The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the successful completion of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association’s voluntary Office of Sheriff Accreditation Program — a significant milestone and a first in the history of the agency. Under the leadership of Sheriff Fred Cole, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office is now one of only 21 sheriff’s offices statewide to earn this distinction. Fewer than 10 percent of Georgia sheriff’s offices currently hold this accreditation, which recognizes agencies that meet or exceed established professional standards in policy, training, and operational practices. “As sheriff, I am proud to announce that the Coffee County…
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Douglas Rotary Club made a donation to the Head Start early childhood education program in Douglas at their January 15 meeting. Head Start Director Angela Carr shared with the Rotarians how Head Start is under the auspices of Action Pact in Waycross with a campus at 511 Pine Street in Douglas. Head Start has been active in Coffee County since the early-1960s and currently serves nearly 100 children and their families. Following the presentation, Rotary President Jim Cottingham noted that his mother, the late Farrar Cottingham, had been among the first teachers to serve in Coffee County’s Head Start program. …
Friday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board will vote whether or not to demolish the Stephen C. Foster State Park Suwannee River Visitor Center in Fargo, according to a post on the WWALS Watershed Coalition is Suwannee Riverkeeper Facebook page. The post was made by Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman. The visitor center is the big building on stilts above the Fargo boat ramp. Fargo is the second public paddling stop downstream from the Okefenokee Swamp, and the last stop in Georgia before 19 Suwannee River miles to Roline Ramp in Florida. The Suwannee River Visitor Center was opened…
At last Friday night’s game against Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Citizens Christian Academy honored two alumni, Addy Harris and Jay Vickers, along with the late James Vickers, Lady Patriots’ basketball coach from 1989-1997 whose teams won two state titles and brought home two more state runner-up trophies. Addy Harris was a member of the Lady Patriots’ basketball team from 2019 to 2024. She leaves an unforgettable legacy at CCA. During her career, she helped lead the Lady Patriots to an outstanding 116-44 overall record, highlighted by four Final Four appearances and two state runners-up. Her impact went far beyond team…
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement Unit, along with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, reports another successful month of proactive enforcement efforts targeting criminal activity and illegal drugs throughout Coffee County. These operations resulted in multiple arrests ranging from probation violations to possession of illegal substances. The sheriff’s office remains committed to aggressively cracking down on the manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs, and to identifying and disrupting criminal activity at both the planning and execution stages. On January 2, 2026, the DICE Unit conducted a traffic stop and identified Britney Sdarren Armstrong as an…
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Keep Douglas Beautiful (KDB) Board and volunteers will host the annual Clear Your Clutter Pick-Up Event—a community initiative to help residents declutter and beautify their surroundings. “If you live within the city limits and have large, unwanted items cluttering your space, this is your chance,” said Destiny Paulk, KDB Executive Director. “This free service is designed to assist those who may not have the ability to transport items to the monthly Junk Drop-Off location.” How to Apply:Residents within the Douglas city limits may apply by…
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announces the promotion of Jessica Hamilton to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the GBI’s Region 4 Investigative Office in Douglas. SAC Hamilton will be responsible for supervising the staff assigned to the office, which serves 11 counties in South Georgia. “Jessica Hamilton has developed a strong reputation as an investigator and leader throughout her time with the GBI,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Her career reflects dedication, resilience, and a passion for investigative work. I am confident that she will excel in her new position as Special Agent in Charge and lead the GBI’s Regional Investigative…
Felicia Smith, age 65, of Broxton, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation. She was born on May 18, 1960, in Douglas, GA to the late Mr. Hoke Cummings Smith and the late Mrs. Betty Carver Smith. Her survivors include one brother, Darrell (Debra) Smith of Broxton, GA; one sister in law, June Smith; four nephews, D.J. (Paige) Smith of Wray, GA, Cliffy Smith, John (Shannon) Smith, and Mark (Brittany) Smith along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her father, Hoke Cummings Smith and mother, Betty Carver Smith;…
Barbara Ann Ricketson, age 77, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Hospice Satilla Hospice House. She was born on December 6, 1948, to the late Mr. Spurgeon Warren Smith and the late Annie Mae Smith. Survivors include: one son, Wyatt (Julie) Burkett of Blackshear, GA; five grandchildren, Bailey (Alberto) Burkett, Emily Revels, Luke (Ansley) Revels, Brennan (Leighanne) Hutto, and Zoie (Ty) Leverette; two sisters; four great grandchildren, Brantleigh, Kashton, Kaden, and Kylan, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, Ronnie Ricketson; one daughter, Tracy Lynn Kirkland; father,…
John Dudley Mobley, age 38, of Broxton, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at his residence. He was born on February 6, 1987 in Douglas, GA to the late Cliff Mobley Sr. and Ms. Lynda Mobley. Survivors include: his beloved mother, Lynda Dale Mobley of Broxton, GA; two sisters, Laura (Henry) Brown of Willacoochee, GA and Shannon Stapleton of Douglas, GA; three brothers, Cliffy (April) Mobley of Broxton, GA, Andy Stapleton of Broxton, GA and Brad Mobley of Denton, GA; and two daughters, Anna Mobley and Audrey Mobley. He was preceded in death by his father, Cliff Mobley…