Author: Submitted

The City of Douglas along with several community organizers will conduct the Taking Back Our Families and Community March on Saturday, October 15, 2022. The purpose of the march will be to bring awareness to drugs, gangs, and gun violence in our community. “We want to see everyone take part in this march for our community,” says March Organizer and City Commissioner Kentaiwon Durham. “We have to show unity in our community in order to combat the drug issues, gangs and gun violence that has occurred recently in our community. We have to take our community back!” …

Coffee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has recognized Lexi Smith as the DAISY Award winner for the second quarter of 2022. The DAISY Award ceremonies recognize extraordinary nurses throughout the year. Each nominee is recognized, and one winner is chosen for each quarter from those nominees. Lexi is a Registered Nurse in our Intensive Care Unit and was nominated by her co-workers. This was Lexi’s first nomination for the DAISY Award. Her co-workers wrote of her work ethic stating, “Lexi goes above and beyond for her patients and coworkers. She meets every task with a bright smile and bubbly…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College held the Spring and Summer 2022 Commencement Exercises Thursday, July 14. The ceremony honored both Spring and Summer Semester, graduates. Spring and Summer Semester had 944 students combined who were awarded their associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit, and 226 students who were High School Equivalency graduates. Among those graduating, the college awarded 144 associate degrees, 197 diplomas, and 1101 technical certificates. The commencement ceremony was held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. Ryan Degner, Welding Technology graduate and the 2022 Wiregrass GOAL, was the ceremony speaker. He was…

Leeia Fields (Class of 2025) of Douglas was recently selected as a Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) Nathan Deal Scholar, announced MUSM Dean Jean Sumner, M.D. Nathan Deal Scholars are selected based on their strong ties to rural Georgia, character, leadership qualities, community involvement and their likelihood of serving in rural, underserved Georgia after their scholarship obligations are met. The recipients receive 85-100% of tuition for up to four academic years. “The Nathan Deal Scholarship enables and supports students who want to practice in rural communities and become outstanding physicians. These scholars represent the highest…

The Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee is gearing up for a beautification project at Jackie Allen Park. On Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 9:30 am-noon, volunteers will be sprucing up the Jackie Allen Park, a neighborhood park located on Roper Street. “We are really excited about this beautification project as a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate,” says Dinitra Williams, KDB President. “This project is a part of our Yearly Work Plan for 2022. Be on the lookout for another project coming up in January.” Plans are to pressure wash the building, re-paint areas of the building, clean up…

Mrs. Katherine “Kat” L. Crawford, age 85 of Pearson, Ga., passed away Monday, October 3, 2022, at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Kentucky on May 18, 1937. After graduating high school, Mrs. Crawford worked as a telephone operator for John’s Lincoln-Mercury, as well as a homemaker. She made her home in Pearson for the last ten years and enjoyed gardening and yard work. Mrs. Crawford was preceded in death by her son. Survivors include: Husband: Walter D. Crawford of Pearson, Ga. Daughters: Vicky, Connie, Melanie,…

Mr. Norman L. Batten of Douglas, Ga. passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. Survivors include: Daughter: Valerie Batten of Douglas, Ga. 3 Sons: Donovan Batten and wife Kandy of Pearson, Ga. Kalem Batten and fiancé Katie Hersey of Pearson, Ga. Norman L. Batten II of Douglas, Ga. 2 Brothers: David Batten and wife Eugenia of Bowdon, Ga. Russell Batten and wife Margaret of Perry, Fl. 2 Sisters: Sandye Hersey and husband Kenneth of Douglas, Ga. Nancy Measels and husband Mark of Douglasville,…

Mrs. Ruth Spivey Whaley, age 87 of Pearson, Ga., passed away Friday, September 30, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Survivors include: 2 Sons: Timothy R. Whaley of Pearson, Ga. Ronnie O. Whaley and wife Joyce of Picayune, Ms. Daughter: Helen Laglue and husband Carl of New Orleans, La. 13 Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Whaley will be held, Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Hardy Crosby officiating. The internment will follow in Holy…

Mr. Richard Blain Kirkland, age 62 of Willacoochee, Ga., passed away unexpectedly, Thursday afternoon, September 29, 2022, in Berrien Co. Ga. Survivors include: Mother: Shirley Kirkland Chapman of Valdosta, Ga. Wife: Vickey Hunkapiller Kirkland of Willacoochee, Ga. 2 Sons: Blain Kirkland and wife, Christina of Willacoochee, Ga. Kyle Kirkland of Willacoochee, Ga. 4 Brothers: A.L. Kirkland of Dothan, Ala. Joe Kirkland and wife, Carla of Blackshear, Ga. Tony Kirkland and wife, Cathy of Baxley, Ga. Roy Kirkland of Valdosta, Ga. 3 Sisters: Deborah Nobles and husband, Mike of…

The Lady Trojans had a busy week as they went 4-1 including wins over #3 ranked Wayne County and #8 ranked Alcovy. The Coffee squad started the week with a 4-1 win over Wayne at home as Erin Robinson scattered 4 hits in the win. Kaci Thacker led the way with 2 hits and Hannah Capps, Morgan Hodges, Imani Paulk, and Morgan Adams chipped in a hit each. Coffee then went on the road and shutout Statesboro in a region win as Erin Robinson picked up another no-hitter and struck out 16 Blue Devils. Kaci Thacker pounded…