Author: Submitted

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:…

A convicted child molester is in custody after probation officers allegedly found pornography on his phone during a routine search. Sean Michael Fulton, 34, from Douglas, is a registered sex offender who was arrested and taken into custody on April 4, 2025, for allegedly violating his probation. Fulton was previously convicted of child molestation in March 2011. Earlier this week, during a routine search by probation officers from the Department Community Supervision, Fulton was allegedly found with pornography on his cell phone. Following this discovery, warrants were issued, leading to his arrest by the CCSO Sex Offender Unit on April…

SFC Howard Edward Laney, Jr., US Army, Ret., age 71, passed away suddenly, Sunday morning at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Howard was born March 23, 1954, in Orlando, Florida, to the late Howard Edward Laney, Sr. and the late Jane Marie Wise Laney.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he retired after 20 years of honorable service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  During his military career SFC Laney was a Combat Engineer serving during the Persian Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm.  Following his retirement he returned to his home and family in Willacoochee, Georgia,…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and South Georgia State College (SGSC) have signed an articulation agreement that benefits students for years to come. The articulation agreement will allow Wiregrass graduates with an associate degree in General Studies or General Business to seamlessly transfer into South Georgia State College’s Bachelor of Science in Management program. “South Georgia State College is thrilled to collaborate with our regional partner, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, to help students transition smoothly into a Bachelor of Science in Management program. This articulation agreement will provide more opportunities for students to further their education and enhance their future prospects,”…

On Monday, March 17, 2025 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Jeff Davis Drug Unit officers were conducting surveillance on an apartment building located on the Alma Highway in Jeff Davis County. During the surveillance, investigators observed a wanted fugitive with felony warrants get into a vehicle and leave the area. Investigators initiated a traffic stop; however, the vehicle failed to yield and kept traveling. The drug investigator sped up to pass the vehicle and got in front of it while the K9 deputy moved up to conduct a rolling stop on the vehicle. The SUV then came to a stop between…

The Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee and the City of Douglas would like to invite citizens to volunteer to help clean up city streets by picking up litter and other debris during the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Volunteers are needed and this is a great opportunity for clubs, organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals to roll up their sleeves and earn community service hours by making Douglas beautiful. Great American Cleanup participants should arrive at City Hall (302 S. Madison Avenue) between 8:45AM and 9:00AM for registration. Groups will journey to streets as identified by…

Rev. Herschel Edward Smith, age 86, of Pearson, Georgia passed away Thursday morning, March 27, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Rev. Smith was born Monday, August 8, 1938 in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Marcus and Mabel Grantham Smith.  He was a proud United States Army veteran.  He accepted the Lord into his heart and life as a young man and answered the call into ministry at the age of 32.  He went on to pastor several Holiness churches in South Georgia during his 54 year ministry.  While pastoring churches, he also spent 40 years…

Mr. Christopher “Blake” Hines, age 37, of Buford, Georgia, formerly of Douglas, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 24, 2025.Blake was born December 28, 1987 in Kissimmee, Florida to Michael Wayne Hines and the late Marsha Elaine Turner Hines. He made his career in the landscaping industry, working for a period of time in Jacksonville, Florida. Blake is survived by his 2 daughters: Adia Hines and Brooke Hines, both of Douglas, Georgia; his father, Michael Wayne Hines of Livingston, Texas; and his brother, Michael David Hines of Douglas, Georgia. Memorialization will be by cremation and no formal services are…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw an increase in February unemployment rates. “Jobs are growing, and so is Georgia’s future,” said GDOL Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “With regional job growth across Georgia in February and the state’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.6%—well below the national average—Georgia continues to prove itself as the #1 place where businesses and talent thrive.” Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below: Atlanta Regional Commission Central Savannah River Coastal Georgia Georgia Mountains Heart of Georgia Middle Georgia Northeast Georgia Northwest Georgia River Valley Southern Georgia…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to recognize Dr. Justin Peterson for being selected by the students and confirmed by Mercer University’s School of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha – Georgia Delta Chapter, as the recipient of the Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award. This prestigious award honors clinical faculty in community practices who dedicate their time and expertise to teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. Dr. Peterson’s commitment to medical education and patient care is helping shape the next generation of physicians all while serving the women of rural South Georgia through CRH Women’s Center and Coffee Regional Medical Center. In…