By Representative James Burchett (176th District) With some strong tailwinds coming out of Washington – including a great visit to Georgia by President Trump last week – we’re feeling more optimistic than ever about the direction of our country, and we are doing our part to keep Georgia the number one state for business and for families. Here is a quick look at what we accomplished last week, and what we’re tackling next. The Amended FY 2026 Budget The House and Senate have both passed differing versions of the budget for the balance of Fiscal Year 2026. As a part…
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Students from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly represented the college at the 2026 Georgia SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, returning home with an impressive collection of gold, silver, and bronze medals across multiple competitive categories. While competing against top technical college students from across the state, Wiregrass students demonstrated excellence in skilled trades, health sciences, design, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. These Wiregrass students who won gold will represent Wiregrass Georgia Tech at the SkillsUSA National Championships: Alexis Ramirez (Lowndes County) – Dental Assisting Makhya Powell (Lowndes County) – Job Skills Demonstration A Benjamin Cook (Irwin County) – Telecommunications Cabling Hannah Wisenbaker (Lowndes County) – T-Shirt…
Ludell Harper, age 95, of Ambrose, GA, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was born on September 15, 1930, the daughter of the late Mr. Riley Luke and the late Mrs. Nellie Jernigan Luke. Her survivors include: six daughters, Sandra (Denny) Taylor of Wray, GA, Marie Mckinnon of Mora, GA, Patsy (Glen) Lott of Holt, GA, Elecia (D.W.) Harper of Lax, GA, Cindy (Stephen) Burt of Ambrose, GA, and Robbie Lynn (Lamar) Merritt of Ambrose, GA; one son, Lamar (Brenda) Harper of Ambrose, GA; sixteen grandchildren, Wade Taylor, Travis McKinnon, Shanda McKinnon Worth, Dewayne…
In late September, detectives with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Unit declared Clarence W. Mixon, a registered sex offender, absconded after being notified that Mixon had vacated his residence and fled the state. A coordinated investigation revealed that Mixon had fled Georgia and was residing at a location in South Texas. Coffee County detectives immediately alerted law enforcement authorities in Nueces County, Texas, providing detailed information regarding Mixon’s status as a fugitive and his violations of Georgia’s sex offender laws. After months of investigative work and interagency coordination, agents with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the…
Mr. William Donald “Donnie” Taylor, age 61, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation Center following a lengthy illness. Donnie was born October 20, 1964, in Douglas, Georgia, to William Dewey Taylor and the late Betty Edna Turner Taylor. He made his career as a self-employed electrician in the construction industry where he contracted with a variety of companies all over the southeast. He was 100% Redneck! He loved the country and he loved the south. He found great joy in working out and strengthening his body through exercise. He was…
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announces the promotion of James Feller Jr. to Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the GBI’s Region 14 Investigative Office in Kingsland. ASAC Feller will be responsible for assisting with supervising the staff assigned to the office, which serves seven counties in southeast Georgia. “ASAC Feller has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and leadership throughout his career with the GBI,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This promotion reflects both his experience and the trust he has earned within the Investigative Division. I look forward to his continued impact in mentoring agents and advancing investigative operations.” “ASAC Feller…
Wendy Littleton Berryhill, 59 yr. old of Zirconia, NC, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, following complications from cancer. Wendy, the youngest of four daughters, was born in 1966 in Beaumont, TX, to Patricia Hammond Littleton and William H. Littleton. She attended Richfield High School in Waco, TX, and later graduated from Coffee County High School in Douglas, GA. Wendy pursued a BS in Education at Georgia Southern University and Mars Hill University in NC. She had taught in Waco, Lewisville, Texas, and Polk County, North Carolina, schools, but held a special love for Saluda Elementary School in Saluda,…
Charles Lee Johns, age 80, of Millwood, GA, passed away suddenly in Cordele, GA. He was born on November 25, 1945 the son of the late Mr. Albert Lee Johns and the late Mrs. Hazel Chaney Johns. His survivors include: three daughters, Brenda (Mike) Bryan-Pike of Millwood, GA, Denise (Raymond) Crosby of Axson, GA, and Cindy (Jimmy) Lee of Blackshear, GA; five grandchildren, Morgan (Chris) Campbell of Douglas, GA, Cohen (Shelly) Crosby of Wray, GA, Jonathan (Hannah) Crosby of Douglas, GA, Taylor (Normandy) Lee of Blackshear, GA, and Dalton (Lia) Lee of Blackshear, GA; four great-grandchildren, Ella Crosby, Charlie Crosby,…
Early mornings in the barn. Late nights rinsing cattle. Countless hours spent feeding, walking, fitting, and preparing. For the Coffee County Cattle Club Show Team, show season isn’t just an event — it’s a lifestyle. This Saturday at 11 a.m., the community is invited to witness the results of that dedication at the 2026 Coffee County Cattle Battle, held at the Billy Walker Agricultural Center on the campus of Coffee Middle School. The 2026 show team includes: Josie Grantham, Jacob Hicks, Preston Hutto, Brett McIver, Maggie McIver, Makenzie McIver, Shana Parker, Jimmy Pridgen, and Nate Rish. This year’s senior showmen…
The first ever Georgia-Florida Invitational was a huge success, showcasing outstanding talent from both states and setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. The tournament took place at Coffee High’s Charles Wilson Field. With competitive matchups across the board, both Grove coaches – Coffee head coach Scott Grove and Dakoda Grove, his son and head coach of Foundation Academy, captured their respective brackets, making the inaugural event even more special. On the Georgia side, host school Coffee High School led the way, finishing 2-0. The Trojans opened with a 12-4 win over Foundation Academy. Foundation jumped out to an early 4-1 lead…