Author: Submitted

The City of Douglas is excited to participate in Georgia Cities Week, which is sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Approaching the 26th year of Georgia Cities Week, it offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community’s achievements and recognize the hard work of both volunteers and city employees. Last year, over 160 cities, including Douglas, participated in various programs and events to honor this week dedicated to celebrating Georgia’s cities. This year’s celebration will take place from April 21 to April 26, 2025, and will include a variety of events. The theme for this year’s Georgia Cities Week…

Jesse Cleveland McLeod, age 90, of Louisville, KY, passed away on Friday, April 11th, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on January 8th, 1935 the son of John Cleveland McLeod and Lota Bell Davis McLeod. Survivors include: his beloved wife; Wilma Ricketson McLeod of Louisville, KY, one son; Gary (Sandy) McLeod of Louisville, KY, one daughter; Sandra Kay McLeod of Brunswick, GA, one grandchild; Philip Ryan (Monet) McLeod, along with several nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by: one son; Dennis Wayne McLeod, five brothers, five sisters, one son in law; John…

On April 11, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 47-year-old Scott Mercier in connection with a domestic dispute that led to charges of battery – family violence. Deputies responded to a residence near Heidi Lane and Stewart Lane after receiving a 911 call placed by Mercier. Upon arrival, Mercier informed deputies that he had been involved in a physical altercation with an individual at a family member’s home while attempting to pick up his brother. He claimed the individual charged him, prompting him to strike the person with an unknown object in what he described as an…

Jeff Davis County deputies arrested a wanted fugitive from Alma and a suspected drug dealer in Hazlehurst during separate investigations earlier this month. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, Jeff Davis County deputies located a wanted fugitive from Alma at a residence in Jeff Davis County. Law enforcement approached Jonathan Taylor and informed him of his outstanding warrants. Taylor initially complied with law enforcement then suddenly attempted to flee on foot. A short foot chase took place before deputies were able to detain him. A search incident to arrest revealed Taylor to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. Taylor was…

Sheriff Fred Cole is once again urging community members to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to financial scams. Recently, scammers have been targeting local residents with fraudulent claims that they must pay a fee to resolve a bench warrant outside of court. This is a scam—no legitimate government agency, including those in Coffee County, offers such a service. Law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone to avoid arrest, cancel a warrant, or issue threats for non-compliance. Additionally, agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, cryptocurrency, or any other…

By: Stan Popovich Are you having trouble finding places to get some assistance for your mental health? Nowadays, many places have waiting lists, and some places can be very expensive. This can be very frustrating when you need help right away. As a result, here are 7 options you can use to start the process of getting some assistance as quickly as possible. 1. Contact your doctor: Your doctor is a great source in finding available mental health resources in your area. Explain your situation to your doctor and ask if he or she knows of anyone that can help you. Chances are…

Betty Jean Foskey Woods, age 84, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Memorial Health Hospital in Waycross, GA following an extended illness. Ms. Woods was born on June 30, 1940, in Douglas, GA, to the late Benjamin Franklin Foskey and Addie Taylor Foskey. Survivors include: one son; James David (Billie Kay) Woods of Douglas, GA, three daughters; Debbie Woods of Douglas, GA, Cathy (Steve) Phillips of Douglas, GA, Cheryl (John) Adams of Douglas, GA, one brother; Wayne (Kathy) Foskey of Lizella, GA, one sister; Jan (Cleve) Tyre of Douglas, GA, ten grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren,…

A South Georgia soldier killed in action during the Korean War is returning home. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Luther Grace, 34 at the time of his death, of Lumber City, was killed on November 30, 1950, in North Korea after the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Born on December 10, 1915, in Telfair County, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 11, 1940, and served continuously for over 10 years, including service in World War II. He was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. MSgt Grace was reported missing in…

Joann Sheffield, age 83, of Denton, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at her residence. She was surrounded by her family. Ms. Sheffield was born on May 13th, 1941, the daughter of Mr. Elbert and Mrs. Ruth Cato. Her survivors include: seven children; David (Sue) Henderson, Sherrie Henderson, Laddie Henderson, Steve Henderson, Tony Hayward, Deanne (Clark Harper) Hayward, and Tracy Warren, eighteen grandchildren; Ricky (Sarah) Mitchem, Freedom Mitchem, Scotty (Melanie) Mitchem, Mandie Selph, Graham Henderson, Michael Henderson, Ethan Henderson, Dawson Henderson, Kristi Henderson, Caleb Henderson, Taylor (Ashley) Hayward, Austin Smith, Jody (Billy) Smith Rollins, Eric Allen, Tanya…

Kathy Vickers, age 72, of Nicholls, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA. She was born on July 21st, 1952 the daughter of Mr. J.O. and Mrs. Ruth Vickers. Her survivors include: one daughter; Amanda (Brandon) Redden of Nicholls, GA, one granddaughter; Haley Redden of Nicholls, GA, one sister; Deborah (Jerry) Sutton of Douglas, GA, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: father; J.O. Vickers, mother; Ruth Vickers, and one brother; Allen Vickers. The family will receive friends on…