South Georgia State College (SGSC) is proud to announce that head basketball coach Cory Baldwin has been named the 2025-26 Southeastern District Coach of the Year, marking his fifth time receiving this prestigious recognition. Baldwin was recently honored at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas where this year’s Hawks made a post-season appearance. This latest achievement adds to Baldwin’s impressive legacy of coaching excellence, with previous Southeastern District Coach of the Year awards in 2010-11, 2020-21, 2022-23 and 2024-26. In addition to this district honor, Baldwin has also earned eight other Coach of the Year awards since 2010, further…
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The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment rose across Georgia’s 12 regional commissions in January. Coffee and Atkinson counties are in the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. January’s increases in unemployment rates across the state reflect historical patterns as many seasonal and holiday-related positions come to an end. “Georgia’s diversified economy is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That mix of industries and talent allows us to respond quickly to shifting workforce demands across sectors while continuing to expand opportunity for hardworking Georgians — a strength that helps Georgia remain a top…
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is accelerating its commitment to the next generation of skilled trades by expanding the reach of the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative to 76 schools across 26 states in 2026. Coffee High School, Atkinson County High School, and Bacon County High School are among the schools chosen to participate in this program. The selection of 76 schools for this year’s cohort carries a quiet, symbolic significance. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Airgas’ “Class of 76” highlights the company’s mission to foster a different kind of independence: the technical…
By Van Yandell Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Have you ever heard a sound you could not place? You did not know where it came from or what it was, so you dismissed it and went your way. Then the next day you heard it again. This time, you make a decision to determine the great mystery. When I was teaching, I would get home from work and…
The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend public meetings or consider joining a volunteer board. Below is the April 2026 schedule for boards and committees. All meetings are open to the public, and your participation is always welcome. Land Bank Authority – April 9, 2 PM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison. WWII Air Base Committee – April 13, 12 PM, City Hall, Airport, 440 Elton D. Brooks Blvd. City Commission Work Session & Meeting – April 13 & 27, 6 PM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Keep Douglas Beautiful – April 14, 9 AM, City Hall, 302 S. Madison Ave. Downtown Development Authority –…
Curtis Wright, age 96, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Vista Park and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on October 25, 1929, the son of the late Mr. Mitchell Wright and the late Mrs. Betty Youngblood Wright. His survivors include: two daughters, Shelby Harrell of Douglas, GA and Beverly (Carlton) Dorminey of Douglas, GA; two sons, Reggie (Ali) Wright of Douglas, GA and Bryan (Kelly) Wright of Willacoochee, GA; ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, ten great great-grandchildren; special caregiver, Maria McCutchen; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by: his…
Ms. Pamela Lee McDonald Cook passed away Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2026, in Douglas, Georgia, at the age of 63. Pamela was born, January 12, 1963, in Brunswick, Georgia, to the late John McDonald and the late Tommielee Stephens. She was employed by Sunbelt/Spectrum prior to becoming disabled. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading, and was of the Baptist faith. Along with her parents, Pamela was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Uretha; and a grandchild, Mason Jackson. Pamela leaves behind two children: Randal Lee Hiers of Ft. Pierce, Florida, and Amanda…
To celebrate Georgia Cities Week and its “Love Your City” theme, the City of Douglas Public Information Office is hosting a community-wide photo contest for photographers. The contest is a people’s choice contest and winners will be determined by the combined total of photo “likes, loves, or wows” across social media platforms. The public will be able to view and vote for their favorites on the City of Douglas Facebook (@cityofdouglasgagovernment) and Instagram pages (@cityofdouglasgagov) from April 20 through April 25, 2026, 5 p.m. The photo contest rules are as follows: Winners will be determined by the combined total of…
Elaine Byrd Ellis, age 67, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully at Jeff Davis hospital in Hazlehurst, GA. She was born on August 26, 1958 the daughter of the late Mr. Quitman Byrd and the late Mrs. Catherine Byrd Anderson. She was a homemaker most of her life. She loved her children and grandchildren. She was Apostolic Pentecostal in faith. Before her health declined, she enjoyed gardening and cooking. Her survivors include: two sons, Randy Lee Ellis Jr. and Joshua Michael Ellis Sr.; one daughter, Amanda Ellis (Ashley) Tanner; three brothers, Allen (Diane) Byrd, James (Jimmy) Byrd, and Charles “Scooter”…
Michael Glen Watkins, age 61, of Nicholls, Georgia passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born on February 24, 1965 in Vicksburg, MS to the late William Glen Watkins and the late Vivian Huerta Spivey. Survivors include his beloved wife, Melissa Watkins of Nicholls, GA; three sons, Michael James (Adriana) Watkins, Otho Clyde-Nelson (Kristy) Watkins, and Alexander Ray Watkins; three daughters, Catherine Lee, Amanda (Kava “Kabo”) Watkins, and Patricia Lee (Aaron) Watkins; six grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Faye (Raybo) Carver and Debra Ann (Tony) Watkins; and many stepbrothers and stepsisters. She…