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Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced criminal charges against four individuals in Pennsylvania, Jesse Hill, formerly of Berks County and now a resident of Coffee County, Georgia, Jose Serrano of Lancaster County, Eric Eleam of Butler County and Robert Ostrander, formerly of Cambria County and now a resident of New York, for the sexual assault and exploitation of children. In each case, all of the defendants’ victims were minors and members of Jehovah’s Witness congregations. “These cases are disturbing, the allegations hard to imagine, and all share one common tie. The 19 victims and the four men who are being charged with sexually violating…

Eighteen ABAC students, including one from Douglas and another from Pearson, have been selected to participate in one of the most prestigious organizations on the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College campus, the ABAC Ambassadors. Through a process involving application, letters of recommendation, and interviews, college administrators choose students whom they believe to be motivated and who show leadership potential to serve as Ambassadors. To continue in the organization, students must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and commit at least 35 hours per semester to their service as Ambassadors. …

The Lady Trojans wrapped up the 2022 season in Gray at the Jones County regional going 1-2 against Jones and Northside Columbus. In game 1, Coffee knocked off Jones County 8-7 as Erin Robinson struck out 7 in the win. Hannah Capps and Ella Winters had 2 hits each while Hanna Hutchison, Erin Robinson, Kaci Thacker, and Imani Paulk all added 1 apiece. Imani Paulk’s hit was a long 3-run homer to pace the Coffee offense. In the winners’ bracket final Coffee lost 9-1 to last year’s state runner-up Northside, one of the better hitting teams…

The City of Douglas was recognized by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Awards Recognition Event on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. Georgia city and county leaders gathered at the C.E. Weir Center for the event with special remarks given by DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn and Rep. Penny Houston, Chair of Appropriations: Economic Development. “Comprehensive planning is essential in helping to build strong, vibrant communities,” said DCA Commissioner Nunn. “And it is evident as I traveled here today that cities such as Douglas are leading the way by completing projects based upon their local comprehensive plan.” During…

Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services announces the graveside service for Levi Cash Smith, age five months, of Willacoochee, who passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022. The family will receive friends at the home of William Laney & Crystal Courdle 220 Gaskins Street Willacoochee. Service time will be announced later. Interment will be in the Willacoochee City Cemetery in Willacoochee, Georgia. He was preceded in death by Great-Aunt: Rosie Courdle. Survivors include: Mother: Amber Smith of Willacoochee; Sister: Josi Lynn Smith of Willacoochee; Uncles & Aunts: Paul & Amber Courdle, Mark & Jasmine Smith of Tennessee, Daniel…

Vonkeshia Nicole O’Neal was born on January 22, 1975, to the late Joel O’Neal and Linda Sue Barnes O’Neal in Alma, Georgia. She graduated from Bacon County High School in 1994. Vonkeshia worked as a CNA at Bacon County Hospital. She joined First African Baptist Church at an early age, where she sang in the youth choir. She was preceded in death by her father, Joel O’Neal, and her child, Brandy O’Neal. She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Linda Sue Barnes O’Neal; one brother, Marco O’Neal; one sister: Percilla Barton; one niece,…

Hiram G. Mancil, age 71, of Willacoochee, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Mancil was born on December 15, 1950, in Atkinson County, Georgia, to the late Pearley Levi Mancil and Minnie Darley Mancil. Survivors include: Three Daughters; Laura Jo (Don) King of Waycross, GA, Regina Lynn Mancil of Willacoochee, GA, Karen Elizabeth (Ricky) Roberts of Nashville, GA, One Brother; Julian (Kathy) Mancil, Seven Grandchildren; Six Great-Grandchildren; and several Nieces and Nephews. Mr. Mancil was preceded in death by: His parents, Pearley Levi Mancil and Minnie…

Little Gabriella Brooke Faust, age 4 months and 23 days, of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. She was born, May 23, 2022, in Ocilla, Ga., daughter of Dakota James Faust and Megan Joiner. Gabriella laughed and smiled throughout her time here; bringing joy and happiness to everyone she touched, especially her favorite big sister, Elizabeth. She will be safe in the arms of Jesus, until we see her again. Survivors include: Parents: Dakota (D.J.) and Megan Joiner Faust of Willacoochee, Ga. …

Mr. Bobby Joe Guess, age 75 of Pearson, Ga., passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Guess was born July 20, 1947 in Coffee County, Georgia, son of Joseph Edward (Joe) and Bessie Crosby Guess. He had made his home in Pearson and was a l965 graduate of Atkinson County High School. He retired from Standard Container in Homerville after 22 years and then went to work with GCI, retiring after 25 years. He loved to hunt, especially with dogs, and enjoyed growing a garden every year and outdoor grilling. He…

Mrs. Debra T. Tarrant, age 58 of Douglas, Ga., passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. Mrs. Tarrant was born January 2, l964, daughter of Beatrice Deree James and Terice Paulk, Sr. She had made her home in the Douglas and Pearson area her entire life and was a homemaker. She enjoyed water skiing, skating, gardening and especially loved her pets. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: Daughter: Crystal Waldron and husband Daniel of Broxton, Ga. Brother: Terry Paulk and wife Christina of…