Joshua Whittington, Executive Director of Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, has been selected as one of only 25 employees from across the state to participate in the 2026 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Senior Leadership Academy. Whittington, who is based on Wiregrass Tech’s Valdosta Campus and resides in Omega, Georgia, was nominated for the highly competitive program by Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. The academy is designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive leadership roles within Georgia’s technical college system and offers an intensive yearlong professional development experience. “Joshua has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, industry…
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Arthur Carroll Smith, age 63, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on January 24, 1963 in Coffee County, GA to the late Leland and Pauline D. Smith. His survivors include one daughter, Jody Smith of Douglas, GA; one son, Austin Tyler Smith of Ambrose, GA; and four grandchildren: Aries Tyler Smith, Bryson Rollins, Blakley Rollins, and Oktober Harrington. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Pauline D. Smith; one sister, Carla Faulk; and one brother, Michael Smith. The family…
The Georgia Department of Transportation will open a high-volume freight corridor in Savannah July 16, 2026, streamlining the flow of goods at one of the fastest growing ports in the U.S. The $126 million Brampton Road Connector is a new four-lane highway linking Garden City Terminal’s Gate 3 directly to the interstate system, removing at-grade rail crossings and truck traffic from local neighborhoods. The project gives truck drivers faster access to the Port of Savannah and a more streamlined route to inland markets. “We want to thank our partners at the Georgia DOT for their important work creating freight corridors…
The Salvation Army of Douglas is inviting the community to come together to help local children start the new school year prepared and confident through its annual Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive, taking place now through Friday, July 17, 2026. Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies by dropping them off at The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 110 Gaskin Ave. S., Douglas, GA 31535, during regular business hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. In addition to accepting donations at the store, The Salvation Army will also be collecting school supplies…
At the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention in June, City Manager Charles Davis was recognized for completing the Robert E. Knox Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute. This achievement fulfills a key requirement for government officials and allows him to continue participating in advanced leadership training opportunities offered by GMA. “This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We commend City Manager Charlie Davis for this accomplishment and for the dedication he’s shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.” The Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute is an intensive, multi-day seminar…
Marie Shirley Binder passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026. She was known for her deviled eggs, welcoming smile, and embracing warmth. She lived a full 87 years with a tenacious devotion to God, her family, and friends. Left behind to treasure her memories are her husband of 63 years, Frederick (Fred) Henry Binder and two sons, Frederick (Fred) Henry Binder, Jr. and George O’Neal (Neal) Binder. Marie always thought of Neal’s wife, Amy, as one of her own children. Born on March 8th, 1939, and raised in Douglas, Georgia, Marie was the only child of George Washington Shirley and…
During the 78-hour Independence Day holiday travel period, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Troopers investigated nine fatal traffic crashes, while local law enforcement agencies investigated three additional fatalities, resulting in a total of 12 traffic-related deaths statewide. The holiday travel period began at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. The Atlanta Police Department, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reported fatal crashes. In addition to fatalities, Troopers investigated over 295 traffic crashes across the state, with 15 involving commercial motor vehicles. These crashes resulted in more than 180 injuries.…
By Van Yandell 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” The word “Creator” in the Declaration of Independence indicates a God/Bible believing people. The parallels to Bible teachings, concepts and people connect the Bible to the Declaration. King George III ruled Britain in from 1760 until 1820. Many of the early settlers in America from Britain thought of George as the Antichrist. The tyranny and excessive taxation levied against them led those first Americans to rebel against the King and Britain. When unalienable (sometimes spelled inalienable) rights…
Officers from the Douglas Police Department have arrested a suspect following a burglary that occurred during the early morning hours of July 4, 2026, at a business located on South Peterson Avenue. Officers responded to an alarm after the business owner reported observing a suspect on surveillance cameras attempting to force entry into the building. As officers arrived, the suspect fled on foot, prompting a coordinated search involving multiple responding officers and assistance from other agencies. The suspect was located a short time later, detained, and taken into custody without further incident. During the investigation, the suspect admitted to attempting…
Mrs. Carolyn Sue Douglas Holton, age 87, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family. Mrs. Holton was born April 29, 1939, in Pearson, Georgia, to the late Duncan Allen Douglas and the late Genell Carter Douglas. She was a devoted wife to her late husband Robert Vonna Holton. She loved people and made her career as a caregiver at Baptist Village in Waycross, Georgia. She was an active member of Morningside Baptist Church. While in attendance she would greet and talk with everyone that came to the church. She found…