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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…

The Lady Trojans sit atop the region standings after picking up a pair of region wins on the road this week. They split at Greenbrier and notched a mercy rule win at Jenkins. In game 1 Erin Robinson continued to dominate in the circle going 10 innings and striking out 13 hitters in the shutout. Coffee won 1-0 as senior Imani Paulk drove in the game winner in the 10th with 2 outs, sending Hannah Capps home. Paulk added another hit in the game and Hanna Hutchison, Morgan Adams, and Imori Paulk all had 2 hits for the Lady…

Mr. Lewis Elvin Guthrie Bowen, age 88 of Douglas, Ga., formerly of Atkinson County, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Vista Park following an extended illness. He was born August 29, 1934, in Atkinson County, son of Mrs. Nellie Bowen Guthrie. He made a life here in Atkinson County, where he raised his family and took great pride in caring for and providing for them as a farmer with Smith Farms. Mr. Guthrie-Bowen enjoyed working, being in the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by his grandson. …

Mrs. Diane Yawn Scarborough of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022, at her home in Willacoochee, Ga. following an extended illness. Survivors include: Husband: Gary L. Scarborough of Willacoochee, Ga. Mother: Glenda Futch Yawn of Willacoochee, Ga. Daughter: Brandy Clement Cribb and husband Ryan of Willacoochee, Ga. 2 Sons: Stan Clement and wife Amanda of Willacoochee, Ga. Daniel Clement and wife Cassie of Willacoochee, Ga. Brother: Billy Robert Yawn, Jr. of Willacoochee, Ga. 12 Grandchildren and several other relatives also survive. Funeral…

Mrs. Tabitha Aletha Peeples, age 37 of Pearson, Ga. passed away, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at her home, following a brief illness. She was born April 20, 1985, in El Paso, Texas, daughter of Michael Lloyd and Francis Beth Wright Williams. Moving from Texas as a baby, Tabitha grew up and made her home here in Pearson, where she took great pride as a homemaker while caring for and raising her family. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts, being with her pets, and most of all, she loved spending time and making memories with her family. Tabitha was…

Mrs. Dorothy Matilda Bryant Taft, age 93 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022, at her daughter’s home following an extended illness. She was born in Coffee County, Ga., on July 6, 1929, the daughter of C.C. and Rebecca Vickers Bryant. Mrs. Taft made her home in the Kirkland area of Atkinson County for many years, where she took great pride in being a homemaker, caring for and raising her family. She enjoyed many things in life, like arts and crafts, and fishing, but her most joyful times were those spent making memories with her family,…