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On June 24, 2025, agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a residence located at 412 Waldron Road. The warrant was obtained as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal drug activity in the area. During the execution of the warrant, deputies located a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and suspected marijuana. As a result of the findings, Joseph Keith “Skeeter” Darsey was arrested at the scene. Darsey was charged with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Darsey was transported to the Coffee…

Shelvy Deanna Smith, age 23, of Nicholls, GA, passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at her home. She was born on January 21st, 2002, the daughter of Joey Smith and April Reliford Smith. Her survivors include: father, Joey (Kelly) Smith of Alma, GA; mother, April Smith of Nicholls, GA; two sisters, Jade Alisa Smith and Taylor Breanna Smith; two brothers, Kolson Blake Smith and Asher Wade Woodard; Papa, Dobby Cothern; Nana, Debra Cothern; Papa, Kenneth Reliford; Papa, Wilbert Smith; grandma, Melba Smith; companion of ten years, Malachi Williams, along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She…

A Superior Court Judge has awarded American Tank Maintenance LLC almost $60,000 after the City of Pearson apparently did not pay the company for services rendered. The City of Pearson entered into an agreement with ATM on February 6, 2024, to service the tanks on Austin and Court streets. Ther was also another agreement for additional work on the Austin Street tank. ATM invoiced the city three times – in March, June, and September of last year. The city did not pay. In January of this year, ATM filed suit against Pearson for failure to pay. The city didn’t file…

South Georgia State College hosted its bi-annual planning retreat on Tuesday, June 17, at Engram Hall, bringing together faculty, staff, and leadership to align goals and strategies for the year ahead. The event was facilitated by Ryan Waldrep, Regional Economic Development Manager with Georgia Power, and centered around the theme, “Plug in for Success – The Power of Connections.” With SGSC contributing more than $60 million annually to the regional economy, the retreat emphasized the critical role the college plays in the area’s growth and development. SGSC Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner opened the event by encouraging participants to embrace innovation…

On June 24, 2025, deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Tara Road regarding a subject allegedly brandishing a weapon at a work crew. According to multiple individuals at the scene, a male subject approached them in a vehicle, yelling and using profane language. Witnesses also stated that the individual exited his vehicle, then re-entered it and retrieved an object believed to be a firearm, which he reportedly pointed at them. Deputies arrived and identified the individual as 57-year-old John Kay Troupe, who admitted to yelling and cursing at the work…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the individual(s) responsible for a recent burglary at True Praise Baptist Church, located in the Oak Park area of Coffee County. The burglary was reported on June 22, 2025, and investigators are working to determine the timeline and circumstances surrounding the incident. Residents of this county should be able to worship freely and without fear of criminal targeting. Offenses against houses of worship are particularly troubling, and the Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible. Anyone with information — no matter how minor it…

Doris Wilson Taylor, age 93, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, GA. Mrs. Taylor was born on May 29, 1932, in Pearson, GA to the late Samuel Morrison Roberts and the late Lula Parrish Roberts. Her survivors include: one Daughter, Ellen (Johnnie) Deen of Douglas, GA; two sons, Wesley (Rhonda) Wilson, and James (Connie) Wilson; thirteen grandchildren, Jonna Amarosa, Stacy (Stephanie ) Wilson, Jon Michael (Haley ) Deen, Stephanie Vick, Kelley (DJ) Gurley, Katie (Josh ) Sexton, Carl (Kristina) Wilson, Robert (Briana ) Wilson, Jacob (Lauren ) Wilson, Courtney…

Donnie Harper, age 80, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025 at his residence. Mr. Harper was born on May 5, 1945, in Douglas, GA, the son of the late Nathan Harper and the late Lola Thompson Harper. Survivors include: his beloved wife; Sue S. Harper of Douglas, GA; two daughters, Sara (Jarrod ) Spivey of Douglas, GA, and Susan Harper; one son, Bart (Heather ) Harper of Stephens, GA; five grandchildren, Nathan Harper, Jordan Harper, Harper Spivey, Case Spivey, Landry Spivey; three sisters, Margie Solomon, Carolyn (Roy) Bland, and Joanne Ridley, along with several nieces and…

Dianna Lynn Arnold Rish, age 59, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. She was born on March 2nd, 1966 the daughter of the late Alton Arnold and the late Gloria Arnold. Dianne was always a little woman in stature with nothing being little about her. She was bold in a way most admired her for. She wasn’t just a firecracker but the whole stand. An absolute delight to be around. Dianne had a warmth about her that drew people in and hugs that would set fire to every problem you were going through. With everything…

Coffee 4-H wants to congratulate Coffee High Graduate Jake Grantham for receiving the $1,000 Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents (GACAAA) Agricultural Scholarship. The scholarship was awarded during the annual Georgia 4-H Achievement Scholarship Luncheon at Rock Eagle. Andrew Sawyer, President of GACAAA, UGA Extension Southeast Area Pecan Agent, and Coffee County native, presented Jake with the scholarship. Mr. Sawyer, a Coffee High School alumnus, was thrilled to honor Jake with a scholarship that helps the next generation pursue a future in agriculture. Jake will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to major in Ag Technology and…