Author: Submitted

According to Sheriff Fred Cole, over the past six months, he, along with his command staff, has been working diligently to strengthen systems, strategies, and partnerships to combat criminal activity across Coffee County. In May 2025, department personnel completed the merger of the City of Douglas Police Department’s Drug Unit with the Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, forming the Douglas Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU). This collaborative team has already produced notable results through focused enforcement and intelligence-led operations. On November 1, 2025, the CCSO officially launched the Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement Unit (D.I.C.E.), a specialized team dedicated to proactive enforcement…

Two Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Industrial Electrician students have signed to be apprentices through the college’s popular Apprenticeship program. These students are not only receiving related classroom instruction through Wiregrass but also paid work experience through the program. Anthony Shaw and Jayden Tubisola are electrician apprentices with Valdosta Electric, Wiregrass’ newest partner through the college’s Apprenticeship Program. The new apprentices will train under experienced licensed electricians at Valdosta Electric, one of the region’s long-standing electrical contractors known for its commitment to quality and community involvement. Through the apprenticeship model, students earn while they learn, combining paid, on-the-job experience with classroom…

Tom Nehl Truck Company, a Freightliner, Western Star, Volvo, and Isuzu commercial truck dealership group headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, has completed the acquisition of South Georgia Western Star, a Western Star-only dealership based in Douglas, Georgia. This acquisition strengthens Tom Nehl’s presence in the South Georgia market and brings the number of the company’s locations from four to seven. Tom Nehl’s existing locations include two in Jacksonville, Florida, one in Lake City, Florida, and one in Waycross, Georgia. Tom Nehl also brings the Freightliner brand to the area, which means greater parts and service capabilities for customers in Douglas and…

Myrna Rae Box, age 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 1, 1939 in Coffee County, she was the daughter of Warren and Opal Holton. She lived a life marked by humility, faith, and a deep love for others. Before becoming a mother, she worked as a beautician. Once she began her greatest calling, motherhood, she devoted herself fully to her family, embracing her role as a dedicated homemaker and steadfast supporter of her husband in his work as a pastor and educator. She still found time to serve and…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) recently celebrated a season of achievement, welcoming University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue to its Douglas Campus and marking several historic milestones including a perfect accreditation review and the success of its first-ever comprehensive campaign, all underscoring the college’s impact across South Georgia. During his visit, Chancellor Perdue met with SGSC Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner, faculty, staff, students, and community leaders to discuss the college’s mission and contributions to higher education and workforce development in the region. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the college, local schools, and community partners, noting…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a fraudulent $2,000 stimulus payment scam currently circulating in the Coffee County community. Please be advised: Do not provide anyone with your personal information, including any part of your social security number.
 Do not send money or agree to pay for shipment fees or preloaded Visa cards that claim to come from the government.
 Do not call any phone number unless it is a verified official line for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Department of Revenue.
 There is no authorized $2,000 stimulus payment at this time.
If the U.S. Department…

In celebration of America Recycles Day, citizens of Douglas are invited to participate in a local recycling event hosted by the Keep Douglas Beautiful Board and GFL Environmental on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM (must be in line prior to 11:30 AM) at 1011 Shirley Avenue. This event aims to raise awareness about recycling and proper recycling practices. The event will feature a convenient drop-off for accepted recyclable materials, including: “This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about what can and cannot be recycled,” said Destiny Paulk, KDB Executive Director. “By following simple guidelines, we can…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clementsannounced Sandra Scurry, Adult Education Instructor, as the 2026 Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year award winner. The Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by theTechnical College System of Georgia. The Teacher of the Year Award program, now in its fifth year, recognizes and honors instructors who make significant contributions to adult learners working to complete their high school equivalency credentials. Adult Education instructors are nominated for the award by their peers throughout the college. College finalists then participate in a selection process and interview with a panel of their peers. This year’s finalists were…

The temporary skate park at Eastside Park has recently been closed. These ramps were originally installed to provide a space for skateboarders to enjoy their sport within the city of Douglas. Over time, however, the condition of the ramps has declined, and concerns have been raised regarding safety. Additionally, reports of illegal drug use and vandalism in the area of the ramps have made it challenging to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Following a recent inspection by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the state agency informed the city that the ramps need to be removed, as their placement…

Mr. Charles Mackie Bryant, age 62, of Willacoochee, Georgia, passed away Friday afternoon, November 7, 1963 at Jeff Davis Hospital following a period of declining health. Charles was born March 7, 1963 in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Thelma Bryant. He made his career in the manufacturing industry working for many years at Nashville Mills in Nashville, Georgia. Charles never married and had no children. He is survived by several cousins, including Talmadge Cribbs of Willacoochee, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Bryant. A graveside funeral service and interment will be held to honor Charles on…