Southeast Non-Profit Housing (SENPH), an organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of farmworkers across three Southeastern states, marked a major milestone today with the grand opening of its newest office in Douglas. The ribbon cutting, hosted in partnership with the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, was held at SENPH’s new location inside the Georgia Department of Labor office at 70 Lockwood Drive. Since 2006, SENPH has worked to meet the housing needs of agricultural workers—but now, their mission has grown to include something equally critical: workforce development. Through personalized career services, hands-on training, and educational opportunities, SENPH is empowering farmworkers…
Author: Submitted
In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 20,2025, an individual unlawfully entered the dealer lot of the Diamond Cargo manufacturing facility in Coffee County and removed two cargo trailers without authorization. The suspect, driving a late-model red SUV, successfully departed the premises with stolen property valued in excess of $10,000. The theft occurred within a one-hour timeframe and was executed by what appeared to be a single perpetrator. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has launched a formal investigation into this incident and is actively pursuing leads. Citizens with any information relevant to the identification or whereabouts of the individual…
Grayson Taylor, an eleventh grade student at Coffee High School, recently applied for a community grant sponsored by several community organizations, most notably Same House in Atlanta. Taylor received the $2,400 grant for the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Student Ambassador program. The funding allowed the eleven students to visit the Capitol in Atlanta and learn more about Georgia’s leadership during the 2025 legislative session. After Grayson’s participation in Youth Lead Georgia, he was given the opportunity to apply for the Bullard Community Champions Grant offered by the Same House organization, a non-profit organization focusing on addressing social and…
Brenda Hutcheson, age 64, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, April 18th, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born on November 21st, 1961, the daughter of Jeff and Jackie Hutcheson. Survivors include: one son; Danny Schmackpfeffer of Jesup, GA, one grandchild; Elias Schmackpfeffer, three sisters; Diane Merritt of Douglas, GA, Teresa Jackson of Douglas, GA, Peggy (Damon) Rutherford of Douglas, GA, one brother; Allen Hutcheson of Douglas, GA, one special niece; Amanda Nugent of Douglas, GA, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: father; Jeff Hutcheson, mother; Jackie Hutcheson,…
A drug investigation that began with arrests in Telfair County expanded into Jeff Davis County after officers received some new information. Two individuals suspected of trafficking methamphetamine who were recently arrested in Lumber City on charges relating to meth trafficking and distribution by the Oconee Drug Task Force have now been charged in Jeff Davis County. Information was obtained regarding the two suspects that led officers to believe that drugs and weapons were being stored at a residence in Jeff Davis County. Coordinating with the Oconee Drug Task Force, Jeff Davis County drug investigators initiated a search warrant on Wednesday,…
Mrs. Sarah Oliver Varnadoe Quinn of Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born in Macon, Georgia and spent her childhood and young adult life in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Mrs. Quinn started her nursing career in Hazlehurst, Georgia in the 1950’s. After Jeff Davis Hospital was built in 1963 Mrs. Quinn started working there as a registered nurse and soon became the Director of Nursing. After leaving the hospital she was Director of Nursing at many medical and care facilities. Her love and care for the people she worked with and for her…
Ms. Rose Marie Quinn McEachin, age 66, a lifelong resident of Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 20, 2025 while working in Constanta, Romania. Marie was born on October 28, 1958 in Hazlehurst, Georgia to the late L.A. Quinn, Jr. and Mrs. Sarah Oliver Varnadoe Quinn. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter and sister; and to many she was a great friend. Marie was an avid sports lover. In high school she played basketball, tennis, and ran on the track team. After graduating she became a lifeguard, coached the swim team, and taught swimming lessons. Furthering her…
Mr. David Kevin Barrs, age 51, of Douglas, Georgia passed away unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, April 13, 2025 at his residence. Kevin was born August 23, 1973 in Douglas, Georgia to Fred C. Barrs, Jr. and Linda Ott Barrs. He was a self employed painter by trade and was of the Baptist Faith. Kevin is survived by daughter, Kelsi Linn Barrs of Cartersville, Georgia; his mother, Linda Ott Barrs of Douglas, Georgia; his father, Fred C. Barrs, Jr. of Douglas, Georgia; 3 brothers: Jeffrey Barrs and wife, Kelly, Craig Barrs and wife, Sherrie, Ray Odum, Jr. and wife, Cheryl, all of…
Mr. James Murphy Harris, age 49, of Ambrose, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 10, 2025 at his residence. James was born on October 20, 1975 in Orlando, Florida to Johnny Mitchell Vaughn and the late Patricia Dianne Hawkins Harris. He was a construction worker specializing in concrete work for R. Construction in Alabama as well as serving the United States for a period of time in the National Guard. In his spare time he enjoyed deer hunting. James is survived by 2 daughters: Marissa Carol Morgan of Grove Hill, Alabama, Destany Burton of Birmingham, Alabama; 2 grandchildren: Gabe…
Mr. Christopher “Blake” Hines, age 37, of Buford, Georgia, formerly of Douglas, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 24, 2025. Blake was born December 28, 1987 in Kissimmee, Florida to Michael Wayne Hines and the late Marsha Elaine Turner Hines. He made his career in the landscaping industry, working for a period of time in Jacksonville, Florida. Blake is survived by his 2 daughters: Adia Hines and Brooke Hines, both of Douglas, Georgia; his father, Michael Wayne Hines of Livingston, Texas; and his brother, Michael David Hines of Douglas, Georgia. Memorialization was by cremation and no formal services are…