Dr. Morris Leis, a respected career public school superintendent, is announcing his retirement and concluding his highly successful tenure as Superintendent of Coffee County Schools, a role he has held since 2011. His career spans 17 years as a superintendent and a total of 32 years dedicated to education. Dr. Leis stated, “I feel like it is time for someone else to lead the school district as I complete 15 years of service. The system is stronger than ever, with excellent people in leadership positions from top to bottom, and the quality of work from our teachers and staff is…
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Angela Jones, age 57, of Douglas, GA; passed away peacefully at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah, GA. She was born on February 16, 1969, the daughter of the late Bobby McNeese and Connie McNeese. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Donald Jones of Douglas, GA; three dons, Jonathan Jones of KY, Jamie (Montanna) Merritt of Doerun, GA; and Jacob (Shannon) Jones of Homerville, GA; one daughter, Audra (Danny) Warren of Andersonville, GA; seven grandchildren; one sister, Freda (Greg) Graham of Douglas, GA; mother, Connie McNeese of Douglas, GA; one brother; Billy McNeese of Douglas, GA; along with several nieces, nephews,…
Virginia White, a student at First Academy, was chosen as the first-place winner in the 5th-grade essay contest, “What America Means to Me.” Her excellent writing and a belief in America are well documented in her essay. Jerome Loving, American Legion Post 515 Essay Chairman, presented Virginia with a $100 check and a certificate of commendation. The “What America Means To Me” essay contest was created by American Legion Post 515 to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to be an American. Fifth graders across Coffee County are invited to participate in the program each year…
The Valdosta Rotary Club presented a $1,000 matching-grant scholarship to students at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College during a campus visit and luncheon on Feb. 25, reinforcing the club’s commitment to workforce development and student success in South Georgia. “The Valdosta Rotary Club was honored to present the $1,000 matching-grant scholarship to help students purchase the tools and equipment needed for successful program completion and career readiness,” said Thressea H. Boyd, President of the Valdosta Rotary Club. “This donation is made possible through a matching grant sponsored by Rotary District 6920, along with matching funds from the Valdosta Rotary Club. The grant reflects our shared commitment to…
The South Georgia State College Hawks are headed to the semifinals of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association after defeating the Georgia Highlands Chargers 72-62 Tuesday night in Waycross. The two teams were tied 32-32 at the end of the first half. The Hawks had a strong second half and outscored the Chargers 40-30 to advance with a 72-62 win. Reggie White led the Hawks with 21 points. He also had six assists and five rebounds. Jeremy Anderson turned in a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. He also tallied three assists. Dae Dae Thomas (eight points), Trey Callaway (seven…
Rosa Lee Williams, age 64, of Douglas, GA; passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA. She was born on July 12, 1961, the daughter of the late Mr. Joel William Royals and the late Mrs. Alma Royals. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Johnny Kenneth Williams of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Amanda Gilliard of Douglas, GA; one grandchild, Conor Gilliard; two sisters, Christine (Michael) Lott of West Green, GA; and Peggy (Henry) Taylor of Douglas, GA; two special nieces, Connie (Jamie) Rivera of West Green, GA; and Nikki (Randy) Braddy of Douglas, GA;…
Pamela Sue Kirkland, age 71, of Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Piedmont Hospital in Savannah, GA. She was born on January 18, 1955, the daughter of the late Mr. Walter Kirkland and the late Mrs. Dorothy Kirkland. Her survivors include: one sister, Patricia (Johnny) Stanfield of Augusta, GA; one brother in law, Rich Nagode of Cartersville, GA; one niece, Joy Stanfield of Raleigh, NC; one nephew, Brent Stanfield of Lowell, MA; and special cousin, Martha (Cary) Stark of Savannah, GA. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Kirkland, and mother, Dorothy Kirkland.…
Coffee Regional Medical Center joins the community in mourning the passing of Dr. Guy Whitley Moorman, Jr., DDS, a respected healthcare leader, longtime dentist, and dedicated member of the hospital’s governing boards whose service to the region spanned decades. A lifelong resident of Douglas and Coffee County, Dr. Moorman graduated from Coffee County High School in 1962 before attending Emory University for his pre-dental studies. He later earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1969. Following graduation, he served as a captain in the United States Army Dental Corps, completing a two-year tour…
The Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee and the City of Douglas invite all citizens to take part in the 2026 Greatest American Cleanup on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Volunteers will help beautify the community by picking up litter and debris along city streets. This is a perfect opportunity for clubs, organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals to give back, earn community service hours, and help keep Douglas beautiful. Participants should arrive at City Hall (302 S. Madison Avenue) between 8:45 AM and 9:00 AM to register. After check‑in, volunteers will be assigned cleanup locations based on the…
Mrs. Janice Lucille Smith Laney, age 69, of Willacoochee, Georgia, passed away Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, at her niece’s residence following a recent illness. Janice was born July 30, 1956, in Orlando, Florida, to the late William Marion Smith and the late Marion Delois Rowe Smith. She made her career in retail working for Walmart and was a member of the Willacoochee Church of God. Along with her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Howard Edward Laney; one daughter, Tina Mason; one grandson, Todd Mason; one great grandson Levi Smith, as well as…