Jo Ann Avant Young Harper, 88, went home to be with Jesus on August 8, 2026 while residing at Vista Park in Douglas, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Lucian Eugene Avant and Thelma Lee Hall Avant. She was the widow of her first love and husband, Arthur “Buddy” Young Jr., and her second husband Alton Harper. She was a homemaker, a devoted employee as a seamstress, and later a supervisor with SWS until they closed their doors. Joann also worked in a restaurant called Dj’s in Broxton, Georgia. She was a culinary enthusiast and enjoyed cooking for…
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Douglas Rotary Club recognized Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Business Management Jeffery Johnson as the student of the month for August 2026. Mr. Johnson is studying Business Management and was singled out by the faculty for his achievements. A veteran of the US Army who served deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mr. Johnson works with P & M Trucking. Joining him at the Rotary meeting were his business instructor Shanna Calhoun and Dean Kelly Peacock. 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,…
Mrs. Nancy Diann Mobley Wilkerson, age 78, of Willacoochee, GA passed away Thursday morning, August 6, 2026, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, GA following a brief illness. Mrs. Wilkerson, a native of Atkinson and Coffee County, was born December 15, 1947, to the late Willis Columbus Mobley and the late Vera Lucile Fussell Mobley. She was a loving wife and mother who supported her husband on their farm. Together they raised their five children and taught them the values of family, work, service, and the love of the Lord. She was a faithful member of The Church of…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and South Georgia State College have officially signed an articulation agreement establishing a new transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in mechanical engineering technology. The agreement creates a seamless educational pathway that allows students to begin their education at Wiregrass before transferring to South Georgia State College to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology. The partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities while meeting the growing workforce demand for skilled engineers throughout Georgia. By creating a clear transfer pathway, students will have greater flexibility to earn an affordable…
Ashley Ricketson, age 44, of Ambrose, GA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence. He was born on August 18, 1981, the son of Mr. David Ricketson and Mrs. Debra Ricketson. His survivors include his beloved wife, Jessica Ricketson of Ambrose, GA; three children, Hailey Elliott of Atlanta, GA, Zachery Roberson of Douglas, GA, and Mary Roberson of Douglas, GA; father, David Ricketson; and mother, Debra Ricketson. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Bethany Holiness Baptist Church in Ambrose, GA, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Michael Harper officiating. Interment will follow…
Mrs. Myrtle Ricketson Mathews, age 98, of Douglas, Georgia passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Mathews was born January 22, 1928, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Alton Ricketson and the late Erma Smith Ricketson. She was a 1946 graduate of Douglas High School. She was married to the late Clifton Gerald Mathews, Sr. and together they created a legacy of love through their three children. She was co-founder along with her husband of Mathews Furniture Company, where she was the main bookkeeper for over forty years. She…
Joyce Shrouder Taylor, age 81 of Broxton, Georgia, passed away Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, at The Harbor View Nursing Center in Tifton, Georgia. Joyce was born on October 28, 1944, to the late Sallie Mae Worth Shrouder and the James Loran Shrouder in Broxton, Georgia. She was married to the late James Edward Taylor for fifty years prior to his passing in 2021. She made her career as a bank teller and loan processer for Coffee County Bank where she worked for more than 30 years prior to her retirement. She later served the Coffee County Clerk of Court…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is expanding its professional development offerings with the launch of its new SHRM Certification Prep+ course. Registration is now open for the 12-week online program, which begins August 25. Offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the course is designed to help human resources professionals prepare for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification exams while enhancing the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace. Delivered entirely online, the course offers a flexible learning experience for working professionals. Participants will receive comprehensive instruction designed…
The Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded approximately $20,000 in scholarships to 20 students during the Summer 2026 semester to help them complete their education and develop the workforce skills needed for successful careers. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, businesses, and community partners. The scholarships were awarded through the Foundation’s Foundation North and Foundation South boards, which provide philanthropic support for students throughout the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College service area. Together, the two boards work with generous donors, businesses, and community partners to help remove financial barriers and expand educational opportunities for students. The Summer…
The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend public meetings or consider joining a volunteer board. Below is the August 2026 schedule for boards and committees. All meetings are open to the public, and public participation is always welcome. Meeting Schedule: WWII Flight Training Base Committee, August 10, 9 A.M., Airport Terminal, 440 Elton D. Brooks Blvd. City Commission Work Session & Meeting, August 10 & 24, 6 PM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Avenue. Keep Douglas Beautiful Meeting, August 11, 9 AM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Avenue. Land Bank Authority, August 13, 2 PM, City Hall, 302 S.…