The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation is proud to announce scholarships made possible through the generous support of the Coffee Regional Medical Center. Beginning Fall Semester, these scholarships will provide financial assistance to students pursuing careers in Registered Nursing and Paramedicine, helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve communities across South Georgia. The inaugural Coffee Regional Medical Center Foundation Scholarships were awarded to four Registered Nursing students and one Paramedic student. The scholarships will assist recipients with educational expenses as they work toward completing their programs and entering Georgia’s healthcare workforce. “Developing a strong local healthcare workforce…
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Jonathan Alan Vaughn, age 62, of Douglas, GA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. He was born on December 14, 1963, the son of the late Mr. Henry Frank Vaughn and Mrs. Laura Vaughn. His survivors include two sons, Nathaniel (Allison) Vaughn of Douglas, GA, and Jordan (Kalynn) Vaughn of Pearson, GA; one daughter, Brooke (Layne) White of Broxton, GA; mother, Laura Vaughn; six grandchildren: Emily Vaughn, Trent Vaughn, Greenlee Vaughn, Layklyn White, Case Vaughn, and Ava Vaughn; four brothers: Tim Vaughn, Greg Vaughn, Louis Vaughn, and Rex Vaughn; three sisters: Wanda Peacock, Lynn Brown, and Jane Kight;…
The Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking input from citizens in east-central Georgia on the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) during the public comment period open through Aug. 15. Every three years, Georgia DOT works closely with the citizens of Georgia, local governments, and interested stakeholders to develop the STIP—a four-year plan outlining transportation and capital improvements across the state. The STIP includes federally funded projects statewide, except for those within Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) boundaries—generally areas with big cities. Projects are chosen through a process that considers state and federal priorities, available funding, technical analysis, and input from…
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment rates increased in all regional commissions in June even as the labor force grew in half of them. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. “June brings the temporary seasonal changes we see every year as schools let out for the summer, but as Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, our year-over-year trends remain stable,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Short-term fluctuations are normal in a resilient economy, and the bigger picture is clear: Georgia remains a state where opportunity is within reach, hard work is…
On July 7, 2026, a 60-year-old female was arrested on narcotics charges following a vehicle stop on Spring Oak Street in Douglas. While patrolling the area, law enforcement personnel observed a white Honda Accord perform an unusual maneuver after passing their vehicle. The driver abruptly signaled, pulled over, exited the vehicle, and opened the trunk. Deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office activated emergency lights and pulled behind the vehicle to conduct a welfare check and investigate the suspicious behavior. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Lisa Faye Smith Oliver, 60, of Douglas, law enforcement obtained consent to…
Another spill has taken place at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, releasing approximately 8.3 million gallons into an unnamed tributary of the Seventeen Mile River. According to a release from the City of Douglas, the Wastewater Treatment Plant has reported a failure to comply with total suspended solids limits. Due to a faulty check valve, the effluent level exceeded 1.5 times the permitted limit, which qualifies as a spill. The spill took place from July 21, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. until July 22, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. Approximately 8.3 million gallons were released. Repairs were made immediately and no raw…
Mr. Dennis Legran Hursey, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Dennis was born December 7, 1949, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Dennis “Bud” Sears Hursey and the late Louise Rushing Hursey. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he honorably served a two-year tour, including eight months of service overseas. He continued his military service in the Marine Corps Reserve where he served another four years. Following his military service, Dennis became an insurance agent with American General Insurance…
By Van Yandell Ephesians 6:4 (KJV): “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” As we grow older we realize the days get longer but the years seem shorter. Time becomes precious and seems to be limited by our thoughts, habits and attitudes. We understand time has placed us in bondage. We are slaves to time. Our lives are governed by watches, clocks and calendars. It seems as though everything in our lives happens on a schedule. We go to work, eat, sleep, and schedule our free-time…
When Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduate Jenna Williams crossed the commencement stage in May, she did so as one of the institution’s most accomplished students. Williams received ABAC’s prestigious David and Kim Bridges Award, presented annually to the graduating senior who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and service. She graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in business. This fall, she will begin medical school at Mercer University. Williams also addressed graduates at both spring commencement ceremonies. “Don’t be afraid of the wilderness,” Williams said during her commencement address. “Don’t be afraid of…
This morning, a Georgia state trooper from Post 16-Hazlehurst responded to assist deputies from the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, who were in pursuit of a subject wanted for an active kidnapping. The pursuit left Jeff Davis County and entered Appling County. As the trooper reached the scene, the fleeing driver pulled over, ending the vehicle pursuit. The driver got out of the vehicle and immediately began to flee on foot. The trooper gave chase and shouted lawful commands for the subject to stop, which were ignored. During the foot chase, the fleeing subject fell onto the ground and refused…