. On March 17, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

As part of this plea, Gilbert is also required to pay $4,155 in fines.

Demon Thompson (aka "9 Ball"), age 46

Thompson pleaded guilty to the following charges. On July 3, 2024, he was sentenced to five years of strict probation.

As part of this plea, Thompson is also required to pay $2,905 in fines and perform 80 hours of community service.

Paul Gosden (aka "White Collar"), age 54

Gosden pleaded guilty to the following charges. On Aug. 22, 2025, he was sentenced to five years of strict probation.

As part of this plea, Gosden is also required to pay $2,905 in fines.

Theron Singleton (aka "DMB" and "Do My Best"), age 60

Singleton pleaded guilty to the following charges. On March 17, 2025, he was sentenced to 10 years of strict probation.

As part of this plea, Singleton is also required to pay $4,255 in fines.

Labarron Pollock (aka "Bootleg"), age 50

Pollock pleaded guilty to the following charges. On May 1, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years of strict probation.

As part of this plea, Pollock is also required to pay $2,180 in fines and perform 80 hours of community service.

Jemar Mack (aka "Ghost" and "Ghost Ryder"), age 45

Mack pleaded guilty to the following charges. On Feb. 6, 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder on strict probation.

As part of this plea, Mack is also required to pay $3,000 in fines.

Whitney Lenore Hooks (aka "Secrets"), age 39

Hooks pleaded guilty to the following charges. On July 3, 2024, she was sentenced to five years of strict probation.

As part of this plea, Hooks is also required to pay $2,905 in fines and perform 80 hours of community service.

The State’s case against an additional defendant has been put on indefinite hold due to a medical diagnosis of incompetence stemming from physical injury.

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