Christina Ruby Kirkland, age 43, of Douglas, GA, passed away suddenly on March 28, 2026. She was born on February 22, 1983 the daughter of Mr. Oscar Kirkland and the late Ms. Theresa R. Kirkland. Her survivors include one daughter, Sierra Leah Mariah Story; father, Oscar (Rhonda) Kirkland; two brothers, Christopher Kirkland and Brandon Charles Register; one uncle, Anthony Kirkland; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Theresa R. Kirkland and sister, Chrystal Gayle Jacobs. Memorialization will be by cremation, with services at a later date. The family requests that all donations be…
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Gray McLean scored twice, Skyler Woods drove in two, and Blake Bryant had another double-digit strikeout performance (along with a pair of doubles) Thursday at Tampa in the CCA Patriots’ 5-1 win over the Lexington Catholic (Kentucky) Knights. All of the scoring took place in the first two innings. The Patriots scored three in the first and two in the second. The Knights, meanwhile, pushed their lone run across in the first. The game opened painfully enough for leadoff hitter McLean, who was hit with a 3-2 pitch. Thomas Gentry singled to put runners at first and second. Bryant was…
On March 30, 2026, during routine patrol in an area known for ongoing criminal activity, a Douglas police officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked near a local hotel. After making contact with the sole occupant, identified as Scott Rice, 50, of Nicholls, the officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage and observed multiple firearms inside the vehicle. During the encounter, the officer conducted a search and located a substance suspected to be methamphetamine on Rice’s person. He was immediately taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional suspected methamphetamine, a glass smoking device commonly…
South Georgia State College (SGSC) is proud to announce that head basketball coach Cory Baldwin has been named the 2025-26 Southeastern District Coach of the Year, marking his fifth time receiving this prestigious recognition. Baldwin was recently honored at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas where this year’s Hawks made a post-season appearance. This latest achievement adds to Baldwin’s impressive legacy of coaching excellence, with previous Southeastern District Coach of the Year awards in 2010-11, 2020-21, 2022-23 and 2024-26. In addition to this district honor, Baldwin has also earned eight other Coach of the Year awards since 2010, further…
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment rose across Georgia’s 12 regional commissions in January. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. January’s increases in unemployment rates across the state reflect historical patterns as many seasonal and holiday-related positions come to an end. “Georgia’s diversified economy is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That mix of industries and talent allows us to respond quickly to shifting workforce demands across sectors while continuing to expand opportunity for hardworking Georgians — a strength that helps Georgia remain a top…
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is accelerating its commitment to the next generation of skilled trades by expanding the reach of the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative to 76 schools across 26 states in 2026. Coffee High School, Atkinson County High School, and Bacon County High School are among the schools chosen to participate in this program. The selection of 76 schools for this year’s cohort carries a quiet, symbolic significance. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Airgas’ “Class of 76” highlights the company’s mission to foster a different kind of independence: the technical…
By Van Yandell Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Have you ever heard a sound you could not place? You did not know where it came from or what it was, so you dismissed it and went your way. Then the next day you heard it again. This time, you make a decision to determine the great mystery. When I was teaching, I would get home from work and…
The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend public meetings or consider joining a volunteer board. Below is the April 2026 schedule for boards and committees. All meetings are open to the public, and your participation is always welcome. Land Bank Authority – April 9, 2 PM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison. WWII Air Base Committee – April 13, 12 PM, City Hall, Airport, 440 Elton D. Brooks Blvd. City Commission Work Session & Meeting – April 13 & 27, 6 PM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Keep Douglas Beautiful – April 14, 9 AM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Ave. Downtown Development Authority –…
Curtis Wright, age 96, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Vista Park and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on October 25, 1929, the son of the late Mr. Mitchell Wright and the late Mrs. Betty Youngblood Wright. His survivors include: two daughters, Shelby Harrell of Douglas, GA and Beverly (Carlton) Dorminey of Douglas, GA; two sons, Reggie (Ali) Wright of Douglas, GA and Bryan (Kelly) Wright of Willacoochee, GA; ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, ten great great-grandchildren; special caregiver, Maria McCutchen; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by: his…
Ms. Pamela Lee McDonald Cook passed away Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2026, in Douglas, Georgia, at the age of 63. Pamela was born, January 12, 1963, in Brunswick, Georgia, to the late John McDonald and the late Tommielee Stephens. She was employed by Sunbelt/Spectrum prior to becoming disabled. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading, and was of the Baptist faith. Along with her parents, Pamela was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Uretha; and a grandchild, Mason Jackson. Pamela leaves behind two children: Randal Lee Hiers of Ft. Pierce, Florida, and Amanda…