Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly announces a new student feature highlighting the success of its Dual Enrollment program through the story of former student Emmi Hamrick. This feature underscores the life-changing opportunities Dual Enrollment provides by allowing high school students to earn college credit, gain career experience, and get ahead on their educational journey. Emmi Hamrick, a graduate of Lowndes High School, completed 18 hours of dual enrollment coursework, including nine hours through Wiregrass. Her experience allowed her to enter college ahead of schedule and save significantly on tuition. During her academic journey, Hamrick also returned to Wiregrass to complete…
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Mr. Rickie Elliot Carver, age 66, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 17, 2026, at Pruitt Health – Ocilla following a lengthy illness. Rickie was born July 2, 1959, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Willie Elliot Carver and the late Margaret Rowell Carver. He was a natural outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and just being outdoors. He also had a great fondness for antiques and was a collector when his health allowed. He was of the Baptist faith. Along with his parents, Rickie was preceded in death by four siblings: Henry Carver, Robert Carver, Linda…
Precious baby Callen Elmido Cauley, infant son of Theron Cauley and Cathleya Llegue Elmido Cauley, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026, at Arthur M. Blank Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta surrounded by his devoted and loving parents. Baby Callen was born July 14, 2025, in Douglas, Georgia, and spent his life fighting heart disease. His strength and fighting spirit will longbe remembered by the skilled nurses that became family. He loved his Mommy and Daddy, and anything that made noise. Toys that rattled or jingled were his favorites. Along with his parents, Baby Callen…
Mr. Johnny Knight, age 78, of Ambrose, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his son David’s home on Tuesday morning, June 16, 2026, following a lengthy decline in health. Johnny was born September 22, 1947, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late James Acey Knight and the late Thelma Music Knight. He served his country proudly in the United States Army then went on to dedicate many years to working and managing at Walmart Distribution Center #6010 in Douglas, Georgia. He was a loving father and grandfather who found immense joy in time spent with his family. He particularly enjoyed playing cards…
By: Stan Popovich Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment rather than dwelling in the past, projecting into the future or what’s going on around us. It involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli, such as our breathing and being “in the now.” Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind. Find a comfortable place: You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in a relaxed and stress-free environment. Sit on a couch or chair with your feet on the ground. Allow your head and shoulders to…
Do you want to help make a difference in the city of Douglas? The City of Douglas is searching for motivated individuals who want to make a difference in the community to fill vacancies on the Library Board. The City of Douglas is looking for two volunteers for the Library Board. The volunteer should live in the city limits of Douglas. The 2025 Coffee County Board of Trustees meet at 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at the Douglas-Coffee County Library. For all qualifications of a committee or to obtain a volunteer application, please go…
By Van Yandell Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” (Dr. Seuss). Working in missions where tourists rarely go has afforded me the privilege of seeing living conditions, meeting people and experiencing the foods few Americans have had as a tourist. Being there and witnessing such conditions makes me glad I was born in America. In the Himalayas, I saw where people lived in caves. In Sub-Saharan Africa, to sit and discuss the Gospel of…
The inaugural Summer Construction Training Program concluded with a graduation ceremony held June 15 at Morris Hall Auditorium on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Designed and administered by the Economic Development division at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, the non-credit, two-week Summer Construction Training Program was created to provide graduating seniors and rising seniors with hands-on educational experiences and exposure to careers in the construction industry. The program introduced students to construction concepts, workplace safety, industry expectations, and career opportunities within the skilled trades. Eleven students from area high schools were awarded scholarships to participate in the program…
Dr. Carswell Leis and Dr. Sandra Scott Leis graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine during the Mercer University Commencement Ceremony held Friday, May 8, 2026, in Macon. Among more than 2,200 Mercer University graduates this spring, Carswell and Sandra were two of only three Mercer University graduates selected to receive the prestigious James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship. Each recipient was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. The scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and service among students across Mercer University. Recently married on April 10 in Savannah, the couple will begin Internal Medicine residencies in July at…
At the request of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating the death of Marquese Levone Ross, age 21, of Douglas. Preliminary information indicates that on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., a 911 caller contacted the CCSO to report a man, later identified as Ross, shooting a gun outside of the Dollar General located at 4736 East Baker Highway in Douglas. When CCSO deputies arrived at the scene, they saw Ross sitting in a car holding an AR-style handgun. One of deputies gave verbal commands to Ross, but Ross did not comply. Deputies then heard…