On April 21, 2025, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) conducted its monthly meeting. Jr. Mayor Destiny Henderson led the meeting and recognized Karen Batten and Ian Sansot as the Outstanding Community Spotlight for April. Ninth grade student at Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy Nevaeh Bussey opened the meeting with a special prayer. The special guest speakers were Tim Gay from the City of Douglas Animal Control and Jamie Knudson from the Coffee County Animal Shelter.
The Youth Council honored Karen Batten and Ian Sansot as the community spotlight for the month of April. Ian Sansot is the husband of Laura Lee and father to their 7-year-old daughter. He is a member of First Baptist Church. He has prosecuted thousands of felony offenses across the Waycross Judicial Circuit. He also represents the District Attorney’s Office in the circuit’s Drug Court and Mental Health Court programs.
Karen Batten, a lifelong resident of Coffee County, is. dedicated educator and musician. After graduating with honors from Broxton High School in 1983 and earning a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University in 1986, she spent 30 years in the Coffee County School System. In 2017, she founded the Karen Batten Piano Studio, offering lessons in a nurturing environment at her studio in Douglas and at Citizens Christian Academy. With over 50 years of piano experience, she has taught up to 50 students annually. Additionally, Miss Batten serves as the pianist and organist at First Assembly of God Church in Douglas, reflecting her commitment to education and her faith community.
Tim Gay was one of the guest speakers for the month of April. For seven years, Tim has been serving as the City of Douglas’s Animal Control officer. In 2024, the Georgia Animal Control Association named him Animal Control Officer of the Year, and in February 2025 he was elected to serve on the board of the Georgia Animal Control Association.
Jamie Knudson, who has dedicated eight years of her career as an Animal Control officer at the animal shelter, was also a guest speaker for April. Jamie’s journey began in Lakeland, where she managed a small kennel and gained hands-on experience in animal care. She then relocated to Waycross, taking on the role of Shelter Manager and Animal Control for three years. During her tenure, Jamie developed leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the complexities of animal shelter management. Currently, Jamie volunteers her time and expertise at the Douglas Coffee County Animal Shelter. Her contributions are complex, as she assists with animal control and provides administrative support with office work.
During the meeting, updates were provided on the various mentoring programs and community events. AYM will be hosting a basketball tournament on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10 AM. Dinitra Williams, the DMYC and Teen Court Coordinator, shared insights on upcoming initiatives, including information from the Keep Douglas Beautiful committee regarding the Great American Cleanup.
The public is invited to attend the next meeting that will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5 PM at City Hall in the Commission Chambers.
For more details on the Youth Council or Teen Court program, please contact Dinitra Williams, Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council & Teen Court Coordinator, at (912) 331-9398 or call the City Clerk’s office at (912) 389-3405.