Author: Robert Preston

Today, a short yet poignant ceremony at City Hall honored the memory of long-term city commissioner Johnnie Lee Roper, who passed away Monday morning after a series of health complications. Roper’s passing was but one shocking story for the Douglas and Coffee County community. Later in the day Monday, school board member Ronnie Johnson also passed away, in part due to problems associated with severe diabetes. Fellow city commissioners, Mayor Tony Paulk, city and county employees, and citizens from throughout the community gathered around the flag pole in remembrance of Roper. A fixture on the city commission, Roper had devoted…

It is hard to put into words what has happened today in Douglas and Coffee County. Two respected elected officials, school board member Ronnie Johnson and city commissioner Johnnie Lee Roper passed away after extended illnesses. Johnson, who suffered from diabetes, went into the hospital early last week and endured a heart catheterization and gall bladder surgery. The procedures, coupled with his diabetes, weakened his already ailing body. Sadly, Mr. Johnson never recovered. He served the children of the Coffe County School System admirably, honorably, and selflessly. This afternoon, Dr. Morris Leis, superintendent of schools, released the following statement…

Today, the City of Douglas announced that Ward 1 City Commissioner Johnnie Lee Roper has died. No details regarding his death have been released. However, Mr. Roper had dealt with several health issues recently. According to the City’s Web site, Commissioner Roper was in his seventh term as a city commissioner. A well-known and well-respected commissioner both in Douglas/Coffee County and outside of the community, Commissioner Roper was recognized for always listening, being a thoughtful yet at times uncompromising leader, and providing a voice for those he felt were under-represented. Currently, Commissioner Roper’s primary objective was to see a Miracle…

Former Trojan and current Georgia Bulldog Keegan McGovern led off the fourth inning yesterday against the LSU Tigers with a solo home run that tied the game at one run apiece. McGovern’s home run also ended LSU ace Jared Poche’s scoreless inning streak at 32. It was the first run Poche has given up all year long. The Tigers went on to win the game 5-1. McGovern, a junior outfielder, is hitting .305 with two home runs and seven RBI this year for Georgia. The Bulldogs are 8-12 overall and 0-2 in the Southeastern Conference. Keegan McGovern homers in the top…

District 1 school board member Ronnie Johnson remains hospitalized in the Coffee Regional Medical Center Intensive Care Unit after becoming ill this week. Johnson, a diabetic who has had numerous health issues over the last few years, had both a heart catheterization and surgery to remove his gall bladder this week. He remains in critical condition and family members are asking for your prayers during this time. Johnson is the longest-tenured member currently serving on the board. During his career on the board, he has seen just about everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Currently, the school…

Officers from a host of agencies both local and state have spent the afternoon on Highway 135 near Harvey Vickers Road cleaning up a semi-truck accident that involved hazardous materials. The truck, a Freightliner Century Class day cab, was traveling toward Douglas on Highway 135 when a vehicle in front of the truck slowed suddenly. The driver hit the brakes in an effort to avoid a collision. The truck was pulling a container and the axles reportedly came out from under the container chassis. The truck and trailer rolled over as a result. The container was carrying cylinders of liquid…

Bobby Hutchison, age 66, of Douglas, GA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at his residence with his family by his side. Mr. Hutchison was born on May 8, 1950, in Douglas, GA to Wanell Gillespie Hutchison and the late John Bob “J.B.” Hutchison. Survivors include: his wife, Freida Hutchison of Douglas, GA; mother, Wanell Hutchison of Douglas, GA; daughter, Emily (Edward) Stanley of Tallahassee, FL; son, Jonathan (Carie) Hutchison of Douglas, GA; two grandsons, Hayden Hutchison and Kason Hutchison both of Douglas, GA; two brothers, Verlon (Sheila) Hutchison of Douglas, GA and Dr. Larry (Sue) Hutchison of…

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…