Mrs. Dora Ann Stone Dean, age 73, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully Friday night, April 24, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Dora was born June 15, 1952, in Lumber City, Georgia to the late Icie Daniels Stone and Joseph Allen Stone. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Billy Randall Dean, and two brothers, Charles Stone, and Wayne Stone. Dora retired from Wal-Mart after fifteen years of dedicated service. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed working in her flowers, loved to go…
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The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported labor force and employment growth in February. “Georgia’s latest labor market data shows continued growth in both the labor force and employment as more Georgians are working and stepping into opportunity across the state,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That matters because when more people are working, businesses gain access to talent, families gain stability, and Georgia is better positioned to compete, win and adapt in today’s global economy.” Here is a synopsis of each regional commission. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the…
The Coffee County School System is pleased to announce the selection of Grady Hart as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Facilities.Mr. Hart brings educational leadership experience with a proven track record of leadership in school operations, safety, student services, and facilities coordination. He currently serves as Assistant Principal at Coffee High School and district-wide Assistant Athletic Director, where he has played a critical role in managing complex operational systems across multiple schools.In his current role, Mr. Hart has led and supported district efforts in transportation logistics, facility management, school safety systems, and event operations, while also serving as…
The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Southeast Health District is advising residents across Southeast Georgia to take precautions as smoke from multiple wildfires continues to impact air quality well beyond the immediate fire area. Wildfire smoke can travel miles beyond the immediate fire area and may affect communities that are not in direct proximity to the flames. Exposure to smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It may also worsen conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take steps to protect their health while…
Mr. Rodrigo Cortez, age 59, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a recent illness. Rodrigo was born March 13, 1967, in Gresco, Mexico, to the late Presto Cortez and the late Paulina Rangel Cortez. He was a dedicated employee of Holt’s Manufacturing for 16 years where he worked diligently for the late Cecil Holt manufacturing the “Pecan Wizard”. Rodrigo enjoyed gardening and keeping his yard nice and kept up. He was known for having a green thumb. Rodrigo is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Kathy Peacock Cortez…
Randall Dean Lanier Sr., age 76, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 at his home. He was born on July 23, 1949, the son of the late Mr. Raymond Lanier and the late Mrs. Mary Etta Lanier. His survivors include: his beloved wife, Tracy Alane Lanier of Douglas, GA; two children, Randall (Donna) Lanier Jr. of Douglas, GA and Melinn Lanier of Gainesville, FL; three grandchildren: Ashley (Cory) Elston of Douglas, GA, Paiden (Taylor) Lanier of Broxton, GA and Rowdy (Ruby) Lanier of Douglas, GA; eight great-grandchildren, Ryder, Rebel, Haven, Leighton, Hampton, Kason, Kagen and…
Charles Davis, age 82, of Broxton, Ga, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2026, at Vista Park in Douglas, GA. He was born on January 19, 1944, the son of the late Mr. Tim Davis and the late Mrs. Marie Douglas Davis. His survivors include: his beloved wife, Peggy Sue Davis of Broxton, GA; three sons: Tim (Leslie) Davis of Douglas, GA, Jason (Jordon) Hutchison of Lake City, FL and Charles Davis II of Kingsland, GA; two daughters, Tina Hutchison of Douglas, GA and Bridgette Greene of Jacksonville, FL; eleven grandchildren: Chloe, Trent, Jasmine, Madison, Jason Jr., Payton, Anlye,…
On April 17, 2026, a deputy with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to meet with a complainant at the Coffee County Law Enforcement Center regarding a report of alleged criminal activity involving Rubin Jewell, 37, of Douglas. During the report, information was received alleging that Jewell had created and possessed digitally altered pornographic images using artificial intelligence technology. The images were reported to depict an adult and a minor. A digital device was voluntarily surrendered to investigators and collected as evidence. The device has been submitted for further forensic examination. Deputies subsequently made contact with Jewell at a…
Last week, the CCA Patriots track and field team competed at the GIAA Class AA Region 3 Meet held at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany. The top four finishers in each event automatically qualify for the state meet, while the next eight best performances across all regions also receive state bids. For the girls, junior Arabelle Roberts led the way, qualifying in all three of her events. She captured the region title in the high jump and placed 2nd in both the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles. On the boys’ side, junior Ethan Duran claimed the region championship in the…
The Douglas Team for the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing has received Alumni status as a GICH Community. In 2026, 44 communities as part of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) were successfully certified as “Alumni” following review of submitted documentation and program participation requirements. Douglas GICH Team members are Matt Seale, Chris Calhoun, Joy Vickers, Lee Mobley, Delois Johnson, Clara Graham, Dexter Taylor, Jessica Rios, and Ward 1 City Commissioner Edwin Taylor. “We are working diligently with developers to help address the housing needs of citizens,” says Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, Georgia Henderson. “The Alumni Certification reflects…