Author: Submitted

The morning of November 13, 2023, marked a momentous occasion as the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Balloons & More Party Store. This vibrant addition to the community is proudly owned and operated by esteemed Douglas native, Brandon Musgrove. Brandon Musgrove, also the owner of Stor-More Portable Buildings in Douglas and our local Coroner, has been a pillar of support in the Douglas-Coffee County community for many years. Transitioning from a Sheriff’s deputy to a successful entrepreneur, Musgrove’s journey is an inspiring testament to dedication and resilience. …

An incarcerated leader in a massive, gang-related drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges brought in the largest-ever indictment in the Southern District of Georgia. James D. NeSmith, a/k/a “DG,” 26, an inmate serving life in prison for murder at Telfair State Prison, was sentenced to a consecutive term of life in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. NeSmith’s federal sentence…

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) was appropriated $1,250,000 in the FY24 State of Georgia budget for a competitive Gang Activity Prosecution Grant (GAP Grant.) The GAP Grant applications were made open to law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and nonprofits primarily focused on gang prosecutions in the State of Georgia. Applications had to show a commitment to successful prosecutions of gang activity. GEMA/HS received 46 submissions during the September 23-October 18 application window totaling $3,140,717. Director Chris Stallings said of the awards “I am pleased to provide critical resources to local communities across…

The Georgia Water Coalition hosted its Fall Member meeting in Waycross November 8 – 10, 2023. Conservationists from around the state learned more about the Okefenokee and how to protect it from risky mining operations. Attendees toured the Okefenokee Swamp Park, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and the St. Marys River. During the member meeting at South Georgia State College, Georgia Water Coalition members learned about how mining proposals along Trail Ridge threaten the Okefenokee. “The Okefenokee touches everyone that touches its dark waters,” said Mike Worley, CEO of Georgia Wildlife Federation. “For decades, Georgia Wildlife…

Pineland Bank’s goal is to provide its customers with the very best banking experience possible. To make banking easier and more convenient than ever, Pineland Bank now offers Apple Pay. Visit the Douglas branch to find out how Pineland Bank, along with Apple Pay and the other services Pineland offers, can assist you meet your financial goals.

SGSC Theatre Productions is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of “Doubt, a Parable” by John Patrick Shanley, featuring an exceptional cast of students and the esteemed New York artist, Mallory Wintz, in the role of Sister James. This thought-provoking play will be brought to life on stage with the incredible talent of Lynnzy Wooten as Sister Aloysius, who previously wowed audiences in SGSC Theatre Productions’ “Speech and Debate” as Diwata. Joining them are the immensely talented Ariel Bryant as Mrs. Muller, John Sellers as Father Flynn, and Keller Phillips as the understudy for Father Flynn. “Doubt, a…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded multiple scholarships to help students complete their education and develop workforce skills for the Fall Semester. Three recipients from the Coffee Campus were awarded a scholarship made possible because of generous college supporters. The scholarships will help pay for tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies needed for their programs. The scholarships were merit-based and applicants had to complete an application and provide letters of support. Recipients awarded were DeShon Brown, Associate of Science in Nursing student, awarded the Hanna Family Scholarship; Landon Stone, Welding student, awarded the Premium Peanut Scholarship; and Candace Hatton,…

Functional medicine is an approach to a diagnosis or chronic illness that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem. Bobby and Melissa Guess, owners of Revive Hydration & Functional Health, invite you to take control of your health using their proven methods that will make you feel better, perform at a higher level, and enjoy a greater quality of life. Come see them today.

A Chatham County man has been indicted on multiple federal charges alleging sexual exploitation of children. Sheldon Jason Burch, 49, of Savannah, is being held in the Chatham County Detention Center after being arrested on a criminal complaint, and now has been indicted on three counts of Production of Child Pornography, and one count each of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the production charges carries a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to 30 years, while receipt…

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released today its 2023 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state. Sites on the list include: 229 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta (Fulton County); Beulah Grove Lodge and School in Douglasville (Douglas County); Chickamauga Masonic Lodge No. 221 in Chickamauga (Walker County); Dasher High School in Valdosta (Lowndes County); Dudley Motel, Cafe and Service Station in Dublin (Laurens County); Lee’s Mill Ruins on the Flint River in Forest Park (Clayton County); McConnell-Chadwick House in Milton (Fulton County); Old Campbell County Courthouse in Fairburn (Fulton County); Wilkes County Training School in Washington…