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A South Georgia soldier killed in action during the Korean War is returning home. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Luther Grace, 34 at the time of his death, of Lumber City, was killed on November 30, 1950, in North Korea after the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Born on December 10, 1915, in Telfair County, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 11, 1940, and served continuously for over 10 years, including service in World War II. He was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. MSgt Grace was reported missing in…

Joann Sheffield, age 83, of Denton, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at her residence. She was surrounded by her family. Ms. Sheffield was born on May 13th, 1941, the daughter of Mr. Elbert and Mrs. Ruth Cato. Her survivors include: seven children; David (Sue) Henderson, Sherrie Henderson, Laddie Henderson, Steve Henderson, Tony Hayward, Deanne (Clark Harper) Hayward, and Tracy Warren, eighteen grandchildren; Ricky (Sarah) Mitchem, Freedom Mitchem, Scotty (Melanie) Mitchem, Mandie Selph, Graham Henderson, Michael Henderson, Ethan Henderson, Dawson Henderson, Kristi Henderson, Caleb Henderson, Taylor (Ashley) Hayward, Austin Smith, Jody (Billy) Smith Rollins, Eric Allen, Tanya…

Kathy Vickers, age 72, of Nicholls, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA. She was born on July 21st, 1952 the daughter of Mr. J.O. and Mrs. Ruth Vickers. Her survivors include: one daughter; Amanda (Brandon) Redden of Nicholls, GA, one granddaughter; Haley Redden of Nicholls, GA, one sister; Deborah (Jerry) Sutton of Douglas, GA, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: father; J.O. Vickers, mother; Ruth Vickers, and one brother; Allen Vickers. The family will receive friends on…

A federal judge in Brooklyn today sentenced two men for trafficking protected birds and eggs into the United States in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Georgia, was ordered to pay a $900,000 fine — one of the largest-ever for an ESA case — and serve three years of probation. Toney Jones of Eufala, Alabama, was sentenced to six months of probation. Waldrop pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to smuggle wildlife and ESA violations, while Jones pleaded guilty to an ESA charge. According to court documents and statements made in court, Waldrop…

The following is a list of April 2025 City of Douglas Boards and Committees meetings.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) awarded South Georgia State College Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner with the Paragon Award for New Presidents. Dr. Tanner was honored during PTK Catalyst 2025, the Society’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5, 2025. Dr. Tanner was one of 25 college presidents nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year. To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than three years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once. “At SGSC, PTK provides…

On April 5, 2025, Lt. Anthony White’s 14-year-old son, Braylon, received a heart transplant at Arthur Blank Children’s Hospital in Atlanta after a grueling seven-year battle with severe heart complications. The family’s journey has been filled with trials, but there is hope on the horizon. To support Braylon’s recovery and to ease the financial strain on his parents during this challenging time, the deputies of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office have come together to host The Braylon Strong Benefit Basketball Tournament on April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. This event not only aims to raise funds for the White family…

Eugene “Gene” Carver, age 88, of Barnesville, GA, passed away on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at Upson Regional Medical Center. He was born in Coffee County Georgia in 1936 to Lawton and Pearl Carver. After attending Coffee County High School, he joined the U.S. Army. After his time in the army, he began a long and very successful career in the insurance business. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Barnesville, where he served as an active deacon for many years. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife of…

Coffee County has a couple of new state champions as well as one of the fittest women in the world in her age group. This past weekend Ashleigh Hulett, Katy Lott, and Bree McKinnon competed in WSO Georgia Weightlifting Championships in Atlanta at the Georgia International Convention Center. Katie Roberts, representing MaxOut CrossFit in Douglas, wrapped up the CrossFit Games season with an elite-level showing in the W40-44 age group.Katy Lott won gold in snatch, clean and jerk, and total in the W50 71kg division. Katy Lott also set a new state clean and jerk record of 61kg in the…

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joey R. Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us to be with our Lord and Savior on April 2, 2025. Born on April 21, 1943, in Lincoln County, NC to Mr. Thomas Ennis Smith and Helen Estelle Nantz Smith, Joey lived a life full of love, dedication, and resilience. Joey was the cherished husband of Toby Smith, who stood by his side through all of life’s adventures. Together, they built a family grounded in love and support. Joey was the proud father of three wonderful sons:…