Three defendants, two of whom are from Douglas, have been sentenced on federal conspiracy charges after a transnational, multi-year investigation into a human smuggling and labor trafficking operation that illegally transported Mexican and Central American workers into brutal conditions on South Georgia farms. Sentences were handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa G. Wood and announced by Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Margaret E. ‘Meg’ Heap. They include: Margarita Rojas Cardenas, a/k/a “Maggie Cardenas,” 48, of Reidsville, was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in…
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On June 11, 2026, Douglas Rotary Club returned to South Georgia State College to celebrate one of Coffee County’s outstanding student athletes. Blake Bryant graduated this year from Citizens Christian Academy (CCA) and was a star pitcher and leader on their back-to-back state championship baseball team. Rotary President Jim Cottingham opened the conversation with Blake, and members and guests asked questions regarding baseball and his future at Clemson University or as a Major League Baseball draft pick. He discussed his favorite fastball pitch that exceeds 95 MPH and encouraged travel ball player Huck Clements (who attended with his father, Stephen,…
Mrs. Alene Smith Whitley, age 75, of Nicholls, Georgia, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 10, 2026, at her residence following a sudden medical emergency. Mrs. Whitley was born April 27, 1951, in Broxton, Georgia, to the late Pat Smith, Jr. and the late Mary Olive Wooten. She found her greatest joy making a loving home with her late husband, Carl Arthur Whitley, whom she shared 58 precious years prior to his passing last year. Together they raised 3 beautiful children. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as an active member of First Assembly of God for…
After a short search this spring, Amy Paulk has been selected to serve as First Academy’s new Headmaster. Paulk has been a valued part of the First Academy family for many years, and her love for the school, families, and community is evident in all she does. Her servant’s heart, dedication, and commitment to Christian education have made a lasting impact, and First Academy is thrilled to see her step into this role. Please pray for her as she begins this new chapter of service at First Academy. The First Academy family looks forward to all God has in store…
Coffee Regional Medical Center honors the life and legacy of Dr. Gordon Boone, a dedicated physician, respected colleague, and compassionate caregiver who devoted decades of service to the people of Coffee County and surrounding communities. Dr. Boone’s career reflected a lifelong commitment to caring for others. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia, he returned home and operated Boone’s Pharmacy in Pearson for many years. His passion for helping others ultimately led him to pursue a career in medicine, returning to medical school before coming back to Douglas to serve patients as a physician for more than…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is making it easier than ever for students to take the next step toward a new career by offering Free Application Month throughout June. During this time, the college’s standard application fee will be waived for all new applicants. Prospective students can apply online at www.wiregrass.edu or visit any of Wiregrass’s four campuses—Valdosta, Douglas, Fitzgerald, or Sparks—for in-person assistance. Advisors in Wiregrass’s One-Stop Enrollment and Success Centers are available to guide students through the entire enrollment process—from completing the application and choosing a major to finalizing financial aid and registering for classes—providing a true one-stop…
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College student Alexis Ramirez of Hahira earned a bronze medal in Dental Assisting at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) and National Championships, placing among the nation’s top competitors in her field. Ramirez qualified for the national competition after winning a gold medal in Dental Assisting at the Georgia SkillsUSA Championships earlier this year. Representing both Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and the State of Georgia, she competed against the nation’s best and returned home with a place on the national podium. In addition to Ramirez’s bronze-medal finish, three other Wiregrass students proudly represented Georgia…
The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) announces Dr. James Barber has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association at its 139th Annual Leadership Meeting on May 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Inductees are nominated by their peers within the AOA for their exceptional leadership and accomplishments in the orthopaedic specialty. Membership in The American Orthopaedic Association is an earned membership that comes at the end of a stringent peer-reviewed process. Fewer than 10% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons have achieved AOA Membership. Founded in 1887, and the first orthopaedic association in the world, The American Orthopaedic Association is…
The Coffee County Family Connection and Youth Coalition recognized City Ward 1 and City Ward 5 convenience stores and retailers for following age-restricted product sales regulations. Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner McNeill accepted the awards on behalf of the businesses in Ward 1 and Ward 5 for Outstanding Achievement in Ward Compliance for Age-Restricted Product Sales. The Coffee County Family Connection and Youth Coalition recognition ceremony honored local retailers who successfully met compliance standards and who play a vital role in preventing underage access to alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances. By adhering to regulations and maintaining responsible business practices, these stores…
Mercer University recently announced the President’s List and Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University. Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls approximately 9,000 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions and professional advancement – on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta; medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus; and at…