Author: Submitted

A jury convicted a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia at trial for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine. Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico, was convicted of Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.…

Six Coffee Trojans qualified for the state track meet by finishing in the top eight of their events at Sectionals. The Sectional meet took place over the weekend at Villa Rica High School. The Trojan 4×100 meter relay team of Tyrese Woodgett, Travis Adams, Cedric McRae, and KJ DeBruce finished with a time of 42.97 seconds. Woodgett also qualified in the 100 meters with a time of 10.87 seconds. Lady Trojan Kaloni Styles ran 15.25 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles for another opportunity at State. Sophomore Kashariyona White secured a spot in the 300-meter hurdles finishing with a time of…

Mary Tarrant Whitten, age 88, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at her residence. Mrs. Whitten was born on September 16, 1936, in Douglas, GA to the late Joshua Tarrant and the late Racheal Nipper Tarrant. Survivors include: daughter, Shirley Highsmith Carver of Douglas, GA, five grandchildren, Michael Metts of Douglas, Daniel Highsmith of Douglas, David Metts of Douglas, GA, Brandon Highsmith of Fernandina Beach, FL, Regan Walsh of Douglas, GA, thirteen great-grandchildren, sister, Sarah Whitten and grandchildren. Mrs. Whitten was preceded in death by: her husband, John Henry Lee Whitten; father, Joshua Tarrant; mother, Racheal…

ONE Compelling Picture is releasing its second film of 2025, Because You Answered, on Amazon Prime Video during Mother’s Day weekend. Because You Answered was filmed on location in three counties this past summer including Coffee, Bacon, and Ben Hill. The 118-minute film stars local actors Sonya Moore Roper, Dustilynn Vaughan, Kelsey Hope Corbitt, Kenneth Spence, Alaina Bagwell, and Debbie Hamlin. Because You Answered was written and directed by Sidney Bryant Sr. and was produced by Bryce Carver, Sonya Newsome, and Kia Bryant. Cast and crew members were seen filming various scenes involving road closures for wreck scenes, hospital scenes…

David M. Hendon, age 69, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born on March 21st, 1956 the son of David Hendon and Sarah Chester Hendon. His survivors include: his beloved wife; Alice Hendon of Douglas, GA, one son; Jason (Bobbie) Hendon of Smyrna Mills, MA, two daughters; Nicole (Dale) Hodge of Belle, FL, and Kale Hendon of Colorado Springs, Colorado, one sister; Sandra (Dale) Loren, one nephew; Christopher Loren, one niece; Kelly (Sam) McKeough, four grandchildren; Sarah O’Hara, Savannah Harper, Jordan Hodge, Frankie Hendon, and special…

William Eric Strickland, 45, of Douglas, a registered sex offender, was taken into custody on April 30, 2025, by detectives with the Coffee County Sex Offender Unit. Strickland was arrested on an outstanding warrant after failing to appear in court for his arraignment on April 23, 2025. The arraignment was related to a previous charge of aggravated assault stemming from an incident in March 2023. Following a coordinated investigation, officers apprehended Strickland without incident and transported him to the Coffee County Jail. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Tammy Denise Carter, age 56, of Douglas, GA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at her residence, following an extended illness. She was born on July 19th, 1968, the daughter of Jimmy Thomas and Dossey Crews. Ms. Carter was a CNA for Tender Care of Douglas, GA, and Help @ Home for several years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Her survivors include: her beloved husband; James Thompson of Douglas, GA, three sons; Brandon Thompson of Douglas, GA, Terry Thompson of Douglas, GA, and Roger Carter of…

Coffee Regional Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. This marks the fifth consecutive “A” grade for Coffee Regional Medical Center, making it a Leapfrog Straight A Hospital — a distinction that recognizes hospitals for maintaining the highest safety standards across multiple grading periods. “This recognition reflects…

The national non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Javontae Johnson, Café Assistant for Coffee High School, Georgia, the national Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve. Javontae (JJ) Johnson’s ability to inspire others and set a standard for excellence makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His outstanding customer service skills and welcoming, engaging personality have contributed to a 30 percent increase in student breakfast participation compared to the previous year. Johnson plays a key role…

Jesse Dan Miller III, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on February 19, 1984, the son of Jesse Dan Miller Sr. and Sherrill Pitts Miller. Jesse was employed as a teacher at the George Washington Carver Freshman Campus. His survivors include: mother; Sherrill Pitts Miller of Douglas, GA, one sister; Sherri (Michael) Berry, two nephews; Kody (Mark) Berry, and Dake (Ally) Berry, great niece and nephew; Brock Berry and Ava Laine Berry, and his fur buddy; Jack. He was preceded in death by: Jesse Dan…