Author: Staff Reports

Bailey Tardy, a 26-year-old rookie on the LPGA Tour with family connections to Douglas, finished tied for fourth (-3) at the Women’s US Open at Pebble Beach Sunday. Tardy led the tournament over the first 36 holes but faltered a little on Saturday and Sunday. Still, her 73 on Sunday secured a tie for fourth place and a $482,136 payday. Tardy began the tournament with a 69 then a 68. Saturday, she shot 75 and followed that with a final-round 73. Tardy’s grandmother, Claire Tardy, and Gail Kirkland of Douglas, are sisters. Thomas, Gail’s husband, Gail,…

A chase that began just after midnight on June 24 ended like many of the recent pursuits — with the car wrecked and the alleged driver in handcuffs. According to a report from the sheriff’s office, on June 24, a deputy noticed a white Chrysler 300 speeding on Highway 221 North. The vehicle turned on to Spring Oak Street and continued speeding up. The deputy attempted a traffic stop; however, according to the report, the driver did not comply. The driver, identified as Montel Jermaine Jackson, 27, of Pearson, continued through Oak Park, traveling too fast for the…

A chase that began just after midnight on June 24 ended like many of the recent pursuits — with the car wrecked and the alleged driver in handcuffs. According to a report from the sheriff’s office, on June 24, a deputy noticed a white Chrysler 300 speeding on Highway 221 North. The vehicle turned on to Spring Oak Street and continued speeding up. The deputy attempted a traffic stop; however, according to the report, the driver did not comply. The driver, identified as Montel Jermaine Jackson, 27, of Pearson, continued through Oak Park, traveling too fast for the…

It is with deep regret the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of an active-duty sheriff’s deputy. A Crisp County sheriff’s deputy succumbed to injuries at Crisp Regional Hospital following an officer-involved shooting. On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, around 3:40 A.M., a Crisp County sheriff’s deputy got out with a vehicle in the middle of the roadway in the 1300 block of HWY 280 West, Cordele, Georgia. The vehicle came back stolen. After getting out with the vehicle, the deputy was shot and critically injured. The suspect, identified as Croshawn Gerard Cross, 25, took the…

It is with deep regret the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of an active-duty sheriff’s deputy. A Crisp County sheriff’s deputy succumbed to injuries at Crisp Regional Hospital following an officer-involved shooting. On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, around 3:40 A.M., a Crisp County sheriff’s deputy got out with a vehicle in the middle of the roadway in the 1300 block of HWY 280 West, Cordele, Georgia. The vehicle came back stolen. After getting out with the vehicle, the deputy was shot and critically injured. The suspect, identified as Croshawn Gerard Cross, 25, took the…

One of the several new laws that took effect in Georgia on July 1 is one that now officially prohibits vaping in public spaces. The legislation, Senate Bill 47, passed 152-14 in the 2023 legislative session and extends the state’s 2005 Smoke-Free Air Act to include vaping. According to the 2005 act, smoking indoors in public spaces is prohibited. There are exceptions — including tobacco stores, bars, and other establishments as outlined by the General Assembly. Since the state adopted that law, vaping has become increasingly more popular. And many people who vape do so indoors,…

One of the several new laws that took effect in Georgia on July 1 is one that now officially prohibits vaping in public spaces. The legislation, Senate Bill 47, passed 152-14 in the 2023 legislative session and extends the state’s 2005 Smoke-Free Air Act to include vaping. According to the 2005 act, smoking indoors in public spaces is prohibited. There are exceptions — including tobacco stores, bars, and other establishments as outlined by the General Assembly. Since the state adopted that law, vaping has become increasingly more popular. And many people who vape do so indoors,…

A few weeks ago, a Walmart employee was arrested and charged with 10 counts of theft by shoplifting along with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and possession of drug related objects. According to a Douglas Police Department incident report, Christina Griffin, 47, of Blackshear, was arrested on June 7 when Walmart’s loss prevention officer reported to the DPD that Griffin had allegedly stolen $595.31 worth of merchandise over the previous 10 days. The officer had receipts listing the merchandise along with the amounts. Additionally, he had video footage of Griffin allegedly scanning one item…

A few weeks ago, a Walmart employee was arrested and charged with 10 counts of theft by shoplifting along with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and possession of drug related objects. According to a Douglas Police Department incident report, Christina Griffin, 47, of Blackshear, was arrested on June 7 when Walmart’s loss prevention officer reported to the DPD that Griffin had allegedly stolen $595.31 worth of merchandise over the previous 10 days. The officer had receipts listing the merchandise along with the amounts. Additionally, he had video footage of Griffin allegedly scanning one item…

A few weeks ago, a Walmart employee was arrested and charged with 10 counts of theft by shoplifting along with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and possession of drug related objects. According to a Douglas Police Department incident report, Christina Griffin, 47, of Blackshear, was arrested on June 7 when Walmart’s loss prevention officer reported to the DPD that Griffin had allegedly stolen $595.31 worth of merchandise over the previous 10 days. The officer had receipts listing the merchandise along with the amounts. Additionally, he had video footage of Griffin allegedly scanning one item…