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The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Irwin County. The Irwin County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on September 23, 2022, at 2:25 p.m. One man was shot and has died. No deputies were injured during this incident. Preliminary information indicates that Irwin County Task Force Agents saw Henry Wilson Mercer, age 63, of Ocilla, driving a Chevrolet Silverado. Agents knew that Mercer had an outstanding warrant. When they attempted to stop Mercer, he refused to stop and sped away. A high-speed pursuit took place over several miles. Irwin County Sheriff’s…

The Coffee football team wasn’t the only set of Trojans to knock off a 7A opponent this week. The Lady Trojans softball team defeated Lee County 8-0 as part of a 2-1 week. which included a win against Bradwell Institute and a loss to Ware County. Both wins were no hitters courtesy of Erin Robinson who also set the single-season strikeout record in the process. Robinson struck out 13 against Lee. Only one baserunner was able to reach and seniors Imani Paulk and K J Thacker led the way with 2 hits apiece. Hanna Hutchison, Morgan Hodges, Morgan…

Geraldine Hill Hursey, age 93, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022. Mrs. Hursey was born on May 6, 1929, in Laurens County, GA to the late George Y. Hill and the late Alice Garrett Hill. Survivors include: Daughter: Marsha Kaye (Reggie) Gilliard of Douglas, GA, Grandchildren: Chad Gilliard and Kelly Gilliard, Special Niece: Sandra Holland and several Nieces and Nephews. Mrs. Hursey was preceded in death by: Husband, Elijah Hursey, and a Daughter, Pam Renee Hursey. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at First Baptist Church. …

Barbara Jean Banks, age 76, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Ms. Banks was born on September 3, 1946, in Douglas, GA to the late Randall Paul Banks and the late Lila Lucile Lankford Banks. Survivors include: Daughter: Terri (Courtney) Banks of Douglas, GA, Son: Trent Allan Banks of Douglas, GA, Brother: Randy Banks of Nicholls, GA, Sister: Debbie Lee of Douglas, GA, Grandchildren, Tiffany Lana Rowell, Gregory Tyler Rowell, Cassandra Nichole Banks, Bryce Randal Banks, Rylee Ann Banks, Preston Hasty, Loghan Hasty, Kailey Hasty, Great-Grandchildren: Eleanor Rowell, Jaxson Morris and Makenna Morris. …

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia has been recognized for its work with Forum Communications by receiving a gold level honor from the Hermes Creative Awards for its brand and logo development work. Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media. Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communications professionals. There were over 6,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada, and 26 other countries in the Hermes Creative Awards 2022 competition.…

The Douglas Utilities Department’s Natural Gas division will observe Public Natural Gas Week from October 2 to 8, 2022. This annual nationwide event is intended to build public awareness about the value of having a community-owned natural gas utility. During this week, we will also educate residents on the environmental and cost benefits of using clean, reliable, and affordable natural gas in addition to the cost benefits of natural gas appliances. There are approximately 1,000 public natural gas systems serving more than 6 million customers. These public natural gas utilities are not-for-profit retail distribution entities that are owned…

By Ray Glier The Georgia Recorder www.georgiarecorder.com DOUGLAS – Sitting at a back table at Ole Times restaurant, Larry Nesmith was putting a cold drink to his lips when his phone jangled. It was his wife calling. They live out near the high school and kids in their trucks can get a little excitable after school. She said one smacked a fence, then sped off. Blue lights from the sheriff’s car zipped by moments later. “That’s the kind of news we’re used to, a kid in a truck,” said Nesmith, a Democrat, and a community activist…

Coffee Regional Medical Center President and CEO Vicki Lewis announced at a ceremony Thursday that the hospital is committing $300,000 payable over the next four years to the Wiregrass Tech Foundation North. The pledge will support costs for the new Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) for the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College on the Coffee Campus. “Assuring we have the number of talented and well-trained RN’s needed to care for our patients is challenging and a central part of our work at Coffee Regional. We are pleased to partner with Wiregrass to bring the ASN program to Douglas.…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded multiple scholarships to help students complete their education and develop workforce skills. Ten students from the Coffee Campus were among the 22 Wiregrass students awarded scholarships, which were made possible because of generous college supporters. The scholarships will help pay for tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies needed for their programs. The scholarships were merit-based and applicants had to complete an application and provide letters of support. The Coffee Campus students awarded scholarships for Fall Semester were: Karagan Merritt, William A Crider, Jr. Scholarship, Design Media Technology; Eric McIver, William A. Crider, Jr. Scholarship,…

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Gloria Marshall, age 61, Patricia Thomas, age 65, and Lisa Trimble, age 55, all of Homerville, were arrested and charged with Operating Unlicensed Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS, a felony), Commercial Gambling (Felony), and Keeping a Gambling Place (Misdemeanor). The GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Clinch County Sheriff’s Office, the Homerville Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol, and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation executed search warrants at one unlicensed location at 3665 Pearson Highway in Homerville, and one residence. During the course of a lengthy investigation, agents discovered an unlicensed business…