Author: Submitted

The Douglas-Coffee County Parks and Recreation Department has various facilities available for rental to the public. Facility fees have gone unchanged for numerous years and evaluation of the facility fee structure has resulted in an increase of rental for some buildings, ballfields, and parks. “We have not increased rental fees in several years even though operating costs and maintenance costs have increased,” says Stevie Young, Parks and Recreation Director. “This increase is needed to keep the buildings in good condition for customers.” Monies collected in rental fees are contributed to the general fund with the City of Douglas…

Optima Chemical Group LLC is pleased to announce it has received the Gold Performance Improvement Award for exemplary efforts in improving environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) by the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA), the leading trade association representing specialty and fine chemical manufacturers and service providers. Optima Chemical is a longtime participant of SOCMA’s ChemStewards®, a rigorous and innovative program that promotes ongoing facility efforts in areas of environmental, health, safety and security. Stewart Fletcher, Optima Chemical’s Operations Manager, received the Gold Performance Improvement Award on behalf of the company during SOCMA’s virtual Annual Meeting on…

Gracie Brunel of Broxton was recently named to the LaGrange College Fall Semester VPAA’s List. To be eligible for this honor, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.6 while taking a minimum course load of 12 hours. Georgia’s oldest private institution of higher learning, LaGrange College is consistently ranked among the South’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report. A four-year liberal arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, LaGrange offers more than 50 areas of study with an emphasis on global engagement and service.

The South Georgia State College Hawks wrapped up their non-conference schedule Tuesday night with a 108-43 win over the North Florida Prep Myrmidons. The Hawks (11-3) were led by AJ Spencer’s 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Jayce Moore and Turahn Thompson each finished with 18 points, with Moore getting 10 steals during the game. Nick Jiles rounded out the top scorers with 14 points. Jiles returned to the court Tuesday night for the first time this season after battling injury. The Hawks led 11-7 close to halfway through the first 20 minutes then outscored the Myrmidons…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College President DeAnnia Clements is pleased to announce the Fall Semester President’s List and Dean’s List. The President’s List includes outstanding students who were enrolled full-time for 12 credit hours or more and achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale during Fall Semester 2021. The following students are on the President’s List for Fall Semester 2021 from Coffee and Atkinson counties: Atkinson: Holly Taylor and Adrian Torres Coffee: Elias Bonilla, Katie Burch, Jovita Cabrera, Katie Davis, Mallorie Ellis, Dominque Lanier, Chelsea Mathews, Karagan Merritt, Maria Thompson, and Kaden Walker …

The Substitute Teacher Workshop sponsored by Coffee County Schools that is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12 will now be held from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the auditorium of Coffee Middle School, 901 Connector, 206 North, Douglas. Prior to the workshop, all applicants are required to register in person at the Board of Education office. While registering you will be given an application packet and asked to complete the criminal background pre-screening. Registration will begin on Wednesday, January 5, between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The school system does offer flexible hours, a daily…

Patricia Williams Irving (“Trish”), age 69, of Alpharetta and Douglas, Georgia, entered into God’s arms on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Lakeside Senior Living in Douglas. Trish was born on October 8, 1952, in Coffee County, Georgia to the late Gordon Devon Williams, Sr, and the late Ruby Ann Moore Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Gordon D. Williams, Jr, and Tony Mark Williams. Trish lived her life dedicated to her family and to serving Christ on earth. She is remembered for her dimple, her infectious laugh, the way her Southern…

Marcus Shane Kirkland, aged 48, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, December 29,2021. Mr. Kirkland was born on February 26, 1973, in Coffee County, Georgia, to Shelly Thomas Kirkland and Betty Jo Boatright. Survivors include: His mother; Betty Jo Boatright of Douglas, GA, five Sisters; Stacey Bennett of Savannah, GA, Sandy Gill (Danny) of Blackshear, GA, Stephanie Boatright of Hazelhurst, GA, Wendy Wilson (Gerald) of Waycross, GA, Christina Molina of Jacksonville, FL, five Brothers; Stan Kirkland of Millwood, GA, Shawn Boatright (Denise) of Blackshear, GA, Steve Boatright of Blackshear, GA, Spence Boatright (Brenda) of Offerman, GA, and Thomas Kirkland (Nikita) of Blackshear,…

Ronnie Wood, age 70, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Wood was born on October 8, 1951, in Ashburn, Georgia to R.L. Wood Sr. and Thelma Rutherford Wood. Survivors include: Wife, Bettie Wood of Douglas, GA, Sons; Robert Wood of Douglas, GA and John Wood (Erica) of Gainesville, FL, two Grandchildren; Layla Wood and Everett Wood. Two Brothers; Bill Wood (Marie) of Jacksonville, FL and R.L. Wood (Tina) of Atlanta, GA A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 11:00AM,…

Rhonda Lynn Simpson, age 51, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Ms. Simpson was born on April 2, 1970 in Arkansas to James D. Simpson and Katie Jo Jenkins Wilson. Survivors include: Father, James (Becky) Simpson of West Monroe, Louisiana, Mother, Katie Jo Jenkins Wilson (Charles) of West Green, Georgia, Son, Christopher Wayne Simpson (Michele) of Chesterton, Indiana, Son, Roger Nolan Driver Jr. (Mandie) of Oklahoma, Daughter, Sara Ross of Winamac, Indiana, Daughter, Grace Driver of South Bend, Indiana, Ten Grandchildren, Michael, Mikaela, Bentley, Cali, Audrey, London, Zayne, Robert, Ayden,…