Author: Submitted

The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Sunday, June 1, 2025 and continues through November 30, 2025. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center predicts a 60% chance of an above normal season. This indicates that the level of tropical activity in the Atlantic this hurricane season is likely to be above average, but not what was expected for last season at this point last year. No matter how much activity is expected in a season, it only takes one storm to make it an active season. “Last year, with Hurricane Helene, we saw how devastating the impacts of a hurricane can be,”…

Malandy Tenise Shollenberger, age 53, of Hazlehurst, GA, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 21st, 2025. Her survivors include: one son; Brad (Hanna Sickles) Harrell of Hazlehurst, GA, two grandchildren; Anna Grace Harrell, and Kaden Harrell, along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30th, 2025, at Hazlehurst Church of God in Hazlehurst, GA, at 4:00…

A Douglas police officer discovered suspected illegal drugs and a wanted felon during a traffic stop on May 26, 2025. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the DPD officer stopped the vehicle because it did not have a visible license plate. During the stop, the officer identified one of the passengers as Tyler Willard, 30, of Broxton, who had an active probation warrant for aggravated battery. Willard was taken into custody and transported to the Coffee County Jail. During booking, the release says that officers discovered 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine in Willard’s sock. They notified the…

Coffee County students Payton Adams and Jane Ashley Rowell have been named recipients of Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) Scholarships. Adams and Rowell are two of nine students to receive a $2,000 Rising Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture to continue their studies in college. The GFA scholarships recognize deserving and outstanding students pursuing agriculture or ag-related degrees at a college in the University System of Georgia, Berry College or Emmanuel University, or a school in the Technical College System of Georgia. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of farming in Georgia,” said GFA Board Chairman and GFB President Tom…

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s annual Student Engagement Programs (STEPS) Symposium announced the winners of the eighth annual undergraduate research symposium. This year’s symposium included seven social science and humanities oral presentations, seven STEM oral presentations, six strategic planning and business research oral presentations, and 24 poster presentations.”Undergraduate research experiences help students foster transferable skills like public speaking, teamwork, and adhering to ethical standards,” said Dr. Janet Koposko, associate professor of psychology in ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences and one of the symposium’s organizers. “The STEPS Symposium gives students an opportunity to showcase their work in a supportive yet professional…

On May 22, 2025, local law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Douglas following a series of controlled purchases of illegal narcotics. The operation led to the arrest of Azikiwie Sekou Phillips, 51, who was taken into custody on outstanding probation warrants. During a search of the residence and surrounding property, authorities recovered approximately $4,240 in cash concealed in a bedroom dresser. The money was wrapped in undergarments and stored in a glove and black pouch. A search of vehicles on the property led to the discovery of illegal narcotics inside a silver 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. Authorities…

Jimmy Jowers, age 70, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 . Mr. Jowers was born on September 29, 1954, in Douglas City, GA to the late John Darling Jowers and Annie Lois Vickers Survivors include wife, Carol Jowers of Douglas, GA, two sons, Matthew (Stephanie) Jowers of Douglas, GA and Michael Jowers of Douglas, GA, three grandchildren, Kaeven Jowers, Niahloni Jowers, and Emrynn Jowers, one brother, Johnnie (Vonice) Jowers of Douglas, GA, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Jowers was preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Carter and June Grimes. The family will receive friends on…

Clinton James Krupp, age 77, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025. He was born on May 5, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to William and Shirley Krupp. Clint professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was a devoted member of St. Mark Community Church in Douglas, Georgia, where his church family became an extension of his own. Clint proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietam War. He retired from the Department of Energy as a respected Machine Specialist. Outside of his professional life, he was an accomplished woodworker and avid golfer. A devoted and attentive father, he…

The City of Douglas has been recognized by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) as an Excellence Standards local government due to its outstanding practices in planning and development. To earn this recognition, a city must exceed the basic requirements established by the regional commission. “We are incredibly grateful to receive this recognition,” says Georgia Henderson, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director. “Each year, we work to ensure our projects align with our Comprehensive Plan and meet our planning goals. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support from the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. Their assistance has been…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment declined in every regional commission across Georgia in April. “This April, unemployment rates dropped across every region of Georgia,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “When we connect Georgians with meaningful work, we’re putting food on tables, creating stability for individuals and families, and building an economy where our children can see their future—right here at home. This is how we grow a stronger Georgia—one job, one family, one community at a time.” Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the Southern Georgia Regional…