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On June 16, 2025, at approximately 6:11 PM, agents from the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit conducted a traffic stop on a Buick LaCrosse on Highway 158 East near Bowens Mill Road. The vehicle, driven by David Reshard Burgess, 48, of Douglas, was the target of an active investigation. During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant and investigators discovered a blue and orange Ruffles potato chip bag in the front passenger seat. Inside the bag, detectives uncovered several large quantities of illegal substances, including: A clear plastic bag containing a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine and three additional plastic bags containing suspected…

“’Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home.” It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved spouse and father, Donald “Toby” Harris, age 64, of Douglas, Georgia. Toby was born September 13, 1960 in Swainsboro, Georgia, to the late Ivy Wiley “Don” Harris and the late Joyce Iona Hayes Harris. He was a loving father and grandfather, a devoted husband, a pillar of strength, and a source of endless love. He was a man of integrity and hard work, known for his dedication to his family. He will be…

Mr. Eugene Taylor, age 91, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, June 16, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center, with loved ones by his side following a period of declining health. Mr. Taylor, a Coffee County native, was born September 22, 1933, in Nicholls, Georgia, to the late George Washington Taylor and the late Cora Mae Spell Taylor. He was a state road construction supervisor for many years and he attended Chatterton Holiness Baptist Church. Along with his parents, Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Taylor; a grandson Matthew Qualiana); siblings: Dorene Bennett, Junior Taylor,…

Little Miss Paisley Grace Green-Yawn, age 7 ½ months, gained her angel wings on Monday, June 9, 2025. Paisley was born October 15, 2024 in Douglas, Georgia to Travis Roy Yawn and Hannah Nicole Grantham. Along with her parents, Paisley leaves behind a brother, Ryan Gray of Nashville, Georgia; aunts and uncles: Ashley Trejo, Hayley Yawn, Brian Yawn, Veronica Grantham, Joel Grantham, Cirilo Grantham, and Logan Grantham, all of Douglas, Georgia; along with a number of cousins and extended family members. Waiting to welcome Paisley into heaven were her paternal grandparents: Lisa Joiner Yawn and Roy Yawn, maternal grandparents: Maxine…

The Douglas Fire Department was honored to host the GPSTC Interior Search and Rescue Class on June 16-17. This intensive two-day course brought together dedicated firefighters from across the state of Georgia, including departments from Atkinson, Walton, Barrow, Camden, Douglas, Walker, Hinesville, and Austell. Participants engaged in hands-on training focused on life-saving interior search and rescue techniques, enhancing their skills to better serve their communities in critical situations. The Douglas department was proud to play a role in strengthening fire service capabilities statewide and grateful to all who participated. A special thank you goes to all instructors and to all…

Paul Carroll Jowers, age 82, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Jowers was born on October 18, 1942, in Coffee County, GA, to the late Dennis Jowers and Eva Carver Jowers. Survivors include: one son; Dewey (Carrie) Jowers of Douglas, GA, two grandchildren; Dewey Jowers Jr., and Nicholas Jowers, and several other grandchildren, three step children; Pat Guthrie, Jackie Spivey, and Stanley O’Steen, two brothers; Henry (Linda) Jowers, and John Allen Jowers, along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Jowers was preceded in death…

On Thursday June 12, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., drug investigators conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling on Lumber City Highway. The vehicle pulled into the 341 Quick Stop in Hazlehurst. During the stop, the information confirmed that the registration of the vehicle was suspended. The driver, identified as Mako Lee Jones, became very nervous and defiant on the matter. Law enforcement asked Jones to step out of the vehicle and according to officers, Jones refused. Additional units responded to the scene. Ultimately the driver stepped out of the vehicle but was still noncompliant. Law enforcement attempted to remove a pocketknife…

A total of 627 South Georgia State College students have earned a spot on the Spring 2025 Academic Recognition Lists, according to an announcement today by Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, Sara Selby. 166 students earned a spot on the President’s List, 161 on the Dean’s List, and 300 on the Academic Honors List. Students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of study with a grade point average of 4.0 are placed on the President’s List for the semester.  Students with a semester average of 3.5 to 3.9 on 12 or more semester hours of study are…

On the evening of June 9, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a disorderly subject. The investigation led to the arrest of 44-year-old Christopher Jordan for allegedly violating a family violence order Jordan was located walking near a business on Highway 158 West. Initially, he denied involvement in the incident but later admitted to a verbal altercation stemming from a personal dispute. Deputies confirmed through video and verbal evidence that Jordan had unlawfully approached an individual he was legally prohibited from contacting. A video recording provided to deputies captured Jordan’s voice during the…

South Georgia State College is pleased to announce Chelsea Preston Graham as its new Assistant Director of Advancement and Annual Fund. She will oversee the daily operations of the South Georgia State College Foundation and work with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to secure funding for student scholarships and other college programs and initiatives. This role involves fundraising, managing the Foundation’s scholarship program, donor relations, and community engagement. “I am excited to welcome Chelsea to our Advancement team,” said Taylor Hereford, Director of Advancement and Waycross Campus. “Chelsea has deep roots in Douglas-Coffee County, which will serve her very well…