Author: Submitted

The United States Court of the Southern District of Georgia handed down more sentences in a major drug trafficking organization last week. One of them is a former prison guard. Compromised corrections officers who breach prison security to provide contraband to inmates represent a significant danger not only to inmates and guards, but also to citizens outside prison walls who are within reach of unmonitored jail communications from smuggled cell phones. Ebony Smiley, aka “Baby Girl,” is rightfully being held accountable for violating her oath and endangering the community. Operation Sandy Bottom identified and charged three Georgia state correctional officers…

Six defendants, including an accused dealer from Willacoochee, are among those facing federal charges including drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in U.S. District Court include guilty pleas and criminal sentences related to illegal gun possession. The indicted cases are being investigated part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to reduce violent crime with measures…

Mr. Michael Wayne Jewell, age 54 of Pearson, Ga., passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following a short illness. Survivors include: 2 Daughters: Misty Dawn Jewell and Keith Weathersby of Pearson, Ga. Dorothy Jewell of Pearson, Ga. 2 Brothers: Tony Jewell and wife Sandy of Pearson, Ga. Jack Jewell and wife Donna of Atlanta, Ga. Sister: Rebecca Scott of Pearson, Ga. 2 Stepdaughters: Mary Beth Price and husband Will of Homerville, Ga. Ashley Westberry of Homerville, Ga. Special Niece: Tina Jewell of Willacoochee, Ga. 4 Grandchildren: Landon Jewell, Shaun Jewell,…

Mr. Michael Wayne Jewell, age 54 of Pearson, Ga., passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga., following a short illness. Survivors include: 2 Daughters: Misty Dawn Jewell and Keith Weathersby of Pearson, Ga. Dorothy Jewell of Pearson, Ga. 2 Brothers: Tony Jewell and wife Sandy of Pearson, Ga. Jack Jewell and wife Donna of Atlanta, Ga. Sister: Rebecca Scott of Pearson, Ga. 2 Stepdaughters: Mary Beth Price and husband Will of Homerville, Ga. Ashley Westberry of Homerville, Ga. Special Niece: Tina Jewell of Willacoochee, Ga. 4 Grandchildren: Landon Jewell, Shaun Jewell,…

Ms. Ann Corbitt, age 71, of Douglas, Ga., passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at her residence in Douglas, Ga. Survivors Include: Brother: Mann Corbitt and wife Debra of Axson, Ga. Sister: Carol Gossage and husband Frank of Axson, Ga. Special Niece: Susan Garrett and husband Glen of Axson, Ga. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. Graveside services for Ms. Corbitt will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Axson with Rev. William Pope officiating. The interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson is in…

Ashley Edward “Ed” Gillis Sr., age 82, of Axson, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Gillis was born on September 1, 1939 to the late Cleon Arthur Gillis and Ina Lou Hand Gillis Fussell. Survivors include: His Wife; Simmeon Gillis of Axson, GA, Two Sons; Ashley Edward Gillis Jr. (Debra) of Douglas, GA, Anthony Davis Gillis (Elisa) of Axson, GA, One Daughter; Edith Lynda Gillis of Pearson, GA, Four Grandchildren; Vonda Crosby (Jay), Logan Gillis (Ashleigh), Jesi Weikle (Will), Erin Gillis (Chase Grantham), Eight Great-Grandchildren; Tyson, Layla, Bella,…

James Elbert Vickers Jr., age 45, of Ambrose, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Memorial Satilla Health, in Waycross, Georgia, following a brief illness. Mr. Vickers was born on July 9, 1976 to James Elbert Vickers Sr. and Linda Frances Solomon Vickers. Survivors include: His Wife: Amanda Vickers of Ambrose, GA, Three Daughters: Brooke Vickers, Nicole Vickers, Brimley Vickers, His Parents: James Elbert Vickers Sr. and Linda Frances Solomon Vickers of Ambrose, GA, and One Brother: Jason Vickers of Ambrose, GA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family…

A unanimous vote of the Board of Directors of the National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA), provided an opportunity for The Phelps Family of Douglas, GA, to acquire the name and assets of the 30-plus year-old trade association. The Phelps Family represents two generations of NBBQA supporters and avid BBQ enthusiasts of more than 30 years. It all began with Joe Phelps and Dr. Donald Gillis, who created The Smoke House BBQ Cooking Team in the 80’s that led to the publishing of the National Barbecue News in 1990 and continues as the Barbecue News Magazine. The team…

Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services announces the funeral service for Herbert Shelton “Toby” Gale, who passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in Nicholls, Georgia. Visitation will be held 6-9 PM Friday, April 8, 2022 at Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services. Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 9, 2022 in the Lax Holiness Church. Stanley Carver, Scott Smith & Floyd Musgrove will officiate. Burial will be in the Lax Holiness Church Cemetery. Toby was born in Brunswick, Ga. in 1949. His parents were Oliver & Geraldine Gale of Brunswick, Ga and was preceded…

Enjoy a day of fun with your family at the Douglas Library Story Walk in April, featuring free prizes. Your family will enjoy spending time together outdoors while reading a story and being active. When you’re done, pop in the library to learn about all the great things you can do with a FREE library card, and register to win a Samsung tablet. There are two ways to enter the drawing for the grand prize Samsung tablet, either come into the Douglas Library or you can fill out the feedback form with your name and contact information. …