Author: Megan Bennett

The appointment of a Downtown Development Authority board member caused some tension at the Monday night city commission meeting. Dale Batten, Community Development Director, recommended at the meeting that the mayor and commission appoint JoAnne Lewis to serve the remainder of Windi Raper’s position, which expires on Dec. 31, 2017, as Ms. Raper recently resigned. The position had been advertised, and three individuals had applied to the position, including Ms. Lewis. The recommendation was approved by all but one commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem Olivia Pearson, who opposed the appointment and offered her reasoning in discussion: “It’s oftentimes that we have…

A local cancer survivor has manifested her blessings into a foundation that now includes a thrift store. Jill Jones has set out on a mission to help the citizens of Coffee County through the Journey for Life Foundation. “I thought, ‘What could I do to help people I walk and talk with on a daily basis’,” Jones explained. “That’s when the foundation came to mind. It was designed to help cancer patients with road trips and food as they travel.” Fundraising for the non-profit organization took place at Williams Chapel Church, and the Journey for Life Foundation was able to…

For decades, many families in the Douglas-Coffee County area have relied on the professionals at Precious Possessions Day Care and Learning Center (PPLC) to provide excellent care for their children. Recently, the facility celebrated its 30th anniversary. Precious Possessions has been operating since Jan. 2, 1986, and on opening day, only eight children were in its care. Owner Julie Mathews reminisced on that day, saying, “I think four of [the kids] were staff members’ kids. It was me, Cheryl Musgrove, Mama (Dale Tanner), my grandmother (Ruby Davis), and Rose Meeks. It was four of us.” What began with only four…

Coffee County School Board Chairman Adam Lott and Vice Chairman Jessie Jowers took their newly appointed seats at the regular school board meeting on Thursday. Chairman Adam Lott replaced Judi Worrell who had served as chairman for the 2015 year. Superintendent Dr. Morris Leis and the members of the School Board and visitors applauded Worrell for her dedication and hard work for the year of 2015. School Board Member Ronnie Johnson also spoke briefly about his stance on the position of School Board Chairman. “I didn’t want to be chairman, or vice chairman. I just want to be part of…

Representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia Department of Health spoke at the Rotary Club luncheon on Thursday January 21. Dr. Jean O’Connor, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention Department at the Georgia Department of Public Health, and Dr. Wayne Giles, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention with the CDC, both spoke on health issues Coffee County is facing. The Coffee County School Board, Coffee Regional Medical Center and other community members have come together to form a collaborative that is working together on a Better Health, Lower Cost initiative in our area. CRMC representative Vicki Lewis explains that the…

At Tuesday’s county commission meeting, commissioners approved a text amendment changing the protocol for subdivision development, allowing for public transportation into and out of gated communities, among other changes. Another amendment permitting private cemeteries to be built on county property was also approved. This amends a law prohibiting the establishment of private cemeteries, for humans or pets, but with several stipulations, including that there must be at least an acre of land to accommodate the cemetery, and it must be fenced off and at a safe distance from any roads or bodies of water. The commission approved Commissioner Oscar Paulk’s…

In the spring of 1995, a family sought answers for their 16-year-old daughter’s illness. Little did they know the answers would point to a rare and dangerous disease, and that they would be embarking on the life-long journey of organ donation. At a time when most girls are worrying about picking out colleges, getting ready for formal dances, and having fun with friends, Ginny Neugent-Carver was facing a life or death situation. “The last two months of my 10th grade year I didn’t go to school,” Ginny said. Her complications from a mystery illness had progressed to a near-death situation.…

At Monday’s regular city commission meeting, and the first meeting of 2016, the commission elected Ward 3 commissioner Olivia Pearson as mayor pro-tem. “It’s just a blessing,” Pearson stated in her closing remarks at the end of the meeting. “It’s really a blessing to be here. It’s a blessing to serve. I’d also like to say thanks to my fellow commissioners for electing me as mayor pro tem. We’ve just got a lot of work to do and I feel confident that we will do a great job.” The light department recommended the approval of a bid for new transformers…

At Monday’s regular county commission meeting, Commissioner Johnny Wayne Jowers was named chairman of the commission. Commissioner Jimmy Kitchens handed the gavel over to Jowers at the beginning of the meeting. The county officers for 2016 were also appointed at the meeting. Commissioner Oscar Paulk is serving as Vice Chairman; JoAnn Metts is the county clerk; Princess Lewis is the deputy clerk; Tony Rowell is the county attorney; Don Stokes is the road superintendent; Wendell Troupe is assistant road superintendent; and Hurst and Hurst is the county auditor. Sadie’s House is a local center for children and families in crisis,…

The main entrance of Coffee Regional Medical Center glowed with festive spirit at an inaugural Christmas tree lighting held by the CRMC staff. Barry Bloom welcomed guests and staff to the event, where the Coffee High School Show Choir performed acapella versions of holiday favorites. Willie Spence also sang at the event. Staff sold ornaments in honor of or in memory of loved ones at the event to be placed on the tree in the front lobby of CRMC. Vickie Lewis and Barry Bloom of CRMC and all the staff extended wishes for a merry Christmas and happy holiday season…