Author: Submitted

As a result of very modest vaccination rates and lifted restrictions, COVID infection rates and hospitalizations are rising. We understand that the restrictions were lifted for good reason and we too welcomed those changes. What was not expected were the modest numbers of our friends and neighbors who would be vaccinated. We know that the vaccines work and we continue to offer them to our caregivers and our community. Yesterday alone at Coffee Regional Medical Center we gave 104 vaccines and we have administered a total of 8,500 vaccines since they became available last December. These numbers are for CRMC…

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases some questions continue about the COVID-19 vaccination. The majority of those hospitalized with COVID-19, both locally and nationwide, have not been vaccinated. There have been a very small number of breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals who have had prolonged contact with an unvaccinated Covid positive individual. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracker*, more than 85% of new COVID cases are the result of the delta variant, which is more easily transferred from person to person. As your healthcare provider, because of the current increase in COVID-19…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) has long been a center of instruction leading to opportunity for the residents in its region. While SGSC’s primary objective is to educate, it also carries a direct economic benefit for the citizens of the College’s service area. During fiscal year 2020, SGSC contributed $65.1 million to the regional economy and was responsible for more than 720 jobs locally, SGSC’s President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers announced recently. “SGSC contributes to economic development in several ways, including preparing its students for higher paying careers and providing a number of jobs to stimulate economic growth,” says Dr.…

Coffee County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested three people in connection to the theft of a utility trailer and ATV earlier this month. Detectives initially received a report of a stolen, homemade utility trailer with a 2008 Polaris Ranger still loaded on the trailer. Detectives later learned both items had been taken to Ben Hill County and sold. As a result of the investigation, Jonathan Tucker, Wendell Johnson, and Kelsey Bowen were arrested and charged in relation to the incident. The trailer and Polaris Ranger have been recovered.

On Friday, July 16, 2021, the GBI arrested Jeff Davis County Detention Officer Cody Ewing, 20, on a charge of Sexual Assault by Persons with Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority. On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, the GBI Region 4 Douglas Office was requested by the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations that Ewing sexually assaulted a Jeff Davis County Jail inmate. Ewing was booked into the Jeff Davis County Jail and was released on bond. He has worked at the jail for less than one year. This case is being investigated by the Douglas (Region 4)…

The City of Douglas Fire Department has received a new tool for fire education. On Wednesday, July 15, 2021, the new Inflatable Fire Education House arrived at Douglas Fire Station #1 (Gordon Street). The 3-room inflatable fire house has a kitchen, living room, and bedroom that will be used to teach children proper fire safety tasks. “We will use the Inflatable Fire House as a new, interactive way to teach kids fire safety,” says Fire Chief Casey Wright. “Children will walk with a firefighter through the house as the firefighter points out fire hazards and talks about safety. At…

A former prison guard has admitted participating in a drug trafficking operation in south Georgia that included smuggling contraband to inmates. Jessica Azaelae Burnett, a/k/a “The Madam,” 41, of Douglas, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Marijuana, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Burnett’s guilty plea exposes her to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and substantial financial penalties, followed by a minimum of three years of supervised release after completion of…

The Georgia Department of Transportation has notified the City of Douglas that federal and GDOT grant funding will be provided for airport lighting replacement project. The actual funding amount will be based on preapproved design, planning and engineering costs and/or competitive bids received to accomplish the project. The City of Douglas is accepting bids for the replacement of the airfield lighting at the Douglas Municipal Airport through July 30, 2021 at 2pm. The deadline for questions concerning the bid is July 19, 2021 at 5:00 P.M.

On Friday, July 30, 2021, from 11am – 2pm, Douglas Coffee County Parks and Recreation’s volunteer coaches, participants, parents, and sponsors are invited to Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day at the CE Weir Center, located at 309 E. Bryan Street. Parks and Recreation Month is July, and our recreation department wants to say THANK YOU to all involved with parks, recreation, and special programs throughout the year. “We want to encourage everyone who participates or volunteers with our agency to come out and celebrate with us,” says Parks and Recreation Director, Stevie Young. “This appreciation day is a way…

Mr. James Edward Taylor, age 73 of Broxton, GA, passed away Thursday morning, July 15, 2021 at Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, GA. Mr. Taylor was born March 2, 1948 to the late William Junior Taylor and the late Vernell Batten Taylor. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ricky Taylor. Mr. Taylor, a native of Coffee County, was a truck driver for Drug Transport, Inc. for many years. He attended the First Assembly of God. Survivors include: His wife: Joyce Shrouder Taylor of Broxton, GA Brothers: Rev. Jerrol Taylor of Helena, GA Gary Taylor…