The City of Douglas Fire Department was selected as a recipient of the 2024 AgSouth Growing Our Communities Grant. They were one of 43 organizations chosen across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to receive the grant from a total of 187 applications. “We sincerely appreciate AgSouth for their generous support in awarding funds to our fire department through the Growing Our Communities Grant,” says Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk. “The Douglas Fire Department and the City of Douglas are deeply committed to equipping our firefighters with the training they need to effectively handle life-saving emergencies, all while ensuring the safety…
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements is pleased to announce the Fall Semester President’s List and Dean’s List. The President’s List includes outstanding students who were enrolled full-time for 12 credit hours or more and achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the Fall Semester 2024. The following Atkinson and Coffee students are on the President’s List for Fall Semester 2024: Atkinson: Faith Banuelos, Amber Chaney, Leah Clemons, Kathy Gutierrez, Sanvia McCormick, and Alyson Palma Coffee: Kristen Boggan, Nicholas Burke, William Clements, Carsyn Crews, Arikah Favors, Ricardo Garcia, Reanna Given, Adia Hines, Serena Jackson, Madison…
The Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC), through its Round Up program, has made another wonderful gift to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation North. The $5,000 donation will provide scholarships to worthy students. The Satilla REMC has been a very supportive partner with Wiregrass for many years with donations totaling over $140,000. These funds will continue to provide opportunities for students who need financial assistance. Wiregrass President, DeAnnia Clements shared, “Satilla Rural Electric is always supportive of our students and we very much appreciate this gift which will provide additional opportunities for the students to complete their educational and career.” To learn more…
For over three months, debris trucks and workers have tirelessly navigated the communities of Douglas, Broxton, Nicholls, Ambrose, and Coffee County to help collect Hurricane Helene debris from neighborhoods. With an impressive estimate of approximately 1.8 million cubic yards collected, significant progress has been made to reduce the debris for pickup. City and county officials have consulted with SDR, the debris collection contractor, and have established a tentative deadline for residents to have all tree and construction debris from Hurricane Helene at the roadside for collection. All debris should be placed by the roadside by Friday, January 31, 2025. Beginning February 1, 2025, SDR will…
The Coffee 4-H state champion horse judging team, comprised of Madeleine Tuten, Stan Carelock, and JT Vaughn, spent a week in Denver at the Western National Roundup and came back with a top 10 national finish. Coach Kailee Bennett and 4-H agent Madison Britt accompanied the group on the trip. Colorado State University hosted the event. The Coffee team finished ninth overall and seventh in the Halter class. They also were able to experience an extra day in Denver due to weather – but it wasn’t the Colorado weather. Conditions in Atlanta delayed their return home for an extra day…
On January 7, 2025, Coffee County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a domestic dispute at the residence of Stephanie Castillo, 34, of Douglas. Upon arrival, officers noted that the situation had already de-escalated. Interviews were conducted with both Castillo and Dante Gifford, 43, also of Douglas. The investigation revealed that both Castillo and Gifford had engaged in physical altercations as a result of an intense verbal dispute. This mutual aggression prompted law enforcement to gather statements and assess the circumstances surrounding the incident. Moments before officers were on scene, Gifford allegedly had been struck in the head with a perfume bottle,…
On January 6, 2025, officers responded to a call at the BP station located at 2595 US Highway 221 North in Douglas after an individual stated he had been physically assaulted by 39-year-old Roderick Glover. According to a statement given to deputies, the altercation began during a ride from Adel, when a verbal dispute erupted between the complainant and Glover. After some physical contact between the two, the complainant stated that Glover then choked the complainant until the driver of the vehicle intervened by stopping the vehicle to de-escalate the situation. Out of fear the complainant pulled out a pocketknife,…
U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg has announced her resignation from her presidentially appointed position in the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office, effective Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Steinberg served as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the 43-county Southern District of Georgia since being sworn into office Feb. 22, 2023. Her departure coincides with the pending transition to a new presidential administration and the traditional appointment of new leaders for federal agencies. “Serving as U.S. Attorney has been a distinct honor and privilege, and I am grateful for the hard work, camaraderie, and friendship of the…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will be hosting a community listening session on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm in the Planning Room on the Coffee Campus. The purpose of the listening sessions is to receive feedback and input from the communities the college serves. This is part of the strategic planning process and aims to engage local stakeholders, businesses, and community members in shaping the future of the college and its role in the community. The college is looking for feedback on programs offered and making sure the skills and qualifications meet the needs of the business. The…
On January 6, 2025, officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office executed a warrant targeting the residence of Ramon Ortiz on Sand Hill Church Road. Upon arrival, the officers did not find Ortiz at his home. However, as they were departing, they observed a pickup truck approaching the residence, occupied by Ortiz and a passenger. The officers quickly approached the vehicle and detained Ortiz due to an outstanding probation warrant. During a brief inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered a quantity of methamphetamine, which was determined to belong to Ortiz. The passenger in the vehicle was identified and subsequently released…