Author: Submitted

South Georgia State College is proud to announce the formation of its new Rodeo Club, offering student-athletes an opportunity to compete in collegiate rodeo events without having to leave the region. The program will be led by Danny Varnadore, a decorated former professional bull rider and native of Waycross, Georgia, as he begins his first season as SGSC’s Head Rodeo Coach. Danny Varnadore brings an extensive and distinguished background in the sport of rodeo. A graduate of Ware County High School (Class of 1997), Varnadore made a name for himself early in his career as the 1997 Georgia High School…

The Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council officially welcomed returning and new members to the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council during the annual orientation session on May 28, 2025. The session was filled with learning, connection, and motivation which inspired many of the youth in attendance. Learning sessions kicked off the morning for the members who had the honor of learning from City Manager Charlie Davis and Mayor Tony Paulk, who shared their wisdom and vision. Each city department also gave insightful overviews of their roles and responsibilities, helping the Youth Council better understand how local government operates. Team building exercises were held…

On May 29, 2025, the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, in partnership with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division (CID), carried out a focused patrol operation in the Green Acres community. This targeted enforcement action also included members of the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and command staff and marks the latest phase of a sustained crime reduction initiative that began in January 2025. Since its inception, the initiative has resulted in numerous arrests from the Green Acres area. The most recent operation led to the apprehension of eight additional individuals on a range of criminal charges and outstanding warrants. Among…

Francis Eloise Kirkland, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at her residence. Mrs. Kirkland was born on October 24, 1933, in Douglas, GA to the late Aaron Ellis and the late Lois Revels Ellis. Survivors include: two daughters; Linda Faye Deal of Douglas, GA and Patricia Ann Adams of Douglas, GA, two bonus daughters; Patricia (Johnny) Stansfield and Pam Kirkland, three grandchildren; Kristi Ruelas, Timothy Batten, and Ericalin Deal, two bonus grandchildren; Joy Stansfield, and Brent Stansfield, six great grandchildren; Bryanna Anderson, Timothy Ashley Batten, Shawn Ruelas, Janie Batten, Makayla Ruelas and Paigeann Stover,…

Coffee Regional Medical Center invites the community to the next installment of Discussions with the Doc patient education series on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held in the first-floor classrooms at Coffee Regional Medical Center and will feature Dr. Josh Vickers, a board-certified fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia. Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia believes in combining the best of both worlds—unmatched orthopedic excellence with the latest in high-tech innovation. During this informative evening, Dr. Vickers will lead a conversation on joint replacement, including the newest techniques in advanced robotics for knee and…

On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, while conducting a concentrated patrol operation within the city limits of Douglas, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operating without its headlights on. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-8-20(a), all motor vehicles are required to be equipped with and use operational headlights during periods of low visibility, including nighttime hours. The observed violation prompted officers to initiate a traffic stop in the interest of public safety and compliance with Georgia traffic regulations. During the course of the stop, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Mondavion Fuller,…

The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Sunday, June 1, 2025 and continues through November 30, 2025. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center predicts a 60% chance of an above normal season. This indicates that the level of tropical activity in the Atlantic this hurricane season is likely to be above average, but not what was expected for last season at this point last year. No matter how much activity is expected in a season, it only takes one storm to make it an active season. “Last year, with Hurricane Helene, we saw how devastating the impacts of a hurricane can be,”…

Malandy Tenise Shollenberger, age 53, of Hazlehurst, GA, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 21st, 2025. Her survivors include: one son; Brad (Hanna Sickles) Harrell of Hazlehurst, GA, two grandchildren; Anna Grace Harrell, and Kaden Harrell, along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30th, 2025, at Hazlehurst Church of God in Hazlehurst, GA, at 4:00…

A Douglas police officer discovered suspected illegal drugs and a wanted felon during a traffic stop on May 26, 2025. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the DPD officer stopped the vehicle because it did not have a visible license plate. During the stop, the officer identified one of the passengers as Tyler Willard, 30, of Broxton, who had an active probation warrant for aggravated battery. Willard was taken into custody and transported to the Coffee County Jail. During booking, the release says that officers discovered 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine in Willard’s sock. They notified the…

Coffee County students Payton Adams and Jane Ashley Rowell have been named recipients of Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) Scholarships. Adams and Rowell are two of nine students to receive a $2,000 Rising Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture to continue their studies in college. The GFA scholarships recognize deserving and outstanding students pursuing agriculture or ag-related degrees at a college in the University System of Georgia, Berry College or Emmanuel University, or a school in the Technical College System of Georgia. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of farming in Georgia,” said GFA Board Chairman and GFB President Tom…