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Daniel Alton Spivey, age 48, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center. He was born on July 14, 1977 in Douglas, GA to Daniel Stanley Spivey and Camellia Ortiz Spivey. Survivors include: mother, Camellia Ortiz Spivey of Douglas, GA; father, Daniel Stanley Spivey of Douglas, GA; brother, Nathan (Cindy ) Spivey of Dothan, AL; sister, Lundie (Hardy) Gray of Valdosta, GA; nieces and nephews, Amellia Gray, Parker Gray, Jewels Gray, Hudson Gray, Harper Spivey, Hayden Spivey, and Nellie Spivey; as well as several extended family members. He was preceded in death…

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that unemployment fell in most of Georgia’s 12 regional commissions in August. “Georgia is the No. 1 state for business, and we’re continuing to build a reputation as the top state for talent,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “This August, every metro area in Georgia shows lower unemployment than a year ago, and our regional commissions continue to see rates decline or hold steady. While month-to-month numbers may fluctuate, the year-over-year progress across all regions proves Georgia’s workforce strategy is delivering results for hardworking Georgians.” Please see a synopsis of each…

The City of Douglas has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as a PlanFirst Community for the fourth consecutive time and has received Revitalization Area Strategies (RAS) designation for the third year. These recognitions highlight the city’s dedication to effective local planning, history of collaboration, public engagement, comprehensive redevelopment efforts, and significant progress towards its established goals. “We commend the City of Douglas on the efforts needed to gain this designation,” says Jon A. West, Georgia DCA Director of Community Development. “The City of Douglas will be recognized across the State of Georgia as a community that has…

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, has presented the Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee with its 2025 President’s Circle Award. The President’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance by certified affiliates of Keep America Beautiful in creating clean, green, and beautiful communities. The President’s Circle Award, presented by Keep America Beautiful (KAB), is a national honor awarded to local affiliates that recognizes exceptional performance, dedication to KAB’s mission, and the development of strong partnerships. These achievements are assessed through the committee’s successful execution of the Annual Community Appearance Index, as well as the financial impact and effectiveness of…

A year-long mystery surrounding stolen wedding rings has come to a close. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Cristal Arguello Valle in connection with a theft that took place during a local wedding on November 19, 2024. Investigators say Valle, who attended the ceremony as a family friend and assisted the bride with her make-up, took the rings just before the bride walked down the aisle. Valle then abruptly left the event. The case initially went cold due to a lack of evidence, but on September 18, 2025, new information surfaced that allowed detectives to reopen the investigation. Following…

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at approximately 8:42 p.m., deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report involving a juvenile in the Broxton area. During the investigation, deputies determined that a verbal argument between a mother and her child escalated into a physical altercation. Abby Gail Fernandez told deputies that she indeed backhanded the minor; officers observed several pieces of jewelry on the hand in which Fernandez used that were consistent with the juvenile’s visible sustained injuries; that were also consistent with the statements provided to deputies on scene by the minor. Based on evidence and witness…

Marty Lee Harrell Sr, a resident of Broxton, Georgia passed away on September 23, 2025,at the age of 62. He was born July 29,1963 in Fulton County, Ga to Marilyn Ann Monkin Harrell and the late Jackie Earlish Harrell. Marty loved to hunt, fish, camp, and do anything outdoors. He also loved to build things. Marty was preceded in death by his father, Jackie Earlish Harrell; brothers Clarence John Harrell and Bobby Edward Harrell; and grandmother Lena Agnes Harrell. He is survived by his loving wife, Arleen Elaine Harrell, and his children Jessica (Mike), Rocky (Roxanne), Jason, Brandy (Bobby), Brandon…

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three new measles cases in Georgia in 2025. The individuals are close contacts of the measles case that was confirmed on Sept. 11, 2025. Two of the individuals are unvaccinated, and the third has an unknown vaccination status. They are isolating at home. As of today, 268 close contacts of the confirmed cases have been identified. Seven of these contacts are enrolled in active monitoring. DPH urges health care providers to maintain heightened awareness for patients with measles. The best protection against measles is vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and…

Submitted by Dani Davis, Youth Council Social Media Chairperson On September 15, 2025, the Douglas Mayor’s Youth Council (DMYC) conducted its monthly meeting. Jr. Mayor Zipporiah Wilcox led the meeting and recognized Blondale Thomas as the Outstanding Community Spotlight for September. Rhonda Grady of St. James Baptist Church opened the meeting with words of wisdom and a special prayer. The special guest speaker was Shelia Butler, President of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County. The Youth Council recognized Blondale Thomas as the community spotlight for September. Blondale is married to Clay Thomas, and they have two children: Barron and Brylee.…

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Spivey, of Waycross, who departed this life on September 22nd, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late John Spivey, with whom she shared a lifetime of family, friendship, and cherished traditions. Born and raised in Douglas, Elaine grew up alongside her sister, Eleanor, with whom she shared a close and lasting bond. After marrying John, she made her home in Waycross, where together they raised their children and built a life filled with warmth and love. Elaine was a loving mother to four children: Barney…