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The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has awarded $1,788,761.00 in grant funds to the City of Douglas through the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program. The CDBG-MIT funds will be used to for street and drainage improvements on West Jefferson Street, Fleetwood Circle, and Sears Street. “We are thrilled to receive the funds from the CDBG-MIT program,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “These funds will assist with much needed street and drainage improvements in Douglas.” Coffee County was among 15 Georgia counties that were eligible for this funding. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)…

During the last week of April 2021, the Douglas Police Department, City Marshal’s office, and Douglas Municipal Court were evaluated by a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) during their FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) audit. All law enforcement offices satisfactorily passed the audit. “We are pleased to be in compliance with the audit,” says Douglas Police Chief Edmisten. “Compliance confirms our training is current and our records are up to date and within the standards set by the FBI.” Areas that were audited included system administration, agency personnel security, personnel security/management control, personnel security with vendors, training,…

A wanted fugitive was arrested over the weekend as the result of a collaborative effort with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol. The Coffee County Drug Unit launched an investigation into Quanta Tydon Taylor in April for alleged cocaine distribution. During the investigation, officers from the Douglas Police Department also obtained arrest warrants on Taylor for aggravated assault as the result of a shooting incident that occurred in early May. Authorities learned that Taylor was suspected to have been entering Coffee County on May 8, 2021. That information was relayed…

The James M. Dye Foundation’s second Birdies for Bucks Golf Classic was another tremendous success and will have a direct impact on South Georgia State College students seeking to earn a college degree. The event, held April 23 at the Okefenokee Country Club, raised over $15,000 for the Foundation’s Gap Fund Program. “I am so proud of the success of this year’s tournament,” said SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “The support received from sponsors, players, and volunteers is a testimony to the area’s commitment to both SGSC and student success.” The Foundation’s Gap Fund Program provides mini-grants to…

The generosity of individual donors and corporate partners has enabled South Georgia State College to dedicate scholarship funds to the inaugural class pursuing SGSC’s new Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET) degree. Recipients of the $2,000 first-year scholarship award will be entering freshman in the fall of 2021 who have applied and been accepted into SGSC and the BSMET program. Designed to prepare students with a wide range of technical manufacturing design, development, operation and evaluation skills, the BSMET program will provide a concentration in engineering, mathematics and science in addition to core curriculum courses. The coursework…

On October 24, 2000, Landon Scott Freeman was born to Rod and Peggy Freeman in Douglas GA. He passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at the age of 20 due to complications from an extended illness. He was his mom’s “little man” and his daddy’s “buddy”. He was simply called “Bubba” by his two sisters, Katie Laine Freeman and Emily Freeman. Landon was most proud to be called “Bubba” by his little nephew, Jonathan Freeman. He is also survived by his grandmother, Anne Freeman, several aunts, uncles and many cousins and abundance of friends and his best fur friend,…

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, the GBI’s Douglas Regional Office received a request from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation. On Sunday, May 9, 2021, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Rebecca S. Waldron and Gillis Rd., Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia, in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, deputies found Landon Freeman, 20 suffering from a stab wound. Freeman was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. As a result of investigative acts conducted by agents and Coffee County investigators, it was…

South Georgia State College is pleased to announce tickets are no longer required for the spring 2021 commencement ceremonies. Based on recent guidance received from the Governor’s Executive Order, SGSC’s spring 2021 commencements are now general admission, first come, first serve events. Any previously issued tickets are now void. Face coverings and social distancing are still strongly encouraged. Guests who have experienced COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days and who have not followed CDC recommended quarantine protocols may not attend. Guests experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on the day of the ceremonies may not attend. The Douglas Campus ceremonies will be held…

Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator The Georgia 4-H State .22 Rimfire Match was held at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center Rifle Range near Eatonton, Georgia, on Saturday, May 1. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, .22 rifle competitors/teams were brought in at different times and each team shot all of their targets and then left Rock Eagle so the next teams could come in to shoot. Our 4-H members shot on the third relay in the afternoon. Awards were presented to the top three teams and top seven individuals in the open sight and telescopic sight matches. Calean…

Billy Stanton Burnam, Sr., age 65 of Douglas passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at his residence. Billy was born on February 17, 1956 in Douglas to the late Billy Joe Burnam and Ovieda Dorminey Burnam. Mr. Burnam was an electrician by trade and had retired from Grantham Electrical Contractors. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Burnam. Survivors include: Mother: Oveida Dorminey Burnam of Sylvester, Georgia Sons and daughters in Law: Billy Stanton Burnam Jr and Evonne Burnam of Douglas, GeorgiaRaymond Bradley and Kristin Burnam of Douglas, Georgia Brother: Steve and…