The Coffee County Board of Education named Dr. James Banks, Jr. new assistant superintendent of operations at Thursday’s regular school board meeting. Dr. Banks expressed gratitude for the recognition from the board and his excitement for the new school year that is about to begin. Dr. June Munford, who stepped down from the position only two weeks prior to pursue retirement, was recognized for his achievements at the meeting, before giving a farewell message. “It’s been a pleasure working with the board,” stated Dr. Munford, saying his career was a “perfect fit” He also thanked God and the school board…
Author: Staff Reports
Diana and James Jacobs were officially charged Friday with the murder Alexander McKay Hunter, a former resident of the Rosewood Care assisted living home in Nicholls where Mrs. Jacobs was formerly employed. Coffee County Sheriff’s Office officials stated that detectives continue to gather information and evidence involving the death of Mr. Hunter, whose body was found buried in a clandestine grave at the home on August 8, 2014. Diana Jacobs was initially arrested at the Rosewood Care facility after revealing to detectives that the body of Hunter was buried inside a shed located on the property. At that time, she…
It’s very likely that some Coffee County High School alumni driving down South Madison Avenue in Douglas have been greeted by a familiar face. On the corner of East Bryan Street and South Madison sits O’Malley’s Musical Instruments, owned by the son of John Maley, who served as band director for Coffee County High School for 20 years, from 1964 to 1984, and whose face can be seen smiling on the wall of the new business. John Maley’s musical excellence is well remembered and respected by much of the Coffee County community and beyond. His love and affinity for music…
The staff at Douglas Now was saddened this week to learn of the sudden passing of longtime community leader and advocate Joe Day. Following is Mr. Day’s obituary courtesy of Sim’s Funeral Home: Joseph Hayden “Joe” Day age 69 of Douglas, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Day was born on July 17, 1946, in Douglas to the late Henry Hayden Day and Annie Ree Ragsdale Day. Mr. Day was a member of First Baptist Church of Douglas and a deacon. He retired from McCrary-Daniels Insurance Agency. Survivors include his…
Fireside Pizza Shop in Douglas recently made the list of 100 Plates Locals Love in Georgia Eats magazine for its Carnivore Pizza. Georgia Eats is published by Explore Georgia, the state’s official tourism and travel organization. “Meat lovers flip for this hand-tossed dough topped with five meats and mozzarella cooked in a stone oven,” the article said of Fireside’s dish. Fireside Pizza Shop is located at 114 N. Peterson Ave. inside the Atrium building. They can be reached at (912) 501-3101. To read the full article on the state’s 100 favorie local dishes, click here.
Information provided by Douglas police on Wednesday via the department’s Facebook page purports to show a marked decrease in overall crime in the city between January to June, 2014, and January to June, 2015. The informational graphic claims substantial decreases in major crimes such as roberries, assaults, burglaries, and sex crimes. The only crimes listed on the chart which showed small increases were motor vehicle thefts and criminal trespasses. Douglas police did not offer any comments on the graphic or any information regarding how the statistics were compiled. Douglas Now has provided an image of the information given by the…
By Megan Bennett Douglas Mayor James Dennis thanked Debbie Fussell, owner of Blue Door Décor, for being part of the “economic engine here in Douglas” at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the business Tuesday morning. Coffee County Chamber of Commerce members Sherry Davis, Stanley Lott, and Donny Bradshaw spoke at the ceremony, all praising the success the store has seen and the hard effort of Fussell and her fellow employees and partners. Blue Door Decor is located at 312 North Madison Avenue directly across the street from the First United Methodist Church and has been open for nine months. In…
By Megan Bennett The Coffee County Sherriff’s Department will be getting eight new Dodge Chargers, thanks to approval by the county commission at Monday’s regular commission meeting. The Chargers will be purchased from Coffee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and should be running in the next 30 to 60 days. The commission also approved a bid for repair on railroad crossings on Chaney and Michell roads in Douglas. Burke Paving will be performing the work. The date for the special election runoff for House District 155 was announced for Aug. 11, and the early voting period for the runoff will…
Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) detectives made two arrests last week following a residential search that yielded methamphetamine, marijuana, and controlled substance prescription medications Xanax and lorazepam. Authorities stated Ronald Allen Lott, Jr. was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a scheduled controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana following a July 9 search at 199 Ron’s Lane. Also arrested during the incident was 31-year-old Amanda Jacobs of Waycross, who was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Drug unit detectives also reported these additional recent arrests: July 14 – Coffee County Sheriff’s Office deputies and DCDU HEAT Unit officers…
Coffee County Sheriff’s authorities stated Friday afternoon that jail personnel reacted appropriately after an inmate recently became ill and subsequently died while in their custody at the hospital. Officials stated former inmate Brandi Nicole Griffin was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Atkinson County on July 8. Three days later, while Griffin was a custody at the Coffee County Jail, employees were made aware that she was in need of medical care. Jail staff responded immediately, authorities stated, and provided medical intervention. Emergency medical services was contacted through 911, and Ms. Griffin was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center, where…