The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three additional measles cases in Macon County. All three individuals were unvaccinated and had close contact with a measles case confirmed on October 12, 2026. DPH has notified others who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing measles. Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine for children: the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Parents with questions about vaccination should talk to their healthcare provider.…
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Joan V. Morgan, age 74, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Vista Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation. She was born on January 1, 1952, the daughter of the late Mr. Bud Morgan and the late Mrs. Virginia Nettles Morgan. Her survivors include: one son, Josh (Stephanie) Simmons of Douglas, GA; three sisters, Thelma (Jerry) Anderson of Nicholls, GA, Deborah (Darowyn) Lee of Bickley, GA, and Rhoda (Clyde) Kirkland of Douglas, GA; one stepdaughter, Angie Simmons; one grandchild, Isaac Waters; one stepson, Scott Simmons; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death…
Charlene Prescott, age 82, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 20, 1944, the daughter of the late Mr. Charlton Walker Deen and the late Mrs. Lera Taft Deen. Her survivors include: three children, Johnnie (Teresa) Ellis of West Green, GA, Jamie (Julian) Worth of Broxton, GA, and Judy (David) Lee of West Green, GA; five grandchildren, Taylor Ellis, J.J. (Tiara) Ellis, Brandon Ellis, Katie Curry, and John Lee Jr.; one sister, Lerabell Merritt; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has successfully completed reaccreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), reaffirming the college’s commitment to providing high-quality college-credit opportunities for high school students across South Georgia. Wiregrass first earned NACEP accreditation in 2018, becoming the first college or university in Georgia to achieve the distinction. The college completed the reaccreditation process in April 2026 and was formally recognized for the accomplishment during the opening session of the NACEP National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where representatives received a commemorative plaque. NACEP is the only national accrediting body dedicated specifically to concurrent enrollment programs. Its…
Richard Lloyd Dupree, age 49, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1977, the son of the late Mr. William Edward Dupree and Mrs. Joyce Dupree. His survivors include: one son, Richard Edward Dupree of Douglas, GA; three daughters, Kimberlyn Dupree of Douglas, GA, Jessica Graham of Douglas, GA, and Shelly (Mitch) Edens of Douglas, GA; two sisters, Jennifer Dupree of Douglas, GA, and Francis (John) Smith of Waxhaw, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Elijah Miller, Destiny Miller, Adam Miller, Bryson Nix, Ava Jernigan, Kingston Jernigan, Braiden Nix, and Ariella…
Mary Sue Sheffield, age 85, of Ocilla, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 24, 1940, the daughter of the late Mr. George Clark Griffin and the late Mrs. LouAnnie Griffin. Her survivors include: one daughter, Gayle Cohen of Lax, GA; one son, Robert (Pamela) Sheffield of Locust Grove, GA; four grandchildren, Jamie Strickland, Dustin (Leigh Anne) Brown, Kyle (Katelyn) Sheffield, and McKensi (Andy) Lee; five great-grandchildren, Adam Brown, Hunter Brown, Kaison Sheffield, Dakota Lee, and Kolton Sheffield. She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, Robert Sheffield; father,…
Farm dogs help their farmers with a lot of tasks. They help move livestock. They guard cattle, chickens, sheep and goats from predators. They ride along in the truck or tractor to keep their farmers company and relieve stress during long work days. Realizing the special role farm dogs play in helping their farmers, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) held its 3rd Annual Georgia Farm Dog of the Year contest this year to honor the canines who help with chores and offer unconditional love to their farmers. Riggs, a tri-red Australian Shepherd who lives on Shadow Lane Farm in Morgan County…
Bertie Lavon Gray, age 87, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Gray was born on October 2, 1939, in Coffee County, GA, to the late Reason Sapp and Doll Lamb Sapp. Her survivors include: one daughter, Sharon Gray Mancil (Henry) of Axson, GA; one son, Rodney Gray (Andrea) of Douglas, GA; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn Gray Berbeneciuc (Will) of Tucker, GA, Meagan Goddard of Douglas, GA, Rachel Cowart (Jonathan) of Smyrna, GA, Steve Gray Jr. of Douglas, GA, Jake Gray (Jaynee) of Douglas, GA, Jessie Fields (Ron)…
Mr. Floyd Edwin Duke, age 69, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a sudden medical emergency. Floyd was born on November 14, 1956, to Shirley Calhoun Day and the late Wilbur Floyd Duke. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Following his military service, he became a certified electrician and graduated with a degree in Industrial Maintenance from Wiregrass Technical Collage. He was also a Gunsmith by trade and was the owner and operator of Papa’s Gun Shop for many years. Floyd was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who…
Linda Christian Jackson, age 84 of Dacula, GA, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Family and friends are invited to gather for a meal at 11:30 am, followed by visitation from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Reedy Branch Baptist Church, Broxton, GA. A graveside service will immediately follow at Reedy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, Broxton, GA with Rev. Jeremy Cox officiating. In honor of Linda’s love of the color blue, the family invites those attending the service to wear blue. Linda was a woman of deep faith, unwavering kindness, and a generous spirit.…