Author: Submitted

The Douglas Fire Department was honored to host the GPSTC Interior Search and Rescue Class on June 16-17. This intensive two-day course brought together dedicated firefighters from across the state of Georgia, including departments from Atkinson, Walton, Barrow, Camden, Douglas, Walker, Hinesville, and Austell. Participants engaged in hands-on training focused on life-saving interior search and rescue techniques, enhancing their skills to better serve their communities in critical situations. The Douglas department was proud to play a role in strengthening fire service capabilities statewide and grateful to all who participated. A special thank you goes to all instructors and to all…

Paul Carroll Jowers, age 82, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Jowers was born on October 18, 1942, in Coffee County, GA, to the late Dennis Jowers and Eva Carver Jowers. Survivors include: one son; Dewey (Carrie) Jowers of Douglas, GA, two grandchildren; Dewey Jowers Jr., and Nicholas Jowers, and several other grandchildren, three step children; Pat Guthrie, Jackie Spivey, and Stanley O’Steen, two brothers; Henry (Linda) Jowers, and John Allen Jowers, along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Jowers was preceded in death…

On Thursday June 12, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., drug investigators conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling on Lumber City Highway. The vehicle pulled into the 341 Quick Stop in Hazlehurst. During the stop, the information confirmed that the registration of the vehicle was suspended. The driver, identified as Mako Lee Jones, became very nervous and defiant on the matter. Law enforcement asked Jones to step out of the vehicle and according to officers, Jones refused. Additional units responded to the scene. Ultimately the driver stepped out of the vehicle but was still noncompliant. Law enforcement attempted to remove a pocketknife…

A total of 627 South Georgia State College students have earned a spot on the Spring 2025 Academic Recognition Lists, according to an announcement today by Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, Sara Selby. 166 students earned a spot on the President’s List, 161 on the Dean’s List, and 300 on the Academic Honors List. Students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of study with a grade point average of 4.0 are placed on the President’s List for the semester.  Students with a semester average of 3.5 to 3.9 on 12 or more semester hours of study are…

On the evening of June 9, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a disorderly subject. The investigation led to the arrest of 44-year-old Christopher Jordan for allegedly violating a family violence order Jordan was located walking near a business on Highway 158 West. Initially, he denied involvement in the incident but later admitted to a verbal altercation stemming from a personal dispute. Deputies confirmed through video and verbal evidence that Jordan had unlawfully approached an individual he was legally prohibited from contacting. A video recording provided to deputies captured Jordan’s voice during the…

South Georgia State College is pleased to announce Chelsea Preston Graham as its new Assistant Director of Advancement and Annual Fund. She will oversee the daily operations of the South Georgia State College Foundation and work with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to secure funding for student scholarships and other college programs and initiatives. This role involves fundraising, managing the Foundation’s scholarship program, donor relations, and community engagement. “I am excited to welcome Chelsea to our Advancement team,” said Taylor Hereford, Director of Advancement and Waycross Campus. “Chelsea has deep roots in Douglas-Coffee County, which will serve her very well…

Wade Tanner, age 61, of Axson, Georgia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family. Mr. Tanner was born on December 14, 1963, in Ware Co., GA to the late Jess Franklin Tanner and the late Julia Lucille Tanner. He was an avid member and deacon of Stokesville Baptist Church. His survivors include: His beloved wife; Susan Ray Tanner of Axson, GA, two daughters; Madelyn Tanner of Axson, GA, and Jessa Tanner, one sister; Laurie (Carlos) Ely of Douglas, GA, one step-sister; Becky Temple, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in…

Alice McDuffie, age 94, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at her residence. Mrs. McDuffie was born on October 27, 1930 in Jeff Davis County, GA to the late James C. Taylor and the late Mary Taylor. Her survivors include: daughter in law; Sue McDuffie of Douglas, GA, four grandchildren; Angie McDuffie of Douglas, GA, Chris (Elizabeth) McDuffie of Douglas, GA, Renee McDuffie of Douglas, GA, and Felicia (Mark ) Rivers, seven great-grandchildren; Brittany, Kasey, Ashley, Brandon, Jarrett, Emily, Elizabeth, two step grandchildren; Matt Rivers, Brooke Rivers, twelve great-great grandchildren; Valor, Brayden, Autumn, Corbin, Kylynn, Amelia,…

A Coffee County grand jury has indicted Jon Worrell, 57, on murder charges after meeting on June 10, 2025. Worrell was arrested in Maryville, Missouri, on May 20, 2025, and charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife, Doris Worrell, in September of 2006. He has been in the Coffee County Jail since May 22, 2025.   The grand jury returned true bills on three charges: Malice murder, felony murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.   On September 20, 2006, Doris Worrell was fatally shot inside the Worrell family’s business, Jon’s Sports Park. The focus of the…

Fred C. Barrs Jr., age 77 of Douglas, GA, passed away on Friday June 13, 2025 following an extended illness. Mr. Barrs was born on March 19, 1948 in Coffee County, GA to the late Fred C. Barrs Sr. and Beatie Pearl Lott Barrs. Survivors include: his beloved wife; Linda Sue Barrs of Douglas, three sons; Craig Anthony (Sherri) Barrs of Douglas, GA, Jeffery DeWayne (Kelly) Barrs of Nicholls, GA, Ray (Cheryl) Odum Jr. of Douglas, GA, eight grandchildren; Netania Barrs, Tyler Barrs, Shianna Barrs, Kelsi Barrs, Jason Odum, Michael Odum, Ryan Odum, Chrystal McGowen, several great grandchildren, one sister;…