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South Georgia State College has recently updated its standard operating hours to better meet the needs of students, families, and the community. Effective immediately, SGSC offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Douglas and Waycross campuses. This change is designed to enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for anyone needing to connect with college departments or access campus services. Whether it’s academic advising, admissions, financial aid, or student support, SGSC’s updated hours offer more availability for both in-person and phone inquiries. “We are committed to being responsive and accessible,” said Dr.…

J.W. Hurst, age 86, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27th, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on March 27th, 2025, the son of the late Alex Hurst and the late Stella Mae Gartman Hurst. His survivors include one daughter, Angela Hurst of Douglas, GA; three grandchildren, Sara Kaytlyn (Michael) Bennett, Cordelia Hale, and Paisley Bennett; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Cole Royal and Bentley Gage Wilkerson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Ruth Sisk Hurst; father, Alex Hurst; mother, Stella Mae Gartman Hurst and one son, Alex Hurst. A memorial service…

The City of Douglas, Pilgrim’s Pride, GFL Environmental, and other great partners will host the 2025 Freedom Fest celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025, at JC Adams Municipal Park – Jardine Stadium. The gates will open at 5 p.m., and stadium seating will be provided. Admission and parking are free. There will be free rides at the Rucker Family Kids Carnival, food and general vendors, and fireworks at dark. Food vendors include Backyard BBQ & Catering, Bennett’s Cool Treats, Keanum’s Kreamery, LA Twister, Paradise Island Cuisine, QT Treats, Salty Lime, Super Dawg, Taqueria Tamalipas, and The Sweet Shop. Other vendors…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged Shane Lawson Tanner Jr. in connection with the theft of firearms and coins from a local residence. On June 30, 2025, the sheriff’s office launched an investigation after a report of stolen firearms and approximately $60 in rolled quarters from a home where Tanner Jr. had recently performed air conditioning work and had access. As a result of the investigation Tanner Jr. was arrested and charged with theft by taking. The stolen firearms were recovered from a third party in Atkinson County. Tanner Jr. has been charged with two counts of…

According to a press release from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, drug agents made multiple arrests in a successful two-week operation targeting illegal drug activity across Coffee County. This effort, made possible through the collaboration of the City of Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Unit, continues to demonstrate effective results in combating the presence and distribution of illegal narcotics in the community. From June 18 to July 1, 2025, the joint operation led to the apprehension of the following individuals: Benjie Nelm Swain was arrested on June 18, 2025, following a traffic stop on…

Cynthia Diane Jewell, age 60, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2025, at her residence. She was born on September 20th, 1964, the daughter of the late Harley Gillespie and the late Lois Jeanette Morgan Gillespie. Her survivors include: two sons, Justin (Shasta) Taft of Douglas, GA and Wesley Taft of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Dianna Michelle Zuniga of Douglas, GA; seven grandchildren, Alex Hill, Rafael Zuniga, Brandon Zuniga, Jeremy Zuniga, Nevaeh Taft, Aubri Taft, and Jaxon Taft; one great grandson, Greyson Hill; three sisters, Glenda Velarde, Wanda Hollinger, and Eva (Timothy) Weldon; one sister-in-law, Carrie Smith;…

Following an investigation that spanned one month, drug agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit executed a search warrant on June 24, 2025. Detectives located a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and digital scales, consistent with drug distribution. 60-year-old Glen Merrill, the resident of the home, was later observed traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and Merrill was detained without incident. Merrill was found to have two active arrest warrants and now faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was transported to the Coffee County Jail where he remains in custody.

Douglas City Commissioners Steve Bailey, Mike Gowen, and Edwin Taylor received Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificates during the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on Monday, June 23, 2025. This institute, a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, offers a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials. “This is a remarkable achievement,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “The investment that Commissioners Bailey, Commissioner Gowen, and Commissioner Taylor have made through their commitment to professional development sets the standard for innovation and service in local…

Douglas and Coffee County residents are warmly invited to the groundbreaking ceremony and dedication of a new housing development for survivors of Hurricane Helene. The event, hosted by The Hope Initiative, Hope for Coffee, and the City of Douglas, will take place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 in the park located at 315 Alunza Street. The entire community is encouraged to come together for this significant occasion as officials, recovery agencies, and the Douglas and Coffee County community unite to break ground on a project that will bring healing to several families. “By joining together, we have fostered healing and…

The Waycross Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the location of two suspects who allegedly fired at officers during a chase, according to a press release. On June 28, 2025, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Waycross police attempted to stop a vehicle connected to several felonies in Waycross. The vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, the pursuing officer came under gunfire from suspects inside the fleeing vehicle, causing the patrol car to be struck several times. The suspects eventually abandoned the vehicle in a neighborhood on the south side, prompting a foot pursuit that…