Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College celebrated 400 graduates during its two spring commencement ceremonies Thursday, May 14, and honored Jenna Williams as the Spring 2026 David and Kim Bridges Award recipient. Lawton E. Bassett III, banking professional, and W. Bradley Phares, Florida-based rancher, gave the commencement addresses. Bassett, speaking at the 10 a.m. ceremony, reminded graduates that they are prepared for their next steps. “Here, professors called you by name in smaller classes,” Bassett said. “You received more attention, but there was accountability in those smaller classes too. There was no skipping that early morning class, or at least, not without…
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From May 9–11, 2026, the City of Douglas, Coffee County, and the 63rd Preservation Society were honored to host Colonel (Ret.) Joseph A. Peterburs, USAF—Class 1944 C, P‑51 combat pilot, World War II POW, Korean and Vietnam War veteran, and American hero—on his return to Douglas after more than 80 years. Peterburs entered active duty at age 18 as an aviation cadet, and at 101 years old he is believed to be the last surviving cadet who trained in Douglas. Colonel Joseph Peterburs, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force from…
Mr. David Blake Hersey, age 75, of Broxton, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026, at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, following a recent illness. David, a lifelong resident of Coffee County, was born January 7, 1951, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late William Roie Hersey and the late Vivian Murray Hersey. He was an electrician associate by trade. He loved to work and hunting and fishing were some of his favorite hobbies, but above all his greatest title was that of “Poppy” to his grandchildren and he loved spoiling them as much as possible. He…
The Coffee High School FBLA chapter recently participated in the Georgia FBLA State Leadership Conference in Atlanta, where students competed in a variety of business and leadership events alongside chapters from across the state on March 12-16, 2026. From exploring downtown Atlanta, riding MARTA, and late nights, to meeting FBLA members from across the state, the conference provided students with valuable networking and educational opportunities. After a long day of competition on Friday, Coffee High School had four performance events advance to the finals round Saturday morning, placing among the top 12 entries in Georgia. Finalist teams included Addie Ingalls,…
Mrs. Betty Sue Gibbs Paulk, age 92, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday evening, May 12, 2026, at her home following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Paulk, a native of Coffee County, was born September 16, 1933, to the late Willie Gibbs and the late Susie Vickers Gibbs Rollins. She married the love of her life, the late Thurston Paulk, Jr., and together they raised a beautiful family. She was a secretary at Livestock Marketers for a number of years and a dedicated and active member of Westwood Baptist Church. Her greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is proud to announce a new articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix, creating expanded opportunities for students to seamlessly continue their education from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program. This partnership is designed to provide Wiregrass students with a clear and efficient transfer pathway, ensuring that the coursework they complete at the associate level is recognized and applied toward their continued academic journey. Through this agreement, students who complete an associate degree at Wiregrass will be able to transfer their college-level, degree-applicable credits to the University of Phoenix, provided minimum grade requirements are…
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recognized its 2026 Students of Distinction, J.G. Woodroof Scholar, and 4.0 Medallion recipients during the annual Honors Day program May 1. ABAC President Tracy Brundage spoke to the high level of achievement the awards represent. “These students exemplify the very best of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College,” Brundage said. “Their achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also leadership, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference.” ABAC Students of Distinction are selected by faculty in each school from a pool of distinguished honor students, based on earned hours and grade-point averages at the end of the…
Debra Gail Summerlin, 69, of Newnan, GA passed away on May 9th, 2026 after an extended illness. Gail was born on June 4th, 1956 to Cecil and Doris Grantham in Douglas, GA. She found eternal peace alongside her husband, Curtis Summerlin, grandson, Walker Barnes, parents, Cecil and Doris Grantham, and siblings Josephine Thurman, Betty Whitley, Bobby Grantham, Doris Nell Whitley, and Jenny Lewis. Gail is survived by her three children – Lori Barnes of Newnan, GA and her husband, Chris Barnes; Ben Thomason of Baxley, GA and his wife Peighton Thomason; and Abbi Rowe of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren –…
Commencement for the Coffee High School and the Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy Class of 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. at Dan A. Jardine Stadium. The stadium will open for seating at 7:00 a.m. The graduates’ procession will begin at approximately 8:15 a.m. At this time, the South HOME gate will be locked and remain locked throughout the ceremony. The commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. • Tickets are not required for stadium entrance. • Handicap seating requires a PINK handicap ticket. Students may request in advance. Seating is available on…
By Van Yandell Matthew 28:18b-20 “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” There’s a country music song titled “Who’s Going to Fill Their Shoes?” The lyrics are words that strike the heart of not only country music lovers but also of those that proclaim the Gospel of…