Author: Robert Preston

Clifford Davis, age 90, of Adel, GA passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Tift Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Davis was born on January 4, 1927, in Axson, GA to the late Rhoda Davis. Survivors include: his wife, June Wynell Davis of Adel, GA; daughter, Sherry (David) Holt of Hartsville, AL; two grandchildren. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home with Rev. Adreion Harrison…

Congratulations to the following schools for “Beating the Odds” in 2016: Ambrose Elementary, Broxton-Mary Hayes Elementary, Eastside Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, Nicholls Elementary, Satilla Elementary, West Green Elementary, Westside Elementary, Coffee Middle School, and George Washington Carver Freshman Campus. Two schools, Broxton-Mary Hayes and Westside, also made the list for “Beating the Odds for Five Years.” More than 1,000 Georgia schools beat the odds in 2016, performing better than statistically expected on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI). The CCRPI is Georgia’s statewide accountability system. It measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale based on multiple indicators…

According to a report filed by WMAZ of Macon, Bo Dukes has been arrested and charged with helping Ryan Duke (no relation), who is already in custody after being charged with the murder of missing Irwin County teacher Tara Grinstead, of helping “conceal and destroy” Grinstead’s body. Grinstead disappeared in October of 2005. Until last week, there were no major breaks in the case. WMAZ reported that Dukes was booked into the Irwin County Jail for concealing a death, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and tampering with evidence. This week, the GBI has been searching a pecan orchard in…

Authorities have located Veronica DeLeon, 21, who was reported missing Thursday morning. She is safe and unharmed. Michael Milikae Scott, 22, of Douglas has been detained and faces multiple charges in the incident. Scott is a black male, approximately 6’3″, 165 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Sheriff’s officials feared that DeLeon could be in danger due to previous incidents involving her and Mr. Scott. Authorities notified the public of her disappearance Thursday afternoon. She was believed to have been with Mr. Scott traveling in a silver-colored Toyota car with heavy body damage. The sheriff’s office hasn’t said what…

Last Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that Ryan Alexander Duke, 33, of Ocilla, had been arrested and charged with the murder of Tara Grinstead, the Irwin County High School teacher who disappeared over a decade ago. Declared legally dead in 2010, Grinstead’s disappearance had never been solved. Last week’s announcement did little, however, to end the discussion and controversy surrounding the case. In fact, Duke’s arrest asked more questions than it answered. Today, the case generated even more interest when word of two new developments spread. First of all, a gag order was issued to law enforcement and…

Deputies arrested and jailed a Coffee County man accused of beating his live-in girlfriend with a metal pipe on domestic violence charges over the weekend. Coffee County sheriff’s deputies responded to Coffee Regional Medical Center just prior to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in reference to an aggravated assault. The 46-year-old female victim told authorities her boyfriend, 51-year-old Rudy Michael Long, had struck her twice with a metal pipe, fracturing her left forearm. Medical staff confirmed the victim’s injuries. Another individual witnessed the incident, which occurred at a residence off Ga. Hwy. 32 West. Authorities too witness statements and photographs…

Today, Cindy Youngblood, 49, and Reggie Lockhart, 24, who were being held in the Coffee County Jail on charges of attempting to kill Anthony Youngblood, 51, on Aug. 11, 2016, were denied bond and will remain jailed. Anthony and Cindy Youngblood were married when Lockhart tried to shoot Mr. Youngblood outside the Youngbloods’ home. Cindy Youngblood and Lockhart have confessed to conspiracy to murder Mr. Youngblood. The two were arrested after sheriff’s deputies responded to a location off Harvey Smith Road after receiving a 911 call from a female who advised Mr. Youngblood was at her home stating a black…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College‘s Department of Economic Development is offering the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification course beginning March 8. Whether your business produces a good or provides a service this course can help your business function at its full potential. The course is designed to provide knowledge on how a business or industry can become a more effective, efficient, and a more productive environment. The course consist of two segments; “lean” provides ways of cutting waste and helping businesses look at ways to become more efficient. The “Six Sigma” segment helps with production and using resources already available…

The Douglas Kiwanis Club meeting of Tuesday the 14th of February was a special Valentine’s Day meeting held at the Saint Andrews Anglican Church Social Hall that included spouses of the members. Members provided the food and drink. Valentine’s gifts were given to all the spouses. Vivian Bennett, Young Living Essential Oils, was the speaker at the meeting. She spoke about natural oils and the medicinal affects they have upon us. Everyone enjoyed the evening and appreciated the presentation of the speaker.

Early Tuesday morning, a tractor-trailer hauling chickens overturned on Highway 441 in Atkinson County between Douglas and Pearson. The truck, owned by P&M Trucking in Douglas, was traveling north on 441 when it left the roadway and overturned. The impact crushed the cab of the Freightliner day cab tractor, leaving many wondering if the driver survived. The driver, whose name has not been released, did in fact survive the accident. A wrecker removed the truck and trailer about 9 a.m. but crews were still on the scene cleaning up debris, including chickens, both live and dead. No other vehicles were…