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ONE Compelling Picture is releasing its second film of 2025, Because You Answered, on Amazon Prime Video during Mother’s Day weekend. Because You Answered was filmed on location in three counties this past summer including Coffee, Bacon, and Ben Hill. The 118-minute film stars local actors Sonya Moore Roper, Dustilynn Vaughan, Kelsey Hope Corbitt, Kenneth Spence, Alaina Bagwell, and Debbie Hamlin. Because You Answered was written and directed by Sidney Bryant Sr. and was produced by Bryce Carver, Sonya Newsome, and Kia Bryant. Cast and crew members were seen filming various scenes involving road closures for wreck scenes, hospital scenes…

David M. Hendon, age 69, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born on March 21st, 1956 the son of David Hendon and Sarah Chester Hendon. His survivors include: his beloved wife; Alice Hendon of Douglas, GA, one son; Jason (Bobbie) Hendon of Smyrna Mills, MA, two daughters; Nicole (Dale) Hodge of Belle, FL, and Kale Hendon of Colorado Springs, Colorado, one sister; Sandra (Dale) Loren, one nephew; Christopher Loren, one niece; Kelly (Sam) McKeough, four grandchildren; Sarah O’Hara, Savannah Harper, Jordan Hodge, Frankie Hendon, and special…

William Eric Strickland, 45, of Douglas, a registered sex offender, was taken into custody on April 30, 2025, by detectives with the Coffee County Sex Offender Unit. Strickland was arrested on an outstanding warrant after failing to appear in court for his arraignment on April 23, 2025. The arraignment was related to a previous charge of aggravated assault stemming from an incident in March 2023. Following a coordinated investigation, officers apprehended Strickland without incident and transported him to the Coffee County Jail. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Tammy Denise Carter, age 56, of Douglas, GA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at her residence, following an extended illness. She was born on July 19th, 1968, the daughter of Jimmy Thomas and Dossey Crews. Ms. Carter was a CNA for Tender Care of Douglas, GA, and Help @ Home for several years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Her survivors include: her beloved husband; James Thompson of Douglas, GA, three sons; Brandon Thompson of Douglas, GA, Terry Thompson of Douglas, GA, and Roger Carter of…

Coffee Regional Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. This marks the fifth consecutive “A” grade for Coffee Regional Medical Center, making it a Leapfrog Straight A Hospital — a distinction that recognizes hospitals for maintaining the highest safety standards across multiple grading periods. “This recognition reflects…

The national non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Javontae Johnson, Café Assistant for Coffee High School, Georgia, the national Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve. Javontae (JJ) Johnson’s ability to inspire others and set a standard for excellence makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His outstanding customer service skills and welcoming, engaging personality have contributed to a 30 percent increase in student breakfast participation compared to the previous year. Johnson plays a key role…

Jesse Dan Miller III, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on February 19, 1984, the son of Jesse Dan Miller Sr. and Sherrill Pitts Miller. Jesse was employed as a teacher at the George Washington Carver Freshman Campus. His survivors include: mother; Sherrill Pitts Miller of Douglas, GA, one sister; Sherri (Michael) Berry, two nephews; Kody (Mark) Berry, and Dake (Ally) Berry, great niece and nephew; Brock Berry and Ava Laine Berry, and his fur buddy; Jack. He was preceded in death by: Jesse Dan…

A vehicle is an expensive but effective weapon. A 26-year-old Douglas man tested that out on April 29, 2025, when he allegedly attempted to run over an individual at a local mobile home park. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, on the aforementioned date, deputies responded to a report of an assault at a mobile home park in Douglas. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with an individual who stated that a vehicle had rapidly accelerated toward him while he was standing in a yard, raising immediate concerns for his personal safety. The suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Travis…

What started as a local newsletter in 1990 has grown into one of the most respected publications in the world of barbecue. Douglas’ own Barbecue News Magazine just wrapped up its 15th annual Sauces of Honor competition, drawing an incredible 741 entries from 41 U.S. states, Canada, and the United Kingdom—making this year’s contest the most diverse and far-reaching in its history. Founded by Joe Phelps and Dr. Donald “Doc” Gillis, the magazine was created to celebrate and connect barbecue lovers across the country. Now celebrating 35 years of continuous publication, Barbecue News Magazine remains a trusted voice for backyard cooks, competitive pitmasters, and BBQ businesses alike. Today, it continues to thrive under…

It was a beautiful morning to commemorate the start of a new chapter for a beloved local business as the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for El Rincon Mexican Restaurant and Bar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Established in 2012, El Rincon has grown over the past 13 years into a staple of the Douglas dining scene. Family-owned and rooted in tradition, the restaurant has now entered an exciting new era of growth and development. Still under the same ownership, El Rincon proudly welcomed Eduardo Elox as their new Manager of Operations, who will oversee…