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Coffee Regional Medical Center recently celebrated an important achievement in oncology nursing excellence. DeLeice Wood, BSN, RN, OCN, Infusion Services & the Hanna Family Cancer Center’s Nurse Manager at Coffee Regional Medical Center, recently achieved a significant milestone by passing the prestigious Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) Examination administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). Her accomplishment adds to the esteemed group of over 30,000 Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN®), a testament to her dedication and expertise. These registered nurses, including staff nurses, clinicians, educators, and managers, are a source of inspiration for the entire healthcare community. DeLeice’s professional journey is a…

Mr. Van Tanner Carter, age 68, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, July 26, 2025 at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness. Van was born July 25, 1957, in Coffee County, Georgia to the late James “Jim” Carter and the late Lou Ellen Joyner Carter. He spent 20 years in the laundry business where he owned and operated Speed Queen Dry Cleaners, followed by another 20 years in NASCAR Sales. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, but his was never happier than when he was behind the wheel of his 1987 Buick Regal on a…

On the evening of July 27, 2025 at around 7 p.m., deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a convenience store located on Highway 32 following reports of what was initially reported to be an armed robbery. According to eyewitness accounts, a male suspect entered the store and began arguing with staff about the price of cigarettes. Witnesses stated that the man exited the store twice before returning a third time wielding a weapon. During this final entry, the suspect reportedly threatened store employees, stating: “I’m gonna shoot both of y’all.” Deputies quickly secured the scene and began…

Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., FACP, announced that Dr. Candi Nobles-James has been appointed as senior associate dean for the Macon campus, effective July 1. A respected physician, educator and leader in internal medicine, Dr. Nobles-James brings a deep commitment to medical education and patient care to her new role. “I am delighted that Dr. Nobles-James has accepted this position,” said Dr. Sumner. “She is an outstanding person, physician and leader. In her previous role as associate dean of student affairs, she did an exceptional job. She’s a true Mercerian, and I look forward to all…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to announce a major advancement in local cardiovascular care with the successful implantation of its first Micra pacemaker—the world’s smallest pacemaker—performed in one of the hospital’s two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs located within the CRMC Heart & Vascular Center. The procedure was performed by Dr. Kendall Griffith, Interventional Cardiologist at CRMC, and marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative cardiac care for patients in Coffee County and surrounding communities. The Micra Transcatheter Pacing System is a revolutionary, leadless pacemaker that is implanted directly into the heart via a minimally invasive catheter-based technique.…

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) is proud to announce the members of its 2025 Youth Advisory Council. The GSBA Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a student leadership program that brings together high school students from across Georgia to elevate student voice in public education governance and decision-making. Designed to reflect the diversity and perspectives of students statewide, the Council provides a platform for young leaders to share insights directly with education stakeholders. This year, GSBA received 163 applications from outstanding students across the state. After a competitive selection process, nine students were chosen to serve on the 2025 Council.…

Mr. Donald “Don” Perry McCardle, Sr., age 79, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025 at this residence following an extended illness. Don was born September 14, 1945, in Brooks County, Georgia, to the late Jesse McCardle, Sr. and the late Jewel Roberts McCardle. He was a manager for Fleetwood Industries and of the non-denominational faith. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Denise Seay McCardle; two brothers: Bobby McCardle and Jesse McCardle, Jr.; and one sister, Faith M. Lockliear. Don is survived by 3 children: Donald Perry McCardle, Jr. and wife…

The Douglas Rotary Club donated $1,000 to Called to Care during its July 24th meeting. In announcing the donation Rotary Secretary Mark Miller, a volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Coffee County, noted that Ms. Michelle Tucker and Called to Care are providing beds, clothing, school supplies and sporting equipment for three foster families he serves as they support DFACS case managers working with many other children in foster care. Douglas Rotary is a service organization seeking to advance the service ideals of Rotary International by investing time and resources in programs for children and youth, community development, disease…

A special election to fill the District 1 county commission vacancy will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, according to the Coffee County elections office. That is the same day the general election for two Public Service Commission seats will also be held. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Commissioner Oscar Paulk, who had held the District 1 seat since January 1, 2015, passed away after a brief illness. Qualifying for the District 1 election will take place from 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The qualifying fee is $127.17. Qualifying…

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hank DeWayne Harper, 58, following notification of an outstanding warrant issued by the State of Florida. The warrant, which was officially issued on July 22, 2025, stemmed from violations of Florida state law and was entered into the national database as active and extraditable. Upon receiving confirmation of the warrant, Coffee County deputies acted promptly to locate Harper, who is a registered sex offender, and apprehended him. Harper was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail. He remains in custody awaiting…