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The South Georgia Energy Authority held its historic inaugural meeting yesterday at Ocilla City Hall, marking a significant milestone in regional energy development and economic growth for South Georgia. The newly formed authority, created through the passage of Senate Bill 206 signed by Governor Brian Kemp, represents a groundbreaking collaboration to advance energy infrastructure and economic opportunities across the region. During the meeting, the authority made key organizational decisions that will shape its future direction. Matt Seale was appointed as Chairman of the South Georgia Energy Authority, bringing extensive experience in energy and economic development to lead the organization. Ocilla…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment increased slightly in all 12 of Georgia’s regional commissions in June. “June’s unemployment trends tell a familiar story — Georgia’s students are stepping into our workforce as schools let out for summer, creating the temporary unemployment and hiring fluctuations typical for this time of year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With Georgia’s recent historic announcement of 5 million jobs, these students are stepping into a local workforce that belongs to them, in a state that’s proven over and over that when Georgians show up, opportunity follows.” Please see a…

With the grand opening of Unity Park, the City would like to remind everyone that some parks remain open in the city limits. When visiting parks, everyone must respect themselves, others, and the park property. City parks have rules and regulations that need to be followed, and officials would also like to highlight some specific rules regarding park behavior. To reserve a park shelter, there is a $100 deposit and a $50 rental fee. Reservations must be made by an adult (age 18 or older) with proper picture I.D and reservations may be made no earlier than one year in…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of Anthony Cleveland Goodwin, age 48, a registered sex offender who was wanted for failure to comply with state registration laws. Goodwin was taken into custody on July 23, 2025, and is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail. He is charged with a felony violation for failing to register as a sex offender and for providing false or incomplete information as required by Georgia state law. An investigation was initiated immediately upon Goodwin’s failure to report a change of address after vacating his last known residence. According to state…

Debra Ann Lopez, age 63 of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20th, 2025. She was born on February 4th, 1962, the daughter of Henry Virgil Hersey and Flora Ann Key. Her survivors include: her beloved husband, Tony Lopez of Douglas, GA; two daughters, Angel Maria Gonzales of Douglas, GA and Amanda Duque of Douglas, GA; mother, Ann Hersey Millard of Douglas, GA; three sons, Timmothy Hall of Valdosta, GA, Zackery Hall of Eastman, GA and Matthew Hall of Madison, Fl; twelve grandchildren, Jonathan Hall, Maira Hall, Midajah Rodriguez, Camden Hall, Nathan Little, Liam Moreno, Colby Hall, Haley…

Mrs. Jean Carol Smith Rawlins, age 74, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, July 19, 2025 at Hospice Satilla in Waycross, Georgia following an extended illness. Mrs. Rawlins was born February 17, 1951 in Coffee County, Georgia to the late Josh Daniel “J.D.” Smith and the late Vera Smith. She was a retired Emergency Room Charge Nurse at Coffee Regional Medical Center. She loved the outdoors and as long as her health permitted she could be found hunting and fishing as well as tending her flowers in her yard. She also enjoyed shopping and most of all, spending time…

Mrs. Addie Jo Solomon Courson, age 89, of Broxton, Georgia, beloved daughter of the late Ossie Miller Solomon and the late Arley Lee Solomon, Sr. passed away at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a short illness on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Harold J. Harper; a daughter, Judy H. Bryant. Mrs. Courson was born August 9, 1935 in Broxton, Georgia. She was educated in Coffee County and made her career as a licensed cosmetologist and spent many years as a hair dresser, sharing her beauty with countless others. …

Vicki Lewis, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Douglas, was elected Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), as announced at the association’s Annual Meeting of the Assembly on July 11. Lewis, who has served on the GHA Board since 2019, will work with the Board in fulfilling its vision of shaping a healthier Georgia by serving as the leading advocate and supporter for all Georgia hospitals and health systems. “Vicki Lewis is a leader in rural healthcare who has passionately advocated for high-quality care for all…

Inez Hersey, age 77, of Nicholls, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at her residence. Ms. Hersey was born on January 15, 1948, in Douglas, GA, to the late Wright Nipper and the late Pearl Spell Nipper. She was a proud member of Douglas Christian Fellowship Church. Her survivors include one daughter, Melissa (Tippy) Matlock of Nicholls, GA; one son, Johnny (Denise) Hersey of Nicholls, GA; five grandchildren, Jonathan Blake (Tayla) Hersey of Nicholls, Kayla Ann Hersey of Nicholls, Ashley Marie Hersey of Nicholls, Ethan Tyler (Kristi) Matlock of Nicholls, Megan Elizabeth (Dalton) Griffin of Nicholls; one brother,…

Curtis Harper, age 70, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Riverside Care. Mr. Harper was born on March 22, 1955, in Douglas, GA to the late Curtis Harper Sr. and Hazel Newell. Survivors include: his beloved wife, Diann G Harper of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Leslie Harper (Trenton) Bennett of Broxton, GA; one son, Rodney (Nichole) Harper of Fitzgerald, GA; mother, Hazel Newell of Douglas, GA; two grandchildren, Deighton Harper and Natalie Harper; one sister, Donna (Wes) Carter of Ambrose, GA along with several nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was preceded in death…