Author: Submitted

The South Georgia State College (SGSC) Rodeo Club is building momentum on the collegiate rodeo circuit, making its first-ever appearance at the Missouri Valley College (MVC) Rodeo in Marshall, Missouri, before heading south to compete in the University of West Alabama (UWA) Rodeo Showdown in Livingston, Alabama. At Missouri Valley, SGSC student-athletes entered the arena for the first time in program history, marking a milestone for the Hawks Rodeo Club. Representing SGSC were Makenna Walsh and Claisyn Crampton in Barrel Racing and Lane Crews in Bull Riding. Lane made it to the final round on Saturday night of the competition with 76 points…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking the whereabouts of Clarence W. Mixon, who has been determined to be absconded from his registered address of 141 JDK Lane in Broxton.Mixon is a registered sex offender, convicted of child molestation in Lowndes County on November 19, 2004. He is required by law to maintain compliance with sex offender registration requirements. Failure to do so has resulted in him being classified as absconded. The Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Unit urges anyone with information regarding Clarence Mixon’s current location to immediately contact law enforcement. Citizens may call 911 or reach the Coffee…

The Coffee Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College invites the community to its Wired Up event on Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and promises a morning full of fun, food, and entertainment. Guests will enjoy live music from DJ Von along with exciting performances by the NPS Steppers and Platinum Steppers. Local favorites such as Mama’s Eatery, Bubble Society (Bubble Tea), Chloe’s Coffee, Rose & Brews Bites, Goldfinger Specialty Cupcakes, and specialty lemonades will be on site, offering delicious treats. Families can browse arts and crafts vendors, while children…

On September 28, 2025, at approximately 3:37 a.m., deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office observed a 2008 Nissan Sentra driving in an erratic fashion on New Forest Highway. Deputies conducted a welfare check on the driver, identified as 20-year-old Nelson Perez Carrillo. During the stop, Carrillo displayed signs of impairment, and deputies administered field sobriety tests. Deputies determined Carrillo was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. While conducting a search of the vehicle, deputies located a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine. The drug unit was notified and the case was turned over to detectives for further…

Margaret Merritt, age 85 of Douglas, Ga, passed away peacefully at vista park following an extended illness. She was born on September 11th, 1940 to the late Ivey Fussell and Eula Harper Fussell. She is survived by three daughters, Connie M. (Jeffery Lewis) Smith of Brunswick GA, Karen M. (Eddie Mac) Dix of Ocilla GA and Donna L. (Stanley) Hurley of Collins GA; step-daughter, Karen Batten of Douglas GA; grandchildren, Carly A.(Spencer) McGovern of Reidsville GA, Derrick Smith of Douglas GA, Bridget N. (Jason) Wilkes of Brunswick GA, Kayla M. Thornton of Atlanta GA, Jennifer Lea Smith of Atlanta GA,…

The Douglas-Coffee County Park and Recreation Department would like to remind citizens that a reservation is required for events in buildings or team practices/games on athletic fields before using the facility. “We are undergoing major rehabilitation and renovations at our parks and athletic fields,” says Stevie Young, Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s upsetting to say that we are already experiencing some damage at facilities that have been reopened. We would like to continue to have these nice facilities for our community to enjoy, but we need the help of those who are utilizing the facilities to leave them clean, with no trash…

MiKayla Spencer, park manager at General Coffee State Park, was one of several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during the annual Managers Conference earlier this month. Many were recognized for their dedication following Hurricane Helene. Accomplishments include storm debris removal, protecting historic structures, leading outstanding ranger programs, customer service excellence and more. The awards ceremony celebrated those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations across Georgia. Managers also attended training sessions and shared ideas on park operations within the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Below are this year’s award…

Albert Lumpkin McLean of Broxton, Ga, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26th, 2025 after an extended illness. He was born on December, 8th 1956 the son of the late Charles Henry McLean Jr. and Christine Brannon McLean. He Graduated from Broxton High School in 1974, and he graduated Nursing school in 1977. He was an avid gardener and he loved his cats. His survivors include two aunts, Faye Brannon of Tifton, GA and Nell Brewington of Adel, GA; special friends Amanda Grantham and Lynette Pridgen, along with a host of cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by…

In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the Bear Creek Mobile Home Park area involving deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the City of Douglas Police Department. The suspect survived the shooting and was transported to a trauma center for further treatment. The investigation has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). At this time, no further details are available for release. The GBI will provide more info at a later time. The investigation is active and ongoing.

Coffee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) members Walt Pridgen and Ashley Smith were recognized with Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) district awards during the organization’s 10th District Annual Meeting, held Sept. 8 in Waycross. Pridgen received the 10th District Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, given to young farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Pridgen, won the statewide award, which was presented in July during the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference. Pridgen raises cattle and poultry broilers (chicken raised for meat) and lives with his wife Mary Elizabeth in Broxton. Smith received the 10th District YF&R…