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Dr. Laura Tharp of Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia is proud to offer a Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) and Trigger Finger Release (TFR) technique using a minimally invasive approach. Most patients can return to work and the activities they love within a few short days of the procedure. The reduced recovery time for CTR and TFR using this less invasive technique is a game changer, and Dr. Tharp is excited to be the first orthopedic hand surgeon to bring this to South Georgia. The Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) procedure uses real-time ultrasound guidance and is performed in minutes in…

Coffee County 4-H has been busy this summer. On June 5, thirty-three fifth and sixth graders traveled to Jekyll 4-H Center for a fun week of Cloverleaf Camp.They enjoyed five days of fun at the beach, environmental education, and exploring island and marsh life. The days were spent participating in a variety of outdoor activities such as beach swimming, biking, canoeing, hiking, competing in relay races, seining, dancing, hunting for sand dollars, hermit crabs, and periwinkle snails, and of course eating lots of snow cones and Icees. On June 21, “Cloverbuds Agventure Days” kicked off.…

Richard “Richie” Stevens, age 52, of Ambrose, GA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Richie was born on March 10, 1971, in Douglas, GA, to the late James Denis Stevens and Sherry Ann Griffin Stevens. Survivors Include: His Beloved Wife; Jeanna Barnard Stevens, of Ambrose, GA, Three Sons; Christopher (Macy) Stevens, of Ambrose, GA, Matthew (Kristen) Stevens, of Ambrose, GA, and Logan Stevens, of Ambrose, GA. Three Daughters: Amy (Danial) Lucus, of Ambrose, GA, Alicia (Chris) Swinehart, of Ambrose, GA, and, Kristi (Easton) McBride, of Ambrose, GA, Seven Grandchildren; Brooklyn Stevens, Natalee Swinehart, Peyton Lucus, Paisyn…

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a rise in June unemployment rates, except for the Atlanta and Southwest Georgia Regional Commissions, which reported unchanged unemployment rates. “The bedrock of a thriving economy lies in maintaining low unemployment, but equally essential is striking the right balance between job growth and a capable workforce that can meet the evolving needs of Georgia’s industries,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “This well-balanced approach ensures businesses of all sizes have the talent they need to grow and succeed.” The labor force rose in Atlanta,…

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Tanner Insurance Agency and new owner Bruce Purvis. Purvis was born and raised in Coffee County, and after residing in Alabama for quite some time, he is back home and ready to serve our community. Tanner Insurance Agency has two locations – one in Douglas, and one in Pearson. Their Douglas office is located at 319 S. Madison Avenue Suite C, and their Pearson office is located at 407 N. Main Street. Tanner Insurance Agency was opened in 1984 by Clark…

Earlier this month, a two-year-old child was treated in Savannah after testing positive for methamphetamine while allegedly in the care of a babysitter. The incident happened in Jeff Davis County. On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Jeff Davis County criminal investigators initiated an investigation after learning that a two-year-old child was rushed to Savannah hospital and ultimately tested positive for methamphetamine allegedly under the care of a babysitter. After an investigation into the matter, investigators executed a search warrant the following day at the home of the babysitter where large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms were discovered inside. …

At the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce’s July Power Lunch, Ben Floyd, Vice President of Operations for Coffee Regional Medical Center, received the first-ever 2023 Emerging Leader Award. At Monday’s meeting, the Chamber of Commerce announced the new award, which will be presented quarterly to recognize professionals between the ages of 20 to 39 who demonstrate commitment to the growth and development of the Douglas-Coffee County community; demonstrate excellence, creativity, and innovation in their business or profession; and support the business community through engagement with Chamber of Commerce programs and activities. The four emerging leaders selected…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Practical Nursing (LPN) students received their nursing pins in a recent pinning ceremony on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The nursing pins not only signify hard work and dedication but are also a physical symbol of their transition into nursing. The pinning ceremony is more than a nursing tradition, it is a symbol of the nursing students’ hard work and dedication toward their coursework and clinicals. Not only does it mark the completion of student coursework, but this ceremony honors nursing graduates who will work in a career where they will have to be selfless for the…

The City of Douglas has been awarded the Walmart’s Local Community Grant courtesy of the local Walmart (Facility #593) in the amount of $1,000. The city obtained this funding through a commitment to quality-of-life improvements in Douglas. The grant will aid in purchasing a portable weather-resistant stage for the pocket park. The addition of this stage will enable improved exposure to various arts and recreational experiences in an easily accessible area downtown for everyone in our community. “We are thrilled to receive the grant from Walmart,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “Local community grants such as these help us…

Thanks to support from Whitehead Industrial Hardware of Valdosta, Wiregrass students who are preparing to graduate now have the tools needed to go to work. Recipients of the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award received a plaque and a $250 credit to purchase tools for their new careers. “It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to present each of these deserving individuals with the Whitehead Distinguished Tradesman Award,” shared Jonathan Miller, Whitehead Industrial Hardware Principal. “All of us here at Whitehead salute the modern tradesman and believe in the importance of recognizing the hard work and success of…