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Thomas Bryan Preston Sr., age 83, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Mr. Preston was born on May 12, 1939, in Douglas, GA to Montgomery Lane Preston and Ouida Bryan Preston. Survivors include; Wife: Janice Pope Preston of Douglas, GA, Son: Thomas Bryan Preston Jr. (Mary) of Douglas, GA, Daughter: Pamela Preston of Douglas, GA, Grandchildren: Tyler McNeese and Chelsea Preston, Great Grandchild: Gauge McNeese, Brother: Robert Preston of Douglas, GA and several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by; Father: Montgomery Lane Preston, Mother: Ouida Bryan Preston and Brother: Montgomery Lane…

Eleven students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have been selected to serve on the Student Alumni Council (SAC). Students selected include Caleb Bagley, a senior rural community development major from Douglas; Lauren Brenneman, a senior community health and development major from Tifton; Bridget Dixon, a senior agricultural communication major from Kite; Madison Newell, a junior history and government major from Tifton; Emma Richwine, a junior agricultural communication major from Bishop; and Bryce Roland, a senior agricultural communication major from Perry. Other students selected include Emily Rowland, a sophomore biology major from Tifton; Emily Staton, a junior crop and…

The South Georgia State College Hawks utilized a balanced scoring attack and strong rebounding Wednesday night to defeat the Thomas University (JV) Night Hawks 95-75. SGSC has now won fourteen straight season openers dating back to the program’s 2009 inaugural season. “This was a great opening game,” said Head Coach Cory Baldwin. “The guys came out a little nervous and anxious. Once they settled down, I thought they played well and improved tonight.” Four players scored in double figures for the Hawks (1-0). Keith Lamar led SGSC with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Zae Wiggins had…

State troopers from the Georgia State Patrol Post 36 in Douglas investigated 64 traffic crashes during the month of October. Sergeant First Class Harding said the traffic crashes resulted in 48 injuries and 2 fatalities. Sergeant First Class Harding said Troopers from Post #36 also issued 497 traffic citations during the month. This total includes 47 arrests for Driving Under the Influence, 123 citations for speeding, 84 seatbelt violations, 24 child restraint violations, and 29 distracted driving violations. Troopers issued 557 warnings for the month.

On October 31, in the early morning hours, the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations team conducted an undercover narcotics operation in Ben Hill County. During the operation, agents and deputies served a search warrant at 408 West Magnolia Street in Fitzgerald During the execution of the search, agents recovered a large quantity of marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and several Schedule IV prescription tablets. Also recovered were electronic digital scales and multiple plastic bags, all of which are used in the distribution process of Illegal controlled Substances. The home at 408 West Magnolia Street…

The Coffee County Board of Education is proud to announce the achievement and status of the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2022 Exemplary School Board recognition. The recognition program is designed to showcase best practices in school governance and leadership. GSBA recognizes good school board governance to foster educational community cultures in order to advance student learning and achievement. The Coffee County Board of Education met and/or exceeded the criteria set forth by GSBA to earn the honor of a 2022 Exemplary Board. The GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program was developed by Georgia superintendents…

The Jeff Davis County Drug Unit has made several arrests in the last few weeks. From proactive street presence to search warrants and even someone who inadvertently turned herself in, officers have dropped a heavy hammer on a few unsuspecting subjects. On October 13, 2022, drug investigators were conducting an investigation at a suspected trap house. During their initial investigation, Jesse Owen Davis was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. On October 15, 2022, drug investigators executed a search warrant at a residence, the subject being investigated fled the scene on foot but was shortly apprehended by…

Mr. Cecil Mitchell Ray, age 83 of Douglas, passed away Friday afternoon, November 4, 2022 at Lakeside Senior Living at 1025 Chester Avenue North following an extended illness. Mr. Ray was born March 26, 1939 to the late Calvin Cecil Ray and the late Mary Edyth Mitchell Ray. Mr. Ray, a native of Goatrock, GA, was retired from the Coffee County Board of Education, where he taught Diversified Cooperative Training at Coffee High School. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Douglas. Survivors include: His wife of 62 years: Christine Ann…

Mrs. Stacie Michelle Vick Warren, age 51, of Douglas, GA passed away Sunday evening, October 30, 2022, at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA following a short illness. Mrs. Warren was born July 9, 1971 to Patti Vick Lee and the late Ralph Vick. Mrs. Warren, a native of Atlanta, GA, earned her Master’s degree in Education. She was a teacher at West Coffee Middle School. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Survivors include: Her Husband: James David Warren of Douglas, GA. Mother: Patti Vick Lee of Douglas, GA. …

Mrs. Patsy Jean Kirkland Spivey, age 74, of Nicholls, GA passed away Friday morning, October 28, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center, following an extended illness. Mrs. Spivey was born September 4, 1948 to the late Curtis Colon “Buddy” Kirkland and the late Myrtice Harper Kirkland. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by 6 Siblings, Geraldine Lott, Boy Kirkland, Mann Kirkland, Linda Kirkland, Bonnie Stone and Bobby “Cotton” Kirkland. Mrs. Spivey, a native of Coffee County, retired from the Coffee County Board of Education, having worked as a Bus Driver, Lunchroom Employee and…