On Monday, October 12, 2026, the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on South Bead Street in Alma as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Earlier that day, Cleavanta Jerrideau, 34, of Alma, was stopped by officers with the Broxton Police Department for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers discovered approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine inside his vehicle. Jerrideau was taken into custody by Broxton Police Department officers. During the execution of the search warrant on South Bead Street, Bacon County deputies recovered: 9.75 ounces of methamphetamine, 21 grams of…
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South GeorgiaLEADS is now accepting applications for its 2027 Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), a regional leadership development program designed to empower women, strengthen professional and personal leadership skills, and foster meaningful connections across South Georgia. Launched in 2023, the Women’s Leadership Initiative has been part of South GeorgiaLEADS’ regional leadership development efforts since its inception. Designed by women for women, the program provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations, learn from experienced leaders and peers, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing women throughout the region. WLI builds upon South GeorgiaLEADS’ commitment to developing informed, engaged…
Mary Linda White, age 78, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia. She was born on August 28, 1948, the daughter of the late Ingram Cooper and the late Lillian Cooper Carter. Her survivors include: two sons, Andy McQueen of Douglas, GA, and James (Tonya) McQueen of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Blondale McQueen (Clay) Thomas of Douglas, GA; eight grandchildren, Marlena McQueen, Anthony McQueen, Hunter McQueen, Barron Thomas, Brylee Thomas, Hali (Mac) Denney, Danielle (Mitchell) Ricketson, and Tyler McQueen; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Larry (Donna) Cooper and Freddie…
Mrs. Lisa Carelock, age 57, of Douglas, GA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 18, 1969, the daughter of the late Mr. Grady Phillips and the late Mrs. Betty Jane Bailey Phillips. Her survivors include: her beloved husband; David Carelock of Douglas, GA, three sons; Stacy “Buddy” (Stacy) Touchton of Valdosta, GA, William (Jennifer) Touchton of Douglas, GA, and Jacob Touchton of Douglas, GA, one stepson; Draven Criss Carelock of Douglas, GA, one daughter; Tamara Touchton of Douglas, GA, eight grandchildren, one brother; David (Nina) Phillips of Douglas,…
On October 20, 2026, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle matching the description of one involved in a reported altercation on Jeff Lewis Road. The driver, identified as Laquavious Tequan Douglas, 24, of Waycross, refused to stop and fled from deputies. During the pursuit, Douglas drove on the wrong side of the roadway, traveled through an active school zone, and reached speeds of approximately 124 mph, endangering other motorists and the public. Agents with the D.I.C.E. Unit joined the pursuit and performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver near Riverbend Estates Road, bringing the…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly announces Cameron Lee of Lowndes County as the college’s 2027 Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Student of the Year. Lee was recognized during the 30th Annual EAGLE Recognition Reception held Thursday evening, October 15, celebrating three decades of honoring outstanding adult education students and their commitment to educational achievement. The annual reception, sponsored by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and First Federal Savings and Loan of Valdosta, brought together college leadership, adult education instructors, community partners, and supporters to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, determination, and dedication…
As part of the ongoing investigation into the current measles case in Macon County, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has determined that the individual visited a restaurant in Houston County while infectious. Anyone at the following location during the listed time may have been exposed: Longhorn Steakhouse 100 Hampton Court Perry, Georgia 31069 October 7, 2026, Exposure window: 7 PM – 10 PM DPH urges anyone who was at the restaurant during this time to check their vaccination status and watch for measles symptoms. People without immunity through vaccination or previous measles infection should monitor for symptoms through…
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper has signed a proclamation recognizing Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) as the official Georgia Grown Medical School, underscoring its commitment to education, healthcare and service. Through its efforts to develop Georgia’s future physicians and address the healthcare needs of rural communities, Mercer’s mission aligns with Georgia Grown’s commitment to supporting a strong, healthy and prosperous state. Education: Mercer University School of Medicine accepts only Georgia residents into its Doctor of Medicine program and prioritizes students from rural communities, investing in future physicians who understand the needs of Georgians. Nearly half of its medical students…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is recognizing students participating in its Integrated Education and Training (IET) program, an initiative designed to help adult learners gain valuable workforce skills and earn industry-recognized credentials while working toward their high school equivalency. The program combines academic instruction with hands-on workforce preparation, providing students with opportunities to develop the technical knowledge and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Through the IET program, students receive employability training, essential soft skills development, and career-focused instruction that prepares them for meaningful employment opportunities. Training options range from two-week, non-credit courses to semester-long Technical Certificates…
The Southeast Health District is joining communities across the nation in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by encouraging women to prioritize their health and learn about available breast cancer screening services. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States. Early detection through appropriate screening can help identify breast cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment may be more effective. Through the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) helps eligible Georgia women access important screening services, including clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and referrals…