Author: Submitted

The Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests: Michael Randy Weldon was originally arrested in November when investigators conducted a search at a residence where large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl were discovered. Weldon was subsequently charged with: Trafficking fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine with intent, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug related objects and probation violation. On May 16, 2022, Michael Weldon pleaded guilty in Jeff Davis County Superior Court to trafficking fentanyl and was sentenced to 25 years with the first 10 years to serve in confinement. Weldon received…

Ryan Degner, Wiregrass Welding student, state GOAL winner, and State SkillsUSA gold medalist, is making a name for himself throughout Georgia. Degner was named the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Winner for 2022 in April, and in March he earned a gold medal in the Welding Sculpture Competition at the State SkillsUSA competition. “The entire Wiregrass community is so proud of Ryan and all of his accomplishments,” shared Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. “He is such a humble leader and to hear his winning speech and to watch his eyes light up as he…

On Friday, June 10, 2022, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on John Long Road. During the search of the residence approximately a quarter pound of cocaine and crack cocaine were discovered. Also in the home, illicit prescription drugs, a firearm, small quantity of marijuana and packaging materials were discovered. Darius Javon Sturgis and Markeisha Dawn Burney were arrested and charged. This is an ongoing investigation. Darius Javon Sturgis, Lumber City, Ga: Trafficking cocaine, possession of scheduled IV controlled substance (alprazolam), possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded multiple scholarships to help students complete their education and develop workforce skills. Two students from the Coffee Campus received scholarships to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and supplies needed for their programs, which were made possible because of generous college supporters. The scholarships were merit-based, and applicants had to complete an application and provide letters of support. The Coffee Campus students awarded scholarships for Summer Semester were: Heather Foskey, Welding and Joining Technology, Coyote Manufacturing Scholarship, and Caleb Wright, Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician, Georgia Automotive Dealers Association Scholarship. Diesel…

Abbie O’Steen is the 2022 recipient of the Coffee County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Scholarship. Abbie is the daughter of Danny and Angie O’Steen. The CCFB Women’s Committee Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding senior who is pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field. Abbie recently graduated with honors from Citizens Christian Academy. She is a member of the National Honor Society, served on the CCFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Junior Board, served as president of her senior class, president of the LEO Club and participated in track & field and basketball. She…

The GBI has arrested and charged Ashton Hamilton, 18, of Pearson, GA, with Armed Robbery and Mica’enya Jordan, 19, of Douglas, GA, with Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery. Roderick Hillman, 17, of Douglas, GA, was also charged with Armed Robbery and is wanted. On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Pearson Police Department requested the GBI investigate numerous armed robberies that had occurred over the course of at least a month. Preliminary information indicates that Hamilton, Jordan, Hillman, and others committed armed robberies of multiple Hispanic individuals. Hamilton and Jordan are currently booked at the Coffee County Jail.…

Dr. James Banks, a minister and educator/administrator from Douglas, has recently published his second book. Titled “Stuck: Living in Denial Will Prohibit Your Mobility.” He will have a book signing Saturday, June 25, 2022, from noon to 3 pm at the Performing Arts Center at Coffee High School. Here is a synapsis of the book: During this time of a pandemic season and beyond, I hope to articulate a message in my book that you do not have to be stuck when you find out the root cause of your problem(s). Many situations arise because there are so…

By Kathleen Stansbery Coffee High School The new Coffee High School performing arts center had its official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The performing arts center was dedicated in memory of Clayton W. Mathis and the auditorium was dedicated in memory of John M. Maley. Due to COVID-19, the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony had been postponed until now. However, this made the event no less special for friends and family of the men honored Tuesday. Clayton Mathis is known in Coffee County for his commitment to educating boys and girls…

For students wanting to find a role on the business side of healthcare, the Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Healthcare Management (LTHM) at South Georgia State College could be a good fit. The program started in the spring of 2020 and recently graduated its first cohort of students. The Long-Term Healthcare Management program is designed to develop educational skills and knowledge for managers of long-term healthcare provided in patient residences and long-term care facilities. Additionally, students gain an increased understanding and knowledge of quality healthcare systems relating to quality assurance, risk management, managed care, insurance, ethics, and other…

Mrs. Linda Dianne Cauthen, age 72, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 at her residence. Mrs. Cauthen was born on March 16, 1950, in Coffee, County Georgia to the late James L. Moore, Jr. and Mary Virginia Luke Moore. Survivors include: Husband: Wilmer Donald “Donnie” Cauthen of Douglas, GA, Three daughters: Kim Hill (Chris) of Thomaston, GA, Lori Putnam (Jeff) of Douglas, GA, and April Jordan (James) of Waycross, GA , One Son: Matt Cauthen (Bailee) of Ambrose, GA, Four grandchildren: Kadee Connell, Kacee Connell, Bella Hill and Coleson Jordan. Two Sisters: Martha Vickers (Kenny) of Ambrose, GA,…