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Betty L. Burke, age 94, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Twin Oaks Convalescent Center in Alma, Georgia following an extended illness. Mrs. Burke was born on September 22, 1927, in Coral Gables, Florida, to the late Boyce Thurman and Lollie Mae Trayham Thurman. Survivors include: Three Sons: George Burke Jr. (Teresa) of Wray, GA, Ted Burke (Elaine) of Pridgen, GA, Billy Joe Burke (Cindy) of Broxton, GA; Sister: Joyce Gillis of Douglas, GA; Brother: Bob Thurman of Swainsboro, GA; Grandchildren: Tracy Burke (Brandi) of Douglas, GA, Jason Burke (Joy) of Douglas, GA, Amber…

The South Georgia State College Hawks survived a back-and-forth first half with Andrew College Saturday and pulled away in the final 20 minutes to defeat the Tigers, 87-63. The first half featured six ties and nine lead changes with the Hawks (15-5, 4-2) building a 48-39 lead at halftime. Both teams hit a hot streak from behind the arc in the first half, making a combined total of 14 three-pointers. Andrew College’s Richard Rivers, a 7’0” sophomore from Philadelphia, Pa., hit four three-pointers in a row and finished the half shooting 67 percent from the three-point line. The…

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field, Derek Pridgen, Coffee County Farm Bureau president, recently announced. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories. Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2022-23 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree…

A public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 28, 2022, in the City of Douglas Commission Chambers, currently located at the CE Weir Center, 307 E. Bryan Street, Douglas, Georgia, to announce the beginning of an amendment to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to include a Broadband Element for Coffee County, and the Cities of Ambrose, Broxton, Douglas, and Nicholls. The purpose of this hearing is to brief the community on the process to develop the Comprehensive Plan amendment, announce opportunities for public participation in the development of the Broadband Element, and obtain input on the…

Since Commissioner Bob Moore resigned in October 2021, the Ward 6 Commission seat has remained vacant. The City of Douglas will hold a Special Election on May 24, 2022, 7AM-7PM, at Central Square Gymnasium (200 S. Madison Avenue) for citizens of Ward 6 to elect a new commissioner. The City of Douglas would like citizens to know key dates leading up to the Special Election. Persons interested in qualifying for the Ward 6 Commission seat, should do so in person beginning Monday, March 7, 2022, 8AM, through Friday, March 11, 2022, 12PM, at the City of Douglas Customer Service…

City of Douglas Code Enforcement recently sent out renewal forms for the Occupational Tax Certificates (business license) to businesses doing business within the city limits. Each year, business licenses expire on December 31. The City allows a grace period from January 1 to February 28 before a penalty fee is added. If not renewed by March 1, 2022, business owners can expect to pay a late fee penalty. Last year, provisional occupational tax (business) licenses were granted for some businesses that that are not current in property or personal tax and/or have a bad debt with the city. If,…

Robert (Bob) Bernard Blackmore (Noble), age 80, son of Clayton Noble and Minnie Viola Kelley as Thomas Kelley and adopted by George W. and Dorothy P. Blackmore of South Berwick, Maine, was born February 28, 1941, in Bath, Maine. He passed away at home in Douglas, Georgia, on January 4, 2022. Bob served three years in the Army and was a long-haul truck driver visiting every state and all Canadian provinces while logging over 3,000,000 miles. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing, woodworking and possessed a well-developed sense of humor with quick wit. His stories about all his travels brought…

Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements announces the promotion of Michael Williams to Vice President for Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Williams began his teaching career at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2003. In 2006, he began working in technical education as an English Instructor at East Central Technical College. Williams has held the following positions at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College: English Instructor, Department Chair for Arts and Sciences, Assistant Dean to the Northern Campuses, Assistant Dean of Technical and Industrial Programs, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dean of Technical and Industrial Programs. Williams received his Bachelor of…

Coffee Regional Medical Center is proud to be designated as an Orthopedic Center of Excellence. This designation affirms CRMC’s excellence in the provision of diagnostic, surgical and therapy services related to orthopedic care. The requirements set forth by DNV, the accreditation organization CRMC was reviewed by, are based on the guidelines, recommendations and practices recognized by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and/or the North American Spine Society. CRMC’s choice to seek the center of excellence certification was voluntary and our team of surgeons, leaders and caregivers chose to seek the prestigious Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation to provide…

Marquez Floyd pled guilty today to the 2020 Coffee County murder of Christopher Woolfe. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ian Sansot and Judge Andy Spivey presided over the plea. Mr. Woolfe was found deceased in his bed, having been killed by a single gunshot wound. Floyd, along with three other co-defendants were unsuccessful in breaking and entering into Papa’s Gun Shop and decided to burglarize the residence above the store, where Woolfe resided. Woolfe was in bed at the time of the burglary and was held at gunpoint by Floyd while the other three burglarized the…