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On Thursday, June 24, 2021, The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit, the Georgia State Patrol and the Hazlehurst Police Department set up checkpoints to inspect motor vehicle operators and make sure everyone is driving safely. During these inspections, operators were in violation of several traffic infractions from driving under the influence of alcohol charges, drug possession charges and even wanted criminals with outstanding felony warrants made an appearance and were apprehended. In addition, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit and the Hazlehurst Police Department continue to…

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit, the Georgia State Patrol and the Hazlehurst Police Department set up checkpoints to inspect motor vehicle operators and make sure everyone is driving safely. During these inspections, operators were in violation of several traffic infractions from driving under the influence of alcohol charges, drug possession charges and even wanted criminals with outstanding felony warrants made an appearance and were apprehended. In addition, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit and the Hazlehurst Police Department continue to…

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit, the Georgia State Patrol and the Hazlehurst Police Department set up checkpoints to inspect motor vehicle operators and make sure everyone is driving safely. During these inspections, operators were in violation of several traffic infractions from driving under the influence of alcohol charges, drug possession charges and even wanted criminals with outstanding felony warrants made an appearance and were apprehended. In addition, the Jeff Davis County Drug Unit and the Hazlehurst Police Department continue to…

By Kevin Tatum University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Each year, senior 4-H members (9th – 12th graders) have the opportunity to compete in District Project Achievement (DPA) around February. However, due to COVID-19 this year’s competition was held May 31 and June 1. Junior and Senior Project Achievement competition entails a 4-H member selecting a project, working on their project throughout the year, assembling a portfolio on their project work, leadership, citizenship, and other activities, researching their project in order to put together a demonstration on this topic. They will then present their demonstration at DPA at Rock Eagle. If…

The Douglas Lions Club has a new President. Joe Sports took the gavel from JoLynn Grantham at the Lions Club’s annual banquet, held recently at the Douglas Golf and Country Club. Outgoing President JoLynn Grantham presented several awards to Lions Club members who went above and beyond in their duties during 2020-2021. Those receiving Lion Awards were: Cathy Williams (Lion of the Year), Blondale Thomas (President’s Award), Philip Smith (Outstanding Lion) and Aaron Shearl (Outstanding Lion). In her President’s report, Lion Grantham spoke on the yearly service projects and the success of the Big Buck Contest while facing several…

Duane Kirby, 48, a well-respected man and investigator from Hazlehurst, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his residence, ending his battle with cancer. Throughout his law enforcement career, Kirby was most recognized from his contributions in the field of drug enforcement. The pinnacle of his career came in 2012, when he assisted in a case that led to the discovery of 840 pounds of cocaine in Telfair County, which had an estimated street value of $38 million. The United Stated Justice Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, recognized him for his efforts in this case alone. …

Mr. Henry Brooks Merritt, Jr. age 86 of Nicholls, GA, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 13, 2021, at Vista Park Health and Rehab following an extended illness. Mr. Merritt was born September 14, 1934 to the late Henry Brooks Merritt, Sr. and the late Reba Hutchinson Merritt Davis. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jordan Davis and a brother, James Herman Merritt. Survivors include: Children: W. B. Merritt and wife Kathy of Douglas, GA Kathy Jennings and companion Curt Woodard of Omega, GA Judy Self and companion Vernon Floyd of Douglas, GA…

Effective immediately, due to an increase in COVID-positive patients and the presence of the Delta variant in our community, Coffee Regional Medical Center finds it necessary to restrict patient visitation. The following restrictions are in place: Only the spouse or significant other of new mothers will be allowed. The parent/caregiver of patients under the age of 18, court-appointed guardians of patients, or those needing special care will be allowed in the hospital at this time. All patients 18 and over will not be permitted visitors unless otherwise approved by clinical leadership. We acknowledge that there will be circumstances…

Ms. Elisabeth Ward Bradley, 71 of Griffin, GA passed away Friday July 9, 2021 in Jackson, GA. She was born December 19, 1949 in United Kingdom to the late William and Margaret Ward. Ms. Bradley dedicated her life to be being a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She dedicated her career to early childhood education through her career as an elementary school teacher at Satilla Elementary and later on at Orrs Elementary in Griffin, Ga. She is survived by her Daughter; Hannah Elisabeth Bradley of Kansas City, MO 2 Sons; Daniel Franklin Sparks and…

Mr. Clifford (Larry) Lawrence Butcher, 75 of Douglas, GA. passed away Monday July 5, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center with his loving family at his bedside. He was born in Wilmington, NC on September 27, 1945 to the late Clifford and Hope Butcher. Early in life Mr. Butcher served his country by becoming a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He worked most of his life providing for his family as a telephone cable splicer. He is survived by his Wife; Sharon McCartney Butcher 3 Sons; Guy (Lois) Tucker, Paul (Susie) Tucker and James (Jenny) Butcher. …