In a major step toward expanding higher education opportunities across South Georgia, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Valdosta State University have officially entered into a new articulation agreement designed to create seamless transfer pathways for students pursuing advanced degrees and career growth. The partnership will allow eligible Wiregrass students to transition directly into select bachelor’s degree programs at Valdosta State University, making higher education more accessible, affordable, and workforce-focused for students throughout the region. Under the agreement, students completing an Associate of Science in General Business at Wiregrass will be able to transfer into VSU’s Bachelor of Business Administration program.…
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Coffee Regional Medical Center are continuing their partnership with a $50,000 investment to support healthcare education and workforce development in South Georgia. This ongoing collaboration supports Wiregrass’s Registered Nursing (RN) and Paramedic programs on the Coffee Campus, providing students with enhanced access to hands-on training and real-world clinical experiences. Through this partnership, students are better prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the region. “This investment is a powerful example of how community partnerships directly impact student success and regional workforce development,” said Will Bostelman, Executive Director of Fundraising at Wiregrass…
The Coffee County School System is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Shannon Shook as the new Assistant Athletic Director for the district.Dr. Shook brings more than 27 years of experience in education and athletics, beginning his career in 1999. A former student-athlete at Coffee High School, he continued his athletic career at Georgia Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Kinesiology.Committed to lifelong learning and educational leadership, Shook later earned a master’s degree in education from Troy State University and a doctorate degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University.Throughout his career, Dr.…
Officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a suspect following a lengthy investigation involving allegations of sexual offenses against multiple victims spanning several years. On February 10, 2026, a deputy with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Douglas regarding reports of sexual assaults alleged to have occurred between 2017 and 2026. During the investigation, multiple victims came forward alleging unwanted sexual contact and inappropriate sexual advances by the suspect during their childhood. The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Tyrone Barry Carter Jr. of Douglas. Investigators learned Carter is currently serving in the United States…
The Coffee County School System is pleased to announce the hiring of Mrs. Allyson Speight as the new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.A lifelong resident of Douglas, Mrs. Speight is a highly driven educational leader with 27 years of dedicated service to the Coffee County School System. She currently serves as the district’s Director of Assessment and Accountability, where she has played a pivotal role in aligning instructional systems with district strategic initiatives to support continuous improvement across all schools.Mrs. Speight’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to education and to the Coffee County community. A 1995 graduate…
Mr. David Allen Lollie, Jr., age 43, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away Friday, May 8, 1982, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a medical emergency. David was born July 30, 1982, in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to Jacqueline Stone Lollie and the late David Allen Lollie, Sr. He was a diesel mechanic by trade and in his spare time enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, but most of all joking around with his mother. He was of the Pentecostal faith. Along with his father, David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Betty Lollie, and his maternal grandparents, Carlis and…
Colony Bank is proud to announce the appointment of Lee Taylor as Market President for its Douglas market, reflecting the bank’s continued investment in the future of Coffee County and its focus on relationship-driven community banking. In his new role, Taylor will focus on strengthening relationships throughout Douglas and Broxton while continuing to support local businesses, families, and community growth. With several years of commercial banking and strategic leadership experience, Taylor also brings extensive knowledge in agribusiness and small business development, giving him a strong understanding of the opportunities and needs within South Georgia communities. “Lee is a respected leader…
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…
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…