At the request of the Ocilla Police Department (OPD), GBI agents are investigating the death of Marquavious Westbrook, age 19, of Ocilla, following a shooting in Ocilla. The investigation shows that on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at approximately 12:57 a.m., the Ocilla Police Department responded to the intersection of East 10th Street and North McKinley Street in reference to multiple “shots fired” calls. When OPD Officers arrived, they located several victims, including Westbrook, with suspected gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Westbrook was pronounced deceased at the hospital. This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone…
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Cynthia Gail Knight, age 58, of Nashville, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 following an extended illness. She was born on June 20, 1967 the daughter of the late Mr. C. H. Knight and Ms. Janice Carver Ethridge. Her survivors include: one daughter, Carmen (Dylan) Gray of Enigma, GA; one son, Christian Marlowe of Nashville, GA; two grandchildren, Michael Dawson Gray and Paige Alice-Pearl Gray; two brothers, Cleon Knight and Dwayne Knight; stepmother, Grace Kirkland; and mother, Janice Ethridge, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, C.H. Knight and grandson,…
Douglas Rotary Club members learned more about how a local non-profit organization has worked for the past thirty years to enhance visual and performing arts offerings in Coffee County. Long-time educator JoAnn Danaa, President of the Coffee Alliance for the Arts, and fellow Board Member Lisa Tierney presented at the April 2, 2026 meeting at South Georgia State College. They thanked the Rotarians for their generous support of the group. Both Ms. Danna and Ms. Tierney discussed the free Munch and Music concerts held each Wednesday in April from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Square Gym Field (between…
State Rep. Angie O’Steen (District 169) received the 2026 Jackie Wilson Women in Leadership Award at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Event. Rep. O’Steen is a true example of what it means to lead with strength, purpose, and a heart for others. From her role as a state representative to her involvement with the South Georgia State College Foundation Board, the Douglas Lions Club, and her advocacy for veterans, Rep. O’Steen consistently shows up to serve and make a difference. She credits her leadership to the people who poured into her along the way—and now she’s doing the same by…
Ms. Lori Lynne Magee, age 67, of Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a recent illness. Lori was born August 30, 1958, in Laconia, New Hampshire, to the late Ralph Shackleford Cantin and the late Freda Ann Davis. She worked as a telemarketer for a number of years for many businesses. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Jay Cantin. Lori leaves behind two children: Sunny Lynne Denham of Hazlehurst, Georgia and Jason Joseph Magee, Sr. of Ionia, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Isabella Denham, Kristy Denham, Haley Harley,…
Samuel “Patrick” Hope, 36, of Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2026, in Coffee County from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Patrick was born February 17, 1990, in Douglas, Georgia, to Eric Tanner and Daphne Hope. He graduated from Coffee County High School and made his career in the construction industry. Patrick was a devoted husband, loving father, and a man who truly cherished those closest to him. He found his greatest joy in being a husband to his beloved wife, Haley Hope, and a proud father to his two beautiful daughters, Keylie and Lacey. He was…
Mrs. Faye Taylor Schoppee, age 83, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Landings of Douglas where she resided with her husband of almost 63 years, Ronald Schoppee. Faye was born July 30, 1942, in Alma, Georgia, to the late Oswell Taylor and the late Gladys Tanner Taylor. Over the course of her working life, she spent time as a telephone operator in Jacksonville, Florida, where she developed a lifelong bond with four other ladies that shared a home and profession with her. She and her husband Ronald made their home on a lovely farm in Ellsworth, Maine, where…
The GBI has arrested and charged Freddie Lee Granger Jr., age 68, of Ware County, with one count of Rape, one count of Aggravated Assault, one count of Malice Murder, and two counts of Felony Murder in connection with the 1984 rape and murder of 22-year-old Sandra Kaye Davis. On September 1, 1984, the Waycross Police Department discovered Davis’s body beside a home on Kollock Street in Waycross. She had been strangled. Waycross PD later requested the GBI to assist with the investigation. Through the years, the GBI and the Waycross Police Department remained committed to finding the truth behind…
The Keep Douglas Beautiful (KDB) team brought sunshine—and a healthy dose of elbow grease—to The Preston at Douglas (formerly The Landings) senior living facility on West Gordon Street on Friday, March 27, 2026. With gloves on and sleeves rolled up, KDB volunteers installed four brand‑new community garden boxes, each filled with fresh vegetable plants ready to thrive. Once the boxes were in place, volunteers packed them with nutrient‑rich “Sunbelt Special” soil to give every plant the best possible start. By the end of the morning, the new gardens were filled with tomato, yellow squash, bell pepper, and cucumber plants. The…
CCA has brought a new coach on staff to help guide its brand new soccer program. Dana Moyle, a standout high school and college soccer player, is now a member of the CCA soccer coaching staff. Coach Moyle is a former multi-sport athlete with a strong background in soccer. She played all four years at Coffee High School (2004–2008), primarily at stopper and left back, before continuing her career at then-South Georgia College (2008–2009) as a left back and some midfield for the Tigers. Coach Moyle brings a passion for the game and a commitment to developing players both on…