Author: Submitted

Two dozen defendants have been indicted on federal conspiracy charges after a transnational, multi-year investigation into a human smuggling and labor trafficking operation that illegally imported Mexican and Central American workers into brutal conditions on South Georgia farms. The newly unsealed, 54-count indictment in USA v. Patricio et al. details felony charges resulting from Operation Blooming Onion, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. The multi-agency investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations and other federal agencies, spans at least three years, and the 53-page indictment documents dozens of victims of modern-day slavery while spelling out the illegal acts that…

The school district leadership team consisting of principals, directors, assistant superintendents and Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent, gathered at the Board of Education ion November 16 to virtually receive an award from the Georgia Charter System Foundation. The Foundation represents the 48 charter school systems in Georgia. Coffee County Schools was selected from a group of three other school systems: Baldwin, Barrow and Calhoun City School Systems. The district was selected from their work in the areas of Leadership, Educator Development, Governance, and Partnerships. Dr. Leis serves as an executive board member on the Charter Foundation and participates in…

During the monthly school board meeting of the Coffee County Board of Education, Jack Lingenfelter, a junior from Coffee High, was recognized by the Board for his recent selection to serve on the 2021-2022 Student Advisory Council with State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Jack is one of 66 high school students selected from a pool of 1,000 throughout the state of Georgia, who were selected to meet several times throughout the school year to discuss state policies in the classroom. “Year after year, my Student Advisory Council is an invaluable resource as I make decisions that impact students…

Coffee High School graduate and local farmer Logan Gillis is helping the School Nutrition Program in a way no other local farmer has done before. His Coffee County-grown Satsuma oranges are going from the tree directly to every Coffee County school cafeteria. Students who participate in the lunch and breakfast programs will be able to eat this fresh citrus from now until the season ends. Logan graduated from Coffee High School in 2004 and went on to ABAC, where he received his degree in Poultry Science. Influenced by his grandfather, Logan says agriculture has always been a big part…

On Thursday November 18, the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a Georgia Certified Chamber during the GACCE 2021 Volunteer Leader Conference in Augusta, GA. The Georgia Certified Chamber Program is one of the most prestigious programs for chambers and recognizes those that meet specific standards of excellence. There are only 58 Georgia Chambers that meet these standards out of 150 Chambers of Commerce throughout the State of Georgia. Lisa Hodge, former executive director devoted much time preparing the submission of the application for certification. The Georgia Certified Chamber program was created in 2011 by the GACCE…

Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator Coffee County was well represented at the Cloverleaf District Project Achievement contest on November 13 in Lyons. Students from six of the twelve schools in Coffee County had either 4th, 5th, or 6th graders compete in the contest. One fourth grader, eight fifth graders and three sixth graders competed this year. Participants (including their project and placing) were: Broxton: Lee Andrews, Arts, 2nd; and Adelynn O’Steen, Sports-Individual, 2nd. CMS: Chuck Hayes, Wildlife, 1st; Shubh Sadarangani, International, 1st; and Rance Vaughan, Jr, Sports-Individual, 1st. Eastside: Sophia Harris, Horse, 1st, and Paisley Spires, Health, 3rd. First Academy: Alyia Hall,…

Wiregrass Tech celebrates the 7th annual National Apprenticeship Week (November 15-19, 2021) by highlighting the value of Registered Apprenticeships for growing South Georgia’s skilled workforce. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and its 22 technical colleges serve as Registered Apprenticeship sponsors making it the largest Registered Apprenticeship network in the state. In recent years, Wiregrass has sponsored more than 70 apprentices for 28 local employers. Currently, Wiregrass has 24 active apprentices working for eight local employers. “At MANA here in Fitzgerald, we recognize that the workforce for the manufacturing sector is changing rapidly. For us to remain competitive…

American Enterprise Day is observed on November 15 each year. On this day, U.S. residents recognize free enterprise and how it has contributed to our economy. Coffee High School FBLA recently sponsored a couple of activities for American Enterprise Day. One was a professional dress day for American Enterprise Day. Several FBLA members and students in the Fine Arts, Business and IT Academy dressed professionally to show their support of this holiday. The other activity offered was an essay contest for 8th graders at Coffee Middle School for American Enterprise Day. Students were asked to write an essay on…

Aaron Sturgis, a registered nurse in CRMC’s Outpatient Observation Unit, is the DAISY Award winner for the second quarter of 2021. Coffee Regional Medical Center holds the DAISY Award ceremonies, recognizing these extraordinary nurses throughout the year. Each nominee is recognized, and one winner is chosen, for each quarter, from those nominees. This was Aaron’s second nomination for the DAISY Award. His co-workers wrote of his work ethic, stating, “Aaron is a very compassionate and caring person. He is a team player and a good team member. I’m honored to work with him.” Another co-worker wrote, “He is…

Benjamin Joseph “Joe” Cribb, age 60, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Vista Park, Douglas, Georgia. Mr. Cribb was born on July 24, 1961 in Clinch County, Georgia the son of the late Thomas Edward Cribb Sr. and Gladys Robinson Cribb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony Cribb. Joe worked as a Funeral Service Technician with Sims Funeral Home and attended Westside Holiness Church, Douglas, Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Connie L. Cribb of Douglas, GA; daughter, Amber Cribb (Andrew) of Newnan, GA; grandson; Eli…