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Elizabeth Harper, age 90, of North Augusta South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at her residence, where she was surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 24th, 1934 the daughter of Ed Merritt and Iva Mae Pate. Her survivors include: one son; Ryan (Jane) Harper of Santa Clarita California, two grandchildren; Grant Harper, and Caroline Harper, two sisters; Faye Jowers of South Carolina, and Angela Smith of Tennessee, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband; Milton Harper, father; Ed Merritt, mother; Iva Mae Pate, and…

Mary Royals, age 89, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born on May 8th, 1935 the daughter of Mr. Clarence Smith and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Goss Smith. Her survivors include: three sons; Gary (Charlotte) Royals of Douglas, Jerry (Valarie) Royals of Douglas, GA, GA, and Cary Royals of Tampa, FL, one sister; Mary Diane (Thomas) Beard of Brandon, FL, seven grandchildren; Christopher Range, Amie Royals, Thomas Anthony Beard, Jeremiah Beard, Carey Royals IV, Darwin Royals, and Derego Royals, three brothers; Gene Claude (Joanne) Smith of Georgia,…

The City of Douglas Commission approved a temporary policy for a Natural Disaster Rebuilding Variance for residential homes in Douglas in December 2024. This program was established to provide clear guidelines for property owners seeking to rebuild their homes. “We established this temporary variance to help homeowners who are still trying to recover from Hurricane Helene,” says Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director. “With this policy, we hope to balance the rights of property owners while maintaining development standards, zoning, and integrity of neighborhoods.” Rebuilding of the homes under this variance will have to meet the following conditions: Property owners interested…

What started out as a complaint to ban a Douglas man from the Dollar General in Oak Park ended up landing him in jail on an outstanding arrest warrant. On March 18, 2025 deputies were dispatched to the Oak Park area in reference to criminal trespass. The caller requested that Carlos Bardomiano, 31, of Douglas, be issued a trespass warning ultimately banning him from the Dollar General property in an effort to prevent him from digging in their dumpster and leaving the property in a mess. Upon further investigation, deputies learned that Bardomiano had an active bench warrant and was…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw an increase in January unemployment rates. “Georgia’s success is driven by its people, and we remain committed to supporting them every step of the way,” said GDOL Interim Commissioner Louis DeBroux. While job growth has faced challenges this month, key industries across the state continue to offer opportunities for hardworking Georgians. Even with the rise in unemployment, our mission remains clear—helping Georgia’s workers find and keep meaningful employment in every corner of our state.” Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below: Atlanta Regional Commission…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is pleased to announce Bryan Luke as the new Industrial Systems Technology instructor for the Coffee Campus. With over 45 years of experience in the industrial systems and maintenance industry, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to the program. His background includes welding, installing new production lines for area industries, mill work, and machinist experience. In addition to his extensive industry experience, Luke holds a doctorate in Theology and serves as the pastor for Lebanon Baptist Church in Abbeville. His leadership and commitment to education and the community make him an invaluable addition…

The Georgia Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference concluded on Saturday after four dynamic days of competition, collaboration, and celebration. This remarkable event brought middle and high school students from across Georgia together in Athens to Tune Into Technology and showcase their talents in over 80 competitive events emphasizing innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Coffee TSA members proudly achieved outstanding success at the conference, demonstrating their dedication, ingenuity, and passion for technological excellence. Their performance exemplifies TSA’s mission and serves as inspiration for future innovators across the state. Coffee TSA members Jude Carver, Joshua Cribb, Jovanny Gomez, Ruby Gomez, Sebastian…

On March 17, 2025, deputies were dispatched to the Brinston Road area to investigate a possible theft. The victim reported that a black 2014 EZ Go golf cart had been stolen from their property, and it was suspected that Tyler Reese, a 30-year-old from Baxley, was responsible. After several hours, the victim informed deputies that the golf cart had been found near Bethel Church Road. After a short investigation, deputies discovered that Mark Sanchez, 24, from Douglas, and Reese had been in possession of the golf cart since earlier that day. Reese admitted that he had taken the golf cart…

Mildred Kitchen, age 88, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18th,2025 at Vista Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Douglas, GA. She was born on June 26th, 1936, the daughter of Mr. James Monroe Smith and Mrs. Leona Gertrude Smith. Her survivors include: one brother; Billy Wendell Lott (Beverly Duncan) of Jacksonville, FL, special niece; Bonnie Brown, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband; Jessie Kitchen, two sons; Billy Wendell Lott, and Jimmy Lott, nine brothers, and eight sisters. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 21st, 2025,…

Christine McLean, age 87, of Broxton, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17th, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA. She was born on August 30th, 1937, the daughter of James Byron Brannon and Edna Earl Peebles. Her survivors include: one son; Al McLean of Broxton, GA, one sister; Nell Brewington of Adel, GA, three sisters-in-law; Faye Brannon of Tifton, GA, Sharon Brannon of Marietta, GA, and Betty B. Davis of Pensacola, FL, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband; CH McLean, son; Charles McLean, father; James Byron Brannon, mother; Edna…