The Coffee High School FBLA chapter recently participated in the Georgia FBLA State Leadership Conference in Atlanta, where students competed in a variety of business and leadership events alongside chapters from across the state on March 12-16, 2026. From exploring downtown Atlanta, riding MARTA, and late nights, to meeting FBLA members from across the state, the conference provided students with valuable networking and educational opportunities. After a long day of competition on Friday, Coffee High School had four performance events advance to the finals round Saturday morning, placing among the top 12 entries in Georgia. Finalist teams included Addie Ingalls,…
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Mrs. Betty Sue Gibbs Paulk, age 92, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday evening, May 12, 2026, at her home following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Paulk, a native of Coffee County, was born September 16, 1933, to the late Willie Gibbs and the late Susie Vickers Gibbs Rollins. She married the love of her life, the late Thurston Paulk, Jr., and together they raised a beautiful family. She was a secretary at Livestock Marketers for a number of years and a dedicated and active member of Westwood Baptist Church. Her greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is proud to announce a new articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix, creating expanded opportunities for students to seamlessly continue their education from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program. This partnership is designed to provide Wiregrass students with a clear and efficient transfer pathway, ensuring that the coursework they complete at the associate level is recognized and applied toward their continued academic journey. Through this agreement, students who complete an associate degree at Wiregrass will be able to transfer their college-level, degree-applicable credits to the University of Phoenix, provided minimum grade requirements are…
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recognized its 2026 Students of Distinction, J.G. Woodroof Scholar, and 4.0 Medallion recipients during the annual Honors Day program May 1. ABAC President Tracy Brundage spoke to the high level of achievement the awards represent. “These students exemplify the very best of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College,” Brundage said. “Their achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also leadership, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference.” ABAC Students of Distinction are selected by faculty in each school from a pool of distinguished honor students, based on earned hours and grade-point averages at the end of the…
Debra Gail Summerlin, 69, of Newnan, GA passed away on May 9th, 2026 after an extended illness. Gail was born on June 4th, 1956 to Cecil and Doris Grantham in Douglas, GA. She found eternal peace alongside her husband, Curtis Summerlin, grandson, Walker Barnes, parents, Cecil and Doris Grantham, and siblings Josephine Thurman, Betty Whitley, Bobby Grantham, Doris Nell Whitley, and Jenny Lewis. Gail is survived by her three children – Lori Barnes of Newnan, GA and her husband, Chris Barnes; Ben Thomason of Baxley, GA and his wife Peighton Thomason; and Abbi Rowe of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren –…
Commencement for the Coffee High School and the Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy Class of 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. at Dan A. Jardine Stadium. The stadium will open for seating at 7:00 a.m. The graduates’ procession will begin at approximately 8:15 a.m. At this time, the South HOME gate will be locked and remain locked throughout the ceremony. The commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. • Tickets are not required for stadium entrance. • Handicap seating requires a PINK handicap ticket. Students may request in advance. Seating is available on…
By Van Yandell Matthew 28:18b-20 “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” There’s a country music song titled “Who’s Going to Fill Their Shoes?” The lyrics are words that strike the heart of not only country music lovers but also of those that proclaim the Gospel of…
Stay informed and get involved! The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend public meetings or consider joining a volunteer board. Currently, there are two boards that need volunteers, the Library Board and the Farmer’s Market. The City of Douglas is looking for two volunteers for the Library Board. The volunteer should live in the city limits of Douglas. The 2026 Coffee County Board of Trustees meet at 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at the Douglas-Coffee County Library. Below is the May 2026 schedule for boards and committees. All meetings are open to…
Seniors at Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy (WRCCA) are graduating with significant college and career momentum through dual enrollment with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC). The Class of 2026, made up of 72 seniors, earned a combined 1,722 college credit hours and 133 Technical Certificates of Credit while still completing their high school education. Through dual enrollment, students saved an estimated $184,254 in tuition costs, easing the financial burden of postsecondary education. “These outcomes demonstrate what is possible when students are given access, support, and high expectations,” said DeAnnia Clements. “Our partnership with WRCCA is helping students accelerate their…
Nicole Marie Smith, age 44, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA. She was born on January 26, 1982 the daughter of the late Richard Allen Edens, Sr. and Cynthia Herbert. Her survivors include mother, Cynthia Herbert of Douglas, GA; two sons, Wyatt Nelson of Douglas, GA and Gavin Nelson of Douglas, GA; one niece, Danica Edens of Douglas, GA; three grandchildren, Blair Nelson, Blane Nelson and Bodie McClelland; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Allen Edens, Sr.…