Author: Submitted

Through the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Apprenticeship Program, MANA Nutrition has hired Industrial System Technology student Stone Statham. Stone is a United States Department of Labor (USDOL) registered Industrial Maintenance Apprentice and a student in Wiregrass’ Industrial Systems Technology program. Wiregrass is proud to have partnerships with 17 employers who employ active student apprentices/program completers. Currently, the college has 33 active student apprentices/program completers, with five having recently completed the apprenticeship program. This program has proven to benefit businesses and industries in recruiting, training, and retaining highly skilled workers. Partnering with the college in hiring students through the apprenticeship…

Students at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College learned recently that their hard work is paying off. Thanks to the generous donation of friends and supporters of the college, nine students were awarded scholarships that will help pay for tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies needed for their programs. Those receiving scholarships for Fall Semester are: Amy Atkinson, Farmers and Merchants Scholarship (Radiology – Valdosta Campus); Debbie Baker, Adel Cook Chamber of Commerce Scholarship (Criminal Justice – Cook Campus); Jennifer Blair, Ben Copeland Scholarship (Associate of Science in Nursing- Valdosta Campus); Lea Williams, Coyote Manufacturing Welding Scholarship (Welding – Coffee Campus); Brianne…

City of Douglas officials announced the city will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week the week of October 3-9, 2021. The City of Douglas will be hosting a variety of events during Georgia Cities Week. The theme of this year’s Georgia Cities Week is “Shaping the Future.” “We’re very proud of our city and the services we provide that make it attractive to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Tony Paulk. “Cities provide the services and infrastructure to help businesses grow and set the stage for events where families and individuals can gather as a community.” To kickoff events for…

The Douglas Police Department is teaming together with law enforcement agencies, Coffee County Churches, and the Magnolia House to participate in National Faith and Blue Weekend. National Faith & Blue Weekend (Faith & Blue), is a collaborative initiative that builds bridges and breaks down biases through activities and outreach amongst law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. On Saturday, October 9, 2021, Faith and Blue Weekend will kick off with a luncheon for law enforcement agencies coordinated by West Ward Church and hosted by all Churches in the community. At approximately 1pm, the public is invited to come…

Thomas (Tommy) Ellijay Kirkland, Jr., age 57, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. Tommy was born on April 16, 1964, in Statesboro, GA, to Thomas E. and Gail Still Kirkland. Tommy graduated from Coffee High School in 1982. He enlisted in the United States Navy as an advanced electronics specialist and served the nation around the world aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Dewey before honorable discharge as a Petty Officer Second Class in 1988. Tommy transitioned from the Navy to a career in telecommunications providing global services in locations including China, Israel, Africa,…

Carmen Gail Hollis Smith, age 41, of West Green, Georgia passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Smith was born on January 14, 1980, in Douglas, Georgia to Laddie Hollis and Janet Davis. Her survivors include: Father, Laddie Hollis of West Green, GA, Mother, Janet (Don) Davis of Douglas, GA, Two daughters, Allie Smith and Caitlin Smith, both of West Green, GA, and two sons, Ryder Smith and Carter Cornett, also of West Green GA, Grandchild, Jensen Smith of West Green, GA, Brother, Chad (Stephanie) Hollis of Wray, GA, Nieces, Madison Hollis, Emma Hollis, Hannah Hollis, along with…

Sister Margaret Funk, age 91, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 following an extended illness. Sister Margaret was a nun and a teacher and was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Douglas, Georgia. Survivors include her nieces, Susan Lambert and Patricia Banks. Memorialization is by cremation and a service will be held at a later date. Sims Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.

Ronnie Lee Harper, age 40, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Harper was born on August 9, 1981, in Douglas, Georgia to Ronnie Harper and Sue Ellen Spivey Harper. Survivors include: Father, Ronnie (Ellen, Special Mom) Harper of Douglas, GA, Brother, Jay Allen Harper of Douglas, GA, Sister, Rena’ Harper (Joshua) Williams of Douglas, GA, Nephew, Mason Allen Harper of Douglas, GA, Niece, Bristol Oliva Williams of Douglas, GA, Aunt, Janice Harper Lewis of Douglas, GA, Uncle, John Henry (Linda) Harper of Douglas, GA, Step-Sister, Ellen L. Rigdon Reaves, Step-Sister, Sarah E. Rigdon…

Fred McDonald, age 64, of Uvalda, Georgia passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in Uvalda, Georgia. Mr. McDonald was born on August 14, 1957 in Coffee County, Georgia the son of the late Thomas Edward & Evelyn McKinnon McDonald. Mr. McDonald worked as a construction supervisor and was a veteran of the United States Army serving during Desert Storm. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Luke Calvin McDonald & Luke McDonald and 2 sisters, Peggy McDonald & Linda Bowen. Survivors include 2 sons, Kevin Floyd McDonald of Pearson, GA and…

Don Hamilton, age 64, of Nicholls, Georgia passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021, peacefully at his residence. Mr. Hamilton was born on August 20, 1957, in Douglas, Georgia to John Donald Hamilton Sr. and Reatha Adams Hamilton. His survivors include: His wife, Susie Hamilton of Nicholls, GA, Daughter, Kayla (Robby) Wilson of Nicholls, GA, Son, Brandon (Kathy) Register of Douglas, GA, Grandchildren, Tristen Dziepak, Austin Horne, Brandon Register II, Jordan Vic Register, Landon Stevens, Warren Wilson, and Cohyn Wilson. Great-Grandchildren, Kealeigh Dziepak and Kye Dziepak, Brother, Robert Wilson of Nicholls, GA. Brother-in-Law, Jerome Day of Broxton, GA, Special Friends, Rebecca & Josh Brigmond of West Green, GA. Mr. Hamilton was…