Frank Byrd, age 76, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Byrd was born on September 24, 1949 to the late Frank Byrd Sr. and Kally Byrd. Survivors include: two sons, Damon Byrd and David Brandon Byrd of Douglas, GA; one stepson, Tommy Royals of Douglas, GA; two sisters, Demitra Cunningham of Mississippi and Kitty Courson of Douglas, GA; one grandchild, Kaylei Chaney; one great grandchild, Grayson Arnold; former spouse, Debbie Byrd Bray of Douglas, GA; and three special family friends, Roy Swann, Pennie Francis,…
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Don Ray Paulk was born on February 5, 1950, to Aubrey and Bessie Paulk in Ambrose, Georgia. After an extended hospital stay, he died peacefully at his daughters’ home in Savannah, Georgia on April 29, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Quinkert Paulk; his children Angela, Jenny, Kari Beth, and his (grand)son, Aubrey; his grandchildren, Conner, Caleb, Hannah, Ellie, and Eliana; his brothers, Jerry Paulk (Betty) and Doyle Paulk (Brenda); and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Paulk (Victoria), and his parents. Don Ray…
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 32-year-old Cameron Blake Spires of Coffee County in connection with the unauthorized sale of a motor vehicle. The case began after detectives received information about the unlawful sale of a tan 2005 Lexus RX. Investigators determined the vehicle’s registered owner was incarcerated at the time and had not authorized the sale or transfer of ownership. Through witness statements, transaction records, and recorded jail communications, detectives confirmed the vehicle had been sold for approximately $700. The Douglas Police Department later recovered the vehicle during a traffic stop. It is currently being held pending return…
By Van Yandell Psalm 90:4 reads “For a thousand years in thy sight are but yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Anyone that considers themselves a southern gourmet cook knows what a smidgen is. It’s like a “bit” or a “pinch” or a “tad.” At any rate, a smidgen is a legitimate unit of measure south of the Mason-Dixon Line. As of yet however, I haven’t seen a spoon in a measuring set with such an amount. We simply have to guess or use our best judgement. Measurements in time and materials control us.…
On April 28, 2026, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s office’s mobile app that led to the arrest of James Michael Shelton, 32, of Waycross. Shelton was previously charged and convicted of aggravated stalking in 2019 and sentenced under First Offender status to five years of probation. That same year, Shelton violated the conditions of his probation, resulting in the revocation of his First Offender status and adjudication as a convicted felon. He was subsequently re-sentenced to a total of 10 years of probation. As a condition of his probation, Shelton was prohibited from…
John William Moore, age 62 of Nicholls, Georgia passed away at his residence, Monday, April 27, 2026. John was born February 07, 1964, in Bradenton, Florida to the late Mary Grace Horton Moore and the late Thurman William Moore. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by, a sister, Sherry Moore Thomas, two nieces Brittany Johnson and Crystal Johnson. John believed in hard work, and he enjoyed the fruits of his efforts by tending and watching his crops grow, mature and harvesting them. He tilled the soil and was a steward of what God had entrusted him…
The City of Douglas and Coffee County are now experiencing Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions, the most severe drought category. With drought intensifying across Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has issued a Level 1 Drought Response. Immediately, Douglas residents and businesses are encouraged to begin practicing water conservation. Recommended steps include: EPD also provides up-to-date drought indicators, current variances, and official drought actions at: https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/watershed-protection-branch/drought-management. For further information on the Level 1 Drought Declaration and exceptions please see: https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation.
Errol Oran Sears, age 86, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1940, to the late Frank Sears and the late Alstine Sears. He is survived by two children, Rhonda (Hank) Youngblood of Douglas, Georgia, and Ryan Hendrix of Valdosta, Georgia; three grandchildren, Darian (Ryan) Ireland of Ashburn, Georgia, McKenzie Crosby of Cordele, Georgia, and Wil Youngblood of Douglas, Georgia; and two great-grandchildren, Wynnston and Ellarie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Vaughn Sears; his…
Do you want to help make a difference in the city of Douglas? The City of Douglas is searching for motivated individuals who want to make a difference in the community to fill vacancies on two volunteer boards: the Library Board and the Farmer’s Market Board. The City of Douglas is looking for two volunteers for the Library Board. The volunteer should live in the city limits of Douglas. The 2025 Coffee County Board of Trustees meet at 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at the Douglas-Coffee County Library. The City of Douglas is…
The Trojan Aviation Drone Soccer Team has officially qualified for the U.S. Drone Soccer National Championship, the Battle at the Beach in Daytona Beach. This prestigious national event, hosted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, brings together the top teams from across the country to compete at the highest level in drone soccer competition.Through countless hours of training, building, repairing, and competing, the CHS Trojan team has earned its place on the national stage. Their hard work and dedication truly set them apart.The Coffee County School System is incredibly proud of these students as they represent Coffee High School, Douglas, and the…