The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease. At this time, DPH is not aware of any Georgia-specific outbreaks, clusters, or potential links to the outbreak that has sickened more than a thousand people across multiple states. Investigation into common sources nationally is ongoing. Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite – Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Treated water in the U.S. does not contain Cyclospora. Although domestically acquired cases occur in…
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Ms. Pamela Henriot Lambert, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. Pamela was born January 21, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late George Henriot and the late Alene Norton Henriot. She made her career as a machine operator for PCC Airfoils, LLC in Douglas, Georgia. She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved her cats and thrifting and never met a stranger. Along with her parents, Pamela was preceded in death by two siblings, Carolyn “Sister” Pope and Richard Henriot. Pamela leaves behind four…
Thomas “J-Bird” Justin Whitaker, age 40, of Denton, Georgia, Passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. He was born October 13, 1985, to his loving parents, Bridget Mize (Michael) and Thomas Whitaker (Stefanie). He was deeply passionate about the Georgia bulldogs Football team and never missed a opportunity to cheer them on. He also loved Monday night wrestling, enjoyed countless games of UNO, where his competitive spirit always shined, and found great joy in listening to both gospel and country music. These simple pleasures brought him happiness and reflected the warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit that those…
A two-week investigation by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has resulted in the recovery of two stolen horses and the arrest of two out of county suspects accused of stealing the animals from a Coffee County property. In early June, deputies responded to a residence in the Pridgen community north of Broxton after the owner reported that a colt and a filly, each valued at approximately $3,000, had been stolen from a secured enclosure. During the investigation, detectives learned the two suspects had previously visited the property expressing interest in purchasing the horses. After inspecting the animals,…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has signed an articulation agreement with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) that creates a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in elementary education. The agreement allows students who earn an Education degree from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to transfer into ABAC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program, providing a clear and affordable pathway to completing a four-year degree and entering the teaching profession. Leaders from both institutions gathered July 8 to commemorate the partnership. “It’s about the students!” DeAnnia Clements, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, said. “It’s about putting them first and making…
Mr. Roy Metts, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with his loving wife of 45 years, Chris Metts by his side. Roy was born January 31, 1950, in Pearson, Georgia, to the late Dan Metts and the late Ollie Guess Metts. He made his career in the funeral service industry where he devoted many years to serving families in the South Georgia area prior to his retirement. He had a heart for people and loved to work helping families in their most heartbroken times. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing,…
In the early morning hours of June 12, 2026, agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, assisted by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office D.I.C.E. Unit, executed a search warrant as part of a narcotics investigation targeting the distribution of crack cocaine within Coffee County. The search warrant was executed at a residence on Terrell Road in Douglas. During the search, agents arrested Quanta Taylor, 28, following an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine. Agents seized approximately 54.6 grams of crack cocaine, a stolen 9mm handgun, and $3,978 in cash believed to be connected to illegal drug activity. Taylor was charged…
Telfair County Sheriff’s Office K9 Maverick has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Maverick’s vest was sponsored by Sean Omsted, Combat Disabled Veterans Surplus of Clayton, Wash., and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by C.D.V.S. Inc.”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9…
Joshua Whittington, Executive Director of Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, has been selected as one of only 25 employees from across the state to participate in the 2026 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Senior Leadership Academy. Whittington, who is based on Wiregrass Tech’s Valdosta Campus and resides in Omega, Georgia, was nominated for the highly competitive program by Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. The academy is designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive leadership roles within Georgia’s technical college system and offers an intensive yearlong professional development experience. “Joshua has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, industry…
Arthur Carroll Smith, age 63, of Douglas, GA passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Smith was born on January 24, 1963 in Coffee County, GA to the late Leland and Pauline D. Smith. His survivors include one daughter, Jody Smith of Douglas, GA; one son, Austin Tyler Smith of Ambrose, GA; and four grandchildren: Aries Tyler Smith, Bryson Rollins, Blakley Rollins, and Oktober Harrington. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Pauline D. Smith; one sister, Carla Faulk; and one brother, Michael Smith. The family…